How to become a pro bassist?

[Jay boogs]

It's not just what one individual thinks. I share that opinion and am sure I'm far from the only other person who does.

See a lot of us did things on our own initiative like hang around outside bars when we were several years too young to get into listening and if we were lucky getting to talk to the players on a break. We took lessons from the best pros in town and early on got schooled in what it takes to make a living. We worked our butts off practicing on our own and in bands until someone would give us a gig. Then we kept working hard and eventually got to the point we could make a living....it took me 5-6 years back in the late 70's early 80's when it was MUCH less difficult to get enough gigs to pay the bills.

Today there are far fewer gigs and they pay a whole lot less. It's always taken an almost super human amount of drive and dedication but these days it takes that much more. If someone so incredibly fortunate to be coming up in a place with gigs and hundreds of amazing players to learn from 7 nights a week hasn't figured that out and chooses instead to get on an internet forum and annoy players who've done the work, gotten the gigs and are only trying to help him it seems a reasonable leap of logic to give him little or no chance of making it.

That is rude to say I'm annoying people and to say I have no chance of making it honestly I just watched a vid be Scott's bass and it taught me more in becoming a pro than all of y'all harsh talking

 

[MultiScaleMale]

That is rude to say I'm annoying people and to say I have no chance of making it honestly I just watched a vid be Scott's bass and it taught me more in becoming a pro than all of y'all harsh talking

Then I guess you have it all figured out. Good luck!

 

[gjohnson441496]

And your love really shows through.

Part of my day job involves working as support staff for college level instruction for video production.
We've had grads go on to work anywhere from local TV stations to the Olympics and Hollywood.

YouTube is flush with good ideas for videos that are nothing but average at best due to poor production quality.
In a day when full feature films can be shot on an iPhone, most folks think that's all they need. They miss the fact that there's more to it than point and hit the record button. It's nice to see you setting the bar higher.

I really appreciate your compliment. You made my day, for real. Thanks.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

That is rude to say I'm annoying people and to say I have no chance of making it honestly I just watched a vid be Scott's bass and it taught me more in becoming a pro than all of y'all harsh talking

LOL! That's ****ing awesome! Best of luck to you.

 

[Jay boogs]

LOL! That's ****ing awesome! Best of luck to you.

What's funny about that

 

[Jeff Bonny]

What's funny about that

Go ask Scott dude. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you.

 

[El Thumpo]

dude you dont listen to your fellow musicians not even your fellow bass players and heres the thing music is about listening and cooperation and collaboration when your fellow bass players told you they couldn't understand you because you dont form complete sentences you didnt hear us and try to fine tune your communication you kept demanding things on your terms and continued to miss the point about what we were saying ironically because we were COMMUNICATING LIKE YOU and when we tried to point out we couldnt understand you you kept on dissing us and spelling and grammar mistakes are one thing but you arent even forming coherent sentences then getting mad at us for not MAGICALLY UNDERSTANDING you and then you get mad when we give up and wish you good luck all i can say is with that mix of entitlement and cluelessness youre going to have a hard time of it in any musical context never mind the big leagues a big part of music is listening and you haven't learned to listen yet peace out

 

[Nashrakh]

This must be one of the most amazing Realsatire* threads I've read on TB in recent years.

Realsatire: A situation that could pass off as satire but wasn't meant to be satirical

 

[Whousedtoplay]

Here is what the Pro bass players do.
Alex Al recording Brian Culbertson's "Another Long Night Out"



Nathan East.


Nate Watts.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Yo Jay,
How old are you and what are you currently doing to learn more about music? Are you playing in any groups?

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Yo Jay,
How old are you and what are you currently doing to learn more about music? Are you playing in any groups?

He says he's 16, but I seriously doubt that now.
There was another guy on here a few months back posing as a kid with a very short attention span.
That one lasted maybe a week here and then he just vanished.
I think this is the same guy under a different name.
We've been trolled by a master.
I'm outta here.

This thead however, brought out some very good information for anyone actually considering a career in music. So while we were being strung along all this time, a lot of good came from everyone who got sucked in and genuinely wanted to help.

