Posted on November 3, 2011 by

4 Characteristics You Need to Learn Bass

There are four key qualities you need in order to succeed at learning and playing bass. Check out the list:

1. Perseverance

I’ve said it one hundred times: Do not quit. You can take breaks while learning bass, but you should never just give up. Perseverance is the ability to keep going even when you can’t seem to master one riff or learn that new technique.

2. Motivation

Sometimes you just don’t feel like playing, but you have to stay motivated. I advocate practicing everyday, even if you can only play for 10 minutes, that’s better than nothing!

I have posted some inspirational videos if you check the beginning bass archives.

3. Curiosity

What I mean by curiosity is the want to always be learning more songs and techniques. You should be thirsty for knowledge and want to always be improving your bass playing.

If you usually play rock bass, try learning some jazz licks or samba riffs. It will improve your playing in all aspects.

4. Boldness

My personal opinion is that the fastest way to learn bass is to play with other musicians. You’ll figure it out faster than you could even imagine.

Where does boldness fit in? You have to be bold to go out and play with other musicians. It takes guts to get on stage also. Don’t underestimate this characteristic!

Hopefully this article cleared some things up for you. Leave a comment below!

Posted on October 19, 2011 by

4 Things to Keep in Mind while Playing Bass

Here is a list of four critical things to remember while you are playing bass. Do not forget these!

1. Don’t Get Discouraged

It’s easy to be discouraged when you are struggling to learn a riff or a new technique. Shake off the negativity and keep working hard at it.

Usually when you want to quit, you are very close to your goal, as the saying goes. Keep working hard and eventually you will master that bass technique, soon.

2. The Best Worked Hard to be the Best

Do you ever think about the amount of time and effort your favorite bass player has put in? The amounts of times that he or she burnt the midnight oil in order to learn that new technique or lock in that new groove?

The bottom line is, the best practice a lot. And they practice smart too. Victor Wooten did not become a slap bass wonder overnight, remember that!

3. You Determine How Good You Can Be

The only person who is stopping you from becoming the next bass legend is yourself. Thank about that.

Think about what you want to accomplish from playing bass, and go out and achieve it!

4. “Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win”

A famous Lombardi quote that sums up a lot of different aspects of life, including playing bass guitar. Do not stop playing forever if you are frustrated. Take a 15 minute break or even a couple days off if you need it.

Good luck, and I hope this list helped you!

Leave any comments about other things you should remember down below.

Posted on October 17, 2011 by

6 Awesome Bass Videos

A short list of some different bass videos that keep me inspired to play bass guitar. Pass these videos along to some fellow bass players to share the love.

Reggie Hamilton at Bass Player Live