If you could have any online bass video course, what would it be?

[greghagger]

Hi

I am interested in what video course topic you would most like to take to improve your playing. 

Also, do you think online learning is a valid way to improve your bass playing? 

Obviously face to face lessons with a teacher is the best way to learn, but I am aware that some people do not have access to this because of location, or finances.

Let me know what you think. 

Thanks. 

[Soledad]

I've had a think about this, and conclude the inevitable: that there is no single vid / topic that is THE right one for all.
But I do have a thought based on my experience (with another instrument as well, so not bass specific).
I think there is a very thin line between a player's style and his/her habits. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone and I find myself playing patterns and shapes on the fingerboard - there's an inverse law, the more I think about what I'm playing the less the habit patterns dominate. I then expect that the habits turn to familiar lines and note values, and in turn my technique evolves to be better at those habits. I reckon the habits lead to repetition and maybe over-playing too.

Hence: Identifying what your habits are (I mean note sequences in particular but also rhytmic patterns, habit ghost notes etc) - and breaking out of all the habits. I think one no-no is noodling which exists to help you develop the habits (mainly). Only picking up the bass (at home) when you know what you are about to play or attempt and it is a thing you can't do.

Just my thoughts, any ideas anyone?

[greghagger]

On 27/11/2019 at 16:34, Soledad said:

I've had a think about this, and conclude the inevitable: that there is no single vid / topic that is THE right one for all.
But I do have a thought based on my experience (with another instrument as well, so not bass specific).
I think there is a very thin line between a player's style and his/her habits. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone and I find myself playing patterns and shapes on the fingerboard - there's an inverse law, the more I think about what I'm playing the less the habit patterns dominate. I then expect that the habits turn to familiar lines and note values, and in turn my technique evolves to be better at those habits. I reckon the habits lead to repetition and maybe over-playing too.

Hence: Identifying what your habits are (I mean note sequences in particular but also rhytmic patterns, habit ghost notes etc) - and breaking out of all the habits. I think one no-no is noodling which exists to help you develop the habits (mainly). Only picking up the bass (at home) when you know what you are about to play or attempt and it is a thing you can't do.

Just my thoughts, any ideas anyone?

There are some interesting thoughts here.
 

I definitely agree that it’s important to organise your practise time if you want to progress, and especially if you don’t have much time to dedicate to practising.  But I think noodling can be a good way to try out ideas. 
 

I also think that some of our habits on the instrument can contribute to our own personal sound. I agree though that we can all overuse certain techniques, if they aren’t checked.