Please Help Make Bass Fun Again For Me

[oldcatfish]

Hey TB,

A few months ago, I lost all motivation to play bass. I realized I wasn't going to join a band (have no desire to), and lost the desire to become a good bassist, and at the same time playing bass just stopped being fun.

I have since hung up the bass, logged off TB for a few months, and used my spare time playing video games.

While out for a walk today and talking to my wife, I realized I missed it - or rather, I missed using my spare time to do something productive (playing video games is very fun, but I don't accomplish anything).

However, when I got home, I looked at my bass, thought about playing it, but then I didn't know what to do that wouldn't bore me, and I went and played the video game again.

I'm sick of playing the same old songs I know, I don't feel like learning new songs (my memory has become very bad lately - too many things happening at work which seem to be clogging my mind and I can't seen to remember how to play the song again the next day), and if I'm not going to join a band or write my own songs, then I don't see the point in working on improving my improvisation, chord tone/scale knowledge, ear training, or improving my chops.

Based on what I typed above, this post seems completely useless, but if any of you have any ideas on things that I can do that could rejuvenate my enthusiasm, I would love to hear it, honestly.

I know the #1 answer will be to join a band, but I'm just not interested. I don't have the time, I don't have any spare money to pitch towards rehearsal spaces, gear rentals, and/or marketing, and I also hate band drama. I'm dealing with enough drama in my life right now, I don't need anymore of it.

Thanks guys.

I didn't read all of the responses, so forgive me if these suggestions have been mentioned.

First, since you like video games, try Rocksmith, if you haven't already. Though I am not much of a video gamer, I started using it with my students with great results. No learning involved, just plug in and play the notes on the screen. It sounds like it's up your alley.

Second, I don't have a lot of free time, and I have a very stressful job. I am also not very self motivated...if I don't have a reason to learn something, I generally won't put in the effort. For me, playing at churches gives me a reason to learn things that I normally wouldn't, play with others, and get to gig in a low stress way. I started off playing just once a month years ago, but love it so much that I play something (I play multiple instruments) almost every week. As mentioned by other posters, a jam/garage band would serve the same purpose, if you are really opposed to playing at a church.

Third, just try playing along to songs on the radio.If you don't have a good ear, it will get better. Don't worry about playing the exact bass line, just find something that works.

And lastly, you sound very stressed out and possibly a little depressed. So, try playing bass minimally right now, just to keep some chops up. Spend the extra time talking walks with your wife, or exercising. Tai Chi is a great stress relieving type of exercise that almost anyone can do. You can even do it without going to a class. Lots of instructional material available.

Good luck.

 

[Wooly John]

I like to play along with YouTube videos of live performances - the visual stimulation of watching the band keeps me engaged (like a video game?) - it's like having a virtual band - I play along with B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, Taj Mahal, The Allman Brothers - that's the music I enjoy listening to and playing - and its fun to find the same song by different artists, it opens up the song to play it in different styles, tempos, etc.

 

[fishdreams]

I've been there and know the feeling.

When the time came I decided to start from zero-sold all my gear, rebuilt my technique from the ground up and for the first time in my musical life really thought about what I wanted with the bass.

The solution for me was to reinvent the bass as a fully fledged musical instrument: if I have something to say, something to to express, I'll say it on bass. And I focused on playing music all by myself, with the aim of making it sound like music. I learned to listen to myself. It has kept me going since.

 

[SteveHeissner]

Hang in there, buddy. There's nothing wrong with taking a break from playing bass. Just don't sell your gear yet. Stress takes its toll. Once it's all behind you, you may get your groove back and want to resume playing. Life takes many turns, some of them quite unexpectedly. Who knows where you'll be a year or two from now. You could be back on top of the world. Good luck.

 

[andaloudog]

My suggestion?

Take more walks with your wife and find a new job. I realize it's not the question you asked. But it seems to be the source of both your deflation and your need to escape through video games.

