Not in a band?

[bassmonkey]

I've recently started playing again after a ten year break. I'm trying to relearn all my theory again and get my chops together. I'm not in a band yet. My question is for guys like me, who aren't in a band.

The question is, how do you keep going? How do you structure your practice? Do you just jam along to records or do only scale exercises? Do you set aside separate tasks for each practice period or do you mix it up?

Here is how I approach it. I usually start with a few exercises from "Bass Fitness" by Josquin des Pres, then I'll do some scale exercises, cycling around the different keys. After this I will usually work on a transcription(not tab, I hate tab), I'm currently trying to learn "Come On, Come Over" (I always practice with a metronome), then I'll work on something off a record(without sheet music) to try to develop my ear and I'll finish up just messing around, maybe jamming along to a track I know well.

I'm looking for ideas of things that will help me improve.

 

[mr_omerta]

I'm a somewhat similar situation, I haven't played in a band in probably about 3 years or so and haven't played much at all in the last two. Plus I'm learning how to play on a brand new 5 string for the first time. For me, it's all scales right now and getting my fingerstyle endurance up to pace. After I'm warmed up, I'll usually play some solos and eventually start playing some original stuff, along with some Red Hot Chili Peppers or Rush. My favorite tune at the moment to play to is Chick Corea's Spain.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I'm in a couple of bands so I'm not the guy you're asking - but I'll throw in my .03 anyhow. I think it's important to find a band, any band - cuz from what I've seen with other people I know it's really hard to stay motivated when you're just playing alone. While we all know that bass can be a wonderful solo instrument, it's just so much rougher than with some other instruments to go it alone. Friends that I know have gone only so far and then gave it up. I also think the best practice we can get is with a group. Some guys can play in their room for years and then ya throw them into a band situation and they can't play for crap. I think practicing with a group is a lot more valuable than practicing in the house. And I think playing on a stage is the best practice.

If for some reason I was just to practice on my own and wasn't already performing, I think I'd get a few cover sets together and learn around 30 songs so I'd be able to jump into a band if the opportunity arose. I'd check the setlists of bands I knew were covering the kind of music I like. A lot of them post their songs on their websites. I'd also start looking for original groups in need of bass players (on craigslist, or other local messageboards), request their CDs or mp3s to learn their stuff, and audition for them - even if just for the practice.

BASSically, I'd try to find some concrete goals to work towards and keep myself motivated.

 

[bassmonkey]

Thanks for the advice guys, but you have to realise, I've been playing bass for 20+ years and I'm a pretty decent player. I've played in loads of bands in my time. I'm now just getting back into it, and want to do some serious wood shedding, I'm ready for this now, and think I can be a fantastic bass player.

What I think you guys are saying is just get out there and do it, which is fair enough. But, I just want to be ready, when I get the call.