highwayone Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 I'm in two bands on bass(covers) but I think I need some lessons and was after some advice/teachers/knowledge!! I've been a drummer for 25 years and switched to bass last year. I'm ok at getting tab and chords etc and playing covers but sometimes I feel I don't know what I'm doing as it seems a bit 'paint by numbers' when I want to be able to 'paint' without the numbers if that makes sense?!?!?! For instance I doubt I could just jam or improvise as I don't know where to go. Share your knowledge! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 Funnily, I have just started teaching a fantastic chap who is in exactly the same position! He has been playing drums as well as singing but wishes to learn the bass. He has pretty much said exactly the same thing to me. Which isn't a bad thing. It's a great place to start. I'd recommend shopping around for a teacher that suits you and take 1-2-1 lessons ( as well as the great advice you will recieve on BassChat.) There's a great deal of mileage in finding a good teacher. There's so much to learn that you won't find in a book that a good teacher with experience can bring. I say to all my students that I won't be offended if they want to try out different teachers. I do work hard to deliver an exciting and informative experience though! Anyway, good luck - there's so much to learn from BC alone, but lessons from a pro' is definitely worth it to ensure correct technique, posture etc etc and of course teaching you all you need (and want) to know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 A sympathetic teacher you can "get on" with is worth their weight in gold. A money-grubbing "I'll teach you what I think, not what you want/need" is worth their weight in S**t. 20 years in, I'd STILL consider tuition, but I've yet to find a teacher that suits me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdowner Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 Ah the old 'lessons or self taught' issue... I play in a folk/rock covers band, and my root/5 grooves are 'OK', but my teacher has a real groove working for him and I'm hoping that I just absorb some of that sound in our fortnightly lessons. Seriously - bass is a black art, and every minute with a groover is worth it. Find someone you click with and it'll become a no brainer... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpaceChick Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 I'm a firm believer in having a teacher. My teacher is AWESOME! He's a bass specialist and teaches at University as well as taking on private students. He inspires me every time I see him, what he can't do on a bass isn't worth knowing, yet he makes me feel good about my playing ability. You need to find a teacher that suits you, there are a lot of mediocre teachers out there and guitar teachers that think they can teach bass too. I feel that I have developed and grown in confidence far quicker by having lessons than I would have done if I'd taught myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdowner Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 [quote name='SpaceChick' timestamp='1343246915' post='1747803'] You need to find a teacher that suits you, there are a lot of mediocre teachers out there and guitar teachers that think they can teach bass too. [/quote] yup - I second this... some guitar players think that bass is 'easy' and they can teach it... Nope! Nada! No way! A teacher who *only* teaches bass, or for whom bass is the main thing, is what you need to look for. If they list 'guitar' first in their advert/listing/whatever then walk away my friend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seashell Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 I can only agree with the above. If you are lucky enough to find a great teacher you will be inspired. My teacher is awesome and I intend to keep taking lessons for ever. Or until I turn him into a gibbering wreck, whichever is the sooner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 25, 2012 Share Posted July 25, 2012 I have been playing for 25 years and know a fraction of what's out there! Which reminds me where's Doddy? I'm due a top up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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