Once you figure out how to reduce stress altogether, simply find some guys who want to jam in somebody'so garage. The drama usually comes with gigs. Jamming in a garage is fun and easy.

Sorry if I offended you. That was not my intent. Hope it all comes together for you.

Indeed these are thoughtful and positive suggestions. Do them always! If you're not so captivated with playing the instrument itself, I can offer up a couple of things.

First, try focusing on melodies of songs. Jaco suggested this as a way of finding a deeper understanding of a piece, but I also found it great fun. It also helps with understanding some alternate chord structures that could be all your own. I did this with Gaye's "What's Going On?" and it became a centerpiece of my solo sections. If death metal is your flavor, I don't know what to tell you there.

Also, grab a fake book. It helps if you read but if not, try just the chord symbols for songs that you know. Because of the bass' range, you'll need to bend the chords around to give the correct "picture" of the song's structure. For instance, I started with a Thelounius Monk fake book which opened up my knowledge of chord structures that you don't find every day.

Last, I took a gig in a band with people that I enjoy. I don't listen to soul/blues much at home, not my number one choice. However, I look forward to seeing them and it has become one of the highlights of my daily life. I've learned from it and am genuinely excited to practice, gig or record.

There's my experience, I wish you happiness and great fun. Wherever we go, we're in the brother/sisterhood. Eff yeah.

 

[primusfan1989]

Find that thing that made you pick up the instrument in the first place.

 

[Muttleybass]

If you're not into it, that's fine. You don't HAVE to play... You sound like you need to be challenged more. Take lessons. Work on knowing your theory. Learn to read. You can never know the neck well enough. Play jazz. Get a cheap drum machine.

Personally, I love to play with people. What might motivate you is to go to a few jams, get up and play without the commitment or drama.

 

[socialleper]

Hey TB,

A few months ago, I lost all motivation to play bass. I realized I wasn't going to join a band (have no desire to), and lost the desire to become a good bassist, and at the same time playing bass just stopped being fun.

I have since hung up the bass, logged off TB for a few months, and used my spare time playing video games.

While out for a walk today and talking to my wife, I realized I missed it - or rather, I missed using my spare time to do something productive (playing video games is very fun, but I don't accomplish anything).

However, when I got home, I looked at my bass, thought about playing it, but then I didn't know what to do that wouldn't bore me, and I went and played the video game again.

I'm sick of playing the same old songs I know, I don't feel like learning new songs (my memory has become very bad lately - too many things happening at work which seem to be clogging my mind and I can't seen to remember how to play the song again the next day), and if I'm not going to join a band or write my own songs, then I don't see the point in working on improving my improvisation, chord tone/scale knowledge, ear training, or improving my chops.

Based on what I typed above, this post seems completely useless, but if any of you have any ideas on things that I can do that could rejuvenate my enthusiasm, I would love to hear it, honestly.

I know the #1 answer will be to join a band, but I'm just not interested. I don't have the time, I don't have any spare money to pitch towards rehearsal spaces, gear rentals, and/or marketing, and I also hate band drama. I'm dealing with enough drama in my life right now, I don't need anymore of it.

Thanks guys.

You didn't really state what your routine was before you "lost interest." Were you playing in a band or playing by yourself? Had the grind of being a working musician just burnt you out?

What are your music listening habits like? My desire to play stems from my listening habits. When I was old enough to start discovering music for myself and started really listening to music, it made me want to be a musician. Do you actively peruse new or new-to-you music? Sometimes being in a playing rut is because you are in a listening rut.

 

[Jon_the_Cynic]

I suggest picking up the video game Rocksmith. It gave me motivation to learn both guitar and bass like no other solo method could. It has a huge variety of songs available to learn, and if you find video games fun, you will have a blast doing so!

 

[AudioDwebe]

If playing the bass and music is/was just a hobby, then maybe you're done with it for now. If you don't feel like playing the bass, then don't. Nothing wrong with that.

Maybe you'll go back to it, maybe not. No matter which direction your life takes you, the key is to enjoy playing. If not, what's the point?

