I am in a state of losing interest (again)

Print off some easier transcriptions and start learning songs on your own. Also, try to understand the theory behind them.

 

You need some good band mates to get that ole rush back!

Think Steve Harris on orange juice and adrenaline!!

 

I haven't been playing for nearly as long as you have, but I feel the same every once in a while. I normally start browsing Youtube for songs I know, then click on the related stuff next to it for stuff I've never heard of. Once I find something that I like, I end up with it in my head and a few hours later when I find myself tapping on my steering wheel, it's time to learn the song to get it out of my head.

 

Credit officers of the world unite!!!!!

With work and family, sometimes bass has to take a backseat. I've taken a few layoffs from bass over the years, one almost 10 years long. The great thing about music is that it will always be there when you get back.

 

Hate to say it, but it sounds like you might be an adult. Sneaks up on you, and next thing you know, you got a family, job and not much time. Don't sweat it.

Maybe you could find a local blues jam and make it your night out? Learn some new tunes, make some new friends, get some stage time in a low pressure situation.

Woodshed some new skills. Can you read music? Learning with your kid can be fun. Maybe take piano with him for a while. I wish I'd done just that, since after ten years of piano my kid reads circles around me and scoffs at my denseness. (could it be he's a teenager already?)

Taking time off isn't the end of the world. just relax and it'll come around.

 

I'm in a very similar situation with my life. Sometimes a song comes up and you just can't play it. You get down on yourself and think you suck, think why bother. I would toss that song if I were you. It's not worth it. We all play because we enjoy it and that song is taking the joy out of it. It's about having fun. Everybody has their limits. People who write and play these songs for the most part, don't work. Music is their work. Imagine what you could do if all you had to worry about is playing music. Normal people simply don't have time to get that good. There's no shame in not playing like a pro. I suck but I love playing, working on basses, trying new ones and everything else associated with playing music. Just keep it fun. If you can't play that song who cares?

 

Pull up the Bluesklok episode of Metalocalype (Season 1) and let it really soak in. Skwis and Toki can't play the (seemingly) simplest blues lines. Then go jam a little, and try to play the simplest, most laid back thing you can think of w/ a metronome- perfectly. Ex.'s- alternating fingered eighth notes w/o any tonal or percussive deviation; skip string string-crossing; you get the idea.

Or, just watch Dr. Rockso...guh-guh-guh YEAH!

Acronyms

Rob