 

[Jay boogs]

dude you dont listen to your fellow musicians not even your fellow bass players and heres the thing music is about listening and cooperation and collaboration when your fellow bass players told you they couldn't understand you because you dont form complete sentences you didnt hear us and try to fine tune your communication you kept demanding things on your terms and continued to miss the point about what we were saying ironically because we were COMMUNICATING LIKE YOU and when we tried to point out we couldnt understand you you kept on dissing us and spelling and grammar mistakes are one thing but you arent even forming coherent sentences then getting mad at us for not MAGICALLY UNDERSTANDING you and then you get mad when we give up and wish you good luck all i can say is with that mix of entitlement and cluelessness youre going to have a hard time of it in any musical context never mind the big leagues a big part of music is listening and you haven't learned to listen yet peace out

I do know how to communicate with other musicians I mean come in how do you think I play in a band setting and I won't have a hard time and I haven't dis anyone and if I did sorry

 

[Jay boogs]

Yo Jay,
How old are you and what are you currently doing to learn more about music? Are you playing in any groups?

I am actually in a band and I am currently learning chords tones and how to keep rhythm

 

[Reedt2000]

I am actually in a band and I am currently learning chords tones and how to keep rhythm

Those are steps in the right direction, I think what most people here are trying to communicate is that what you aspire to is incredibly difficult and takes very large amounts of time. Even under the best of circumstances it can still be a crap shoot. Work hard, make connections, look at music colleges and what you'll need to get in and succeed. Places like Berklee in Boston are great for not only honing your skills but also making professional connections and developing relationships. It's a hard road you want to walk, if its truly what you want to do you had better be prepared for what's ahead.

 

[Jay boogs]

He says he's 16, but I seriously doubt that now.
There was another guy on here a few months back posing as a kid with a very short attention span.
That one lasted maybe a week here and then he just vanished.
I think this is the same guy under a different name.
We've been trolled by a master.
I'm outta here.

This thead however, brought out some very good information for anyone actually considering a career in music. So while we were being strung along all this time, a lot of good came from everyone who got sucked in and genuinely wanted to help.

I am considering a career in music

 

[Jay boogs]

Those are steps in the right direction, I think what most people here are trying to communicate is that what you aspire to is incredibly difficult and takes very large amounts of time. Even under the best of circumstances it can still be a crap shoot. Work hard, make connections, look at music colleges and what you'll need to get in and succeed. Places like Berklee in Boston are great for not only honing your skills but also making professional connections and developing relationships. It's a hard road you want to walk, if its truly what you want to do you had better be prepared for what's ahead.

Thanks that was one of the best comments I heard

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I am actually in a band and I am currently learning chords tones and how to keep rhythm

I am considering a career in music

Cool.

Knowing what I know now, this is what I'd recommend if you're serious:

- Get a private instructor who plays professionally. Learn how to read and utilize theory, but also learn how to network and how to utilize another person's network. Also learn what it means to be a professional musician from someone who is doing it. You need to understand the lifestyle and sacrifices that are required.

- If you're in high school then enroll in band. It doesn't matter if you're playing bass or not. Use the opportunity to further your reading skills and your ability to play in a group setting. Learn what it means to show up prepared and on time (i.e. Early).

- Learn as many songs as you can in as many genres as you can. Know the hits. This alone can get you gigs, but knowing how to read will open up exponentially more opportunities.

- Join groups who consist of musicians better than you. I played with a group of 40 year olds when I was 18. I progressed more in those months than I did at any other time.

- Emerse yourself in music. If you aren't happy or willing to put in 8 hours of playing a day then this might not be the path for you.

- Practice soft skills. Learn how to communicate with people. Be humble, kind, and understand your role in any group. Focus on building "your brand" and what others stand to gain from working with you.

- Speaking of branding and networking, put yourself on social media. Make recordings and videos of your playing for others to see and hear. Be reachable by others and make sure they can easily find ways to contact you.

- Take care of yourself. Eat healthy. Work out. Learn to dress yourself with style that is memorable while also being understated. Music is the entertainment business, so how you look matters.

- As a bassist, you need to know how to serve the songs and play with groove and rhythm. Chops and flashy skills are great, but that's not what being a bassist is about. Learn your role and be willing to serve the band leader and the music.

- Learn to sing. Period. It'll get you more gigs than if you're simply a bass player.

- Also learn piano. Work on being a songwriter and not just a bassist. There's more money and opportunity there.

