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I think I’m mediocre , others don’t.
I get highs scores for being humble.
I’m no pro for sure , but can hang with most stuff. I’m really good at recovering from mistakes and keeping it moving along.
I get highs scores for being humble.
I’m no pro for sure , but can hang with most stuff. I’m really good at recovering from mistakes and keeping it moving along.
I started playing when I was 15 and was lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing musicians my whole playing life. Honestly I thought I stunk then.
I quit playing from age 32 to 45. When I started back playing I worked on things I knew I really sucked at such as reading, theory and jazz standards. I have worked my butt off for the last 10 years and have had such a joyous time reconnecting with playing.
I don’t think I suck anymore but I’m constantly aware of not being where I want to be. But, that’s the reason I look forward to getting up every day. To be better than I was yesterday. Here’s a video of a recent thing I worked on
I quit playing from age 32 to 45. When I started back playing I worked on things I knew I really sucked at such as reading, theory and jazz standards. I have worked my butt off for the last 10 years and have had such a joyous time reconnecting with playing.
I don’t think I suck anymore but I’m constantly aware of not being where I want to be. But, that’s the reason I look forward to getting up every day. To be better than I was yesterday. Here’s a video of a recent thing I worked on
Personally, on a scale of 1 - 10, I would comfortably put myself between a 6 and 6.5. I know my way around fairly well but I'm not an expert by any means.
I started playing when I was 15 and was lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing musicians my whole playing life. Honestly I thought I stunk then.
I quit playing from age 32 to 45. When I started back playing I worked on things I knew I really sucked at such as reading, theory and jazz standards. I have worked my butt off for the last 10 years and have had such a joyous time reconnecting with playing.
I don’t think I suck anymore but I’m constantly aware of not being where I want to be. But, that’s the reason I look forward to getting up every day. To be better than I was yesterday. Here’s a video of a recent thing I worked on
That's hella groovin! You seem pretty good, and you clearly have years of experience behind your playing. It's good that you're always seeking to improve.
Tom sawyer is a lot tougher though! I can do the inverse.
Smooth_bass88
vaxx!
- Oct 31, 2006
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- have been on nationally released albums, charting on the Billboard 200
this is very true. Studying jazz theory will always improve any musicians' skills.
In the history of the world, I'm the best. The best, by far. You have no idea. I know more about playing the bass than anyone. They all say I'm the best. Maybe I am. I don't know. I guess they're right. It's totally true. I'm very, very good, maybe the best. That's right
Interesting question!
Quick answer: even though I've been at it for a while, I'm not nearly as good as I want to be. Not only in terms of what I have to say musically, but also in terms of how well I can say it. Which leads me to a longer answer...
Longer answer: Consider painting instead of music for a moment. When I walk into a gallery or look at the work of a sidewalk artist, I'm seeking a connection with their paintings. I expect them to be proficient enough that when they have something to say, I can get it and can connect with it. But really I'm not thinking about their work the way I would if I were grading their technique, (eg: "his perspective is better than hers," or "her brush strokes are better than his.") It's not that simple -- we respond to the whole picture. Sure, technique helps; "good enough" is a threshold that artists have to meet in order to enter a conversation with a viewer/listener. But beyond that point, I care a lot less, and it's more about what we have to say. I agree that I could improve my speed, precision, timing, intonation, etc. But to me that's improving my 'vocabulary' -- I might do so, and still not have anything musically of value to say. And that's what makes it art... or not.
Quick answer: even though I've been at it for a while, I'm not nearly as good as I want to be. Not only in terms of what I have to say musically, but also in terms of how well I can say it. Which leads me to a longer answer...
Longer answer: Consider painting instead of music for a moment. When I walk into a gallery or look at the work of a sidewalk artist, I'm seeking a connection with their paintings. I expect them to be proficient enough that when they have something to say, I can get it and can connect with it. But really I'm not thinking about their work the way I would if I were grading their technique, (eg: "his perspective is better than hers," or "her brush strokes are better than his.") It's not that simple -- we respond to the whole picture. Sure, technique helps; "good enough" is a threshold that artists have to meet in order to enter a conversation with a viewer/listener. But beyond that point, I care a lot less, and it's more about what we have to say. I agree that I could improve my speed, precision, timing, intonation, etc. But to me that's improving my 'vocabulary' -- I might do so, and still not have anything musically of value to say. And that's what makes it art... or not.
I'm better than Gary Willis.
That's Gary of 'Willis & Sons Fresh Fish Supermarket' just off the high street.
That's Gary of 'Willis & Sons Fresh Fish Supermarket' just off the high street.
I’ll be 40 In September. Been playing bass for 26 years. I think Everyone is onlyI 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)
As good as they challenge themselves to be. It’s not really about how many years we play it’s about pushing ourselves to get better and better. Funny thing is I went through a point where I was pretty big headed about my playing ability and looking back that was the worst period for me as far as actually getting better. Stay humble and hungry to constantly improve.
as for people who say they suck or whatever. It depends on the person I guess. Some people for whatever reason really do struggle to learn an instrument. But there are also people who are big headed who I feel are fishing for compliments when they say negative things about their ability. Was in a band with someone like that once. He was clearly the cockiest person in the band and actually they were very talented given how little work they had put in, but knowing this person we knew it was just a way for them to fish for compliments. So seeing that situation proved to me that just because someone says “I suck” doesn’t mean they aren’t cocky.
My secret weapons are singing....and phrasing (fill in gig, crappy cell video from audience).
(fill in gig, crappy cell video from audience).
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