I don't know what I don't know, and where I should be

[Minotauros]

I have two steady years' guitar under my belt, and about 40 years on and off of fidoodling around with with "light" musical experience in high school and college courses, then some guitar, put away for another 20-30 years. I picked up (rhythm) guitar in earnest two years ago. I've had lessons, but the teachers are more interested in just tabbing out songs or pentatonic scales so I can play by rote.

So I withdrew, twice, and have gotten into teaching myself basic scale structure, chord structure: triads, 7ths, dim., aug., etc. Things they didn't want to teach, mainly because 90% of their students are kids who want to be the next Steve Vai. I know my way around the fretboard, obviously, from guitar.

I got my first bass last Christmas, so I am only at it a little over three months. But I have made my own bass lines to go along with some of the songs I like. It turns out that looking at sheet music, my bass lines are not all that different. I use R 3 5 (b3 for minor chords of course) over the chords; the basics. I've even accidentally used non-chord tones to my pleasant surprise. After three months I can't expect to get fancy. But could I play a simple bass line with a simple garage band with simple songs and practice? Yeah, definitely think so.

I'm reluctant to shell out for another teacher and waste time on a hunt for someone who may or may not work out. Once burned, twice shy. So I am wondering if I should just continue as I have been, studying song structures, using online info (studybass.com), etc.

 

[ericw]

I guess I've had a somewhat similar experience so I will share and hopefully you will find some relevance.

I just dropped out of my music lessons this week because, well, I wasn't learning anything. I think finding the right teacher is the key - someone who takes an interest in your long term goals and prepares lessons accordingly. I think lots of teachers are used to kids who are perfectly happy talking about musicians for 30 minutes and getting one octave of a scale written in their notebook.

Also, in my situation I feel like I need to practice and internalize the information I already have before looking for another instructor.

 

[fearceol]

I am considering getting Roy Vogt's Bass DVD Course. It has had good reviews on this forum.
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Here is a thread started by a TB'er giving his progress with the course.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=605248

 

[ericw]

Minotaurus, are you in a band?

Joining a cover band, you'll be forced to learn songs. If you avoid using tabs to do this you'll improve your ear and start to notice how scales, arpeggios, chord theory, and other techniques you're learning in practice (from studybass, books, dvds, or other sources) are used in different styles of music. So this can be a rewarding experience as well.

As you get more familiar with how these concepts are commonly used then you can progress into developing your own ideas regarding how to use them in writing originals, improvisation, etc...

 

[MalcolmAmos]

I got my first bass last Christmas, so I am only at it a little over three months. But I have made my own bass lines to go along with some of the songs I like. It turns out that looking at sheet music, my bass lines are not all that different. I use R 3 5 (b3 for minor chords of course) over the chords; the basics. I've even accidentally used non-chord tones to my pleasant surprise. After three months I can't expect to get fancy. But could I play a simple bass line with a simple garage band with simple songs and practice? Yeah, definitely think so.

Yes - you have enough to hold down the bass section in a garage or "no pay" gigging band. Go for it. You and I have been playing bass for about the same amount of time. Our background with other instruments and understanding of basic theory give us what we need to function at that level. I think you already know I gig bass once a week with a friend who sings and accomplishes himself on rhythm guitar, I'm backing him up on electric bass. Jump in with both feet. Each outing will add smething.



Good luck.

 

[bassandbeyond]

Too bad about your experience with disappointing teachers, but judging from the title of your post, I would encourage you to seek out a good mentor. Especially in the beginning, it's important to have someone guiding your development. Otherwise, you're likely to develop bad habits, or progress inefficiently. Try to interview prospective teachers a bit regarding the content they have to offer.

 

[togglehead]

In addition to all the other advice...id suggest looking for a MUSIC teacher...rather than a bass instructor. Good music teachers can apply the theory they teach you to ANY instrument.

That being said, technique is important also....but that can be had by almost any bass instructor. Maybe alternate days? One day with Music Theory guy...one with technique instructor?

 

[Minotauros]

Minotaurus, are you in a band?

Joining a cover band, you'll be forced to learn songs. If you avoid using tabs to do this you'll improve your ear...

No band.

I've heard "by ear" beats the crap out of tabs for what's being played. I got very close to doing that with a bass line and was off by only one note. It's definitely my goal.

Yes - you have enough to hold down the bass section in a garage or "no pay" gigging band. Go for it. ... Jump in with both feet. Each outing will add smething.

Good luck.

Thanks. This is good to hear!

Too bad about your experience with disappointing teachers, but judging from the title of your post, I would encourage you to seek out a good mentor. Especially in the beginning, it's important to have someone guiding your development.

Yes, a mentor or coach! Not a teacher. Not to say I know all there is to know. I think no one does. But I think for a lot of us older guys with different learning experiences, a mentor is just the answer. Thanks, I'm glad to know I'm thinking like others with experience.