Practicing without a Bass

[Fatalistic]

Due to new events in my life, such as finishing AP Chemistry with a 78 for the first nine weeks, I find myself finding more extreme definitions of the word "restricted", and now my Bass playing has been tossed out the window as one of the things my parents don't want me doing,
Well, screw that.
About a week ago, I decided I was sick of just oodling around on my Bass all the time (admittedly, I still do that a lot, but it's within some scales, now), and decided to learn all my scales, triads, and seventh chords on Bass.
Then I got a 78 in AP Chem.
So, with my schedule, the way it works out, my bass practice is left to either being snuck in at night or only on weekends, where I'm still busy with marching band stuff. I feel like I've improved a little bit that last week, And I WILL NOT fall back into what I was before! So, I'm in need of practice methods that do not require my bass to be in hand.
I've started finger drumming in the RMI pattern, and when I picked up my bass ten minutes ago for a little oodling and fretting hand strength building, my three finger picking was much faster, much more even and rhythmic, and much more controlled.

 

[Crazyeelboy]

You are better off focusing on getting your grades up so your parents won't object to your practicing with bass in hand.

 

[BassChuck]

You are better off focusing on getting your grades up so your parents won't object to your practicing with bass in hand.

This. You've got your whole life to play music, but only a short time to get educated. There's a time for everything. Quiet your mind and do your job.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Well, screw that.

If that is your attitude, you need a reality check. If you are taking chemistry you are on a college path, or are already there, C's are not going to cut it in today's competitive environment. Be thankful you have loving parents to guide you in times like this.

 

[21niko21]

When you get to the organic section have this book, use it, and get an 'A'. Then your parents may buy you a new bass. ;-)

Amazon.com: Organic Chemistry I As a Second Language: First Semester Topics (9781118010402): David R. Klein: Books

 

[dave64o]

I know you don't want to see ANOTHER post agreeing with the responses you've gotten so far but ...... I agree with the other posts you've gotten so far. You're in AP Chem, you've obviously got some smarts, so give them priority. Focus on your classes and keep your grades up so your parents have no reason to object to you practicing. If you can't do both, then have some perspective and just focus on your classes until you can add in bass to the mix.

 

[skidrawk]

I bought a cheap acoustic a few months ago and it really has come in handy for impromtu rehearsals and low volume practicing. I can pick it up any time, day and be ready to run through material, strum ideas, or if I just need to give the fingers a workout on some scales.

 

[DBCrocky]

Practice your finger technique on the seam of your blue jeans.

Learn theory by doing pencil and paper excercises and reading.

Work on ear training by singing intervals, or getting some ear training software. Or try to write out the tab of a song just by ear, and then find out how well you did when you have a bass.

Say your going to study at the library, but instead go you your buddies house who has a bass.

 

[rtslinger]

Your education comes first drive that grade up and the bass playing comes back into your life. Priorities need to be your education. Playing bass isn't going to pay the bills you will thank your parents for this someday. good luck

 

[throughthefire]

Playing bass isn't going to pay the bills

+1,000

Your job at the moment is to work at school. In return, your parents feed you and keep you alive.

Bass is a hobby. Put it on hold until you get your priorities sorted. There are more opportunities out there for Chemists than for Bass Players, and they tend to pay more.

If you can't handle the reality of it, drop out of school. Take your bass, and go and make a living with it. You should already know from this website that not a lot of people manage to do that.

 

[Stumbo]

About a week ago, I decided I was sick of just oodling around on my Bass all the time (admittedly, I still do that a lot, but it's within some scales, now), and decided to learn all my scales, triads, and seventh chords on Bass.

Doesn't sound like you were serious about bass playing before the AP exam.

Why get serious in the middle of your AP classes and the beginning of the school year? You had all summer(and all the summers before that) to get serious about bass playing. Why didn't you?

IMO, you're using bass playing as an escape from your studies. I've seen it before and done it myself. It's become an excuse for you not to study the appropriate amount of time to earn an A. Maybe lack of confidence, stress, resisting authority, fear of success..whatever.

You really need to take a look at yourself and get serious about your school work. That's a one shot deal. Bass playing can be a hobby for the rest of your life, not just right now.

I suggest you put all your gear away(in the garage/attic/etc.) and just do your school work. AP chemistry is college level so you've got to put in college level hours.

I used to go to class/study 15-18 hours a day(sometimes 21 hours) during the week and 15-18 hours a day during the weekends while I was in college.

Doing well in school lasts forever. Don't blow it because music has suddenly become "important" to you.

 

[JehuJava]

Bass playing is a nice mental break from studying.

Its way better than:
Drinking
Drugs
Video games
Internet surfing and forum posting!
Unprotected sex
Late night graffiti sessions
General malaise
Television


These posts make it sound like this kid should have no life other than studying. He said 78% in AP Chemistry. AP!! That's 2 steps higher than regular academics and 1 step higher than the honors program. Sounds like he's doing just fine in a college level chem class as a high school student.

 

[VitalSigns]

Bass playing is a nice mental break from studying.

Its way better than:
Drinking
Drugs
Video games
Internet surfing and forum posting!
Unprotected sex
Late night graffiti sessions
General malaise
Television

These posts make it sound like this kid should have no life other than studying. He said 78% in AP Chemistry. AP!! That's 2 steps higher than regular academics and 1 step higher than the honors program. Sounds like he's doing just fine in a college level chem class as a high school student.

Exactly.

 

[ninjai]

Bass playing is a nice mental break from studying.

Its way better than:
Drinking
Drugs
Video games
Internet surfing and forum posting!
Unprotected sex
Late night graffiti sessions
General malaise
Television


These posts make it sound like this kid should have no life other than studying. He said 78% in AP Chemistry. AP!! That's 2 steps higher than regular academics and 1 step higher than the honors program. Sounds like he's doing just fine in a college level chem class as a high school student.

+1

why not try putting in 10min for transcriptions/analysis? It works perfect when you need a (short) break from studying and/or a treat for finishing all your studies for the day.

 

[So Low Bass]

About your AP... don't panic! Your teacher might be pushing your class super hard; the real test will be the AP exam, and May 7th is a long ways off. A 4 in will outrank an 80 in the class. Your music can be a great tool to let you come up for air in the process. Learn how to use your time, and good luck.