• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

What are some tips to break down that wall that is holding you back?

Henry Luera

Henry Luera

Guest
Jan 10, 2018
7
3
Michigan
#1
Hey! I wanted to know some tips and tricks that you may have discovered to get past that annoying phase in your bass career. You all know what I'm talking about.. That phase where you keeping playing the same lines and can't seem to add something new. I personally struggle with this issue. I find myself playing over backing tracks playing the same riffs or the same styled riff. I've been playing bass for approximately seven years. :help: :bassist:
 
  • Like
Reactions: krimo
#6
Listen to, and learn to play melodies from, kinds of music you don't normally play - especially from other instruments. Like transcribing a good sax solo - that'll shake you out of your usual bass riff habits if anything will. (Sounds pretty good anyway, haven't been able to actually do it myself, but trying and failing once in a while certainly changes my perspective.)
 
  • Like
Reactions: GastonD, pcake, Groove Doctor and 2 others
#12
Groove Doctor said:
The plateau is in your mind, not in your hands. The secret is learning to think differently.

Read, travel, meet new people, study something new, do everyday things differently.... anything to break your self-created routines/ruts/thinking patterns.

Your bass playing will automatically change when YOU change.
Click to expand...
Best advise I've received yet. Thanks!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Groove Doctor
#14
It's far better to play with mediocre folks than rot in your bedroom :). Heck, they might surprise you and you end up being that "better player" that inspires them :cool:.

Seriously, learn stuff you don't like and figure out why others like them. I'll play anything from Bluegrass to Metal - love me some Mustang Sally, Brown Eyed Girl, Jumping Jack Flash, etc :roflmao:.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Low84
#15
I’m in the exact same boat my friend. I don’t have a band, and haven’t for several years. I play about 3 or 4 pick-up gigs a year, and they’re usually things I’ve playing hundreds of times, well within my comfort zone.

I’ve been satisfying my rut (slightly) by getting into the effects world. Something I’ve never done in my 20 years of playing until recently. Now I want a thumpy short scale, a valve amp, and to start playing with a pick. What’s wrong with me!!??

Anyway, I feel your pain.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Henry Luera
#16
Henry Luera said:
Hey! I wanted to know some tips and tricks that you may have discovered to get past that annoying phase in your bass career. You all know what I'm talking about.. That phase where you keeping playing the same lines and can't seem to add something new. I personally struggle with this issue. I find myself playing over backing tracks playing the same riffs or the same styled riff. I've been playing bass for approximately seven years. :help: :bassist:
Click to expand...
I don't believe there are any "tricks". If you're going through a dry creative spell, my only tip would be to steal something you like from other players, then slowly and methodically practice it until it is naturally incorporated into your own playing.

The process of figuring out what someone else is doing, and why it sounds good, frequently leads to the discovery of something new you can call your own.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: kesslari, inanimate_carb and Henry Luera
#17
Henry Luera said:
Hey! I wanted to know some tips and tricks that you may have discovered to get past that annoying phase in your bass career. You all know what I'm talking about.. That phase where you keeping playing the same lines and can't seem to add something new. I personally struggle with this issue. I find myself playing over backing tracks playing the same riffs or the same styled riff. I've been playing bass for approximately seven years. :help: :bassist:
Click to expand...
What I do is to play rock,funk,blues, country etc.
I can mix my riffs example rock funk or blues rock lines etc.
NEVER RUN OUT OF IDEAS FOR COOKING WITH THE BASS.
 
#19
There is a saying 'if you are the smartest guy in the room you are in the wrong room'.
Same goes for band mates.

I love players who amaze and inspire me. I seek out better musicians when I put gigs together. I am aware of my musical strong points and weak points. I benefit from playing with players who teach me.

It's an on going thing with no end in sight.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Henry Luera
#20
I'm personally in a "back to bassics" phase right now. (yea I misspelled basics on purpose, It's Friday, sue me...)
I spent some time around Christmas looking for a good teaching book that would take me back to school, so to speak. I'm about 1/4 of the way thru it right now, and have been going over and going over the progress I've made, trying to up my game each pass. I mean, certain parts not, but you get the idea. Trying to make my version of what is laid out in the book as good as I can make it.
Oh, and by the way, the book I picked was (is)
Music Theory for the Bass Player | Ari's Bass Blog
Real good stuff. My new years resolution is to stick with this book until i finish it.
It's helped me find different ways to look at grooves i've done to death.
So that's my angle on this. Go back to the beginning and see what you might have overlooked or re-discovered along the way.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Henry Luera

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back