I am a beginner that has a decent understanding of music theory. I practice daily, I know a few songs and I play basic scales whenever I can. I feel like I am not improving much anymore, am I missing something? What should I be doing?
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Where do I go now?
- Thread starter DBFIU
- Start date
Jamming/playing with a group. Have not found a group, let Google pull up some videos or backing tracks and play-a-long with them. Playing with others is the next step.
I first ask Google for a chord chart on a song I want to play. Then ask Google for a video of someone playing that song. Listen to the video being played and get your chord chart into the same key. Using the transposed chord chart and the video see what you can do with it. That will keep you busy until you can find some live people to play with.
Chord chart; http://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/l/led_zeppelin/stairway_to_heaven_ver3_crd.htm
Video;
Have fun.
I first ask Google for a chord chart on a song I want to play. Then ask Google for a video of someone playing that song. Listen to the video being played and get your chord chart into the same key. Using the transposed chord chart and the video see what you can do with it. That will keep you busy until you can find some live people to play with.
Chord chart; http://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/l/led_zeppelin/stairway_to_heaven_ver3_crd.htm
Video;
Have fun.
Is that chord chart for guitar? I can play guitar too but would would prefer to practice the bass.
What's the difference? A chord is a chord. We base our bass lines off of the chords used in the song. Play roots to the beat to start. After that is flowing add something beyond the root. Take a look at this tab and see what they are doing - compare it to the chord chart you have. http://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/l/led_zeppelin/stairway_to_heaven_btab.htm
I presume you play guitar from chord charts. See a chord and strum that chord to the beat of the song. With the bass we see that same chord and play some of it's chord notes one note at a time to the beat of the song, i.e. we use the same sheet music, but, do not strum - instead we play the notes of the chord one note at a time. Yes the question is how many notes? Roots just by themselves work. So would Root on the first beat and the five on the 3rd beat (all chords have a root and a five). So playing just roots or R--5-- will play a lot of bass.....
Come back with specific questions, I'll stick around a bit. Supper's ready, I'll check back after we eat.
I presume you play guitar from chord charts. See a chord and strum that chord to the beat of the song. With the bass we see that same chord and play some of it's chord notes one note at a time to the beat of the song, i.e. we use the same sheet music, but, do not strum - instead we play the notes of the chord one note at a time. Yes the question is how many notes? Roots just by themselves work. So would Root on the first beat and the five on the 3rd beat (all chords have a root and a five). So playing just roots or R--5-- will play a lot of bass.....
Come back with specific questions, I'll stick around a bit. Supper's ready, I'll check back after we eat.
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IME the fastest way to improve your bass chops: start playing with other live musicians. Search out and regularly attend local jams. Not only is it a great way to improve your skills with your instrument (listening to other bassist is as enlightening and valuable as stage time), the social networking is great too.
I wouldnt even know where to begin to look for other musicians to play with me. Im such a newb that I would feel stupid even asking someone to play with me. I can play guitar decently for a beginner (basic chords and I can read tabs) as well as bass (Still working on my timing and right hand finger coordination) but playing with other people would be nice if I can find someone. I do have the right equipment, I have lots of equipment in fact (1 bass and bassman 60, 3 electric guitars, tube amps, 3 acoustics, jamstation, tascam DP01 and a bunch of pedals including a bad horsie and effects etc..)
I just feel like this past week has been my first plateau and it blows. I want to break through it already.
In jam sessions, more often than not, experience is rarely an issue. If there is another bassist or two, they could provide you with some useful information. A lot of places have weekly jam sessions. Check your local Craigslist and guitar shops. Ask around! I'm sure you'll find something
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
1 jam sessions/ open mics - the best way to go. You will meet people of all levels
2 respond to Craigslist. Sometimes they are just looking to jam. Put out a similar ad.
Bass can be frustrating, because there is only so much a novice can do without getting very bored. The good news is playing root/5 can take you far. Once you start playing with others, the enjoyment factor, and your rate of improvement, will increase exponentially. Nothing motivates you like HAVING to learn a song for next practice.
You will find others at your level, or if you are a good person, willing to help you grow as a musician.
Good luck.
2 respond to Craigslist. Sometimes they are just looking to jam. Put out a similar ad.
Bass can be frustrating, because there is only so much a novice can do without getting very bored. The good news is playing root/5 can take you far. Once you start playing with others, the enjoyment factor, and your rate of improvement, will increase exponentially. Nothing motivates you like HAVING to learn a song for next practice.
You will find others at your level, or if you are a good person, willing to help you grow as a musician.
Good luck.
I just found over 200 people in my area that jam on a regular basis,
http://www.meetup.com/find/
lol
http://www.meetup.com/find/
lol
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
I was playing with a friend last night for the first time in ages, when I arrived I wasn't that confident in my abilities and I surprised myself. It does wonder for confidence.
Don't let being new prevent you from searching out other musicians. Making music is an activity centered around networks, it is almost impossible to survive let alone succeed in a vacuum. It is extremely rare that as a new player you won't be welcomed and encouraged by other musicians (as in all things there are exceptions). Where do you start your search? As in most quests for information Google is your friend. I entered open jam and my city and got tons of hits. A new site to me Open Jam Night lists events for cities all over the US. Also ask around your local music stores (teachers and most sales staff are musicians familiar with the local scene) or check the bulletin boards at the big box store. Are you friends with any local bands? Ask them if they host jams or know of any around, don't be pushy just honest and humble (not self debasing) it will get you a long way. If the are no open mics/jams in your area (possible but doubtful) find some other musicians and start a band. Remember everyone starts out as a newb, good musicians go out and make music with others, that is how we learn and grow. Always remember to have fun, you're supposed to play music not stress over it.
I went to my first jam session two days ago. There was about a dozen people there and I was the only bass player, I felt the pressure but I did OK.
They meet up once a month and practice a couple songs before the session. I didnt know what they were going to play that day, so I just looked at the guitar tabs real quick and noticed the song was Aminor heavy, so I walked along the song playing the Am scale and it sounded good. No one said anything and I got a few good nods so I was doing something right. I had a lot of fun.
They meet up once a month and practice a couple songs before the session. I didnt know what they were going to play that day, so I just looked at the guitar tabs real quick and noticed the song was Aminor heavy, so I walked along the song playing the Am scale and it sounded good. No one said anything and I got a few good nods so I was doing something right. I had a lot of fun.
