Those off-instrument hand strengtheners are useless. I have the red and blue gripmasters -- wastes of money, other than sheer novelty value.
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Learn music theory when just starting off?
- Thread starter MeTHoD-X
- Start date
I hear ya. If used primarily for the pinkie it is a head start to building the strength of that particular digit.
Kevjmyers said:
I think if you did a search on that type of excercize "helper" you'll find alot of advice against them. You'll probably do more damage than good. And what good would a "head start" do you, if you've got tendonitis in your pinky? Or, best case scenario, you'll have a very strong grip on your pinky... But that won't help you play bass any better.
When you're playing with other people, knowing some basic theory can help you communicate with them. It makes things much easier for everyone if you have a common language with which to talk about ideas, parts, whatever.
MeTHoD-X said:
well, since your music goes out of your head, into your fingers and through your bass, out of your speakers and into people's ears, it's not strictly necessary to know traditional music theory to play some great bass!
BUT, it's like having a map.. you can get to some interesting places driving around not knowing where you're going, but if you have a map... it might lose you 'the excitement of the unknown adventure', but you can now go to places you didn't imagine were even there...
I think learning theory is very important.
How do you feel about the influx of Spanish immigrants that do not speak English? You are that immigrant in a band where the others are speaking to each other in English.
Staying ignorant never leads to success. If you wish to assimulate into a community, you have to learn their customs and language. You desire to join the music community.
How do you feel about the influx of Spanish immigrants that do not speak English? You are that immigrant in a band where the others are speaking to each other in English.
Staying ignorant never leads to success. If you wish to assimulate into a community, you have to learn their customs and language. You desire to join the music community.
Music theory is absolutely essential! Just like anything else in life, if its worth accomplishing, it's gonna "suck" for awhile. Theory and analysis are no exception. Once you learn the fundamental aspects of theory the rest really is a downhill coast from there.
Just like learning to read (music or english!), the first stage of development is arduous and repetitive. Once that stage passes and it becomes second nature before you even realize it. Ear training as well (which I admit for me "sucks") but with each day I attain more aural awareness.
If your truly passionate about playing bass well and more importantly being the bassist YOU want to be, you'll realize you'll want to express yourself to the utmost degree and you'll dive into theory with ferocity.
Just like learning to read (music or english!), the first stage of development is arduous and repetitive. Once that stage passes and it becomes second nature before you even realize it. Ear training as well (which I admit for me "sucks") but with each day I attain more aural awareness.
If your truly passionate about playing bass well and more importantly being the bassist YOU want to be, you'll realize you'll want to express yourself to the utmost degree and you'll dive into theory with ferocity.
