No theory?

Never had a lesson in my life but I can play what I hear. I've been playin by ear for 10 years now. I own over 300 jazz cds and listen to them religously. I don't know what a time sig is, yet I can play in 13/8, 9/8, 3/4, etc... fractions make no sense to me... don't know what a note is.

my question is, what happens if i start to learn theory now after all this time. A lot of people (including teachers and pro bassists who have heard me play) tell me to stick with my ears. If I begin to learn by the books it could hinder my creative mind and ability to play as a bassist. What ya think?

Jazz music is very book oriented it seems but i can play it. but being a musician is a never ending learning experience...

 

Well I've played with acomplished jazz musicians in my area and they are amazed at the way I can play by ear. They always ask me, "Were you brought up in Harlem in the 40's?" One jazz drummer said that exactly, "How the hell do you improv over line changes to a song you've never heard, not knowing what you're reading?" I actually do LOOK AT the sheet music, no idea what it means but I can I guess understand what's going to happen soon....I don't know, maybe I'm an idiot.
I do not know what I'm doing but I'm adapting myself to the song. A lot of the jazz cats tell me I am in reality playing scales and arpegios and I don't even know it.

I'd like to learn theory but I have little time because of the job I am in. There is one professor that teaches jazz improv. at the University here that told me to stick to what I'm doing. Its a good idea to have theory background but he says the way I play now I should just stick to what I'm doing. He tells me I just have a love for music and I "get it".

I might consider lessons to put the whole picture together but we'll see if time lets me. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I'm some kind of virtuoso (far from it) or whatever, its just that music has always come to me by the ears. I love music, like you guys. Got to keep practicing!

 

I think its from listening to thousands of jazz, rock, death metal, fusion, alterno, etc... cds It must be the passion of music. I listen all the time. I always hum parts in my head and when I get my bass I transpose the humming onto the fret board. A lot of it is just screwing around on the bass. Things just come out. As for playing with a band I just listen and start to improvise. I know a lot of the times I like to watch videos. I like to see how other bass players play. Its all very interesting. I pay attention to the smallest detail in a video. So maybe I learn from visuals also.

I don' t think there is any rhyme or reason behind what I do. I think anyone that has determination will "get it". I just love music. But I mean its not easy. I practice a lot and get frustrated a lot. But I just keep goin. I'm by no means a master at the bass. I wish I was but I'm not.

I would like to learn theory but am afraid i'll be lazy and drop it. I don't know, I don't have much time as is to take lessons. We'll see. I'm sure you guys are better at the bass than me. I wish I could study the way you guys play!!!!!

 

I would if I could but I don't have that option to post mp3's.

Maybe people are getting confused. I don't play "swing" or straight ahead jazz. Its fusion. A mixture of rock, jazz, alterno, metal. Don't think I'm some kind of bass gifted player because I'm not! I just like playing bass by ear.

I originally started out playing in a death metal band back in 1993. Then I was turned onto jazz and fusion in 1994, I remember the first "Fusion" cd I bought. The bass player is Jimmy Johnson. He is the person that got me into jazz if you will. From 1995-today I've been an advid jazz listener/player. I dig "traditional" jazz but that is not my forte. I can't play no walking bass line (some I can yes but) with a swing band or a big band. The players I play with are from the music school here. They play everything from jazz to rock to pop.

I mean I learn something from everyone. But I only know how to play by ear only. Its been like that since 1991. I mean I learn things from your posts everyday with suggestions, comments, tips, etc... so I thank u all for that.

I mean there must be others out there that play by ear only and are good. Granted from the few gigs I've played thus far the bass players in these nu-metal bands are pretty damn boring to my ears. And I talked to one of them who "assumed" I studied music, he takes lessons and couldn't really play nothing but the root notes of each guitar chord.

 

oh trust me, i've met A LOT of "music" students who love to show off and make me mess up, its annoying. i hate to say this but don't you think people that attend HARTT or Berkley are kind of lets say, POMPOUS? its just music, they should calm down and have fun..... that was one of the reasons why i didn't take lessons or take courses in music, its so competitive. Oh well....

 

That’s exactly right, play what feels and sounds good. I mean I am no Jimmy Johnson, Michael Mannering, etc... etc..but I did someway somehow learn through the ears from them. I will admit back in high school when I first picked up the bass I didn’t want to take lessons because I was lazy. I saw what I had to do and said, “NO WAY, I want to play NOW!” So who knows, maybe I should have taken lessons back then, I’d be a better player today!

 

i wouldn't consider the music I play is a-tonal. But yes you are correct, I've been frustrated many of times trying to play with the "real" jazz cats as they are called.

University's sometimes look down upon "fusion" artisits such as Jimmy Johnson, Alan Holdsworth, Al Di Meola, etc... I do not know why? Music is music.