• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Im unmotivated to play anymore.

F

fsf347

Mar 28, 2008
58
0
#1
Lately, iv been in a funk.

While i was playing in my last band, i could play bass alone for 2 hours a day, with no problem.

But, after we stopped playing together, i just dont have the want to practice anymore. Learning songs seems dull; i cant seem to think of any that even seem fun.

When i was in my band, writing my own music was very fun, and i could do it for hours. So i guess its made learning other peoples work seem dull?

I dont know, but i have barely picked up my bass since June. Has anyone else ever been a funk like this?
 
#3
Get Guitar Pro, or Sibelius, or some other music notation software and keep writing. Start composing your own songs, using your bass as a way to get ideas flowing. I've always found it much easier to practice when I'm creating something original rather than learning someone else's material.
 
#4
Yep! Been there, done that.

After my last gig (which lasted for about 3-1/2 years and was pretty much 3-5 nights a week) I didn't even pick up a bass for about 6 months. I also turned down a few great paying gigs similar to what I was doing before. I just had no desire to play at that time. I wanted to do some of the things I hadn't had the time or opportunity to do when I was playing.

No real cure for it, but I think the time I took off from playing anything at all gave me a fresher approach to playing when I picked it up again.

Just my 2 cents.
 
  • Like
Reactions: moe.moe
#5
I've been in funks like that. From time to time life just gets very stressful and you just don't have the urge to play for a while. I used to be discouraged by this. But then, at a clinic, I heard Victor Wooten (Ooh! name drop!) say something that stuck with me. (Mind you this is paraphrased, probably badly) From time to time you have to put your bass down a go live; otherwise, what do you have to write about?

That made a lot of sense to me. It still does. Also getting away from your instrument for a little while can really help to change your perspective or pull you out of a rut in your playing, because we all want to be in the groove, not in a rut. Also, picking up other instruments has always helped me when I'm not feeling bass, like guitar, piano (which always helps bolster theory), mandolin etc.

Anyway, hope that helps. Cheers.
 
#7
I am getting back to music after not playing for over 20 years, its no different. Now I take lessons on the Piano(jazz theory etc. ) , electric guitar and some drum rudiment sessions to help my timing. After all of this , the bass guitar (don't need lessons) is in its right place. In your case, maybe starting the guitar or piano would help broaden your musical knowledge and you will re-charge your batteries. :cool:
 
#8
Keep writing. It's a gift that not everyone has and you should keep up on it.

Do you play any instruments other than bass? If so just leave the bass alone for a few and keep writing and drawing inspiration from those other instruments.

If you don't then maybe you could start learning six string guitar. I also play guitar and all of my songs start there.

I play bass in a band at church and as much as I love it I'm most happy when I'm writing and recording my own music.

We all get funks from time to time. It will pass.
 
#10
I do not enjoy playing by rote, i.e. I don't have a problem playing other people's music, I'm glad they wrote it, I just do not want to be tied to the sheet music.

Sound familiar?

Now jamming a bass line to their music is fun, taking their music and providing the bottom end playing it as close as I can get it and still have the freedom to do it my way - now that is fun. Love lead sheet - give me the format and let me compose THE bass line.

I'm not talking about jamming the melody, I'm talking about jamming the bass cleft. I do that with rhythm guitar as well as bass. Get the chords harmonizing with the melody and leaving the melody to others. With rhythm guitar the others can be my voice providing the melody and my guitar providing the harmony and rhythm. Have not been with bass long enough to sing and play out loud at the same time - yet.

Point of my post. Concentrate on the harmony and rhythm and leave the melody to others. See if that puts a new spin on it.

Good luck.
 
#14
fsf347 said:
Lately, iv been in a funk.

While i was playing in my last band, i could play bass alone for 2 hours a day, with no problem.

But, after we stopped playing together, i just dont have the want to practice anymore. Learning songs seems dull; i cant seem to think of any that even seem fun.

When i was in my band, writing my own music was very fun, and i could do it for hours. So i guess its made learning other peoples work seem dull?

I dont know, but i have barely picked up my bass since June. Has anyone else ever been a funk like this?
Click to expand...

I'm going through the same thing right now. Band broke up in June.
 
#15
Io believe that powering through a lull in motivation
and playing songs or exercises that currently "bore" you
is valuable skill /habit worth nurturing and developing.

Even the thing you most love won't feel awesome all the time,
but you can push yourself to at least try to be awesome at it every time you give it a go.

And taking a stab at something you can't yet execute should never be boring.
 
#17
Honestly, I can't relate. I don't want to play, I HAVE TOO. I am addicted to the point that even on nights off from gigging I find a blues jam, or funk jam, or some kind of jam that allows me to connect with others musically. I play out in some form 6 or 7 nights a week. No one else can motivate you; that comes purely from within. It sounds like finding a new band to call home will provide the best chance for you too rekindle the flame. Best wishes!
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back