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Learning while working in front of a computer

C

Champion

Jan 18, 2011
36
1
#1
Is there any way that I can improve my skills while working in front of a computer? I am a software engineer in my mid 30s and learning the bass and wonder if I can improve my bass playing skill while working (without distracting). For example, would listening to the metronome help at all? How about listening to different beat patterns?

Thanks.
 
#5
I listen to music I need to learn..I have scale patterns and all kinds of other notes pasted up at my desk so they are in site all the time..Time permitting I can click on an online lesson or two. I have a bass in my office to help the mood along.
 
#6
Champion said:
Is there any way that I can improve my skills while working in front of a computer? I am a software engineer in my mid 30s and learning the bass and wonder if I can improve my bass playing skill while working (without distracting). For example, would listening to the metronome help at all? How about listening to different beat patterns?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

You need to spend serious time on the instrument if you want to improve your skills, just like you need to spend serious time to improve your software development skills.
 
#7
I understand that there is no substitution for practice and playing with the instrument. But with a limited amount time for practicing with the instrument, I really want to use the time to improve picking and fretting technique, learning new songs, music theory etc. If there are ways to train my ear, improve timing (even just a little) while doing other things in my life, that would be what I am after.

Listening to music is great, but mainly for learning new songs? Furthermore, I do find it distracting sometimes when listening music while working, which is why I am interested to see if other people have other ideas.

Thanks for your help.
 
#8
Listen to music, not just for learning songs, but to experience as many musicians and musical styles as you can. There are many skills that comprise a good musician. Building up a "library" of musical riffs and patterns in your head is a key ingredient in becoming a successful musician. You will become a better player, and if you listen enough, you will also build a basis for becoming a good improvisor as well. Have fun, and listen to the music attentively; pick out the different instruments you're hearing; listen for chord changes and other variations. Feel the pulse, analyze how the musicians are creating that pulse.
Most importantly, enjoy what you're listening to. :)
 
#9
Before I even attempt to learn a song, I would listen to it in a good pair of headphones, at least a couple dozen times. When I pick up my bass to finally play the song, it usually comes naturaly.

It's much easier to play something when you can sing or hum it correctly - you immediatelly notice when you're playing off key.
 
#12
I've worked on my ear and relate it to the fret board by thinking of a song, figuring out the intervals and then think of the geometric shape it would be on the fret board. I did the Andy Griffith theme song, went home and was able to play it first try. I should do more of this, but i do need to get some work done for the people that pay me. :hmm:
 
#13
" I should do more of this, but i do need to get some work done for the people that pay me."

Ha ha, yes, that is what I mean. There are things that I can do to improve but most of them will distract me. I guess there really is nothing I can do. Maybe listening to the music is already the best I can do.
 
#14
There's nothing you're going to pick up by osmosis. If you need to concentrate on something else, then you're not going to be able to concentrate on anything musical. The best thing you can work on if you can't have your instrument in your hands is ear training; if you have any commute time you can work on singing intervals, triads, 4 part chords. You can make a CD or file of intervals, triads, chords on a piano ro keyboard to work on identification and singing. You can have a recording of lines and solos at halftime to learn to sing those, once you have the instrument in your hands, you just play the notes you can sing.
Listening to a metronome click while you're doing something else is about the most useless thing you can do. Solidifying your timefeel is about awareness of how it FEELS when you are playing against a rhythmic constant. Not about trying to "memorize" a metronome setting.
But ALL of this demands your attention and concentration. If your job demands that too, then you aren't doing yourself any favors in either endeavor by trying to split your attention. Use your breaks, your lunch time, your commute, the ride up in the elevator, but put your self entirely into the exercise.
 
#15
Ed is right about this divided attention technique you are using and will not help you get to your goal..short periods of concentrated study of music ( yes, ear training..chordal theory..reading, etc) will be the things that will grow you as a bass playing musician....
 
#17
Hi, working office stiff here who happens to be going to school for computer software administration / programming. Everything listed here so far are things I've tried in the past... lately I just browse talkbass here and there, write down ideas and plans for playing and juggling my schedule, draw pedal board mock ups....

AND I have a Grip Master I try to use whenever work's completely dead. I highly recommend having one on your desk to play with whenever you're bored. Helps keep my finger dexterity and strength up.
 

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