Not motivated to practice.

Put on your creative hat & write some music. Learn more songs. Practice your chops. Etc.

 

Nothing wrong there, just a phase. Sometimes I can't put my bass down and other times I can, on that note when you pick it back up after having some down time you feel inspired and creative. Going over the same material can become mundane sometimes, When I get that way I play something else and try new things and listen to other styles and players always motivates me.

 

Since this band isn't going to keep you busy, you might either look for an additional project to join or else start one yourself. (You could stand to meet some more singers, no?)

 

One thing you can do is to make a list of things that you want to do and work on your list. Once you write it down, it puts it on you to finish the list and keep adding new things to the list.

For example:

1. Learn 1 new song per week (put a deadline on it) (lyrics, melody, chords changes, bass line) and document each song.

2. Go out and listen to 1 new band each week.

3. Get a side project going. Set a rehearsal date.

4. Write a tune for the side project. Set a deadline.

4. Take up another instrument (piano?) and learn some music theory.

I'm sure there's many other ideas TB'rs can come up with.

Or maybe you just need a break from playing. Take a couple of weeks off. Don't worry about not playing. Go do some fun stuff and see how it goes in a few weeks.

 

You know since I started playing in a band my theory has really suffered. Maybe you should practice that for a little while.

 

happens often to me , every few weeks, but here its more so because of the gear i have. it like to play through the bridge pickup soloed but its so noisey that way in my room however at the jam pad it is not so the problem is with my house's electricity anyway
but whatever i have played a lot of better basses you know they just feel a lot more solid

 

Nothing wrong with you. The fix:

a.) Join another band. It's not a crime to play in two at the same time.
b.) Jam with other folks for the fun of it.
c.) Check out some new artists on youtube/iTunes/etc...
d.) You must have a band you really like. Start a tribute band to do those songs.
e.) If you had an original idea to two, buy yourself a recorder and try to make some songs out of them.
f.) Don't think of practice as "practice" think of it as playing, or "at least I'm doing music right now than laundry, soul-sucking job, etc, etc, etc..."

Don't let someone else or another situation hold such sway over your music that without them you are nothing or inconsequential.

Best to you.

 

I mean this in the most positive of ways: if you can find a multi-track recorder and have access to the internet, you could potentially be inspired in the most remote, back-woods locations in Montana as you could in the smack-dab middle of Manhattan. Perhaps moreso.

Don't rely on other people to determine for YOU whether YOU are a musician or not, and the quality of musician that you are or can be!!!

Best to you.

 

I checked up on that thread now and then while you were going through all that and judging from all the 'drama' involved there, it sounds like you expended a lot of energy.

You deserve a break.
Decompress for a bit. At the very least just pick up your bass every day for 15min even if it's just noodling.

I don't have a gig right now. I'm a single parent and barely have time to eat, let alone practice. I don't have ANYTHING musically oriented to practice for or look forward to even if I did have the time, but I try to play little every day just to keep myself moving forward even if it's in small steps. I actually feel like I'm getting behind if I don't at least do something on my bass for a little bit everyday (scales, noodling, play along, learn a song, tweak, etc).

 

right! i know its more to do with my home wiring-earthing, although i would really want to shield my bass better but the shielding mega thread doesnt explain some things and i am a little scared of taking off all the wiring and soldering it back again you know

 

Have you considered scoping out a few open-mic venues? I play in a group that works 2-3 times a month and that's what they're comfortable with. I choose to play more than that, but can't really split my schedule with another full project.

Rehearsing alone gets old fast, so I get out and sit in when I can. I've made some great contacts, found a couple of buddies I played with a decade ago and generally just enjoy going out and playing with zero pressure. It's good for the soul, keeps the chops up and really works the improv muscles!!

 

Great advice, i was going to suggest something to the OP but i ended up finding some advice for me too...

TB is the best musician forum around (heck! even gui****s and drummers think so).