Should I?

[jalapejoe]

Well I have been playing bass on and off casually for about 26 years, I just really started digging into theory and seriously practicing for about a year. There have been breaks throughout my 26 years not touching the bass for a couple years or so. I have bought and sold allot of equipment in my time due to frustration bands not working out, just calling it quits then I come back to it. I think my latest surge (2 years buying new gear) of buying gear and practicing hard is an age thing and I do love the bass but kind of have drive because I am getting old maybe kind of a bucket list thing for me? Anyway I am very fearful of being rejected from people thinking maybe I suck so its kind of held me back from networking to meet people to jam with.

I recently caved in and went to record with my uncle who's pretty knowledgeable musician (guitarist) and his guitar buddy. I kind of think the experience went ok, but also have the feeling it went terrible on a piece of the song I just couldnt find a groove, my mind wasnt working, I get this like roadblock this pit I fall into, like a shutdown effect, I guess goes with my insecurity and I hate that!

Anyway past couple days I feel dejected like I should just call it quits, I have a couple guys I have been playing with on and off for 9 years who are very un-practiced and when we get together its kind of chaotic noise with no direction which is kind of frustrating to me but they dont want to put time into their instruments, I have always felt comfortable with these guys but also a bit annoyed because there is no direction and they have way too many other hobbies that stand in their way of improving. On the other hand I feel like I blow it with better musicians! I'm at a cross road just wanting to throw in the towel, feeling really bummed. Any recommendations?

Sincerely,
Joe

 

[bholder]

I hear ya. All I can offer is keep playing and let the rest sort itself out. Sounds like your buddies are cool to hang out with, but aren't particularly motivated as musicians. If that's not enough for you, try to find others to jam with.

 

[jalapejoe]

Thanks bholder, I also have allot of stress as well 6 kids work allot, allot of bills so that doesnt help me. Ill just keep practicing everyday as I try to do and see if an opportunity arises as my playing improves, thanks.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Get better or be satisfied playing with the band you are now with.

Give some thought to asking one of those "better" bands if you could sit in on one of their practices. Make your self useful. If an opening comes up you have a better chance to fill it than if you were sitting at home.

IMO your chances of connecting with another band are better if you are playing in a band. Perhaps your sights are a little high. Keep active with the band you are with, but, it's time to expand your options.

 

[jalapejoe]

Thanks MalcolmAmos, the guys I currently play with want to get together once every 2-3 months, its kind of ridiculous actually. They want to practice more in the winter "as the snow flies" but I hate driving in the stuff and not to mention the rehearsal is pretty damn far (28 miles) to crank out a bunch of half a$$ed songs. I try and communicate a set song list so we can at least practice to You-tube or CDs so when we do get together we are solid on covers but another problem, they never respond and when we get together nobody practiced anything or listened to me, so then we proceed to play bits and pieces of songs or just make a bunch of noise. I need my kids to grow up so they can play for me

 

[pravus]

I don't know who you have access to but being around the right people is key. Even if you do get rejected, I think it might be a good idea to hang around as many better musicians as you can. I've always heard from the pros that you have to set your sights above where you want to be to land on target. They consistently recommend challenging yourself by playing with or against people that are better than you. This is in many disciplines.

The rest of it just comes down to how much time you really want to dedicate to it. To be a good bass player requires a lot more time expense than many other hobbies and activities that people just fall into. You might just sit down for a bit and think about all the things in your life that compete with bass. Obviously you have obligations but if can re-arrange things or even say "no" to some things you'll have more time for bass and with it more enjoyment. I'd only give it up if you either just don't enjoy it anymore or you can't see a way to make it fit in your life. Sounds like there's a little wiggle room, though.

 

[quickfix]

Sounds like you're looking for like minded individuals to get together on a weekly basis.
Advertise, advertise, advertise.
Put out some feelers in your local free classifieds...whatever that might be.
Up here in the north I used Kijiji as a medium for finding folks that were serious about jamming.
Advertise yourself as a "Bass player looking to start a jam band." or something to that effect.
In fact, I found three bands/projects that way, and still rehearse and gig about 8 times a month with each. That's 24 events a month.
Because of this, I'm now out of the jamming phase...more or less, as there's just no time available.

You've also got the right attitude about planning each practice with pre-practice emails detailing specific songs and exercises. This way the group shows up ready to actually rehearse. I like your style.

You can believe that there's a guitarist or two in the same boat as you. A keyboard player, a drummer, a singer. They're out there. Hungry for music and someone to play with in a regularly scheduled jam.

Don't give up.

 

[LowNloud1]

When I got into a funk, I went in a totally different direction than I ever would have tried: I joined a church choir. I am not religious so that was not my motivation. God knows I smoked a few bowls before practice.

What I found was a challenge for myself and a genre of music to explore. That was a good experience. Working with a dedicated set of people who made music that had definite start and finish plus some unusual progressions, keys and time signatures. It had a good music director and I learned a lot about dynamics. It propped up my confidence and I eventually got back into a rock band.

 

[dalkowski]

Thanks bholder, I also have allot of stress as well 6 kids work allot, allot of bills so that doesnt help me. Ill just keep practicing everyday as I try to do and see if an opportunity arises as my playing improves, thanks.

I was going to suggest taking some lessons, then I read this. You've got a full plate, man -- respect.

If you're a driven person, set yourself some focussed goals and work toward them. For example: Get good playing blues (which ain't as easy as some may think). Study the Ed Friedlander books and learn the standards (and more). Then screw up your courage and go to some blues jams. Play with and meet new people who might have opportunities for you.

Good luck. I admire your passion and devotion to practicing and improving.

 

[jalapejoe]

Thanks my Bass Brothers, I appreciate the time you took to help me, I will take all of your advice and push on. Love the ideas and really shinned the light for me.

Joe