Motivation

[SuperSeagull]

Looking for some advice from you good folk. As some of you might remember I’ve had to step back quite suddenly from playing with my band to concentrate on beating my pesky non Hodgkin’s lymphoma via a 6 month course of chemotherapy. I’m now 2 sessions of chemo in and have bad days, ok days but plenty of good days between treatments. I’ve kept my musical genes busy looking after a PA and video screen install at my church and then sorting out the myriad bits of fettling that follow on from that - learnt loads. But I’m struggling to find the motivation to play. It’s really a perfect opportunity to improve my playing, I’ve time, I can’t mix and mingle with folk as much I used to as my immune system is shot and I’ve a music room full of lovely gear. But I just can’t work out how to approach it. When in bands it was easy, new songs to learn, old ones to get better at - playing all the time. I’ve old scale books, some Norm Stockton DVDs, an online course I subscribed to a while back but………any ideas please? Perhaps any tracks that would be a good workout to get my head around? Thanks. And love and strength to anyone going through a difficult time with their health. 

[Killerfridge]

The online course option really drove me forward in terms of motivation. Specifically Jaymes Bass Academy because there are monthly challenges that keep me interested and give me something to work on for the month (as well as the courses). Jayme is also reasonably active on the forum giving feedback etc.

[Bilbo]

Try learning to read music? Assuming you can't already. 20 minutes a day and in six months you won't know yourself. Two years and you'll be the best reader on Bass chat! It opens musical doors in terms of learning. There are some decent packages out there, Jeff Berlin's course is decent enough, but all you really need is a simple explanation of the basic principles and the rest is just doing it, again and again and again. What is also good about it is that you don't have to be inspired. You just have to do it. It builds technique as well as reading chops all without needing to 'think' about it.

 

Time well spent.

[Burns-bass]

Don’t put your mind or body under and pressure!

 

I agree with Bilbo’s advice above. 
 

I am currently learning how to play classical double bass (where you have to read music and play with a bow).

 

It’s a completely different instrument and approach, but it’s transformed my electric bass playing, and improved my jazz sight reading.

 

Whatever you do, ensure it’s fun. Sounds like you need a bit of that…

[SuperSeagull]

12 minutes ago, Bilbo said:

Try learning to read music? Assuming you can't already. 20 minutes a day and in six months you won't know yourself. Two years and you'll be the best reader on Bass chat! It opens musical doors in terms of learning. There are some decent packages out there, Jeff Berlin's course is decent enough, but all you really need is a simple explanation of the basic principles and the rest is just doing it, again and again and again. What is also good about it is that you don't have to be inspired. You just have to do it. It builds technique as well as reading chops all without needing to 'think' about it.

 

Time well spent.

That's a great idea. I used to read when I played piano as a kid half a century ago. I so regret not keeping my reading up when I switched to bass. 

[Burns-bass]

I’ve probably got some bass books I’d send you if you want them (free, if you want). Just send me a DM.

[SteveXFR]

I'm also struggling with motivation. I gave up and sold all my gear last year then bought a new bass to start a new band with mates in January. That went nowhere. Since then I've been for auditions which went nowhere (I learned auditions work both ways). Now struggling to get motivated. I occasionally hear a song and think I'd like to play it but never get around to it. Going to see my old band (still good mates) is in one way really good (they're awesome) and depressing (they create a huge noise without bass).

Need to find a band. 

[SuperSeagull]

48 minutes ago, Burns-bass said:

I’ve probably got some bass books I’d send you if you want them (free, if you want). Just send me a DM.

That's really kind. I'm going to look at what I've got first and see how it goes. But much appreciated 👍 

[itu]

Standing in the shadows of Motown. The book you can listen and read. The stories are of interest, and variety of songs from simple to complicated.

[JapanAxe]

I hit this problem when the first lockdown happened - suddenly I had loads more time (no commuting) but found I lacked the motivation to do the things I’d always wished I had time for. What helped me was starting a Bullet Journal, and I still do it now. I use it just for the fun stuff (bass, guitar, keyboard, singing, electronics) but many people use it for all aspects of life. I note down (in ‘spreads’ - see video) things I want to try, improve on, buy, sell, build, repair, whatever. At the end of each day I give myself 2 or 3 things to do the next day - I don’t always get them done, but every day I have a record of the small steps I’ve made to reach my goals. It’s a way to:

- Track your past

- Organise your present

- Plan your future 

 

Here’s a good place to start:

 

[Burns-bass]

16 minutes ago, JapanAxe said:

I hit this problem when the first lockdown happened - suddenly I had loads more time (no commuting) but found I lacked the motivation to do the things I’d always wished I had time for. What helped me was starting a Bullet Journal, and I still do it now. I use it just for the fun stuff (bass, guitar, keyboard, singing, electronics) but many people use it for all aspects of life. I note down (in ‘spreads’ - see video) things I want to try, improve on, buy, sell, build, repair, whatever. At the end of each day I give myself 2 or 3 things to do the next day - I don’t always get them done, but every day I have a record of the small steps I’ve made to reach my goals. It’s a way to:

- Track your past

- Organise your present

- Plan your future 

 

Here’s a good place to start:

 

I’ve never heard it called that, but I do the same on my phone. 
 

