She-Ra's Shed

[adudenamedruby]

Wednesday's Log

Double Bass

• Long tones - 10
• DDB / Left Hand Technique / Section 1 Practice - 15

Electric Bass

• Ear Training - 20
  • maj2 vs maj3
    • Ascending - S1: 49/58 84%
      
    • descending - S1: 66/73 90%
      
    • harmonic - S1: 138/148 93%
      
    • mix of all three - S1: 77/86 90% (woohoo!)
• Rhythm clapping exercises - 15
  • I bought some cheap bongos from Steve's Music. Fun has been had.
  • Practicing along with a metronome but having it play for 2 bars, and then cut out for a 1/2/3 bars, to see if I'm maintaining time or just following along. Having difficulty with 3 bars, but I'd say I'm nailing 2 bars most of the time, and one bar almost 100% of the time.
• Major & minor natural, harmonic, melodic scales - 20
  • Practiced as 16th notes @ 40/60/80bpm (melodic/harmonic/major & aeolian respectively)
• Minor & diminished triads - 15
  
• Major 7 - first inversion - 30
  • Focused on naming each note in the chord as I took everything through the CoF
  • Also focused on knowing/visualizing where I am.
• Bach Cello Suite 2 - 40
• Walking bass practice - 30
  • Dominant approach to the target (Ed Friedland's Walking Bass)
• Song - 20
  • Ain't Too Proud to Beg

Notes:

• @juggahnaught Thanks for the tip, and it's a good one too! It's funny you mention it because I just watched an Aimee Nolte video where she talked about how, to learn a song well, she'll listen to it on repeat on her drive or wherever. I'm definitely going to take this and incorporate it into my daily routine, but I cycle to work so I definitely won't be doing that on my commute. But there's a lot of time during work where I'm coding and not really doing "active thinking" work where I do make a point of listening to more music. I can focus that time into one song and really listen to it and try to internalize it. I'll figure something out. haha. Thanks again!

158/10,000

 

[Flamingo21]

I bought some cheap bongos from Steve's Music.

We now expect an NBD.

 

[adudenamedruby]

Thursday's Log

Double Bass

• -

Electric Bass

• Ear Training - 20
  • asc/desc/harm: 132/150 88% (average answer time: 3.6s)
• Bach Cello Suite 2 - 40
• Walking bass practice - 30
  • Dominant approach to the target (Ed Friedland's Walking Bass)
• Songs
  • Ain't Too Proud to Beg
  • Contract on Love
  • Get Ready
  • My Guy

Notes:

• I've been going pretty hard these past few days and I'm a bit drained. Consequently, I took a step back and, while I did a few practice things so as not to really skip the meat and potatoes of what I'm doing, I just wanted to have some fun. So today I did a bunch of songs and danced and grooved to them because - while we can lose sight of it when we study an instrument in a focused manner - music is just oodles of body-shaking fun! And sometimes - all the time? - you just wanna enjoy that!
• @instrumentalist Do not tempt me! haha. I not planning on grabbing a new bass for a while, and, when I do get a second bass, it'll probably still be a 5 string P-bass of some sort because that sound's always been my jam! But I just got a stock bonus at work and, I thought "Self, I didn't even know I was gonna get this so I should treat myself," especially as I am usually pretty diligent about my finances. So, basically, I'm looking to pick up either a MarkBass Mini CMD 121P or the CMD121H. I'm a bit torn on it because: a) I would want something light-weight (the 121P); b) I want something that's a combo (both); c) I would want something small (the 121P); d) I want something that sounds real good - and still has plenty of depth - for practice and rehearsal and smaller stages that don't need my 800W rig (the 121H). So I'll make a decision at some point and be happy with whatever I get. lol. Then I can sell the Rumble40 - or maybe store it at my parents place for whenever I go visit them and still practice - and I'll just have my big rig and a small rig for stage work. (There's also a secret thing on the way which I bought a few months ago, and I'll only talk about it properly once it comes, because I don't wanna get myself excited while it's still a bit away. Shh!)

159.5/10,000

 

[juggahnaught]

I know I keep butting in - sorry - but I wanted to talk about the Markbass gear.

I own a CMD121P; I, too, wanted the horn version but it wasn't available. I believe they're both driven by the same amp, though - 300 watts at 8 ohms, 500 @ 4 ohms. The CMD121P is a bit less expensive (buy used if you decide to go either route) and is definitely lighter and smaller. I've used it to cover small rooms before, but because it can support an extension cab, my initial thought is that the 121P would be the way to go for portability and modularity (you could get a cab with a horn if you wished). Then again - it really might depend on what your goals are as a musician (in terms of gigging gear, maybe a bigger combo is worth it for you vs a combo and cab; and tonewise - you can find opinions on here about the piezo on the CMD121P), so take with a grain of salt.

