Quote:
Originally Posted by z28camaro94
In the last 2 months I've picked up my bass that I've owned since college(8 yrs ago) and started practicing and learning. I've been working on scales, chords, chord tones, arpeggios, walking base lines. As well as just trying to get my fingers to do what there supposed to do.
Are there any of you out there that play bass, or even guitar? What did you do when you started playing. What did you practice? Are there any tips you would like to share.
I feel like I've gotten into a rut, playing and practicing the same things over and over again. I know it is important to fully know and understand all the fundamentals. What do you have with you when you practice, i.e. metronomes, backing tracks? Do you always practice in the same spot or try different spots for more influences.
I know, its a lot of questions. Basically I'm just looking for tips to further my knowledge and skill. And try to get out of this rut I'm in
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I hear you. I'm really a trumpet player, but have been seriously playing guitar for the last two years because I teach K-6 general music in an elementary school, and playing guitar is easier for me than a piano. Plus, I can keep track of my students and walk around the room. I have practiced a LOT as far as working on strum patterns and keeping things in time while singing. I can't solo or shred, but I'm fairly competent now as a rhythm guitar player.
And while I'm not a bass player, it sounds like you're doing the right stuff - arpeggios, scales, and such are very important to keeping a piece of music in the right key. Do you read sheet music, or tabs? How's your knowledge of the fretboard itself - do you know what note is on what string depending on where you are on the fretboard? It's something I still work on with the guitar, trying to remember where all the notes are. As for what to do next, I recommend trying to learn songs that you like, and play along with them. I do a lot of practicing to the Beatles - some of their stuff is really easy, and other tunes are very difficult. Hang in there and keep shedding!