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Re: Is my practice wrong?

Discussion in 'General Instruction [BG]' started by Tama, Jul 31, 2009.

  1. Jul 31, 2009 #1
    Tama

    Tama

    Nov 19, 2008
    Bugtussle
    I started practicing about a month or two ago.
    Since then, I only sit with the bass supported on my leg. No standing or strap use.

    I have been practicing song intros and basic walking, blues stuff etc.
    I have to actually look at my fretting hand to see what note to hit next. I don't think I can do my practice (with correct notes) without looking at where I am at.

    I know that eventually I will need to be able to hit any desired note without looking.

    Should I split up a groove I am practicing by doing it first by sight...then try it without looking? Maybe try it standing?

    The reason I ask is because I don't want to develop a bad habit or practice the wrong things or not enough things at once.

    Is it okay, as a rank beginner, to continue as I am and get comfortable first before trying the more difficult "playing without looking" ??

    Thanks in advance.

    Dave
     
  2. Jul 31, 2009 #2
    Chipsonfire

    Chipsonfire

    Jul 20, 2007
    Socorro, NM
    IMO, the sooner you start playing without looking, the better. It really is only a crutch, and will hold you back in the long run if you don't stop it early. I used to think I had to look at the keyboard to type, but I quickly and easily trained myself to not look other than to make sure I was in the right position. Again, this is just my opinion and YMMV.
     
  3. Jul 31, 2009 #3
    TheFrogPrince

    TheFrogPrince

    Jun 4, 2009
    The better your ears get, the less you will look. Keep working smart, not just hard. Work on the right things like sight-reading, music theory and so on. Use your time well. You will get better, don't worry. Also, get a strap and play some standing-up and sitting down.
     
  4. Jul 31, 2009 #4
    Tama

    Tama

    Nov 19, 2008
    Bugtussle
    Thanks for the advise.

    I took it & began to learn the fretboard without looking.

    I actually found that I could play a practice riff without looking.

    Long road ahead, but the ongoing good advise will be very helpful.

    Las personas aquí están útil.

    Thanks, Dave
     
  5. Jul 31, 2009 #5
    Mazatleco17

    Mazatleco17

    Mar 27, 2008
    Habla español? Yes, play standing up to, it makes a big difference.
     
  6. Jul 31, 2009 #6
    Tama

    Tama

    Nov 19, 2008
    Bugtussle
    Si, pero poco !!

    My wife was Mexican.
     
  7. Aug 1, 2009 #7
    Mr. Lovejoy

    Mr. Lovejoy

    Dec 31, 2007
    City of Angels, Hell on Earth
    Was Mexican?
     
  8. Aug 1, 2009 #8
    noahw1

    noahw1

    Jul 22, 2005
    Los Angeles, CA
    One thing to try and do is have your bass in the same position sitting as standing so that when you eventually play a gig or practice with some other people your technique isn't completely different. It's a little hard to do but something to think about. One way to do it is to let your bass hang between your legs and not sitting on your leg. It's best to practice how you will actually play. Todd JOhnson a contributor on TB gave me that advice when I was a student of his. I used to get really hunched over when i practiced and when I stood up it was a completely different experience.
     
  9. Aug 1, 2009 #9
    Tama

    Tama

    Nov 19, 2008
    Bugtussle
    No she isn't dead or had changed her nationality:eek:

    Our Son & I decided we wanted to live apart from her.;) wink, wink, nudge, nudge :)
    Dave
     
  10. Aug 1, 2009 #10
    Mr. Lovejoy

    Mr. Lovejoy

    Dec 31, 2007
    City of Angels, Hell on Earth
    Oh, you are separated/divorced.
     
  11. Aug 1, 2009 #11
    Mazatleco17

    Mazatleco17

    Mar 27, 2008
    Well so far your "poco espanol" ain't bad.
     
  12. Aug 1, 2009 #12
    Tama

    Tama

    Nov 19, 2008
    Bugtussle
    I do sometimes use a dictionary or translator only because I don't always know the exact spelling of the word I am trying to write.


    Like "pero" is pronounced "ped-o"

    When I lived in Texas, I had a friend who was a Mexican National. We taught each other words. English was confusing for him because of all the "exception" rules, synonyms & homonyms.

    I don't know if proper Spanish has as many adjectives as English or not.

    I do know that the Tex-Mex spoken here is lacking in descriptors.


    Dave
     
  13. Aug 1, 2009 #13
    longrange

    longrange

    Jun 14, 2009
    I started playing standing up quite late and it was a revelation. Look at photo's of James Jamerson playing standing up - works beautifully for me.

    Also, try practising in front of a large mirror. It was a tip from my tutor years ago - not sure why but it helps big time.

    Also, aim to play without 'wrong' notes meaning, play something as slow as you need to but just make sure you play the 'right' notes. Muscle memory is king...:)