What is your most difficult challenge in playing bass.

[MuttThud]

Just wondering what everyone struggles with the most in bass world. Speed, theory, fills, gear?

Don't get me wrong, I'm always working on improving my technique, but for me, a relatively new player, the biggest challenge by far, has been understanding gear, effects pedals and order in the chain, especially in live situations. It almost seems like you have to be a scientist to get all your amp settings and effects pedals and levels and being heard but not being too loud all integrated well, especially in live situations.

How about y'all?

1. Accepting that I’ve probably hit the limit of the speed I can play at (and what I can play) as my left hand is so messed up from an old accident (crushed middle metacarpal, twisted middle finger) and I can’t open out my fingers beyond three frets, even on short scales, and moving up and down the neck quickly is hit or miss. I still love playing though, even if I am stuck in root-5-7 quarter notes for the rest of my life.

2) Accepting that where I live (in the countryside) has an OK music scene in some of the big towns nearby but sure isn’t the same as in a big city (where I started out, playing sax not bass back then). Very few venues to play at (or listen to music in) and even fewer bands. I get the odd jam with muso friends but my days of touring and playing 5,000 seat venues are over forever (and have been for years now TBH). I don’t miss being on the road (300 gigs a year at my peak) but I do miss the buzz of being on stage.

So yeah hardest thing is accepting that some things are what they are and won’t change. All good though, still love noodling away and trying to record stuff.

 

[rtslinger]

For me writing original material. Coming up with a bass line that hasn't in some way locked itself away in your subconscious that belongs to someone else

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

Getting a good/consistent swing ..

 

[TortCult]

Speed

 

[John Webb]

Just wondering what everyone struggles with the most in bass world. Speed, theory, fills, gear?

Don't get me wrong, I'm always working on improving my technique, but for me, a relatively new player, the biggest challenge by far, has been understanding gear, effects pedals and order in the chain, especially in live situations. It almost seems like you have to be a scientist to get all your amp settings and effects pedals and levels and being heard but not being too loud all integrated well, especially in live situations.

How about y'all?

Cramps in left hand.....numbness in right hand.

 

[LowActionHero]

Dealing with the shadows. Knowing that most people don't know the value of the bass.

Hehe, I think my band does now, one benefit of a crazy work schedule and them practicing without me a couple times.

My drummer, half joking, asked our Lead Singer/Guitarist if he thought we could play without the 3rd guitar?

Yeah definitely

Could we play without the other guitar/singer?

Yeah, we'd have to drop a few songs he sings lead on.

Could we play without you?

Yeah, the other guy could take over vocals on most songs.

Could we play without the bass?

NO.

Could we play without the drums?

NO.

wink wink. . . .

 

[project_c]

Solos over fast changes can be tough for me but I’m working on it. I think the old advice about playing super slow to play fast is only a part of the solution. You also have to practice playing fast. Dynamics, pressure, plucking hand shape and position are all slightly different at faster speeds (for me anyway).

Also, like others said finding energy for meaningful practice before/after hectic work days is always tough. Sunday evening / pre-monday work anxiety is the worst.

 

[TheDirtyLowDown]

Creating something unique and musically interesting (either rhythmically, or lyrically or both) to say.

Oh, and dealing with the jetlag, or those stadium venues that don't stock the right organic kombucha in hospitality, and (always) the hordes of screaming female fans and their incessant need to infringe on my personal space.

 

[AudioTaper]

Gear is not an issue. Lack of overall skills and time are my biggest issues

 

[707GK]

As I get older, technique and/or speed.

I’m slowing down as I get older and in the past I could cover up poor technique by having a really fast left hand. Can’t do that so much anymore, so focusing on improving my finger technique (1-4 finger positioning, thumb placement on back of neck, etc.) really helps with some of the faster fills/runs/bass lines.

 

[TheLowDown33]

Like many others, time is my limiting factor. Theres not that much time to practice all of the things I want to, and then even less if I want to work and actually play gigs. Balancing a fairly full side-hustle with my main job, taking care of myself, and other obligations is the most difficult challenge I face currently. Hopefully this changes somewhat soon, but I doubt it.

 

[Zackabinoff]

Getting out of my own head. When i am playing genuinely from the heart and not overthinking, thats when everything begins to click.

 

[PennyroyalWe]

Sight reading, and finding material thats at the right level to challenge me, without breaking me off. Seems like every time I pick up a piece it’s either far too easy or outrageously complex. Guess that’s what I get for taking a decade off from reading :/

 

[Kmonk]

I've been playing for over 40 years and really don't struggle with anything on bass. I'm actually at a point where I get bored at times because bass has always come naturally and easily to me. I also have a good ear and learn new songs very quickly. I'm now spending more time practicing guitar and keys than bass.

 

[Ellery]

Just wondering what everyone struggles with the most in bass world. Speed, theory, fills, gear?

Don't get me wrong, I'm always working on improving my technique, but for me, a relatively new player, the biggest challenge by far, has been understanding gear, effects pedals and order in the chain, especially in live situations. It almost seems like you have to be a scientist to get all your amp settings and effects pedals and levels and being heard but not being too loud all integrated well, especially in live situations.

How about y'all?

My ear. If I'm jamming with someone or trying to figure out a song, when told what chords or at least the key I do fine; when it's by ear only it's still kinda rough.

 

[AboutSweetSue]

Thinking.

 

[Infidelity]

For me playing what's inside my head. I have a bunch of ideas for bass lines and most of the time it would just come out as a watered down version of what's inside my head.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

I can't play how most players play.....thumb on pickup cover and index/middle fingers doing alternating fingering. I just can't keep time like that. I only use my thumb (which I fully realize is limiting) and incorporate hammer-ons & pull-offs to "fill the gaps". As a result I simply cannot do slap & pop stuff that I see all over the internet these days.

 

[Charlzm]

Suffering from burnout? Seems that at one time you guys were hittin' it pretty good. It happens. Hook up and collaborate with some other people. Maybe the other one will come around after a break.

We're about to send our new album off for mastering, so things will pick up.

And I am working on some new songs. It's just slow going.

 

[Raw N Low]

Slapping.

I've got the hands of grizzly and have a hard time doing it. I've come to terms that it's not my forte.