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Limited time - what to practice?

Discussion in 'General Instruction [BG]' started by Groovin1122, Jul 24, 2021.

  1. Jul 24, 2021 #1
    Groovin1122

    Groovin1122

    Apr 16, 2020
    If I had 20-30 minutes a day to practice what should I turn to?

    Resources I own: All of Jeff Berlins Online Lessons, Talkingbass Sight reading, Chord Tones, Walking Bass, Janek Gwizdala 251 book. Berklee Music Jazz Book + A Few Youtube Channels I love - Dan Hawkins major shout out!!

    Open to other suggestions?

    Background/goals: I've been playing for over a year. I have pretty decent fretboard knowledge and was a decent reader (before my son was born 4 months ago) My goals committing to something that I don't have to think "what should I practice now?" and progress. I don't need to be the next Janek Gwizdala, but I do LOVE how expressive he is with his bass..like he is talking with it. I also really want to grow better with creating bass lines and walking. I know a good amount of theory, but I know more in my head than it under my fingers if that makes sense. I'm just looking for something to stick to until I have more time to be more exploratory when I have more time.
     
  2. Jul 24, 2021 #2
    mambo4

    mambo4

    Jun 9, 2006
    Dallas
    I was going to post a suggested proportion of fundamentals, reading and repertoire but then I realized you can roll everything else into repertoire if you pick appropriate songs and learn them from notation.
     
  3. Jul 25, 2021 #3
    Malcolm35

    Malcolm35 Supporting Member

    Aug 7, 2018
    Baytown, Texas is now home.
    Time for some sheet music books. Which ones? The ones that have the music you would like to play, in a lead sheet format, treble clef, active chords and lyrics. From 50 to 80 songs for $20. Amazon will have what you want.

    I'm still working on Autumn leaves. I use the same lead sheet for my bass and or keyboard. IMO Autumn leaves, done correctly, can keep us/me busy for a long time.

    Happy trails.
     
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2021
  4. Jul 25, 2021 #4
    BassChuck

    BassChuck Supporting Member

    Nov 15, 2005
    Cincinnati
    What did you have trouble with the last time you played? Where do you want to go with your bass playing?
    Get some specific goals. Just getting better for the sake of getting better is OK, but takes a lot more discipline.
    Find some musicians to make music with, and get ready to be a valued part of that music.
     
  5. Jul 25, 2021 #5
    bass12

    bass12 Have You Met Grace Jones? Supporting Member

    Jun 8, 2008
    Montreal, Canada
    Pick some standards and learn the changes and the melody. Practice walking, comping and soloing using iReal Pro. Also, transpose some jazz solos and play them using iReal Pro.