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how long have you played bass
- Thread starter karnivore666
- Start date
Two years and three months... and I could be much better than I am (I'm not any good, though...)
12 years and im still awful. My opinion would be that you really dont learn much from playing covers only and not studying ot doing any drills. I have been getting into the academic part of it just now. Curse you tabs!
25 years for me and I agree with EduardoJoe in that you must learn through various methods. I think the most importat aspect of playing cover songs is learning them by ear. It will teach you a lot about the instrument and about the original player's style. Depending on the song, it can be extremely challenging which in turn makes you really listen, thus refining your ear and makes you think about what "the guy" does that defines "his" style. I think you'll learn more this way than by simply "getting the tab" for it.
Dad bought me a Japanese P-clone and a Gregory Bass 60A tube amp in 1965 for my birthday so about 46 years in October of this year. I did "quit" bands from 1989~2006 so I could be home more for children growing up.
The youngest is in college now.
Shadowmac is onto something.
Be careful not to get stuck into either "only by ear" or "only can read music" to play. Being stuck in either one limits what and how you can play. Adding to Shadowmac's comment, when you DO learn to play a lot by ear then you get to a point that you can play things you hear audibly or hear in your head much easier. THAT helps...esp. if you are in a situation requiring fast learning or doing callouts with no sheet music.
PS: Thanks Dad!
The youngest is in college now.
Shadowmac is onto something.
Be careful not to get stuck into either "only by ear" or "only can read music" to play. Being stuck in either one limits what and how you can play. Adding to Shadowmac's comment, when you DO learn to play a lot by ear then you get to a point that you can play things you hear audibly or hear in your head much easier. THAT helps...esp. if you are in a situation requiring fast learning or doing callouts with no sheet music.
PS: Thanks Dad!
I got my first bass for a Christmas present in 1985 when I was 15. It was a Fender look alike made by Maxx (one x or two - I can't recall). I've yet to see another one since. So I guess its been about 25 years now.