- Be a self starter and be self motivated. Don't wait on others. Be a leader and make the future you want for yourself.

There's more but that's enough for now.

 

[Jay boogs]

Cool.

Knowing what I know now, this is what I'd recommend if you're serious:

- Get a private instructor who plays professionally. Learn how to read and utilize theory, but also learn how to network and how to utilize another person's network. Also learn what it means to be a professional musician from someone who is doing it. You need to understand the lifestyle and sacrifices that are required.

- If you're in high school then enroll in band. It doesn't matter if you're playing bass or not. Use the opportunity to further your reading skills and your ability to play in a group setting. Learn what it means to show up prepared and on time (i.e. Early).

- Learn as many songs as you can in as many genres as you can. Know the hits. This alone can get you gigs, but knowing how to read will open up exponentially more opportunities.

- Join groups who consist of musicians better than you. I played with a group of 40 year olds when I was 18. I progressed more in those months than I did at any other time.

- Emerse yourself in music. If you aren't happy or willing to put in 8 hours of playing a day then this might not be the path for you.

- Practice soft skills. Learn how to communicate with people. Be humble, kind, and understand your role in any group. Focus on building "your brand" and what others stand to gain from working with you.

- Speaking of branding and networking, put yourself on social media. Make recordings and videos of your playing for others to see and hear. Be reachable by others and make sure they can easily find ways to contact you.

- Take care of yourself. Eat healthy. Work out. Learn to dress yourself with style that is memorable while also being understated. Music is the entertainment business, so how you look matters.

- As a bassist, you need to know how to serve the songs and play with groove and rhythm. Chops and flashy skills are great, but that's not what being a bassist is about. Learn your role and be willing to serve the band leader and the music.

- Learn to sing. Period. It'll get you more gigs than if you're simply a bass player.

- Also learn piano. Work on being a songwriter and not just a bassist. There's more money and opportunity there.

- Be a self starter and be self motivated. Don't wait on others. Be a leader and make the future you want for yourself.

There's more but that's enough for now.

Thanks and my goal is to start learning piano even though bass is my favorite instrument to play I always looked up to the piano

 

[Smelly]

It's easy with this 4 point plan.

1. Start up
2. Cash in
3. Sell out
4. Bro down

 

[Jay boogs]

Cool.

Knowing what I know now, this is what I'd recommend if you're serious:

- Get a private instructor who plays professionally. Learn how to read and utilize theory, but also learn how to network and how to utilize another person's network. Also learn what it means to be a professional musician from someone who is doing it. You need to understand the lifestyle and sacrifices that are required.

- If you're in high school then enroll in band. It doesn't matter if you're playing bass or not. Use the opportunity to further your reading skills and your ability to play in a group setting. Learn what it means to show up prepared and on time (i.e. Early).

- Learn as many songs as you can in as many genres as you can. Know the hits. This alone can get you gigs, but knowing how to read will open up exponentially more opportunities.

- Join groups who consist of musicians better than you. I played with a group of 40 year olds when I was 18. I progressed more in those months than I did at any other time.

- Emerse yourself in music. If you aren't happy or willing to put in 8 hours of playing a day then this might not be the path for you.

- Practice soft skills. Learn how to communicate with people. Be humble, kind, and understand your role in any group. Focus on building "your brand" and what others stand to gain from working with you.

- Speaking of branding and networking, put yourself on social media. Make recordings and videos of your playing for others to see and hear. Be reachable by others and make sure they can easily find ways to contact you.

- Take care of yourself. Eat healthy. Work out. Learn to dress yourself with style that is memorable while also being understated. Music is the entertainment business, so how you look matters.

- As a bassist, you need to know how to serve the songs and play with groove and rhythm. Chops and flashy skills are great, but that's not what being a bassist is about. Learn your role and be willing to serve the band leader and the music.

- Learn to sing. Period. It'll get you more gigs than if you're simply a bass player.

- Also learn piano. Work on being a songwriter and not just a bassist. There's more money and opportunity there.

- Be a self starter and be self motivated. Don't wait on others. Be a leader and make the future you want for yourself.

There's more but that's enough for now.

I actually decided to just keep my music as a hobby since the music business is kinda suckish these plus with all this technology being used in the music business and all these do it yourself guys I wouldn't always be assured a job so I might have to just go to college and work in a field I might not like