How long did you take lessons?

[rydin4lifebass]

You are still missing the point. Your goal is to be able to play what you want. If you just let him teach you using his own curriculum, you will probably be able to achieve that goal. You don't need to be telling him what to teach because you don't have enough knowledge to dictate anything.

Makes sens...and probably the biggest issue I have...

 

[dalkowski]

Figuring out my goals is a good idea. I can't say that I really have anything "set in stone" for what I want to get out of this.

Bringing real, achievable goals to your teacher is, IMO & IME, the very best way to get the best value for your lesson dollar.

You don't have to necessarily set anything in stone, and you can always change your goals. But start by thinking "big picture." That will help your teacher (if s/he's any good) make a plan to get you there.

My example: I met a teacher, we started talking about jazz and I told him that my goal was to be capable enough that if I were at a jazz club and the bass player had a stroke between the second and third sets, then I could sit in and keep up with the rest of the band. He said, "I can get you there" and created lessons that took me places I didn't even know existed. I'm still some ways from my goal, but I'm pretty far along.

 

[Spin Doctor]

Makes sens...and probably the biggest issue I have...

I guess I was a little blunt, but I just wanted to get the point across. Like the other poster said having a big picture is a decent idea. But a C7 chord is a C7 in metal, funk, jazz or gospel. Fundamentals allow you to do absolutely anything.

After you work on the basics, then you can drill down into the specifics of whatever music you tend to like, because the differences in music are all about the execution of it, not the notes. Metal players use the same 12 notes that the Jazz guys use and are the same 12 notes that the Reggae guys use. But you HAVE to know what the notes are doing and why first of all.

 

[Alembic7]

I am self taught by ear, My dad was a professional musician. I started playing with my favorite records when I was 16, started playing full time professionally at 18. Then I learned more theory on my own and by a good friend of mine that briefly played keyboard for Frank Zappa. Use your ears all the time and learn your favorite music, do not use tab.

Good Luck

 

[JesusMetalFunk]

I made the mistake of taking lessons too long with a naive instructor. I was learning how to play songs, and not learning how to play bass.

Now when I occasionally take lessons from Ant Wellington, I get a bunch of material to practice then I do it.

The lesson should be an introduction to technique, not just practice time. I looked at your goals, and an instructor may definitely make it easier, a bunch of time ( which you may not have) working through it seems within the realm of possibility.

Use a lesson for concepts, techniques, theory, and go practice it.

 

[Alembic7]

xfghdghd fjdjdyj dtyjd tjy

 

[Rich Lee]

I took lessons from guitarist (there is nothing worst) for about a year (their lack of interest was astounding) tell I found a bassist that was giving lessons in my area. I took lessons with him for six years (82'-88') twice a week, theory and technique, jazz, rock and Afro-Cuban styles. But I have to say, as great a start as this was for me, the years (and more importantly the hours) practicing since then, I have truly developed my ear and a style that is my own. Just what my teacher told me I would have to do.