Good or Not

[mr.dj]

I want to play like one of my friends, his style is like no other.  For 2007 I was going to take his last CD and study his style.  Is this a good idea or not? 

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

When I learned to play, I studied many styles as well.  I also emulated them, but I also put a spin on it and devised my own style.  Your friend obviously has his own style, but I guarantee he studied someone's else's style, flipped it and made it his own. It's always good to have someone to motivate you in your craft and be an influence to you.  But don't let that CD be your one and only study method.   It's a great idea to study your friend, but do it with the plan of devising your own style in the end.

[p-love]

I totally agree that is a wonderful thing as long as you allow yourself to shine through and not become a twin you will be on the right track

[Andrzej]

I think that it is good to have a source of influence no matter if that person is a friend or a complete stranger.  I can remember within the first 12 months of picking up the bass myself my friend Ben was my first inlfuence.  This guy can really play and I aspired to become as good as him.  I guess I used his skills as a benchmark.  But I soon realised that he took inspiration from lots of bass players...most of which I have never heard of before or will ever listen to.  After 14 yrs of taking my own inspirations from the players that I enjoy listening to, Ben and I are two completely different players...different techniques and skills...we now inspire and admire each others musicianship mutually and thats a great thing.

You can imitate other players but you will never be them.  Be inspired by them and take influence, but it is a big world out there.  You will develop your own style, skills and techniques all by yourself in time when you listen to more players and take little pieces of them.

[BimmerFan99]

Music is limitless.  I think imitating others is a great way to learn and to get good.  Creating your own style is the way to become the best.

I've noticed that the legends in music are the ones who created something new.  Part of that is creating your own style.  Take a look at James Brown.  He's a legend but his music is clearly influenced by other styles.  He just took it and made something new out of it and it caught on.

[Cherri]

Currently reading a book on Thelonious Monk... His style of playing speaks to me like no other. I think your style of play has everything to do with your personality. What every you learn from another always add your touch to make it yours. Keep it groovin’!

[MikeGee]

I use a lot from other players, some even with less experience then myself. I model my playing around several people. BUT in the end my goal still remains the same. I want to be the BEST I can be!

[fatbaby78]

Whats funnny is talking to alot of well-known bassist they all say" In there playing some songs they'll be thinking what will (lets say Victor Wooten)do right here.What approach would he take. So you always learning from someone else and makeing what they do your own. Changing of one note just made that lick yours.