Groove learning

[hcah1]

Hi Anthony,

I have been playing bass for some years now. Nothing serious though, just some gigs and mostly playing for the church.

I have never taken any lessons or any formal music educations, just learning by listening songs and browsing youtube videos (nowadays).

The issue is I have got no problem doing something like song-play along, but when it comes to something solo, like making a simple, enjoyable groove, I found it difficult and frustration sometimes.
When it comes to put a creative bass-lines in re-arranging a song I find it quite difficult.
Or let say I come to a music store/ bass store, I have a trouble playing something when I'm test-driving a bass. The bass might sound good, but I just don't know what to play.

Even though I don't play much and not planning to advance my career in the music industry, I love music especially the bass, so I always want to learn and get better just for my personal satisfaction.

Do you have any tips, tricks, techniques, etc... that might be suitable for me?

Does it come down to technical problem that you can practice (scales, modes, etc)?
If so, where do I need to start?

Or it is something withing me that needs to be trained?
If so, what do I need to do?

Thank you.

 

[bass_study]

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[hcah1]

I believe of you do not know music theory, it is better to have some. You can learn some arpeggios, scales, chord tone, learn to build slash chord to make you have more flexibility of chord movement.

And also transcribe the bassline you like. Analyse what note the bass player choose in terms of their relationship with the chord. I still think u can learn most from transcribing.

Listen to some funk and jazz.

Thanks for the direction.

You're right, I don't have any theory background.

What does it mean by slash chord? And to be able to transcribe do I need to be able to read, because I can't?

 

[bass_study]

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[Basshoofd]

Assuming you're going to get a (good) teacher, I would recommend:

-Learning basic theory. All intervals, chord tones (arpeggios) of major chord, minor chord and dominant (7th) chord, major scale and minor scale.
-Listen to the music you like and figure out what the bass player does. Learn the original bass line, then try to create your own variations.
-If you've got the basic theory down, learn more! Theory teaches you how music works, why things sound the way they do.

And the most important part is to have fun. If you see it as work, you may get bored or unmotivated. For me, learning something new is like discovering useful secrects. Makes me feel like a kid