Quote:
Originally Posted by The Fixer
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!
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I used to play chello...but that was in 2nd grade. And then went to the trumpet!! Ive always had an ear for music. My knowledge of the fretboard needs some work. But Im using the chord patterns, etc. to help my learning of where the notes are, I either try to sing out the notes as im playing or just say what note of what scale Im on, be it the root, 3rd, 5th, 7th. Im good at finding the out the root notes, and then the major or minor scale from there(modes are another thing). still working on the chords and patterns form there. I used to be able to read music, but not anymore. I know that is essential part of playing and am working on it. Do you have any tips on chord progression or playing shapes?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob WS6
Just pick your favorite songs and learn them... as they get easier, challenge yourself with harder ones. Dont get discouraged if you can play something at first, many times Ive found that taking a break and trying again the next day, you may just find youll be able to do it. Dont worry about speed, anyone can play fast... worry about accuracy and more importantly, feel. Playing like a robot is easy, making your playing sound like "you" is what its all about! When someone can identify your playing within the first couple notes, youre doing it right!  |
I find the same thing in my playing. For example, I work on a good rhythm for the day and if i cant figure it out or if feel that my body is tensioned up, I will take a break or even put it off till the next day. As far as playing along with what I listen to, I need to work on that. As far as taking time to google what key a song is played in and take it from there
I wouldnt call myself a beginner, but at the same time I wouldnt call myself a novice. Meaning I know that parts of the Bass, what they do, how they affect the sound you want, but Its frustrating when you cant make it do what you want(finger positions and what not). I guess thats the rut Im stuck in. Still learning the fretboard and the notes within, what notes sound good with others and so on.
I would really like to improvise and create. I have a very creative mind, but havent had the discipline to put in down on paper, so to say.