A bit random, but I've also just started reading Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman and I've been thinking about it in terms of being a musician. Totally okay to be drained - according to the book, it's part of the process when one puts slow, methodic thought into something. So yeah, good to shake it out in more ways than one!

 

[Stumbo]

Thursday's Log


Notes:

• I've been going pretty hard these past few days and I'm a bit drained.

I suggest taking a break from practice for a couple of days and doing some outside stuff, if possible.
Let your mind absorb, record and assimilate everything you've been doing.

 

[adudenamedruby]

Wednesday's Log

Electric Bass

• Ear Training - 20
  • maj2 vs maj3 - 181/200 90% (woohoo!)

Notes:

• Had a pretty crappy bipolar episode last week and didn't do anything from Friday - yesterday.
• Yesterday, I had my surgery and got my gallbladder removed. I am unable to do much - probably not for another few days. As I can start moving around, I'll start doing some piano stuff and some ear training stuff, but probably won't be able to pick up my bass for about a week. O well.

 

[Flamingo21]

Take your time to heal.

You have been doing a tremendous amount of work, for a beginner. It all needs time to fall into place. So consider this time-off a good & productive thing.

 

[Rilence]

Wednesday's Log

Electric Bass

• Ear Training - 20
  • maj2 vs maj3 - 181/200 90% (woohoo!)

Notes:

• Had a pretty crappy bipolar episode last week and didn't do anything from Friday - yesterday.
• Yesterday, I had my surgery and got my gallbladder removed. I am unable to do much - probably not for another few days. As I can start moving around, I'll start doing some piano stuff and some ear training stuff, but probably won't be able to pick up my bass for about a week. O well.

Feel better soon ;-)

 

[juggahnaught]

Hey, hope your recovery is going well! Enjoy the holiday season (if that's your thing) and hit it hard in 2020.

 

[Stumbo]

Wednesday's Log
Notes:

• Had a pretty crappy bipolar episode last week and didn't do anything from Friday - yesterday.
• Yesterday, I had my surgery and got my gallbladder removed. I am unable to do much - probably not for another few days. As I can start moving around, I'll start doing some piano stuff and some ear training stuff, but probably won't be able to pick up my bass for about a week. O well.

Life happens. Keep on keepin' on, bro. Don't worry about the past. Plan for the future.

 

[adudenamedruby]

Friday's Log

First, I just wanted to thank everyone for the well wishes and encouraging words. Thanks very much.

Double Bass

• -

Electric Bass

• Rhythm clapping exercises - 15
• Major & minor natural, harmonic, melodic scales - 20
  • Practiced as 16th notes @ 40/50/60bpm (melodic/harmonic/major & aeolian respectively)
• Minor & diminished triads - 20
  
• Major 7 - root & first inversion review - 40
  • Focused on naming each note in the chord as I took everything through the CoF
  • Also focused on knowing/visualizing where I am.
• Walking bass practice - 1:00
  • Review

Notes:

• Ok. So, I'm back, because I can pick up my bass without pain finally, and it's been a bit (two weeks) since I last played. I've had time to reflect on a lot of the work I've been doing. To be honest, I could have started two days ago, carefully, but I was procrastinating. hah.
• I played for a couple of hours on top of this practice, just running through songs and having fun. But it was weird... like I was outta shape. I needed to take frequent breaks because it was like my stamina for playing bass had gotten slightly reduced. It is a tough instrument, sure, but it still surprised me.
  
• I think one of the things that has been subconsciously bothering me, and leading to me feeling drained, is that, doing all this practice, and all this work, which is stuff I know I need to do, feels so academic and so studious, and it's been lacking the reason I picked up the bass in first place: to play music. I know I still need to do all this stuff, especially if I want to become a good bass player, and some of it is just not musical (learning the inversions slowly - and focusing on spelling and notes, rather than getting funky with it). So I really need to make a big point of including more music throughout my playing, even if that means slowing down the other stuff I'm doing a bit. Being more musical with scales. Always looking to groove (where appropriate) even if playing simple 16th note drills with a metronome.
  
• It felt REALLY great to pick up the bass. I just got a rush of, "This feel right," as I started noodling around as I warmed up.
• Ugh, I haven't forgotten the Cello Suite stuff, but it was pretty rusty! Weirdly enough, when I stopped trying to focus and just let my hand go, it played almost everything right. Turns out that that practice till 10 times correct method really drills stuff into your muscle memory.
• Tried picking up the DB today, but it was awkward. I'll wait for another day or two. Maybe Monday!

158/10,000

 

[Flamingo21]

I think one of the things that has been subconsciously bothering me, and leading to me feeling drained, is that, doing all this practice, and all this work, which is stuff I know I need to do, feels so academic and so studious, and it's been lacking the reason I picked up the bass in first place: to play music.

