Taking it to the next level?

[AdamMeinerding]

I consider myself a jazz (although I stopped focusing on that so much), R&B, rock, and pop styles bass player.

I've been in a slump lately. I can't figure out how to get better then I am now. I'm not saying I'm amazing. If I thought I was amazing I wouldn't be posting here! But I have a good ear, I can walk, I can improvise, I think I can play in the pocket, I can play 2/3 octave major/minor scales pretty quickly, I can read pretty well..

So I've just been learning tunes and transcribing sweet licks. Does anyone else on the forum that has gone through this have any suggestions of what they did to take it to the next level? I really see transcribing as all I have left (besides just getting better technically, but I know what to do for that)

 

[Winnb]

Don't think about the next level. Just play. Enjoy yourself. Don't keep putting hurdles in front of yourself that you must clear in order to be happy or feel some sense of accomplishment.

Just play my man.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Jim Campbell]

I consider myself a jazz (although I stopped focusing on that so much), R&B, rock, and pop styles bass player.

I've been in a slump lately. I can't figure out how to get better then I am now. I'm not saying I'm amazing. If I thought I was amazing I wouldn't be posting here! But I have a good ear, I can walk, I can improvise, I think I can play in the pocket, I can play 2/3 octave major/minor scales pretty quickly, I can read pretty well..

So I've just been learning tunes and transcribing sweet licks. Does anyone else on the forum that has gone through this have any suggestions of what they did to take it to the next level? I really see transcribing as all I have left (besides just getting better technically, but I know what to do for that)

listen.....to some stuff you don't normally.....then see how what they do makes you want to play....

 

[tangentmusic]

Don't think about the next level. Just play. Enjoy yourself. Don't keep putting hurdles in front of yourself that you must clear in order to be happy or feel some sense of accomplishment.

Just play my man.

Just my 2 cents.

I agree with this
Try to play with musicians that you consider better than you.
Improvise with a good drummer & guitarist
Impromtu jams can open up your capabilities more than you're aware. sometimes these small things can help you find that next level.

 

[brammerd]

Aks yourself if you master everything up untill now well enough to take it to the next level.

I don't.

 

[bassinplace]

It sounds like you've worked hard so far to build the skills you have. Use that knowledge to just play what you feel. Say what you want to say. Without analyzing, just say it.

 

[smeet]

Yes. Play without analyzing.

Also do the opposite, transcribe and analyze what you've transcribed. Transcribe harder stuff in new genres. How about a Coltrane solo? How about a Michael Brecker solo? Holdsworth? Dream Theater. Dragonforce. Pat Metheny. Jim Hall. Rocco Prestia. Edgar Meyer. John McLaughlin. Geezer Butler. Miles Davis. Spawn of Possession. The Dregs.

Or, post a video of yourself playing, and everybody on TB will tell you what you're doing wrong, and how to correct it.

 

[mambo4]

I'd work on listening and responding to whats going on.
Also, there's a post I made with links to some Hal Galper you tube vids, chock full of useful musical advice for players who already "know" a lot.