Just started lessons

[phatduckk]

... and im stoked.

been playing for way too long w/o having any clue what im doing. i figured its about time to get some knowledge.

so today i have my first lesson w/ my new rad teacher. my teacher's an acquaintance turn friend of mine named Danny. He used to play in one my my favorite bands called The Enemies and is now playing in an awesome band called ArnoCorps. He's got a degree in world music, has played jazz bass & upright since he was a kid and has played in a ton of punk and metal bands. i figure he's the perfect guy for the job.

im super excited to have found a instructor that gets me and the music i like! finally ill start learning why the stuff ive been doing "works" and also get some extra tools to help me out along the way

ps: he's a Stingray guy for life 'ta boot

 

[GWDavis28]

Phatty, congrats man. I did the samething back in January and she was best of Boston 92 and 93.

Great to learn from someone that has a clue huh. Sounds like fun man, enjoy it.

Glenn |B)

 

[fogman]

That's great Phatty!

I've actually been looking for a teacher myself!!!!

 

[Psycho Ward]

I doesn’t matter how good you are, you can always be better, a teacher can help. I hope it works out great for you Phatty!

 

[EBMM7181]

Phatty, when you learn how to do it, teach me!

 

[ashiin]

an instructor, who is also a fellow stingray?

you lucky man.

 

[Baird]

I am thinking about doing the same after being self taught for 20+ years.

My theory isn't the greatest and I am interested in learning some new techniques.

Have fun and don't forget........ PRACTICE FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES EVERY DAY!!!!!

 

[1Echo]

As long as you pick a good teacher it's always worth it. When I started on bass I already had decades of experience on other (non-fretted) instruments and as a composer I had no issues with the theory so what I needed was someone to put me on the right path for my technique. Unfortunately my first attempt at lessons put me in the hands of a guitar player posing as a bass teacher. That was wasted time and now I'm studying with someone who has been playing bass for close to 20 years in every style conceivable. I've picked up so much more in just the first few lessons with him that I'm really kicking myself for all that wasted time.

 

[WillPlay4Food]

I started taking lessons again about 2 months ago. Definitely a great investment when you find a good teacher.

 

[AnthonyD]

Excellent Arin! Sounds like the right man for the job!

There is always something to learn...

 

[phatduckk]

I doesn’t matter how good you are, you can always be better, a teacher can help. I hope it works out great for you Phatty!

ya, exactly. music is pretty endless. im super excited and really looking forward to it

 

[phatduckk]

Phatty, when you learn how to do it, teach me!

ill do what i can when i get there. i have a lot to learn but once i get comfortable and know i understand stuff well ill post videos etc or my learnings but thats probably not gonna be for a lil while

 

[Gary Raymond]

To compare bass playing to golf swinging, you may have a flaw in your technique, but are not aware of it. A "pro" watching you may notice that your wrist is not correct, or you're not following through correctly, you would never notice this yourself, it takes an observer to do that. Gratz on finding a good teacher. Wish I could find one around here.

 

[Kirby]

Phatty, welcome to the club. It is a great feeling isn't it! I recently have started taking from my old Berklee instructor in Boston again. It also gives me an excuse to head to the east coast once a month for some great beer & seafood!

 

[Caca de Kick]

I've thought about taking some bass lessons just to see what teachers are doing...and it can only be good to pick-up on a few new things along the way too.
I have had a few folks ask before, and a couple guys now wanting me to give lessons, but I don't know what to do with them... where would I start?

But later this month I'm doing some vocal lessons.

 

[mike not fat]

I'm taking lessons since 9 months, and it really help out understanding what I'm playing. I just dont't have enough time to practice what i learned, but it is definitely usefull, especially to speak with other musicians.

MNF

 

[phatduckk]

i actually played to a matronome for the first time ever last night. wow it was boring... but i kept on with it for quite a while. the main downside was that i had to turn the volume on the tv down to hear those damn clicks

 

[dlb1001]

Yeah, the metronome is boring but it sure helps when it comes to keeping the beat. My teacher made me do walking lines while the metronome was set for second and fourth beat...pretty tough.

 

[jamesattard]

cool phat. i'm gonna start some advanced theory lessons next month or so.

 

[1Echo]

the main downside was that i had to turn the volume on the tv down to hear those damn clicks

You keep the TV on? I might do that if I'm goofing off but for practice it's 100% focus on the bass. I like to be able to hear any unnecessary noise caused by my playing (string noise, fingers, ringing strings, etc.). Also, scrap the metronome and use some type of drum/groove machine. It's more interesting and you'll still get the consistent timing while learning how to stay in the pocket in numerous styles.