So I really need to make a big point of including more music throughout my playing, even if that means slowing down the other stuff I'm doing a bit.

You know what's good for you, so go ahead with your new plan. Glad you're back at it.

 

[juggahnaught]

I think one of the things that has been subconsciously bothering me, and leading to me feeling drained, is that, doing all this practice, and all this work, which is stuff I know I need to do, feels so academic and so studious, and it's been lacking the reason I picked up the bass in first place: to play music. I know I still need to do all this stuff, especially if I want to become a good bass player, and some of it is just not musical (learning the inversions slowly - and focusing on spelling and notes, rather than getting funky with it). So I really need to make a big point of including more music throughout my playing, even if that means slowing down the other stuff I'm doing a bit. Being more musical with scales. Always looking to groove (where appropriate) even if playing simple 16th note drills with a metronome.

When's your next gig with your band?

 

[Flamingo21]

When's your next gig with your band?

He's not a member of the band he gigged with. He was a substitute.

 

[Stumbo]

..

... So I really need to make a big point of including more music throughout my playing, even if that means slowing down the other stuff I'm doing a bit.

I suggest including more music as part of your plan... It all counts towards your 10k hours.

And feeling drained, IMO, means you need a break. I know you had surgery and stuff but a real break... Go hear some live music...or play a gig or listen to a new play list...That counts too!

Just relax, it's not a race.

Enjoy the journey!

 

[adudenamedruby]

2020 Goals

HAPPY NEW YEAR/DECADE!

The following are not necessarily hard goals, but, more like guideposts for the coming year. Guideposts for going from a beginner bassist to a beginner-intermediate by really knowing my instrument, focusing on its function and how to operate within that. As always, these will be universal for electric and double bass, but I do have some specific goals for double bass as well, as indicated. I really want to start working on it seriously - DB is the reason I love bass as an instrument.

• Fretboard
  • Know every note on the fretboard with quick recall - especially on DB
    
  • Know M7th, m7th, 7th, m7b5 chord tones for all roots and in all inversions
  • Three octave arpeggios up and down the fretboard
  • Focus on, while playing, knowing exactly where I am, what chord tone and being able to know (not just visualize) where I need to go next for the same chord/next chord. Fretboard internalization!
• Technique
  • even 16th notes at 120 bpm
  • strengthening left hand on double bass
  • high intonation accuracy on double bass
  • pain free playing on double bass!
    
  • relaxed playing on both instruments for increased stamina
• Groove & Time
  • Continue breaking down rhythms to internalize the different beats (1 e & a) of each bar
    
  • Continue working with metronome/drum machine to develop good time
    
  • Especially focus on metronome work that skips 1/2/3/etc bars to practice maintaining time without a guide and still be on time when it comes back on
• Theory
  • play various voicings of harmony on piano
  • understand standard cadences and how to navigate them
• Genre Studies
  • Walking Bass lines: being able to take a fresh lead sheet and confidently walk through it
  • Blues Jam: I want to make going to a blues jam a regular occurrence (to gain skills playing live, and learning to play more by ear)
  • Learning more songs - both for fun, but also to analyze what's happening in the bass and incorporate that into my playing
  • Start learning soul/neo-soul by way of motown
  • Start working on standards
• Ear Training
  • All intervals
  • Major, minor, dim, aug triads
  • Hearing standard cadences

Reflection on 2019:

• I did a lot of work in 2019 - 158 dedicated and focused hours of practice, and god knows how much more just noodling and having fun. There were some huge gains (like every beginner in any skill) and some massive plateaus (which could have been much more discouraging had I not been prepared for them). I think, overall, it was a great taste of the hard work and dedication required to become a half-way decent bass player, but it also showed me a few things I needed to learn for myself in order to avoid burnout. I can now dive into this year both wiser and more confident in what I'm doing.
• I ended the year in a bit of a bad way (bad bipolar episode, followed by gallbladder surgery which got followed by a bacterial infection that hospitalized me - so three weeks where I did almost no bass), but it way sort of a blessing in disguise as I had burned out a bit. Instead of feeling bad about the lack of practice and progress, which is my first, instinctual reaction, I think I'm coming around to look at it as a good - and possibly needed - break after which I'm full of excitement to start working again. Sure I would like to have done more, but, I'm not 15 years old anymore and don't have all the time/energy in the world. Realistically, life's gonna get in the way, and you just gotta roll with it. Definitely hoping 2020 will bring about less health problems that get in the way, though! haha.
• Where am I with bass? I love grooving and I feel great when I play. I sat down the other day with a few people at a get together and we were jamming on a standard F blues and the other bassist there (a guy who's been playing for 15ish years) asked me how long I've been playing when he saw me walking on it like I was, and he was astounded when I said I've only been playing since Aug 2019 because he apparently couldn't do that. Sure, that felt great. But at the same time, there's SO MUCH more to learn and keep going forward. I definitely consider myself still very much a beginner. It's just human nature to compare and contrast, sure, but I'm trying to really get out of this habit with bass and only worry about myself. Where am I with bass: much further than I thought I'd be and I'm very happy and proud of my work, and progress, so far, but also cognizant that, there's a lot more road to go. And I'm excited to keep moving forward.
  