I listen to everything, even banal stuff, so it gets done.

[TimR]

2 hours ago, SuperSeagull said:

As some of you might remember I’ve had to step back quite suddenly from playing with my band to concentrate on beating my pesky non Hodgkin’s lymphoma via a 6 month course of chemotherapy. I’m now 2 sessions of chemo in and have bad days, ok days but plenty of good days between treatments.

 

When I had Hodgkins, I continued playing in the band and scheduled rehearsals for the days before the next treatment when I was going to feel better. We didn't gig much anyway so that may not be fair on your band if you'd be stopping them gigging.

 

I walked a lot. I find that physical activity changes your mood, from 'sitting in the sofa watching TV' mode to 'doing something' mode.

[SuperSeagull]

2 hours ago, TimR said:

 

When I had Hodgkins, I continued playing in the band and scheduled rehearsals for the days before the next treatment when I was going to feel better. We didn't gig much anyway so that may not be fair on your band if you'd be stopping them gigging.

 

I walked a lot. I find that physical activity changes your mood, from 'sitting in the sofa watching TV' mode to 'doing something' mode.

Yeah, problem was they rehearse once a week and gig once or twice a month. Even if they were prepared to accommodate me, I couldn't do it at the moment. Too fatigued. Walking good and a helpful reminder to do it! Thanks. 

[Jo.gwillim]

I'm always amazed at the caring thoughtful comments people make on bc. 

When I'm not learning songs to play with bands i just play whatever comes into my head. Often diliberately playing as badly as i can to see what happens. After 15 minutes of not going anywhere something new and interesting usually emerges. Something that often tells me how I'm feeling that day. Good brain therapy. I hope the chemo works. 

[Len_derby]

Seven years ago I had an attack of Bell’s Palsy (facial paralysis), my vision was affected to the extent of not being able to drive or cross a busy street safely. To keep me going a generous guitarist friend came around to my house once a week and we played away acoustically, or quietly plugged-in, for a couple of hours. We even had a go at writing songs for the first time. I really looked forward to the sessions and they kept me going, musically, until my recovery.

I hope you’ve got some pals like that. Good luck with the recovery and keep on rockin’ !

[Owen]

Have you considered writing and recording your own stuff? Not for public consumption (necessarily), just for the craic. I started doing this a couple of years ago and really enjoy it. I am more than aware that the world is not waiting for what I have to say. But I am hugely enjoying the process. 

[SuperSeagull]

7 hours ago, Owen said:

Have you considered writing and recording your own stuff? Not for public consumption (necessarily), just for the craic. I started doing this a couple of years ago and really enjoy it. I am more than aware that the world is not waiting for what I have to say. But I am hugely enjoying the process. 

Another good idea, thank you. I spent a bit of time yesterday working on a short solo version of a song (not an original) that I've been playing about with for a while. Therapeutic. 

[Boodang]

I had a lull recently with bass playing inspiration. The thing that got me going was composing solo bass pieces but the real driver was that I created a SoundCloud account so that the music didn't just stay in the shed but is actually heard... albeit by about half a dozen people. I'm still working in it but knowing that complete strangers are going to listen, and judge, your output makes me put extra effort into it. 

Good luck with the treatment, hope it all goes well. 

[Burns-bass]

I have had multiple people recommend this book to me, and so I have ordered it.

 

 

[AlexDelores]

Sorry to hear you’re having some health battles. 
 

Perhaps take the pressure off yourself and give yourself a specific length of time ‘off’. Put everything away for a month and tell yourself you’re not going to touch it but after the set time you’re going to crack on. In the meantime, consume as much music and bass related stuff as possible. I find watching old live gigs of bands and artists I love on YouTube makes me itch to pick up the instrument. 
 

You might find that the idea of not being able to play it combined with lots of inspiration to be a good reset. 

 

 

 

 

Edited yesterday at 07:56 by AlexDelores

[Len_derby]

38 minutes ago, Burns-bass said:

I have had multiple people recommend this book to me, and so I have ordered it.

 

 

 

Good book! I’ve read mine a couple of times. You don’t have to know him or his music to get things from it. In fact, I bought a second copy and gave it to the guitarist I mentioned in my previous post.

[Burns-bass]

16 minutes ago, Len_derby said:

 

Good book! I’ve read mine a couple of times. You don’t have to know him or his music to get things from it. In fact, I bought a second copy and gave it to the guitarist I mentioned in my previous post.

It was recommended to me by a guitarist. Once read I’ll add it to the recycling pile here.