Something I overheard in a completely unrelated-to-music conversation, was sensory deprevation. Basically it works on the principle that when one of your senses is impeeded, your others perc up to compensate. So when I'm practicing, I turn the lights off so it's completely dark. The benefits from this are as follows: You get to learn where the frets (or notes) are by feel You listen to the sound of the notes much more You can really concentrate on that metronome (because ofcourse you ALWAYS PRACTICE WITH A METRONOME!!!) But just remember that this isn't always a great way to practice your sight reading... I'd recommend this technique to anyone because I've found it really life what I get out of practice...
That's how I used to prep for competitions when I was a pianist. Try doing a 24 page section of a concerto for two pianos from memory, in the dark! It really does sharpen things up.
Great tips there! Sometimes I'll practice (I'm a keyboardist) blindfolded, with my eyes shut, or with the lights out just because then I can concentrate on the sound. I remember one time I was rehearsing this fast swing tune with a guitarist and drummer. We were trying to get the drummer off the sheet music (he's that type of drummer), so the guitarist reached over and turned off the lightswitch. We were in a practice room, so it was completely dark. I was lucky because I had the tune memorized.
Yup, I love doing that. Just instead of really practising, I turn on my Boss GT-6B and get some really wierd psychedelic **** going. Though today I practised my right hand speed A cool thing to have in the darkness is a lava lamp... hehe
If you really want to challenge yourself, tune your fretless to fifths and practice that in the dark.
I found in lessons, that often while I put down a solid beat, my teacher will pick up his guitar and do some soloing. I found I had to seriously concentrate b/c his rhythm would throw me off. After a while I could sort of 'tune him out' and concentrate on my bassline and the drum machine (used as a metronome). -Growler
I don't employ this technique all the time, but I do shut the lights off when I'm running the setlist for a show a couple days in advance. I figure it'll help me take my eyes off the fretboard, and get me used to playing on a dark stage before I have to do it for real.
I play fretless as well as DB, and I can honestly say that I have never turned off my lights and practiced. However, it is always good to close your eyes sometimes and focus on the pitches that you are getting.
I don't think it's a good idea to tune-out another musician that you're performing with, especially in a three-piece band! Was he just bad, and didn't know it? Was his playing actually really good or complex, and that's what distracted you? Do you play in a band? Joe
Yeah, if you TUNE HIM OUT like you said, that's a bad thing, but if you're getting used to concentrating more on your bass groove and keeping it in the pocket, then that's awesome.
Because I'm never going to be in a performance situation where I have to play with my eyes closed... you do make an interesting point though.
