prblack Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 Hi I started playing the bass about 7 years ago. As soon as I plucked that first note it just felt like home to me.I learned most of the songs I play by ear or by just picking up from the other players. Over the last few months i've played at jams, gigs, and on demos. But I always fell i'm playing the same things. I feel I've reached a plateau with my playing and want to know what I'd should be working on to improve my playing? Scales.... ? Music theory? books...? DVD? There is so much to choose from! Where do I go from here? How do I get to the next level? Pauline prblack@sympatico.ca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicklab Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 It sounds like you should try listening to some different kinds of music. Try something that you're into, but challenges you musically. Push yourself to try something that's different from what you've done before. There's no set formula to getting better other than challenging yourself and pushing your current boundaries. Obligatory Social Media Link "My concern is, and I have to, uh, check with my accountant, that this might bump me into a higher, uh, tax..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dohhhhh6 Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 Heh, I was just about to suggest that. Get into new styles of music, or atleast give them a try. One key to becoming a better player is to have BIG ears. Good luck on the search, bud. In Skynyrd We Trust Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prophetgtree Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 Hey, one of the most valueable techniques I work on are scales. Scales are great for hand placement, finger placement, etc. Learn all your scales, and learn all the modes! It's great to have that ability when you are on the 6th in the Key of G and want to play a fill, you've got your hand positioning right there. my $.02! www.geocities.com/nk_bass/enter.html Still working on it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prblack Posted April 5, 2004 Author Share Posted April 5, 2004 Thanks for the prompt replies. Which scales should I learn first? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicklab Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 Work through the modes. Those are the seven different scales that make up the system msot western musicians know. Just run a search on modes, and you should find them. Obligatory Social Media Link "My concern is, and I have to, uh, check with my accountant, that this might bump me into a higher, uh, tax..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mound Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 Take some lessons! -Paul "You look hopefully for an idea and then you're humble when you find it and you wish your skills were better. To have even a half-baked touch of creativity is an honor." -- Ernie Stires, composer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassplayer5217 Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 When I felt that I had gotten what I could out of bass (stupidly after 2 years of playing, ha!), I decided that I would be different and play with my eyes closed. For some reason, after mastering the fretboard without looking, I then tried palm muting at the same time, and voula! I am now known as "dubs" because of the phat-ness I can get from using my whole forearm as a mute. For a taste of what I kinda sound like, check out Jamiroquai's "Drifting Along". I was playing that song, and on the low F# I knocked a painting off the wall. Ever since I have been progressing like I could've never imagined! - Germain .~. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Capasso Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 Welcome !! One thing you can do is spend all your free time here. It will help some, but not nearly as much as the other suggestions! Yes - I'm being silly. Again, thanks for joining. Tom www.stoneflyrocks.com Acoustic Color Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73 P Bass Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 Can you read music? If not try learning; it will open up new worlds of material, and challenges for you. "Start listening to music!". -Jeremy C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badgerbass Posted April 6, 2004 Share Posted April 6, 2004 All above are good suggestions. Also try www.activebass.com. They have lots of good lessons in all different genres. You can hear samples of them, too. Good place for some good info. The Warwick site has a few lessons on slap and other techniques. Guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prblack Posted April 7, 2004 Author Share Posted April 7, 2004 I want to thank everyone for their wonderful suggestions. I think I'll start incorporating all your suggestions into my practice schedule. I'll keep you up to date on my progress. Pauline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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