people who are self taught

[pocket_groover]

We had ukulele lessons in 7th grade and I also learned to play tenor sax in the band along with reading music. From there on, I learned guitar (lead and chords) from listening to surf music/Beatles and early rock/R&B. Just kept wearing the records out until I learned everything. Lot easier these days with phrase samplers. I then started playing bass parts and stuck to it from there. We had gigs all the way from junior high thru high school.

After all this time I can pretty much pick up the chords and progressions just by listening. Most bass lines I can imagine in my head from listening except for the ones that go by real fast.

More recently, I've taken lessons and learned jazz chords and walking from books. Still have a hard time soloing.

Still learning a lot!

 

[morf]

When I started playing ('84) there were maybe 2 songs tabbed in 'Guitar for the Practicing Musician' and nothing else. I would learn those if they were any good at all, and aside from that I just learned songs by ear. Back then I would be given a tape of songs to learn for an audition and it would be a two week process for me to learn them. Thank god for the internet.

I feel that. Don't know where I would be without the inet, but certainly not where I am now yet.

 

[TL5]

Late 70's, I got my first bass and one lesson from the previous owner. The lesson was basically this a "C". Play this along with note over it for a 'country pattern' for a C chord.

Later, I bought the Mel Bay bassmethod and the sheet music for the Fleetwood Mac album Rumours. I would look at the note in the sheet music and compare it to the note ona fingering chart in the Mel Bay book. First song learned: Dreams.

I later joined a country band, where I would learn on the fly watching the rhythm guiatrist and get tips from the lead player (as to key and chords). I would also learn songs from the record/tape.
The internet is a wonderful resource, however I think you learn more, faster, by getting with other players and actually participating. Never turn down an opportunity to play with those who are better than you. You'll learn and grow as you simply try to keep up. I've been fortunate to be able to play with many great players. Some who are (or have been) touring with 'household name' acts.
The best players will always encourage you to get better.

 

[bassbully43]

I started by tab and quickly learned that was no way to go . So i got a few books and it helped but getting in a band really opened my eyes. Learning the fretboard and knowing the root notes allowed me to play the core songs and then i could add fills and play notes in the chords. I also went back to my CD s jamming to them thru a Tascam bass trainer which is a great for self taughter...you hear so much more thru head phones and can play right along to the band and be the bassist...really helped my improv skills. but all in all your ears and lots of practice transcribing tunes and knowing the fretboard so you can write out songs by the roots and know where to go on the fretboard when changes are called out are key after that the bass become fun and the doors open up to you becoming a better player.

 

[tkozal]

I was a college Music Major, Composition, when the guys in the best band on campus needed a bass player. I had a few guitar lessons when I was like 12. I had all the theory ready to go, it was just a matter of getting the fingers going.

So I went one finger per fret, but now that I am playing a UEB, and looking to get a real DB, I am a little regretful.

 

[pj-mike]

I started by listening to records and trying to learn the songs. I played with other young aspiring musicians who were doing the same thing. After a while people didn't run away when we played. After a while longer people would come to here us play.

 

[KeithBMI]

I recieved a bass and a video and learned the basics, then I just kinda wanked around until I found some stuff that didn't sound bad.

 

[ImaStupidBaby]

Jam with as many people as possible. Thats all I did. Jam, jam, jam.

 

[de la mocha]

It was a loooooooong up hill climb! First, I played by ear and got tabs of the internet. Then I picked up a few DVD's. Next, I watched live bass players and took a few lessons here and there. Then one day, it all just clicked and It all came together.

Now I can slap, groove, and solo. But my style is kind of bluesey. No matter how hard I try to break away, I guess the blues is just in me! I like the blues, reggea, ska, punk and classic rock.

 

[Chopsrr]

I'm really glad I found and read this entire thread. There's lots of good ideas here, and now I don't feel so bad playing along to CD after CD on my stereo. Seems like I'm on the right track.

And emblymouse, I might just have to end up putting you on my "Inspiration" list.

 

[emblymouse]

I'm really glad I found and read this entire thread. There's lots of good ideas here, and now I don't feel so bad playing along to CD after CD on my stereo. Seems like I'm on the right track.

And emblymouse, I might just have to end up putting you on my "Inspiration" list.

I am honored sir. Wish we could sit down and let it rip. If I can assist in any way let me know.

