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New Bassist-Bad Teacher-Help?

#3
Why not just let the teacher know you are having a hard time following the way he is teaching. Suggest that maybe it would be easier for you if he suggested a book to use. The key to learning bass with a teacher is communication. If you don't understand or are having trouble with something speak up. If he's a half-way decent teacher he will appreciate you letting him know.
 
#5
Well, in my opinion that's not the way to go about things; sounds kinda like someone who doesn't really know any theory - even basics - is trying to pass himself off as a teacher. I'd suggest finding a teacher who at least teaches some basic music theory or just do the self-instruction path. Even though knowing music theory won't make you automatically gawdly at an instrument, it -is- how one communicates music in words and at least a bare-bones grasp of it will go a long way.
 
#7
SchecterLover said:
Well, in my opinion that's not the way to go about things; sounds kinda like someone who doesn't really know any theory - even basics - is trying to pass himself off as a teacher. I'd suggest finding a teacher who at least teaches some basic music theory or just do the self-instruction path. Even though knowing music theory won't make you automatically gawdly at an instrument, it -is- how one communicates music in words and at least a bare-bones grasp of it will go a long way.
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+1 You need to find someone who can teach at least teach you basic theory and basic bass techniques.
 
#8
SchecterLover said:
Well, in my opinion that's not the way to go about things; sounds kinda like someone who doesn't really know any theory - even basics - is trying to pass himself off as a teacher.
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That's a possibility. But it also could be that he's new at teaching, or just not very good. Give him the benefit of the doubt. If he still insists on his method and won't listen to your suggestions, find someone else.
 
#9
Find someone else full stop....first thing I do with my students is set their bass up if they have no experience or have little, then posture, left hand arching/thumb behind the neck so you get your full finger length on the board, right hand anchoring/muting/alternate picking.........the tip of the iceberg, if your instructor hasn't touched on any of this, ask him what he thinks he's doing teaching anyone other than himself!
 
#10
First, I admire your ambition to learn formal music. Retain that goal and you will not be sorry.

A teacher unwilling to find a good method book and teach the fundamentals of formal music using standard notation is always suspect in my mind. I am a teacher with 20 students, and though I offer it as an option with my older students, I am prepared to teach formal music education to anyone who desires it, and it's required with my younger students.

Even older students can't get away without some fundamentals for very long. You don't need to pay someone for TAB, it's everywhere and usually free and there are plenty of books that tell you what fret to play.

Find a different teacher, pronto.
 
#11
Then learn the notes! Their are only 12 notes and they all repeat. Tab is a good beginning learning tool HOWEVER my 15 year old can only play tab (and well) and has no idea what notes he is playing - not good! I am slowly "re-teaching" him the corillating notes to the given tab. My biggest question: Why can't these "tab makers" put the actual note name next to the tab?? I'll teach you if you are in Upstate NY
 
#12
Yes a good teacher is key. I picked up bass 4 years ago and (with lessons) I still don't know how to read sheet music or the notes of the fretboard. I am really sorry I didn't learn earlier. Because once you get good learning by ear, or reading tabs, its hard and boring to go back and learn the basics, because you are used to playing harder stuff.
 
#13
DeanT said:
That's a possibility. But it also could be that he's new at teaching, or just not very good. Give him the benefit of the doubt. If he still insists on his method and won't listen to your suggestions, find someone else.
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I couldn't disagree more. I respectfully do so but my disagreement is absolute, lol. In my experience, NEVER give a private teacher the benefit of the doubt. You are paying, willingly, for them to provide you with a service and if they show inadequacy in any form while providing that service then drop 'em like a Moon rock on Jupiter. Giving them the benefit of the doubt will only serve to drain your wallet and delay you actually learning how to play the instrument correctly, and possibly lead you to learn how to play incorrectly which can lead to the arduous process of correcting yourself. It happened to me when I started playing trumpet (from one of those people that knows every instrument well enough to sound and play well but not quite well enough to instruct properly). Find a new teacher asap. Just tell the guy that you don't think that he's the right teacher for you.
 
#14
Kwesi said:
I couldn't disagree more. I respectfully do so but my disagreement is absolute, lol. In my experience, NEVER give a private teacher the benefit of the doubt. You are paying, willingly, for them to provide you with a service and if they show inadequacy in any form while providing that service then drop 'em like a Moon rock on Jupiter.
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A good point. But all I am saying is don't drop him without first finding out if he's just being lax, or he's unwilling to work with you. If he's willing to work with you and compromise then he can be a valuable asset. If he's not, cut your losses and move on.

And by the benefit of doubt I don't mean drag it out over months. At your next lesson tell him your concerns. If he's willing to accommodate you, great. If he's not, say goodbye.
 
#15
DeanT said:
A good point. But all I am saying is don't drop him without first finding out if he's just being lax, or he's unwilling to work with you. If he's willing to work with you and compromise then he can be a valuable asset. If he's not, cut your losses and move on.

And by the benefit of doubt I don't mean drag it out over months. At your next lesson tell him your concerns. If he's willing to accommodate you, great. If he's not, say goodbye.
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Ah, ok. That sounds fair. I've just had some bad experiences with teachers who have no idea what they're doing.
 
#16
I go back constantly for more lessons and the very first thing a new teacher should ask is where are you and your playing skills insufficient.

Then they test me a little and then we outline a course of training.

It's all about communication and being understood as to what your goals are.

If you are young enough - then it's a shame to not learn to read notation - and in my opinion, forget about TAB as it isn't really reading music but just following the dots.

If you've got some ear training - and know the licks, then it's tougher to follow now with reading notation - but it can be done.

Just don't go the easy way for you or the teacher.

Learning licks and stuff is fun - but music has so much more depth and beauty if you go at it full-bore and create that foundation by learning all you can. You will not wear out your brain.
 
#17
A teacher should start with basic things such as holding the instrument, hand technique (both left and right), notes of the bass and basic reading. It's not rocket science, though your teacher doesn't seem to be doing any of those things. I would ask him what exactly it is you're learning if you haven't learned those things. Try to compromise but don't wait for this teacher to come around. Is he reputable and have a lot of students, or is it the type of thing where he happens to play bass and it's more of a favour to teach you?
 

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