need opinions and help... :-)

I have recently had the same problem. The thing that really got me out of it was to succumb to my GAS. I got a 5 string bass only months after getting a small practice amp... But before that, it took music that was very complex, but stuff that I could play to get me back into it.

I think you are now on the search to find a few songs that you want to learn how to play. The want just has to be there.

If not, lock it up for a few months until you want to get back into it. It happens to everyone I think.... Good Luck.

 

Try something else.

If you mostly do scales, arpeggios, etc, change it up. Anything to make it fun again. Just jam out. Try to make weird ambient sounds onthe bass. Who cares what it is. Just break the feeling that practicing sucks. Eventually, you'll want to get back to the regimented stuff. Continuing to play is better than not playing. And hating what your playing is worse than not playing.

Dooley

 

Find a band (even a garage band) with a bunch of guys you really like, and just have fun.

 

if you want to play again you will.
no one's losing anything if you don't play for a while, right?
Surely there's things you do enjoy, other than playing?

I personally tend to just brush up on stuff like scales ,arpeggios, pieces I don't want to forget, etc, when I don't really feel like it( which does not happen much tho and has not lasted for more than a day or two)

Band members might also be able to pull you out of it.

 

When this happens to me, I'm actually bored with music in general- I won't even listen to it, let alone play it. Sound familiar? I go and get some new music, maybe something I'm not even really in to, or maybe something from the past I'd forgotten about, and listen/learn it. That's how I get out of MY rut.

 

Happens to all artists occasionally,you are temporarily uninspired. Ive been playing bass 20+ years and dont like to force practice.....if Im not feeling it, then Im not feeling it. Another example, Ive been working on a painting for 2-3 months now, when realistically it should have been finished long ago, but again I cant force it, the mood (inspiration) has to be there or the work suffers. Have you been playing long? I feel beginners need to force practice for many reasons, but after a few years you can practice when the "mood" strikes without any detrimental effects. BUT, a sure fire way to combat this is to buy a new piece of equipment! A new bass, amp, pedal, anything to break the monotony. Good luck.

 

When I get stuck in a rut, I try to find a way to demonstrate success to myself. For example, I find an exercise or a song that I can't do/play very well. Then I work it until I can do it effortlessly. Then I look back on how far I came, and it's satisfying. Maybe it's a song, maybe a technique, whatever. Success leads to confidence, and confidence leads to enjoyment.

You also might find more response if this were posted in the General Instruction or Technique forums. A Mod may be able to do that for you.

If none of that works, go buy a new Ric.