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I need really to improve, Help?

Jared92

Jared92

Nov 1, 2007
498
2
34
Fairfax VA
#1
Basically been playing bass for 2 years. I started out crap of course. Got a lot better. No lessons or anything, self taught.

I have come to a place where i cant seem to improve. I'm playing the same old RHCP and maiden licks day after day. I feel that i will never improve if i keep this up.

What should i do to keep going on?! I would consider my self an intermediate player. I know techniques but cant seem to apply them to stuff. I cannot afford lessons nor do i really have time to take them.

Is there books or any other recommendations you guys have? I really would like to improve on slap and funk, but bass in general is good also.

thanks so much
 
#4
There are plenty of things online and if you search around on TB you'll find links to them.

Are there other genres that you are interested in? You could start by expanding out into similar music. Its about learning how to create the feel/groove of new music. Some of it is technique and most of it is style. Sounds like you have the technique part down, now all you have to do is learn new styles.
 
#6
StyleOverShow said:
There are plenty of things online and if you search around on TB you'll find links to them.

Are there other genres that you are interested in? You could start by expanding out into similar music. Its about learning how to create the feel/groove of new music. Some of it is technique and most of it is style. Sounds like you have the technique part down, now all you have to do is learn new styles.
Click to expand...

I love funk, metal (not recent metal so much as 80s') rock, ambient, alternative, psychedelic. etc

I'll look around the forums here for some links.
 
#7
Venture into another genre of music, like fusion. Then maybe jazz.

Do you know you scales, chords, modes?

Learn to read, write some tunes.
Post ads on craigslist or music shops saying you'd like to get together and play or jam or just talk bass(!). I actually found a guy on here whos willing to give me "lessons" for free because he has the chops, but hasnt taught before. Or just try to scrounge some cash for one lesson from the best teacher in your area, who knows he may even cut you a deal.
 
#9
Get together musicians who are willing to make a time commitment and start a band. Practice together, play some gigs, covers or originals, or both.

Play songs that seem just a bit beyond your reach (Rush is a treasure trove of practice material for any bassist...anything from the 2112 overture for beginners to YYZ for those with more experience.)

Study music. Learn theory. Chords, modes, scales, patterns, etc. Learn what it does in music. Try to apply it.

Write some music. Don't feel self-conscious, nobody but you ever has to know the songs.

Try to teach someone. Teaching someone something solidifies it in your head really fast.

Keep on playing, don't give up :bassist:
 
#10
I love bass so much I wouldnt give up.
I do love Rush. Im just under mastering YYZ. Anything off that album i can play. Besides YYZ with the same track speed. And the Vital signs intro. If that can give you and idea of where im at. Haha
 
#11
Two ways I would recommend:

1) Get a teacher. I know you said you don't have money for one, but perhaps you can look into lessons every other week instead of weekly. As far as time goes, if you have time for practicing and playing bass at home, you have time for lessons! ;)

2) Get out and play with other musicians. Specifically, get out and play with musicians that are better than you are. Nothing makes you get better quicker and having to bust your hump to keep up.
 
#16
SuperDuck said:
Two ways I would recommend:

1) Get a teacher. I know you said you don't have money for one, but perhaps you can look into lessons every other week instead of weekly. As far as time goes, if you have time for practicing and playing bass at home, you have time for lessons! ;)

2) Get out and play with other musicians. Specifically, get out and play with musicians that are better than you are. Nothing makes you get better quicker and having to bust your hump to keep up.
Click to expand...


Money in the bank, right there.
 
#19
SuperDuck said:
Two ways I would recommend:

1) Get a teacher. I know you said you don't have money for one, but perhaps you can look into lessons every other week instead of weekly. As far as time goes, if you have time for practicing and playing bass at home, you have time for lessons! ;)

2) Get out and play with other musicians. Specifically, get out and play with musicians that are better than you are. Nothing makes you get better quicker and having to bust your hump to keep up.
Click to expand...

As Pacman said, +1

Having never taken a lesson, I can only comment that playing with a band pushes you to learn more songs, and to learn to play with other musicians. If you're playing originals, you will start creating your own bass lines. Even playing covers you can have some flexibility to create your lines or special riffs. This all leads to improving your musicianship.
 
#20
Sometimes we all hit a point where we seem to "level off". And that no matter how hard you practice you feel stuck. My best advice for you is to start trying things out side your comfort zone. This will force you to change up some things in your technique, as well as exposing some bad habits in your playing you might have picked up. Start playing with other people, try playing different styles of music. Sometimes I'll pick a piece of music just above my abilities and push myself to learn it. Also getting a good teacher is a nice idea. A good teacher will push you to improve as an instrumentalist.
All in all just keep trying and push yourself a little harder each day. Hell Ive been playing for years and I still get stuck sometimes too.
 

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