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Online Bass Lessons - Scott's Bass Lessons?

Alexander1933

Alexander1933

Feb 18, 2023
7
10
#1
Hello all,

I extract most value from online learning, since paying by the hour for in person lessons is not my thing, I've found.

I'm wondering about the best online lessons. I've been interested in Scott's Bass Lessons, and I was wondering if anyone has used that service. Additionally, I'd be interested in learning if there were superior products elsewhere.

Apologies if this is not in the right location, but I figure technique and lessons go hand in hand (?)

Thank you.
 
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#2
I did a free trial of SBL, mainly because I wanted to see one specific course, and it was basically the only thing I saw interesting there (but I have been playing for a while so maybe that’s it).

Anyways, I got tired of getting emails everyday calling me a “groovehacker”, so I just downloaded the videos for the lessons I wanted and cancelled my trial/subscription.

I personally like the videos on the TalkingBass youtube channel a lot more, but I haven’t paid for any additional content.
 
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#6
It’s a good online site for beginners and intermediate players.
What you need to keep it in mind is that it’s not a site if you are seeking a degree in music and you have to keep your courses/training inline with your progress and what/how much info you need to get your playing out of the starting blocks.
I got lucky and joined some years back and was offered a lifetime membership for what amounted to a year subscription. So, I haven’t paid a cent in years and frequently sign in to touch up on things and to get great ideas from professional players, which has grown in number since COVID.
 
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#7
One of my issues with SBL is that there’s simply too much content, and too many distractions. I find Talkingbass much more concise and to-the-point. And they won’t abuse your email address the way that SBL will. For me the best approach with Talkingbass is to buy a course and then just focus on that course.
 
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#10
I signed up for a year and loved it, but I can easily see how it is not for everybody. The lessons are solid, the material is vast and I liked the overall style. I cancelled because I didn't have the time to stick with lessons constantly, and because I couldn't swallow paying a whole year up front. Scott, if you offered monthly payments, the idiot that is me would probably still be a member and by now would have paid much more than just that year!

But you'll need some time to figure out the different concepts of courses and lessons (player's path, pathways, accelerators and all the stuff that the site throws at you in between) and you'll need to prioritize, set goals for yourself and stick with them. The amount of emails is insane and cancellation is difficult on purpose (which I think is a d*** move, by the way, and totally contradicts Scott's otherwise buddy-like approach).

Try it out and see if it is for you.
 
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#13
I'd vote with Mark at TalkingBass. He really is good at simplifying, explaining, and getting you up and running with new stuff quickly and confidently.
And there's loads at scope too - from beginners through to complex theory lessons.
Go for the free stuff (there's loads), or pay for a course to "session" something you want to work on. Lots of choice.
And no, I'm not paid by him to sell his work! Just an enthusiastic user who has learned a lot from TalkingBass.
 
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#15
Alexander1933 said:
Hello all,

I extract most value from online learning, since paying by the hour for in person lessons is not my thing, I've found.

I'm wondering about the best online lessons. I've been interested in Scott's Bass Lessons, and I was wondering if anyone has used that service. Additionally, I'd be interested in learning if there were superior products elsewhere.

Apologies if this is not in the right location, but I figure technique and lessons go hand in hand (?)

Thank you.
Click to expand...
I used it for a year, and it helped me a lot with my reading. There are other things there that are useful, too. I only let it go because the cost ended up not fitting in with my budget.
 
#19
I'll echo what some others have said about SBL: The material is good, the platform is good, but the amount of spam is absolutely unbearable. Everytime he launches a special course (i.e not included with your subscription) with live interaction with the instructor (which is very often, BTW) you'll get an e-mail before the enrolment time window, several during, at least one near the end, then several others announcing that (oh lucky you) the window has been extended.

That's on top of the weekly e-mails you're always getting. At least one of those is going to be a link to a new YouTube video that's either an excuse to update you on his ever-growing bass collection, or a clickbaity "Top ten basses for metal" type video. The guy is a great player and instructor, but the noise is just never-ending. After a year I canceled: Now if there's something new I want to focus on I'd much rather buy a book than deal with this BS.
 
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#20
After starting with a one year subscription to SBL, I ended up taking advantage of an offer for a lifetime membership (think it was around $1000 at the time). I felt like there was enough existing content and a decent rate of growth in new content to justify the one time payment, knowing I could access the material any time I want going forward, until the site goes under.

One thing that has disappointed me is the addition of Premium content (requiring added payments) on top of the general subscription, some of which seems like it should be part of the “core curriculum” for anyone taking bass lessons. For example, the intro slap courses are good, but when a more comprehensive “slap accelerator” course came out, you had to pay extra to access it.

I’ve really liked the theory and reading courses, and I think the Players Path is done well, teaching these skills in a context of learning/performing individual pieces of music which get progressively more challenging as you level up. This also exposes you to a wide variety of musical styles (rock, funk, jazz, Latin grooves, pop, etc).

Think I’ve been able to cut out the spam pretty effectively by adjusting my email settings or unsubscribing from the junk along the way. Not an issue for me.

There are also some solid cross-promotional discounts… SBL membership can get you some decent deals through reputable bass/gear brands like Lull, Nordstrand, Fodera, Elrick, Trickfish, Barefaced, Gruvgear, etc.
 
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