bobpalt Posted August 30, 2015 Posted August 30, 2015 It's two years now since I retired from the band to do a bit of travelling in my retirement, and in that time I have pretty much not played at all. Recently I have had a few urges to at least have a jam with friends, but am a bit concerned as I seem to have forgotten most of what I knew! I was never the most talented bassist and tended to learn things parrot fashion rather than going with the flow so to speak, but I played regularly in a busy functions band for 13 years and could hold my own. At 61 I worry that, to paraphrase Homer (Simpson) in order to learn something new I have to forget something I already knew. Am I being paranoid? Will it all come back or is 2 years of abstinence enough to wipe the memory bank clean? Quote
discreet Posted August 30, 2015 Posted August 30, 2015 Don't worry, it's like falling off a bike. Seriously though, as soon as you start jamming it will all come back to you. The trick is not to worry about it too much. Quote
Number6 Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 I took 20 years off and when i picked up the bass again i played the first ever bassline i learned no trouble..... It was Money by Pink Floyd. But it is amazing what the mind retains. Quote
CamdenRob Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 (edited) I had a ten year break and thought it would take me ages to get back into it... Asides from sore fingers for a few days it was like I'd never stopped. I couldn't remember any material obviously, but that didn't really matter as I wasn't in any of those bands any more anyway. I'm uselss at remembering stuff anyway. I can remember the set for both my current bands but I've already forgotten the majority of the material from a band I played in last year. Edited August 31, 2015 by CamdenRob Quote
gary mac Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 When I had a few years off, upon my return I could recall the tunes, scales etc. without too much trouble but for a while just too rusty to execute them properly. It soon comes back though, sore fingers maybe for a few days and then it will feel like you've never been away. Now then Bob, don't let it happen again Quote
Paultrader Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 It'll be no problem at all, the two years off will make no difference after a few practises. And 61 is nothing - time to get started on the things you really want to do! As for forgetting how to play, I forgot how to play 'Ready Teddy' on Saturday night and we'd only practised it the night before... Quote
colgraff Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 I had a few years off and while the 'muscle memory' was there and my technique was quite sharp, my stamina had deteriorated a lot so I had an aching back, sore fingers, etc. for the first couple of rehearsals. Quote
Happy Jack Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 Bass ... that's the one with four strings, right? Quote
ezbass Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 The bike analogy is very apt, you might wobble a bit, but soon you'll be back up as if you were never away. Speed and agility will not be as it once was, but that'll come back too, with time. Quote
Kirky Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 I forget how to play the bass approximately half way through every gig... I think you'll be fine - any nervousness will disappear after a couple of bars. Quote
paul_5 Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 Dunno, I'm not willing to take the risk though... Quote
Hobbayne Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 The only thing you will really have to worry about is sore fingers. The tips will have softened and you will probably have to dab some surgical spirit on them for a week or two. Quote
MacDaddy Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 Use it or lose it. I found that once muscle memory goes then it really is like starting from scratch. Quote
discreet Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 (edited) [quote name='Hobbayne' timestamp='1441015302' post='2855254'] The only thing you will really have to worry about is sore fingers. The tips will have softened and you will probably have to dab some surgical spirit on them for a week or two. [/quote] Quite true, surgical spirit is great for sore fingers. If you drink about half a bottle you won't feel a thing. [quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1441015549' post='2855261'] Use it or lose it. I found that once muscle memory goes then it really is like starting from scratch. [/quote] Yes. Once I'm not playing a set, I forget it. I learn songs through muscle and pattern memory. But if you're not playing that set any more, it matters not. It doesn't mean you've completely forgotten how to play the bass. Edited August 31, 2015 by discreet Quote
spongebob Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 I had about 4 years off some time back, was back drumming instead. Got the chance to join a band I liked, so got practising! Gave myself 2 weeks of playing a lot (I was on annual leave from work) - and got the gig. Not saying I was Jeff Berlin on the day, but I got through it without any cramps or finger pain! It does take time, but I don't think you can ever truly forget. I do remember trying to play stuff I'd recorded with another band 5 or 6 years previously, and at first not coming close. That was a shock, it is amazing how quick you can lose ability in the hands. Not forget, but not be physically able to play what you could easily before. Quote
Marvin Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 I certainly hope one doesn't forget to play. I've not played for 6 months and have just started learning songs for an audition and to say my playing at the moment is shambolic would be and understatement Quote
xgsjx Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 I'm another who's had a few long breaks from playing & came back to it like I'd never been away. It is possible at your age to forget how to play though. Dementia mid gig would suck! Quote
matski Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 Do not despair! I had a period of 6 years of not really playing and I remember that although I hadn't completely forgotten how o play, I definitely didn't have the chops I used to have. The good news is that you should find your skills come back pretty quickly. Quote
steve-bbb Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 yes if you are unfortunate enough to develop alzheimers and/or dementia you will indeed forget how to play the guitar, and many other things too Quote
bobpalt Posted August 31, 2015 Author Posted August 31, 2015 I'll give it a go and see what happens! Now, where did I put that white wooden thingy with those wobbly wire whatsits....... Quote
4-string-thing Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 (edited) Get a mate to knock you out with a spade, and when you come round, tell you you're Mark King.... Edited August 31, 2015 by 4-string-thing Quote
Johnm93 Posted August 31, 2015 Posted August 31, 2015 I forgot how to play this afternoon, five bars in to the fourth number of the set...! Sort of winged it for a bit, hit some root notes for a while, and it came back to me. Apparently, this happens at my age.... Quote
lowhand_mike Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 had 8 years out and came back to it straight into a band, borrowed a bass and amp while i got going again and learned 30 new songs, got back up to speed very quickly, you'll find its like you never stopped Quote
uncle psychosis Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1441008422' post='2855197'] Bass ... that's the one with four strings, right? [/quote] Only if you're a noob ;-) Quote
TrevorR Posted September 1, 2015 Posted September 1, 2015 I regularly completely forget how to play. Every time I sit down in an guitar shop to try out a new bass and the shop assistant rolls out his latest flash slap lick and then hands me the bass with a "Go on, impress me..." look on his face... Quote
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