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New player too old?

#42
it's all in the mind... objectively, you're not too old, whatever age you are, you're never too old

but if you think you're too old, or if you feel you have to canvas other people's opinions on whether you're too old, I wonder how bursting to play you really are... you have to have an almost pathological obsession to play and wondering whether you're too old shouldn't even cross your mind... it has to be something you absolutely have to do regardless of all other considerations

I got told off by someone (can't remember who) here for telling a person to give up playing bass recently, but the way I see it is that if you're not into it enough, you're really better off finding something else you're madly & passionately into, and do that instead

but you are NOT too old... don't ever even think of thinking those kinds of thoughts
 
#43
cowsgomoo said:
it's all in the mind... objectively, you're not too old, whatever age you are, you're never too old

but if you think you're too old, or if you feel you have to canvas other people's opinions on whether you're too old, I wonder how bursting to play you really are... you have to have an almost pathological obsession to play and wondering whether you're too old shouldn't even cross your mind... it has to be something you absolutely have to do regardless of all other considerations

I got told off by someone (can't remember who) here for telling a person to give up playing bass recently, but the way I see it is that if you're not into it enough, you're really better off finding something else you're madly & passionately into, and do that instead

but you are NOT too old... don't ever even think of thinking those kinds of thoughts
Click to expand...




And now you are going to get told off again :D



Have you not considered that all the OP might need is a little
ENCOURAGEMENT from other "mature" players ? :bassist:
 
#45
Maiden_fan said:
Hello all I have been farting with the bass for a bit and have come to the conclusion that I am too damn old to learn this lol.. I really love trying to play but I am not sure if i should take lessons or theory or both. I am not looking to be a superstar I just want to jam with my friends that play drums and guitar and not sound like I am killing an elephant with a cold. Any ideas on what I should take or consider trying?
Click to expand...
never to old. get a copy of bass guitar for dummies. i had been playing for ten years before i got this book and it helped me figure out some of the things that i had problems grasping. it gives you scales to practice, and a cd to play along with so you know that you are playing it right. plus it gives you different little lines to jam on so you can see how different style of music applies. it is really good. it will have everything you need, and won't cost you $30 per half hour.
 
#46
Maiden_fan said:
Hello all I have been farting with the bass for a bit and have come to the conclusion that I am too damn old to learn this lol.. I really love trying to play but I am not sure if i should take lessons or theory or both. I am not looking to be a superstar I just want to jam with my friends that play drums and guitar and not sound like I am killing an elephant with a cold. Any ideas on what I should take or consider trying?
Click to expand...

Started playing bass at 43 and am 46 now - played guitar a bit when I was a kid.

Three things that really got me practicing and playing were

1 - Taking lessons - nothing like paying for your lessons to make you want to practice. I definitely practiced more than when I was taking guitar lessons that my parents paid for.

2 - Play with others - again as a motivator, you don't want to be the one holding back the group.

3 - Schedule a show - this is the ultimate motivator for me. With me, my teacher does something he calls Blues Club, he rents out a club, you invite your friends and family and then you sit in with him (he is a pro guitarist but can play keys and bass), his drummer and bassist (if you are a guitar player - his bassist likes it when I sign up - full pay, one less set). I really got hooked when my friend who is a guitarist asked me if I wanted to 1 song (Rock Me Baby) of his set. I never practiced a single bass line as much as I did that one. :D I signed up for a full set a few months later and enlisted my friend on guitar and another friend who is a singer. I found a drummer and sax at my work and before you knew it, we had a band :hyper: . Since you already have the guitarist and drummer, you are way ahead of the game. Just schedule a show - we have played my guitarist's 40th birthday, my wife's graduation, my sax's neighborhood block party - invite your friends and play.
 
#47
40?
Why you young whipper-snapper!!

Seriously, you're NEVER too old.
Wait until you're over 50 and have a Tuesday night gig with work the next morning. The FUN FACTOR makes it all so easy.

If you feel like this while playing:
:hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :p :D :)
age matters not....
 
#48
So what, you're getting old, so am I. What else are you going to do if you don't play the bass. In 5 years you'll be 45 regradless of what you do and you'll be asking yourself, "Why didn't I start playing the bass 5 years ago"..With a good teacher, alot of practice, and dedication, and all of the info. available online these days , you could be a really good bassist in 2 years.(according to Jeff Berlin)
 

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