I've decided to share an abbreviated journal of my new learning adventure. Hopefully something I post here will be useful to you, or you're friends. At any rate, I think it will be fun to look back on these posts... two or three years from now.
Some readers may remember my review of Philip Toshio Sudo's excellent book, "Zen Guitar". The chapter titled, The Beginners Mind summarizes my view about taking on a challenge such as learning a new instrument-- which anyone at any age can do-- is that its like running a marathon
"Those who want to run, run. Those determined to finish, finish. As the samurai say, 'The only opponent is within.' There are no tricks or secrets. It is a matter of will-- putting one foot in front of the other every step of the path. In Zen Guitar, honesty, integrity, spiritual strength, and depth of conviction are more important than skill. These are the elements that make vital music, and they have nothing to do with natural talent. Where there's a will, theres the Way."
First, the tools I choose: G&L bass, Carvin combo amp, Boss tuner/metronome, notebook (for keeping track of my practice sessions, music notation, etc.) and my textbook of sorts-- "Bass Guitar For Dummies." When choosing your gear, keep in mind the wisdom of Zen Guitar
"...make sure you look for an instrument of suitable quality... Avoid poor craftsmanship; it's the sign of a poor spirit. That doesn't mean you have to buy the most expensive equipment... Learn to identify quality and appreciate anything thats well made, wherever you find it. Look deeply into the spirit that goes into making an item of quality-- the care, precision, the attention to detail. Incorporate that spirit into your work...make [it] as well as you can. To do otherwise is spiritless."
Next, find a good teacher. This may take some time, as I have found out myself. In the meantime, I started through the book, and searched out lessons on YouTube. This is by no means a sufficient replacement for a good teacher! Finding a good bass teacher is very important, but again this may take some time. Here are a few free videos I've found to be useful supplements, that have allowed me to move forward while my search for a good teacher continues:
Its important to remember that not everything on Youtube is helpful, or useful. There are however some real gems to be found. One of the gems belongs to Scott Devine, titled, "The Most Important Bass Lesson I Ever Teach." Scott is responsible for A TON of quality instructional videos-- and they are free. This first video establishes a solid foundation and proper perspective to approach learning a new instrument. It contains wisdom (not just information) that will sustain the beginner through the long journey ahead. GREAT stuff here!
With a proper foundation established, it's time to pick up the instrument. Building on the Zen Guitar wisdom that says, "Don't pick up your guitar aimlessly. Act with a sense of purpose. Be of the mind that you're going to do something-- even if you don't know what that is yet. Prepare yourself to play."
This next video covers the very basics of playing the bass. As a long-time guitarist, I intentionally remind myself that playing the bass is quite different in approach and technique. For example, on guitar I strike the strings with a pick; good bass tone however, is all about the fingers. This video is useful in understanding the proper way to pick the strings, and provides practice tips for both picking, and timing.
Finally, to build on George's lesson, Scott Devine takes it a step further with his video instruction about right hand technique. My approach was to take my time with these lessons, and as Scott mentions in the first video, learn things in small pieces. I've learned that having a solid foundation makes playing actual songs much easier.
I found these videos very helpful in getting started, and hopefully they will be for you as well. They formed the basis for my early practice sessions. But effective practice is much more than following a video or two. You have to have a plan. Time is a premium in our house, and when one considers all the responsibilities that come with married life, finding time to practice can be tough. Thankfully I came across this article on No Treble, an excellent website for bass players:
The advice in that article has really helped me stay focused (rather than noodling around), and to concentrate practice time to improving areas that I'm weak in, opposed to playing only the that which I already know. I started keeping track of these practice sessions with a basic 80-sheet bound notebook. I choose a quad-rule (graph paper) version because I like to map out fretboard shapes, and locations. Having the little boxes pre-printed is also a time saver, and keeps things neat and orderly.
Lastly, I created this little cheat sheet, or as I like to call it "quick reference guide" to the fretboard. Used in conjunction with my practice log, the videos and book, I made enough progress to play bass with our church's worship band last Sunday. And let me tell you, I had a BLAST! Theres nothing like playing with other musicians to inspire me to improve, and keep learning new things. It's my hope someone will read this blog-- perhaps this entry-- and find the encouragement needed to learn an instrument. The great Elwood Blues once said, "...no pharmaceutical product could ever equal the rush you get when the band hits that groove; the people are dancing', and shouting', and swain', and the house is rocking'!" 'Till next time...
Stay tuned & in tune~
