lovetheblues Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Hey all! I am a newbie here but hope to be around awhile. I have seen this site referred to in a number of places so I thought I'd check it out. I like it. I have been playing acoustic guitar for around 35 years, but only started learning on bass about 2.5 years ago. Always wanted to learn, and my daughters gave me the motivation to take the plunge :-) All 3 of them are musical, and I taught all 3 of them to play guitar. 2 of them play the piano, one of which is amazing at keyboards - the other is awesome on acoustic and electric guitar - as well as saxophone. Oh, they sing and dance too... Anyway, to be able to spend fun time with them I thought that I could learn bass and we could all play together - which has worked out really well. We don't get to practice together as much as I'd like as we are all so busy, but we do whenever we get the chance! We have also co-written several songs together so far. I started out with a Squire P bass, which I do really still like to play, but then after about a year, I got an Ibanez SR505 which I Love to play! While I am still a beginner on bass, I can honestly say that I have practiced pretty much every day since I got the Squire - usually anywhere from 30 min to an hour or so each day. I can get along pretty well with rock, country, and gospel, but I most enjoy jazz and especially playing the blues! During my middle and high school years I also played trumpet, so I can read music, but often use tab with guitar (have been a bit lazy about memorizing where all the notes are on the fretboard well enough to play well reading - and tab is so easy to do.... ) We hope to perform together someday -we even came up with a name "Don't Fret" - but so far we've just performed at home for ourselves and family so far. We have an offer to perform at our church, so hopefully that will happen in the coming year. What I'd really like to do is be part of a band that gigs once in awhile. Time is the biggest factor right now - I have a day job, a wife, many animals, and 3 teen daughters who are involved in tons of things. But - they are getting older and will be off to college before long. Then, there is the fear factor. To be honest, the idea of performing live half thrills me and half scares me to death! But - I want to do it. I do want to be sure that I am good enough too. How do you tell when you are ready? So many people I have read say to just go for it and expect you'll mess up but you'll learn from it and get better. I suppose that is true, but easier said than done... I am open to any words of wisdom or encouragement from those of you who know way more than I do about all this. In fact that's why I'm here - to learn - and contribute when and if I can. And judging by the posts I've read so far, I'll make some friends along the way... Looking forward to meeting you all, and learning as much as I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlatEric Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 [quote name='lovetheblues' post='1024237' date='Nov 15 2010, 06:05 AM']Hey all! I am a newbie here but hope to be around awhile. I have seen this site referred to in a number of places so I thought I'd check it out. I like it. I have been playing acoustic guitar for around 35 years, but only started learning on bass about 2.5 years ago. Always wanted to learn, and my daughters gave me the motivation to take the plunge :-) All 3 of them are musical, and I taught all 3 of them to play guitar. 2 of them play the piano, one of which is amazing at keyboards - the other is awesome on acoustic and electric guitar - as well as saxophone. Oh, they sing and dance too... Anyway, to be able to spend fun time with them I thought that I could learn bass and we could all play together - which has worked out really well. We don't get to practice together as much as I'd like as we are all so busy, but we do whenever we get the chance! We have also co-written several songs together so far. I started out with a Squire P bass, which I do really still like to play, but then after about a year, I got an Ibanez SR505 which I Love to play! While I am still a beginner on bass, I can honestly say that I have practiced pretty much every day since I got the Squire - usually anywhere from 30 min to an hour or so each day. I can get along pretty well with rock, country, and gospel, but I most enjoy jazz and especially playing the blues! During my middle and high school years I also played trumpet, so I can read music, but often use tab with guitar (have been a bit lazy about memorizing where all the notes are on the fretboard well enough to play well reading - and tab is so easy to do.... ) We hope to perform together someday -we even came up with a name "Don't Fret" - but so far we've just performed at home for ourselves and family so far. We have an offer to perform at our church, so hopefully that will happen in the coming year. What I'd really like to do is be part of a band that gigs once in awhile. Time is the biggest factor right now - I have a day job, a wife, many animals, and 3 teen daughters who are involved in tons of things. But - they are getting older and will be off to college before long. Then, there is the fear factor. To be honest, the idea of performing live half thrills me and half scares me to death! But - I want to do it. I do want to be sure that I am good enough too. How do you tell when you are ready? So many people I have read say to just go for it and expect you'll mess up but you'll learn from it and get better. I suppose that is true, but easier said than done... I am open to any words of wisdom or encouragement from those of you who know way more than I do about all this. In fact that's why I'm here - to learn - and contribute when and if I can. And judging by the posts I've read so far, I'll make some friends along the way... Looking forward to meeting you all, and learning as much as I can.[/quote] Hi, Welcome on board. This caught my eye, as I had a friend who live in Lansing, for about 30 years. Always plenty to see on here and any contributions are always welcome. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Welcome to Basschat. Re how do you know when you are ready - its different for all. If yr question is about joining a band, and are you good enough to, if you can play along to yr fave songs with no problems, then getting in a band situation should bring yr playing along nicely. If yr question is about already being in a band, then I`d say in general, if you can go through a rehearsal without making mistakes, or if you do (as no-one is perfect), you don`t freeze, but instantly rectify them, then at that point your playing is ok. Its then the doing it in front of the audience bit, and you can only learn that by doing it. But if you can`t rectify mistakes quickly in a rehearsal situation, then that would need to be addressed first, in my view, prior to live performance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Welcome to the forum Cool introduction Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassatnight Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Welcome aboard, I have a good friend who emigrated to Sterling Heights in Michigan many years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stinson Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Welcome! Come and join the fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetheblues Posted November 16, 2010 Author Share Posted November 16, 2010 Hey - thanks for the nice welcome! Michigan is a great place to live :-) I lived in the Lansing area for about 9 years during and after attending Michigan State University there. Had friends from Sterling Heights - so small world! Now I live on the shores of Lake Michigan, which is kind of like an inland ocean. You can even surf on it - if you are willing to wear a wetsuit during early and late winter when the waves are big enough! Thanks already for some things to think about. I can play many of my fav tunes, and if its a blues song - I can jump right in no matter what song it is. I find that I can correct off notes quickly and get back on track in rehearsal - so I guess thats a good thing :-) I think as far as performing in a band goes - it will be a matter of finding a good group of bandmates to play with. BUT the idea of going to audition is pretty daunting to me I guess... So I hope to meet up with someone in a band someday as a matter of course, get to talking, and see where it goes. Also, there are a few places in the area that have "open mike" times each week. I think I'll go by and see what its all about, then maybe bring my gear along if it seems good, get to playing, and see who I might meet there. I have great plans sometimes after I've had a few and practiced a bit Anyway - thanks again for a nice welcome - keep on playing low... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tredders Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 Welcome! I get over to Grand Rapids once a year with work, and love the place. There's a decent Guitar Center just over the street from Woodland Mall which I've spent more than a few hours in on my last couple of visits! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 [quote name='lovetheblues' post='1024237' date='Nov 15 2010, 06:05 AM']Hey all! I am a newbie here but hope to be around awhile. I have seen this site referred to in a number of places so I thought I'd check it out. I like it. I have been playing acoustic guitar for around 35 years, but only started learning on bass about 2.5 years ago. Always wanted to learn, and my daughters gave me the motivation to take the plunge :-) All 3 of them are musical, and I taught all 3 of them to play guitar. 2 of them play the piano, one of which is amazing at keyboards - the other is awesome on acoustic and electric guitar - as well as saxophone. Oh, they sing and dance too... Anyway, to be able to spend fun time with them I thought that I could learn bass and we could all play together - which has worked out really well. We don't get to practice together as much as I'd like as we are all so busy, but we do whenever we get the chance! We have also co-written several songs together so far. I started out with a Squire P bass, which I do really still like to play, but then after about a year, I got an Ibanez SR505 which I Love to play! While I am still a beginner on bass, I can honestly say that I have practiced pretty much every day since I got the Squire - usually anywhere from 30 min to an hour or so each day. I can get along pretty well with rock, country, and gospel, but I most enjoy jazz and especially playing the blues! During my middle and high school years I also played trumpet, so I can read music, but often use tab with guitar (have been a bit lazy about memorizing where all the notes are on the fretboard well enough to play well reading - and tab is so easy to do.... ) We hope to perform together someday -we even came up with a name "Don't Fret" - but so far we've just performed at home for ourselves and family so far. We have an offer to perform at our church, so hopefully that will happen in the coming year. What I'd really like to do is be part of a band that gigs once in awhile. Time is the biggest factor right now - I have a day job, a wife, many animals, and 3 teen daughters who are involved in tons of things. But - they are getting older and will be off to college before long. Then, there is the fear factor. To be honest, the idea of performing live half thrills me and half scares me to death! But - I want to do it. [b]I do want to be sure that I am good enough too. How do you tell when you are ready? So many people I have read say to just go for it and expect you'll mess up but you'll learn from it and get better. [/b]I suppose that is true, but easier said than done... I am open to any words of wisdom or encouragement from those of you who know way more than I do about all this. In fact that's why I'm here - to learn - and contribute when and if I can. And judging by the posts I've read so far, I'll make some friends along the way... Looking forward to meeting you all, and learning as much as I can.[/quote] Hello mate, what a lovely introduction As for being ready, we are never ready, those people are right, just get up there. As long as you can actually play the songs with some measure of confidence you are fine to get on a stage. You won't forget everything when you are on the stage, although may firmly believe you have no brain at all before you go on. You will probably still mess up here and there, we all do, but just keep playing becaus no-one will really notice. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 Welcome, friend. I have been researching a biography on Paul Chambers who hails from Detroit so have had to deal with several people from that area. Good to have you on board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tino Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 [quote name='lovetheblues' post='1025463' date='Nov 16 2010, 05:37 AM']Hey - thanks for the nice welcome! Michigan is a great place to live :-) I lived in the Lansing area for about 9 years during and after attending Michigan State University there. Had friends from Sterling Heights - so small world! Now I live on the shores of Lake Michigan, which is kind of like an inland ocean. You can even surf on it - if you are willing to wear a wetsuit during early and late winter when the waves are big enough! Thanks already for some things to think about. I can play many of my fav tunes, and if its a blues song - I can jump right in no matter what song it is. I find that I can correct off notes quickly and get back on track in rehearsal - so I guess thats a good thing :-) I think as far as performing in a band goes - it will be a matter of finding a good group of bandmates to play with. BUT the idea of going to audition is pretty daunting to me I guess... So I hope to meet up with someone in a band someday as a matter of course, get to talking, and see where it goes. Also, there are a few places in the area that have "open mike" times each week. I think I'll go by and see what its all about, then maybe bring my gear along if it seems good, get to playing, and see who I might meet there. I have great plans sometimes after I've had a few and practiced a bit Anyway - thanks again for a nice welcome - keep on playing low...[/quote] Lake Michigan is truly magnificent,I envy you.......Im back in Chicago in late Feb ....gotta get some snow boots Im told.....Kingston Mines I think still has open mic nights that are pretty cool....and we even managed to get the stage open in a House of Blues,that wouldnt happen here..the band lent us their gear in the break..good luck and a big ol welcome to you Tino Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetheblues Posted November 17, 2010 Author Share Posted November 17, 2010 [quote name='tino' post='1026160' date='Nov 16 2010, 01:14 PM']Lake Michigan is truly magnificent,I envy you.......Im back in Chicago in late Feb ....gotta get some snow boots Im told.....Kingston Mines I think still has open mic nights that are pretty cool....and we even managed to get the stage open in a House of Blues,that wouldnt happen here..the band lent us their gear in the break..good luck and a big ol welcome to you Tino[/quote] Chicago - awesome town - one of my favorites!! Yeah- February does mean snow, and wind, and grey skies.... Since it's like this and follows the holidays, I often refer to February as a month of Mondays How cool that you could get up and play on stage at the House of Blues!! I have been to that one too. What brings you into the Windy City in February?? Thanks for the nice welcome :-) Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocco Posted November 17, 2010 Share Posted November 17, 2010 Welcome to the forum. With reference to stage fright I found the best thing is to just grab the bull by the horns and go for it. Maybe some Dutch courage would help, but not too much that you can't stand up! You sound like an accomplished musician and a confident person so I'm sure you'll be fine. I really enjoyed reading your intro by the way. I'd love to visit Michigan. Well that said I'd love to visit America in general. Enjoy the forum. I've learned a lot and made some good friends here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanbass1 Posted November 21, 2010 Share Posted November 21, 2010 Just get out and play - you will be surprised how much more quickly you advance when playing live......Welcome aboard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetheblues Posted November 24, 2010 Author Share Posted November 24, 2010 Yeah - I guess I just will have to go for it. I'll start looking around for some opportunities and bite the bullet.... Thanks for the encouragement! And again, thanks for the welcomes :-) This site is definately the best I have visited by far over the past few years. Take care all, Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesman Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 hi steve i love the blues to m8, im in the same boat as you.....just started playin again after 5 year lay off.....but really lost my bottle seems the longer you are out the game the harder to get back into it.....when i got my first bass about 10 year ago i gave myself a target to get in a band within 6 months.....i joined a local rock n roll band and cut my teeth with them, later i played with a couple of pop/rock bands......although a late starter im knockin 50 now.....i still feel like a begginer.....and really doubt my ability thesedays? best of luck....dont get yourself in a rut like me.....go for it.....cheers bob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DazBoot88 Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 Hey man, i agree with what cocco said in terms of stage fright. Just have a go, after a couple of songs you'll be in your stride and really enjoying it. Best of luck when you get started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoe_BillySheehan Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 Heyy! Welcome to basschat Its brilliant to hear that you have musical daughters too - Have they ever shown an interest in playing bass? Z x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bw_user_name Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 Good intro +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetheblues Posted November 28, 2010 Author Share Posted November 28, 2010 [quote name='Zoe_BillySheehan' post='1038393' date='Nov 26 2010, 05:52 PM']Heyy! Welcome to basschat Its brilliant to hear that you have musical daughters too - Have they ever shown an interest in playing bass? Z x[/quote] Thanks for the nice welcome! :-) Yes! My one daughter who plays guitar best I taught fundamentals and some bass lines to. She picked them up easily! (she is so talented she amazes me) But, no real interest on her part to take off on it yet - she still prefers the guitar. But - if ever needed she can jump into a 12 bar blues song and hold down a basic I-IV-V line :-) Actually - she's a bit more into her dancing and singing lately, so who knows what the future holds.... Thanks for asking :-) Take care, Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetheblues Posted November 28, 2010 Author Share Posted November 28, 2010 [quote name='bw_user_name' post='1038396' date='Nov 26 2010, 05:56 PM']Good intro +1[/quote] Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.