Learning how to play bass can be quite intimidating when you practice and there appears to be no progress.
Then you start to wonder if the electric bass is the right instrument for you, or if you should try a guitar or another instrument instead. But you’ve already made some progress, so stopping now would mean that what you did before wasn’t working.
You might not like your bass teacher, or you might think that the individual exercises are taking you in the wrong direction.
You’ve reached a point where it’s difficult for you to pick up the bass and begin practicing again?
We’ll show you how to keep yourself motivated by taking small steps, cultivating genuine interest, and setting goals!
Why Did You Decide to Play the Bass?
You did play bass for a reason, didn’t you? You could have played the guitar or the saxophone. Was there a particular musical style that influenced your decision to favor the bass? Was it a particular musician? Or do you simply enjoy the bass?
It was my passion for jazz. I’d always wanted to be a part of a jazz band. I didn’t care if the band played jazz standards, fusion, cross-over, or anything else.
Marcus Miller was also a big fan of mine. However, the type of music you enjoy is unimportant to your motivation. It makes no difference whether your favorite bands are Iron Maiden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, or Weather Report.
Lastly, it is important for all musicians to play in front of an audience.
Typical Bass Practice Motivation Issues
- When taking a bass course and practicing, you will encounter music theory. This is difficult for many people at first, and it appears to have nothing to do with the actual playing. For some, music theory is a major impediment and a source of discouragement.
- When practicing, one reaches an apparent limit. Certain bass lines or scales simply refuse to enter the fingers. Then there’s the question of whether you’re really cut out for the instrument.
- The music and songs that one wishes to be able to play appear to be too difficult. Progress is not happening quickly enough.
- The electric bass is barely perceived by the general public. Everyone is familiar with well-known guitarists, pianists, and singers. People shrug their shoulders when asked about famous electric bass players. That can be very discouraging.
- You simply do not get along with your electric bass instructor. If you’re taking an online course, you might find that it’s either too difficult or too easy.
How Do You Get Yourself to Practice Again?
- If you don’t want to practice music theory, keep in mind that the best electric bass players are well-versed in it. In 2008, Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers enrolled in college to study music theory. Every bit of music theory knowledge helps you when you practice and play! It’s also cool to gain knowledge and be able to apply it!
- Practice in small increments. If an electric bass scale appears too complicated to you, or if the teacher in your electric bass course moves too quickly, slow down. Slower and more concentrated practice at first will result in faster progress later! Break down songs into parts that you want to play and practice those parts until you can do them.
- Set large goals for yourself, such as playing 10 songs in your favorite genre of music. Now, break these ten songs down into parts and practice them until you can perform them flawlessly. Always keep your big goal in mind and reward yourself when you complete a small step.
- Pick up the bass and practice for at least 10 minutes every day, even if you don’t want to! You can always use those ten minutes. What’s the difference between spending 10 minutes on social media and 10 minutes playing bass? Later, when you join a band, you will interact with real people. That cannot be substituted!
- Listen to bass tracks and songs by your favorite bass players! However, you should also listen to music and bass lines from other genres. Every day, try to listen to and analyze one piece of music in depth. This will greatly improve your musical understanding and motivation.
- Seek out people who share your interests. whether in a music school or on an online forum. Interaction with other musicians is always inspirational and motivating.
- Always keep in mind how important the electric bass is! The electric bass, like the drums, is a cornerstone of modern music! Attend concerts! Take a close look at the bassist. Attend concerts by bands you don’t normally listen to. There is no substitute for experience, but you can always learn by observing.
Conclusion
To stay interested in an electric bass course, you need to develop and keep a real interest in the instrument and in music.
Everyone who makes or practices music experiences a slump in motivation at some point. But you can get past it if you are really interested and keep learning both in theory and in practice.
Set lofty goals for yourself, practice in small increments, and learn everything you can about the electric bass and the music you want to play.