I was an avid audiophile for close to 30 years. Then over the course of a few months I just lost interest in it. I am no longer even remotely close to being an audiophile. And I'm totally okay with it.

Good luck.

 

[ZenG]

There is "desire". Burning "desire" can translate into "will". And where there's a will there's a way.

If there is a burning desire in your mind to achieve something, accomplishing it is far less perceived work than if there is no desire.

I love playing bass...but I find it is a limited instrument for total singular personal expression.

I never use bass for songwriting. Musically bass and keys is a 50/50 split for me.

Bass has improved my music skills. But I'm glad I have keys ability.

I would not be happy just playing bass exclusively. I strongly recommend learning a second more complete singular instrument as well.....be it keys, guitar or even a uke.

Bass is not really a solo instrument and needs to be played with input from others at the same time.
This could be in the form of jam tracks, playing to recordings etc etc etc. if you're not in a band.
If you are tired of that then switch to another instrument that doesn't require
any input structure from other musicians.

 

[Pet Sounds]

Put a sock puppet over the headstock.

 

[bass12]

I too knew a bassoon player. She practiced diligently so that she was good *when she played with others*.

I frankly do not understand why anyone would avoid playing with others, even if you don't have an audience. Music is for sharing, not hoarding.

Music can be for any number of different things - including amusing yourself alone. Playing with others can be more trouble than it's worth in many instances.

 

[Jack Butler]

You know, people used to get together, sit on the back porch, smoke, drink, play music, sing, and swap tall tales.

Not such a bad way to enjoy yourself, build community, edumacate the youngsters and learn a few things.

If I look around my community, right now, there are several "picking parties" that happen on a regular basis, usually involving a potluck dinner. People bring their kids, their instruments, a song or two they've been working on, or some just show up to listen. There's no band drama, no need to contribute money for rehearsal space or recording time.

We've also gotten together with friends and neighbors on an even more informal basis for food and music.

Point is, you don't have to "join a band" in order to play music with others.

This sounds fun!

 

[two fingers]

I suggest picking up the video game Rocksmith. It gave me motivation to learn both guitar and bass like no other solo method could. It has a huge variety of songs available to learn, and if you find video games fun, you will have a blast doing so!

I'm not a gamer, but this is an excellent suggestion for someone who is.

 

[chaosMK]

I ended up replacing my gaming with painting (I have been into art alongside music for most of my life). For a few days when the utility was down I busted out the art supplies and enjoyed it. When I paint I never know what is going to happen. I've even started selling my stuff. It's been a good change and I probably get more sleep.

I love the jam on bass but I rarely play anymore. If I had a basement where I could really crank things I'd be jamming regularly. I guess I'm letting it rest a bit. Bass levels are low. I tend to pick up my 7-string guitar tuned to F# when I do get musical because it's way more of unexplored territory for me.

Good thing is my GAS has basically flatlined. I'm in the reverse... thinking of selling a thing or two.

 

[bass12]

OP, what kind of stuff are you into playing? Are you interested in just bass or in how music works (theory)? Any interest in jazz?

 

[obimark]

I still enjoy playing bass although I have no interest in band drama currently. I think I mainly do it as stress relief by keeping my hands busy. But at times I am bored and I just learn a new song or play video games as well.

 

[katysax]

I have a question for the OP. If you don't want to play in a band (or with other people) why play the bass? For me the whole point of playing bass is blending in a part of a whole. The joy is in the role of being a supporting player and providing the thread that holds the music together. Playing bass is an intensely social experience. If that role doesn't attract you, then maybe bass isn't for you. That's not a failing and there is nothing wrong with that.

The posters who have said to get off video games have a point. Also, if you are smoking pot, (or drinking) it really is a motivation killer.

 

[MojoPenguin]

Love gaming here. Actually I'd recommend trying to play some video games themes on Bass, as some people do on Youtube. Cheers

Hey they just released Skyrim remastered...