/ Register

Practice advice.....

Discussion in 'Technique [BG]' started by Joe Nerve, Sep 14, 2001.

  1. Sep 14, 2001 #1
    Joe Nerve

    Joe Nerve Supporting Member

    Oct 7, 2000
    New York City
    Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
    Just want to share some experience in hopes that it will be helpful or inspiring to someone.

    I'm learning songs for a new band that are (right now) out of my league. I was told I could simplify the bass parts, but I don't want to. There are riffs in the music that are impossible for me to play.

    I'm motivated and determined and learning a lot. I have been working on parts and finding out how valuable patience is. I was just working on a one measure riff, playing it over and over, slowly, for about 50 minutes. An hour ago I couldn't play it at all. Now I can play it as if I wrote it.

    There seems to be an amazing thing the body does in remembering things. Once I get past the notes, and play something long enough, my fingers remember it, and they kinda go on automatic pilot. After a certain point, something sort of clicks, and really fast impossible things all of a sudden feel like something I've been playing for years. I had the same experience learning to slap.

    Just felt like blabbering cuz I'm happy about this.
     
  2. Sep 14, 2001 #2
    FLEABITE

    FLEABITE Guest

    Apr 13, 2001
    Kent, England.
    I have the same kind of experiences, but I think it's due to my fingers getting warmed up.

    When I sit down and practice, at first I find my playing is worse than the last time I played, then after about 30 mins I begin to warm up and by 1-2 hours I find I'm playing things in my sleep, so to speek.
    For me, each time I pick up my bass I feel like I'm learning again from scratch. If I don't play for a few days I find my playing is sloppy. But each time I do play I find I start off a little better than last time.
     
  3. Sep 14, 2001 #3
    Oysterman

    Oysterman Guest

    Mar 30, 2000
    Sweden
    It's kind of the whole idea with technique practice: you do it over and over again until it's a reflex movement.

    I have the same experiences, that more often than not, there's a long period when you can't do it at all, and then suddenly you know it. Like flicking a switch or something. It's always a joy when something first seemingly impossible is nailed down.

    Hope everything goes well with your new band! :)
     
  4. Sep 16, 2001 #4
    Ziggy

    Ziggy Guest

    May 9, 2001
    Orange County, CA
    I would have to agree with the few responses... some 'warming up' is required. Even you're playing you have down flat, it's always a good idea to warm up the fingers first.

    I've found, when learning new basslines, music or licks, it is as you mentioned. Take your time and be patient. The notes are there and someone's played them, so why can't you? And, at some point, especially when you're reading music lines, there comes a time when your brain tells the fingers what to do, and reading the music is almost more of a reference.

    michael