• I think the highlight of the year was the gig, of course. It was a wild time, a wild ride, and I can't wait to do more! I know it's not much for those who gig on a regular basis, but like they say.... you never forget you first one.
  
• I also learned that I really need to incorporate more musical stuff into my practice, rather than just practice because pure technique gets..... boring. Gotta apply it!
• This has also been a very expensive year, gear wise. I picked up my bass, a bunch of effects for my effect pedalboard, the amps and so on. Basically, I'm set for what I want to play - and I'm not GASing for anything really: I had a goal in mind and I pursued that. Now, I'm satisfied to learn everything and really make it my own. But still.... my wallet did not like me. Looking forward to the coming year being much cheaper, musically speaking.
  
• I'm very proud of how much I kept up with this practice log. I really think it's actually been probably the most valuable tool to my progress, being able to look back, see patterns, change what wasn't working, know exactly what to work on or where to progress from where I was, etc. I really am not the type to "journal" or keep a daily log of anything but this has been a very interesting growing and learning experience.
  
• I also wanted to thank everyone that's been chiming in on here and been offering words of encouragement (thanks), ideas for different exercises to practice (thanks very much!), ideas about new ways of looking at the same things or how to approach things differently (super thanks!), and adding experiences and context to help me put things into context (berry berry thanks!). Honestly, I was a bit worried when I started this practice log publicly that it might be too much of a "look at me and what I'm doing" thing - this coming from someone that doesn't use any social media, so I'm definitely not the type to put myself out there publicly like that - but I felt like the potential benefits outweighed my reservations. And they really have. You all have really really helped and I'm very grateful for it. I wish ya'll nothing but the best in the coming year/decade in both bass and life.

Finally, the presents I bought myself for the Christmas/turn of the decade have come in and I'm very excited to share:

I'm putting the Noble on a small "tone" board that's just Tuner > Cali 76 > Noble and oh my god it sounds SO GOOD. I guess I'm set now for gear - maybe I need to buy a backup bass for if I ever need to take mine into the shop or something, but that's not for a while.

With all this having been said.... I'm now gonna get to practicing!

 

[Flamingo21]

I am really enjoying this unique and interesting thread.

I feel great when I play.

I can now dive into this year both wiser and more confident in what I'm doing.

You've come a long way.

I also wanted to thank everyone that's been chiming in on here

You're welcome

I wish ya'll nothing but the best in the coming year/decade in both bass and life.

Thanks, and the same to you!

 

[adudenamedruby]

Thursday's Log

Double Bass

• Long tones - 10
• Articulation exercise - 10
  
• DDB / Left Hand Technique / Section 1 Practice - 10

Electric Bass

• Ear Training - 15
  • maj2 vs maj3: 86/100 (86%) @ 4 sec average time to recognize interval
    
    • I'm surprised I did this well considering I haven't done any training for almost four weeks
• Major & minor natural, harmonic, melodic scales - 20
  • Practiced as 16th notes @ 50bpm (melodic/harmonic/major & aeolian respectively)
• Major, minor & diminished & augumented triads - 20
• M7th, m7th, 7th, m7b5 arpeggios (root position) - 30
  
• Walking bass practice - 30

Notes:

• Took it easy as I'm restarting. Spent a bunch of time just re-aquanting myself with the fretboard.
• Also spent a few hours just doodling and having fun - especially with the new Noble!

160.5/10k

 

[Stumbo]

Ear Training - Maj2 vs maj3: 86/100 (86%) @ 4 sec average time to recognize interval

I'm surprised I did this well considering I haven't done any training for almost four weeks.

Our brain takes time to integrate new knowledge.

IME , getting great sleep(and an extra hour or two when you can), taking vacations, doing activities other than music all help the integration process.

Another exercise to consider: create a song book of songs you've learned.

Learn a song a week and fill a note book(or electronic device) with lyric/chord charts or sheet music so you can review the songs anytime. Practice singing the melody too.

IMO, this is as important or more important than anything in your plan.

 

[Flamingo21]

Another exercise to consider: create a song book of songs you've learned.

Great idea! Gives you a very tangible achievement. I should do this.