How good are you?

[farmertom]

By your definition i suck lol. But I can play the hard rock covers that my band asks me to mostly. Some I really simplify like “Hey Hey What Can I Do” it’s all roots from me and some fills I made up.
I got to play in church the other day (1-5s)didn’t suck so I’m happy

 

[lark_z]

My spouse told me yesterday that she enjoys it when I play without headphones. Maybe I've progressed a bit above zero on a scale of 1-10.

 

[Nunovsky]

Good enough. Not too good, not that bad, basically average and I get the job done. Just don't ask me to solo...

 

[Space Pickle]

I am so good!

Wait, I mean bad.

 

[Nashrakh]

I'm a big fish in a small pond.

 

[Rilence]

2 & a bit years, and I'm still shite...

 

[Kelly robinson]

Best described as having “ fleeting moments of adequacy “ ..... Kelly

 

[Kevin Teed]

40 years of mediocrity, and counting.

 

[wilberthenry]

I am competent, but not "good" using the metrics provided. Timing, ability to groove, and consistency seem to matter as much or more in band settings than most of these factors in my opinion. Unfortunately, even using those in lieu of some others, while improving my stock some, wouldn't move me to the "good" category.

• Playing fast-below average-I haven't played genres that required much of this since my hardcore days in the 80's
• playing clean-average
• playing with good taste-above average-this is subjective, but I don't lack for opportunities, so others like my playing
• being versatile-above average, I can play upright or electric bass and change lines and take direction when asked
• knowing different techniques-average
• being able to play in different styles-average-I am not a jazz player
• can you learn difficult pieces-average---most genres I play are not overly complex

 

[Koshchei]

I hope this thread doesn't devolve as much as I think it will, so prove me wrong Talkbass!

I want to know how good you are, and how it relates to the amount of time you've been playing.

For the purposes of this thread, "good" means technical ability, or chops so to speak. Playing fast, playing clean, playing with good taste, being versatile, knowing different techniques, being able to play in different styles, can you learn difficult pieces? etc.
(Yes I know playing root fifth third is also good, but we're looking at chops today).

I know for a lot of people the natural reflex is to say "Ahh I'm not that good" and minimize their actual skill level. Don't be humble! Be objective as to how you compare to other musicians around you, and pros. No one is judging you here! (But don't exaggerate your skill either )

I've been playing guitar for 33 years, and then switched to bass 2 1/2 years ago. Technically, I can play anything, though stuff like Donna Lee and Havona take considerable practice and effort to get to the point where I can interpret them.

Am I a good bass player, though? Not yet, but I'm getting there.

 

[darren1970]

I suppose I'm okay, but not as good as I would like to be.
I can play fairly clean & consistently.
I can play at speed when needed.
I understand enough music theory to work out complementary baselines and runs etc.
I can play well with fingers or a pick and "okay" with slap.
Would love to improve on fluidity around the fretboard, strength in my right hand and increase my theory knowledge.

 

[Drifter8230]

Good enough to where it should be

 

[Nev375]

On a scale from 1-10, 7 being the highest... I'm a solid gemini.

 

[DirtDog]

In the words of the wisest sage known to man, Toby Keith:

I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was.

 

[Lagado]

Don't you know who I am?

 

[MDStingray]

The older and more eperienced I get, the more I listen to a wide variations of music, the more I realize that I know very little and am medicore at best, and beginner at most.

 

[gidbass]

A solid 9...out of 100...

 

[Benj-jammin]

My late mother was a college music professor, a brilliant pianist, so my initial training came in the keyboard world - have owned several synths and workstations over the years, etc. Decided to take up the bass, and I think the keys training really helped with my progression and journey with the bass, which I absolutely love! Since I no longer play in bands, it's more about figuring out what can I put together as a solo guy, with or without my multi-effects pedals. So I feel that I have a good understanding of harmony, melody, scales and theory, but as a player, well, I'm not blazing fast, can't slap for sheet, but damn, I just enjoy plugging in when I get home from work. Just started recording this year as a hobby, so trying to lay down tasteful tracks to my capabilities is my focus.

 

[39-Bassist]

Honestly I would consider myself to be an average player.
Yes I have recorded many a times, played on stages around the eastern states and played with some top artists and met a few people.
But that just means I have been blessed to be in the right places and at the right times.
Is there any music I can't play? NO
But does that mean I am good at playing all styles? NO, just good at certain ones.
So bottom line is: I need to keep working on my skills no matter how long I have been playing and I am ALWAYS learning to be a better player.

 

[Steve Dallman]

I am competent, 50 years experience. I know how to fill out a three piece. (A guitar player in the audience asked our guitar player "What's it like to play behind that wall of sound?" (referring to me.) Our guitar player says I make his job easy.

I have been content with my skill, talent and knowledge level for quite a few years. While my favorite bass players are levels above me, I have not aspired to reach their level, nor would I need to be at that level.