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getting back into it

ninefingerbass

ninefingerbass

Jul 29, 2005
701
166
San Diego, CA
www.youtube.com
#1
I have put bass playing down for a while, almost 4 years. Being in the navy on ships and deployed for months and months at a time really doesn't help much either. I am finally free from the monotonous shiplife and resting in good ole Hawaii, Oahu to be exact. My chops aren't what they used to be, stamina and endurance as well as finger strength in both hands are lacking. I know its in there as I can easily pull it off but not for long periods of time. I have my metronome and bass and time.

Anyone with some good tips. I still played here and there but not like I used to for hours a day. More and more everyday I play longer feel progress but i 'm looking for ways to get back into it. It was a good way to "forget" old habits and start fresh. Anyone can help me get back into bass playing again.

I have videos of me playing but they are years old for those that would like a reference, on my profile page. Please help.
 
#2
Hey man, I had an 8 year lay off so i feel your pain! I got my stamina and chops back by playing lots of arpeggios, and lots of scales. What really helped the stamina was breaking the scales into cells of 4 notes, either ascending or descending, and then playing that pattern around the cycle. Im sure you'll get it back, welcome home to bass world ;)
 
#3
I too was recently coming back from long lay off. get a metronome, and a keyboard if you can... then

1. hatch out the Circle of 4th/5th (key sigs; Maj and Min; of you know those, learn Pentatonic or Blues scales..)

2. Pick 5-10 songs you wish to learn (or re-learn) and work on them. -what I am doing in this regard- is learning the treble melody parts too, and working out drum parts for my bass too; (dampens, mutes, dead-notes, slapNpop..mostly for rhythm studies) re-creating the song with bass essentially) do a couple songs per week (if not more)

3. If you are going to learn to read music, (or again re-learn) pretty much need daily effort. (15-30 min if you can spare it) I honestly have to get better at doing this myself. and start transcribing (and transposing) as soon as possible.

4. Pick a few techniques you wish to improve on, or solidify. (slap, tap, legatto/stacotto)

5. Train the hell outta your ear! AM/FM radio, CD, MP3, Pod Casts, You tube, iPhone/Android apps etc..

Keep a journal if you can. I find if I set a practice schedule for the week and stick to it, it works out the best. I am a cronic noodle-er so I get my "Work" out of the way first, then reward myself with mindless noise..

and finally if you find a Jam session or buddy to play some songs with.

Just because I know others will suggest it too; Get a teacher if you can afford it.. (something else I need to do aswell)

there is way more, but this will get you started...have some fun bro.
 
#6
I have the option of taking lessons but I'd rather go forth and get my chops back up first. I appreciate the book, I'll look into that.

I just noticed that I got my first blister in years. hahaha. I play with a light touch but I need to start playing in various degrees of strengths.

Overall I knew something was missing from my life and I knew it was bass but man I did not realize how much I left my basses on the wall and untouched. I just changed my strings that were pretty close to 4 years old. I had taken the bass apart entirely and cleaned and polished all the wood and treated it. I think she is happy and I can feel and hear the difference.

Oh and Exploiter...yes I get that often. hope to share my updates with everyone and I'll soon be on track to where I was and beyond.

Mahalo
 

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