Learning After 30

[floaded27]

of course all of these guys are older and are killers on bass, but they've been playing for years, some longer than some people on here been alive. i started at 23 so if i stick with it of course by the time im 53 i wouldve had 30 years of playing under my belt. i should be nice!

i think the concern here is starting to learn after a certain age, in this case 30, but for others the age may have been greater. when i started i see all these dudes like 14-16 playing and im like "im like at least 7 years behind. if only i started earlier." that stigma is increased when that starting age is higher, sometimes to a point where a person abandons the thought of even starting.

so 30 to me isnt really a factor. its really where your mindset is. if your 30 with low levels of disciple or dedication, thats a bad situation, because you dont have that time to waste like a undisciplined 15 year-old would. but if you are disciplined and dedicated you actually may be on par with some of the people out there playing, because you skip over the wasted time and do things correctly and consistently.

for example, i find myself giving tips, pointers, etc to people who have been playing longer than i have. know why? because all the stuff that they didnt bother to learn because it wasnt exciting or part of the hype, i took the time to learn and while they now find themselves needing it and have to stop to go back and get it, i already have it and continuously move forward.

think about ur mindset and you'll know if its worth you learning to play in the here and now, whatever your age.

[Quebass86]

True Floaded...all true...

For me, what helped my learning curve was having some music background but I also read alot and studied not just music theory but how bass theory is applied. I know some killer bassists but they cannot play Hymns...they can play every contemporary song but when the Hymns start to play they pick and peck like it is a foreign instrument. The minister of music passess out sheet music and they look at it like it is in Chinese. Fortunate for me I can read music and have a good memory so I can look at sheet music learn the progressions and notes.

[DWBass]

Louis Johnson is in his 50's. James Jamerson, Larry G, and the list goes on and all of them are still kickin it hard on the bass.....that's whats up!

I think you mean James Jamerson, Jr. His father passed long ago.

[Asahel]

Hello again,

I have received some wonderful advice from you guys.  Some things I picked up that I think are going to help me a lot are:

1) Do it for the Lord first and foremost.  Anything else really doesn't matter.
2) This is not a race.  Slow but steady will take me to the level the Lord will allow me to reach.
3) Put in the time.  I just put the bass down after about 3 hrs of practice in the living room while my wife watched TV.  Only time will tell if I can maintain a reasonable pace or if I will fizzle out after the first 150 meters...
4) Remain flexible, young and "fresh".  I understand the concept, but this is rather easier said than done.  Hopefully my kids will help me in this area.
5) I'll be 50 in four years, the Lord willing, whether I play the bass or not.  I think it would be better to get there while playing, however small my progress might be.

I know promotions come from the Lord, but I'm going to go out on a limb on this one and *self*-appoint me bassist of our household.    During our family devotionals my oldest (16) plays the guitar, my youngest (14) follows along on his and also sings, and I'll play the bass.  We got some songs I got Guitar Pro 5 files for, so we can play the songs while muting each particular instrument track.  That way everyone gets to play his part and we all have a good time.  After a few songs we can break for Bible study, praying and ministering unto the Lord which is (should be) the reason for it all.

When I grow up ("bassically" speaking) I may shoot a video of us playing and post here somewhere for your amusement and critique.

Blessings to you all.

[godsbassman2000]

"There's something worse than getting old."
"NOT getting old!"

I started 3 year ago -- when I was 44. You're never too old to pick up a musical instrument and you're never too good to improve. Three things have kept me from getting discouraged.

1) I don't have to be as good as Stanley, Marcus, or Victor to be a serviceable bass player.
2) I'm not in competition with anybody.
3) I'm doing this for the Glory of the Lord
If you keep your focus on these things and do your best, you'll be fine.

Words of encouragemment. At least for me. Thanks!

[Quebass86]

I think you mean James Jamerson, Jr. His father passed long ago.

Yes, I thought about it afterwards but had logged off my computer to go back in correct it with "Jr."

See what getting old does??!!!!!     

[Christlike1984]

I'm 25 and I just started learning five months ago.  I was a little concerned about my age, but after reading this post I am encouraged in the Lord. Hallelujah!!!     I just wish I had an instructor with a background in gospel music.

[Torch7]

I just wish I had an instructor with a background in gospel music.

Ask lots of questions.  Forums like this thrive when questions are asked. 1.) It helps the person asking. 2.) It helps the person answering to solidify what they know.

Also, feel free to hit us up (http://www.gospelbasslines.com/ & http://www.youtube.com/gospelbasslines)