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Why Is Playing Bass So Damn Hard?!?

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#162
Good lord.

I have had so many students that didn't want to be there, so many guys who didn't want to listen... Kids. I hate to sounds like an old reptile here, but that's about all I can say. Kids.

I suggest the OP just give up now. And don't bother learning a trade either, since that will involve "lessons". Or maybe just drop acid and pretend to play like so many jam-band hacks.
 
#163
What a bunch of pompous/arrogant a-holes you all are. Seriously.
The guy comes here, has a few questions and then basically compliments bass players by saying how difficult it is to play bass and all you do is rip on him?
If taking "lessons" makes you people turn into this kind of trash then I'm glad I skipped them.
Wow! You are all so extra special because you forked out cash to have someone show you how to play the bass. Whoopdeefriggindoo.
You know what Sulu, you are better off without the lessons. That's right people, you heard what I said.
 
#164
BigOldHarry said:
Good lord.

I suggest the OP just give up now. And don't bother learning a trade either, since that will involve "lessons".
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Good lord, do I feel sorry for you.

I have never taken a skiing leson in my life and I ski double black diamond runs all over North America. I never took guitar lessons and I play wonderfully. Sad that you need someone to help you along in anything you do. Time to cut the leash, my friend, and try to make it on your own.
 
#166
allexcosta said:
Dude, believe me, you played no song after 4 days, you thought you did, but didn't actually happen.
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I did play a song after only four days, and guess what? With bass I actually beat the four day time frame. I got my bass home at around six o'clock. By eight o'clock I had The Jam's "A Town Called Malice" nailed. Two hours. That's even better than four days.
Admittedly, "Glass Onion" is destroying me. That's why I posted this thread.
 
#167
To dismiss instruction on any instrument as "limiting" is just immature. I have never once told a student to "only do as I say" - what I've always told them is this: You have to know the rules so you can break the rules. And to compare snow-boarding to musicianship... wow. That explains much. Music is not something you do for fun - it is a DISCIPLINE. Learn the rules, then break them - that's what it's about.

And for what it's worth - I've taken a grand total of maybe 2 years worth of lessons in my 32 years of playing - but those lessons were vital to my being a good bassist... And I know I could stand some more!
 
#169
sulu said:
3. And yes, after but two months playing I actually was asked by a salesman if I was interested in studio or live work. I did pick up guitar very quickly. The fact that I started in my twenties probably has something to do with it. Also being a school teacher I know how to establish a learning process -- objective, motivation, demonstration, practice, assessment, repetition.... Those steps done in the right fashion do work in speeding along development.
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I got bored reading so here it is...

You go on and on about how you picked up guitar in 2 months... show us. Everybody here can watch you and tell if you are a beginner or not (two months is a beginner) by the way your hands move. Everybody and their grandmother can record a video and post it on youtube.

Someone may have already posted this... as I said... I didnt read all of the posts.
 
#170
sulu said:
I did play a song after only four days, and guess what? With bass I actually beat the four day time frame. I got my bass home at around six o'clock. By eight o'clock I had The Jam's "A Town Called Malice" nailed. Two hours. That's even better than four days.
Admittedly, "Glass Onion" is destroying me. That's why I posted this thread.
Click to expand...

Bro, believe me, you don't have those songs "nailed". You think you have because your ears can't tell the difference between playing some notes and actually playing them with consistency and musicality. As someone said, post samples of your playing and we will all shut up. Otherwise, I'll just keep doubting you.
 
#171
BigOldHarry said:
Music is not something you do for fun - it is a DISCIPLINE.
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You and I, my friend, are on opposite sides of the galaxy.
If you think playing with your friends in a band is not fun, if you think finally getting down a lick you have been loving for years is not fun, if you think the world of music is not fun...as I said, we live in different universes.
 
#172
Wow,...so Sulu, do whatever makes you want to keep playing bass. There's no magic involved, it's just you, your ears, and your fingers. Stick with easier songs at first, and just keep practicing. If you're having fun, you're doing it right.
 
#174
sulu said:
You and I, my friend, are on opposite sides of the galaxy.
If you think playing with your friends in a band is not fun, if you think finally getting down a lick you have been loving for years is not fun, if you think the world of music is not fun...as I said, we live in different universes.
Click to expand...

Now I've got to agree with you. Nice post.
 
#176
sulu said:
You and I, my friend, are on opposite sides of the galaxy.
If you think playing with your friends in a band is not fun, if you think finally getting down a lick you have been loving for years is not fun, if you think the world of music is not fun...as I said, we live in different universes.
Click to expand...

I'll get shot down for this,
:hiding:

but I agree. Music is for you to enjoy, simply that.

Keep going, you don't get good overnight. You'll see progress in just a few months time, if you're like I was. Just stick with it, and try your hardest to work on RHYTHM and EAR TRAINING. Make sure your notes flow instead of sounding choppy. Keep with it, its a long road that's worth it.
 
#177
sulu said:
Great post. Thanks for the input.
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No problem broheim, pm if you ever want anything
youll avoid ppl making fun of you or whatever
theres a lot of ppl on this site that are (unfortunately) just out there to put ppl down and show everyone how much more they know instead of sharing what they know

i may not know much, but i can at least lead you in the right direction
 
#178
RickenBoogie said:
If you're having fun, you're doing it right.
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Congratulations!
Perfectly put. Best post on this thread.

I am not looking to do studio work with Herbie Hancock. I am simply looking to feel that rush that one gets when you play something so right to your ears. When I hear a tone that I like, when I play some notes that sound soooo fine - I'm having fun, I'm doing it right.
 
#179
crimson_basser said:
No problem broheim, pm if you ever want anything
youll avoid ppl making fun of you or whatever
theres a lot of ppl on this site that are (unfortunately) just out there to put ppl down and show everyone how much more they know instead of sharing what they know

i may not know much, but i can at least lead you in the right direction
Click to expand...

Its not a matter of putting people down. Its a matter of what I, and others, consider a display of arrogance. Pure and simple.

The first thing Sulu did was (what I perceive as) brag about learning a song perfectly after four days of playing guitar. Most of us on here it took months and months of playing to get a song halfway decent.
 
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