 

[ras1983]

comparing theory with being self taught doesn't make sense, because they are completely different things. you can teach yourself theory from books, internet, whatever.

it all depends on what you want to be. do you see yourself as a jazz musician sight reading from chord charts and improvising on the fly? it will be a lot more efficient if someone teaches you how.

think of all the bass greats in the jazz world, and nearly every single one of them has been taught somewhere along the line.

but for other genres, it may not be necessary to get lessons. self teaching might be sufficient.
billy sheehan taught himself, didn't bother learning any theory, but was able to understand what modes are. as a result, he is quite a good bass player and can probably jam with the best of them(and he DOESN'T shred all the time - i was surprised when i found out he can groove very well too!!! ).

to be honest, it all comes down to one question:

do you want to improve sooner rather than later? then a good teacher will come in handy. you will learn more in 6 months with a good teach, than you will learn in 2 years on your own.

and i'm talking from experience.

 

[CrazyArcher]

I'm playing bass for 2 years, played spanish guitar for half a year or so before that, haven't taken a single lesson for either instrument. At first, I needed some technique, so I started off from learning songs. Leeched some theory from the net, having reached as far as scales and chords. Right now, I'm mainly looking forward to improving my playing physically (speed and endurance). Anyway, here comes the dead-end: my ear and time feeling have got me this far, and I gotta take some lessons to advance further. Well, it's not something I can do right now, but I will as soon as I'll have the possibility.

 

[mkettner]

I played my first two years, by just learning what I could off the internet and quick lessons from friends. Once I got into real leasons with someone that was working on their music Phd, it made a real difference. I had so many bad habbits it was terrible to correct all the things I had done for so long. I highly reccomend lessons.

 

[Uprightboy]

I learned a good bit from my Dad, who was a self taught Pro. I think its good to get as far as you can by yourself, then ask for help. After I'd been playing awhile, I learned theory from a private music school in Memphis and the World of music opened up to me. I don't believe I would have a firm understanding of theory learning it by myself. Playing with other musicians, Seeing bands, Videos, books, playing along to CDs... all are important. I think learning music theory made the greatest impact on my playing, though.
_Burney Warren

 

[Chopsrr]

I am honored sir. Wish we could sit down and let it rip. If I can assist in any way let me know.

As am I. At this stage of the game though, you wouldn't want to sit down and "let it rip" with me right now as I'm just starting out as of last Tuesday! LOL But yes, I would have a blasts regardless.

And thanks for the generous offer. I'm sure I'll have some questions for you. Again, thanks!

 

[Albot]

Jam with as many people as possible. Thats all I did. Jam, jam, jam.

+1!
Forget those tabs anyways, you will train your ears a lot better by listening to the song and matching the notes. This also allows you to develop your own creative freedom. Most times you cant hear exactly every bass note, so play what you hear there. Really listen and be in key. As far as reading music, books and videos are great tools.

 

[lurksalot]

I started playing when I was at school , a neighbour sold me a guitar which only had 4 strings !!! I soon learnt it was a ( hohner violin) bass , simple really, I learnt the tuning of the strings and all the songs ( and hymns) had root chhords laid out in the music score . I put it down for 20 years and have just started to realise the potential of a bit of passion and practice . I play in a REAL band now and gig once a month . I learn the songs by ear, but, I've learnt a bit of theory which helps to follow and find some of the lines I use.
I will get better and more technically competent because ....... I practice .

 

[markjazzbassist]

this is the way i taught myself. first i got a beginner book on how to play. then i just bought a bunch of records and cd's and jammed along to them learn basslines and licks. then i found people to jam with and learned how to jam with other people.

 

[Kronos]

I am the poster boy for self taught bassists. 30 yrs a pro, never had a lesson. I learned by playing along with recordings and later, internal music I could 'hear'.
If you can hear it in your head you can eventually play it if you have the fortitude to master the physical aspects. You've got to have something to say before you choose your words, eh?
I've always played totally by ear. I have a very clear and specific sound in my head and I make my hands do what it takes to 'match up' to the sounds. This is a very simplistic explanation of a complex chain of events occurring in my brain and nervous system.
It is intuitive by nature, and I am a natural improviser. Actually, everything I do is improvisation! There is more than one way to be a musician and each path has it's strong suit. I'm certain I would benefit from learning theory, but I'm equally certain that theory alone is empty, like paint by numbers. IMHO.

I've done the same thing. I've been a bassist for 15 years, and I haven't had a lesson. I'm slowly trying to teach myself theory.