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What do you do when you lose all your confidence?

#21
I'm very much into more simpler, groove based stuff. as much as i can respect jaco, wooten, et al, for what they do with the instrument, it just aint my thing, you know? jamerson is an excepton to this though, incredible bass player because its flashy and fancy, but still just fits.
 
#22
Lewk,

I've been playing for 5 years and I've hit a rut 2 different times - once about 2 months ago. Both times I considered going back to playing drums again. So I got out my practice pad and sticks and started working on my rudiments. I didn't touch a bass for at least 2 weeks. Normally I play for at least an hour a day - every day. So this was a big change.

At some point I started to miss it and dove back in with renewed enthusiasm. But, I found that all of the work with the drums helped my groove.

So, my suggestion is put the bass down and learn a bit about another instrument. You're not being unfaithful or anything like that. :D

Any musical experience you gain on another instrument will help you with your primary instrument. When you have had enough, dive back in.

FWIW.
 
#23
Yeah i can see why this would help :)

I've played loads of instruments in my time, drums, piano, upright bass when i was 10. how how i wish i had never gien up upright bass. *sigh* still what can you do!
 
#24
Originally posted by GrooveSlave
Lewk,

I've been playing for 5 years and I've hit a rut 2 different times - once about 2 months ago. Both times I considered going back to playing drums again. So I got out my practice pad and sticks and started working on my rudiments. I didn't touch a bass for at least 2 weeks. Normally I play for at least an hour a day - every day. So this was a big change.

At some point I started to miss it and dove back in with renewed enthusiasm. But, I found that all of the work with the drums helped my groove.

So, my suggestion is put the bass down and learn a bit about another instrument. You're not being unfaithful or anything like that. :D

Any musical experience you gain on another instrument will help you with your primary instrument. When you have had enough, dive back in.

FWIW.
Click to expand...

I have been a drummer for 17 years and it is the very reason I play bass. I picked up the bass 14 months ago because I wanted a challenge musically. I am good considering the time I have been playing, shout I've been gigging for about 8 months and can hold my own compared to other bassists in the area. I am a good bassist because I am a drummer. I have a huge advantage, I can hear everything, how the bass, drums. guitars all work togehter in a song. My ear is very developed because of my drumming and I can replicate grooves very accurately. I took up bass because I can already play drums very well, but if your a beginner type bassist I would say don't spread yourself too thin, but multiple instruments do help and play off eachother. I tell you what Lewk a nice G&L ASAT like the one your thinking about would get me out of any rut...
 
#25
you're telling me ric! i find myself *dreaming* about bass guitars. they've become so much a part of my life and will be so much of my future its so upsetting when i lose confidence!

but then i just think "2.5 years, luke. 2.5 years. you have so much time ahead of you as a bass player" and it reduces the worry slightly.


but one day, i will be admired as a bass player. even if it's just by people on a local club circuit, i will be admired!
 
#26
Ya know what Lewk, I played drums since I was 12 years old. Now I'm, 29. I am great drummer, but in 17 years I should be. It was like after 3-4 years of drumming with an instructor I woke up and was freakin awesome, it all made sence. I started learning more on my own than with my instructor. You have been at it 2.5 years me about 14 months. And the funny thing is we are decent. I know in my heart on day I will wake up and the same thing will happen to me on bass as it did on drums, one day it will all fit together and make sence, only my imagination will limit me. But the hard part is putting all the time and practicing to get there and it frustrates me to no end. I know the ability is in me to one of the best around. What keeps me going is I know one day it will all come to me, if it takes 5 years, 10 years so be it! The problem is for you I think if bass is your first instrument you haven't had that musical revalation yet with your instrument. Some people never attain that, but the fact that your here and so driven to do this you will find the way, time and a good work ethic will solve all of this! And I can't stop thinking about those G&L's too....but back on the subject what I am trying to say is one day you will wake up and it will all come together that's the only way I can explain it. 2.5 years at it your close hang in there, I wish I was as far along as you. I feel the same as you but I did it already on the drums so I know I can do it on the bass but it will be a lot harder.
 
#27
yeha man! i mean, i;ve played loads of instrments before and given up at the 3 year mark, for one reason or another. i won't be doing it with bass. this is it now, this is my future career. not necessarily as a bass player, but as a musician. things are starting to come apparent to me, as you say. things are really starting to click. it must becoming near to "that morning"
 

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