Topic: Giving UP! (Read 2577 times)

energy73 · « **on:** June 05, 2006, 11:07:59 PM »

$:-\$

I am reading and studying but I just don't seem to have it. Need some advice on learning to play and develop my ear. i seem to fingd a teacher that knows gospel. i have enjoyed my time with you all here in the LGM family, thank you forall the help.

Energy73

play4zero · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2006, 11:47:37 PM »

God will use your flaws as well as your good points. When I started out years and years ago I couldn't hear squat and I confused all the percussion instruments with the bass parts on the Motown stuff I was listening to and so i developed a style of playing a lot of notes just when 3 piece power trios came along and that's what people wanted to hear from bass players. So i got to play with some very good musicians, not because I was good, but because I had a bum ear for picking out bass parts.

Hang in there, you'll get there if you work at it. And if you use your talent in a manner pleasing to God, doors will open for you and your playing will be blessed.

Bullitt · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2006, 01:24:01 AM »

My first 3 years on the bass were spent wondering what I was doing and if it was "right".

Just keep praying and focusing on God. Remember not to play for yourself but for His praise and things will come together for you

Never give up and keep the following in mind.

Quote from: Philippians 3:12-14 & 4:13

(12) Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (13) Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

(4:13) I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Hang in there...

God Bless,
-J

KurzLand · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2006, 02:00:26 AM »

The first 3 yrs. in a "musical" life for any musician is hard. I know from experience.

MikeGee · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2006, 05:10:42 AM »

I'm there now, 33 months. Some times are tough some aren't.

Cherri · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2006, 08:47:14 AM »

Don't give up! Frustration means you are learning something NEW! I’m currently using this software from perfectpitch.com, which I’m teaching myself perfect and relative pitch. Check it out. One…

ddwilkins · « **Reply #6 on:** June 06, 2006, 09:38:49 AM »

Think of it this way, Victor Wooten says that music is a language. You didn't learn to speak the English language until approximately around the age of 18 +/- months old. You probably was 3 years old until you could speak the language where people could really understand what you were talking about. I don't know your age now, but I can bet that you don't know the entire English language, you are still learning new words today. With that said, you shouldn't give up on learning to play bass and developing your ear. It took you time to learn the english language, so it also takes time to develop ear. Every now and then, a prodigy comes around and contradicts everything that I said, but 99.9% of the musicians on this site will agree that with time and practice, you will get. Be bless and stay strong.

Da Man · « **Reply #7 on:** June 06, 2006, 10:32:26 AM »

I tried to do that twice...quit. Couldn't hear, couldn't play, couldn't hold time, nothing. Just junk.

The first time the MOM rejected my resignation, saying that God will provide me with everything I need in due time.

The second time, the Minister unknowingly ripped me to pieces during a sermon about people stepping away from their ministry. I was actually waiting until the service was over so I could resign.

Things are getting easier for me. But it's always a battle.

Who's playing with you? Are they good? If possible, try and stay in communication with the keys. During practice, see if he/she would spoon-feed you, occasionally...note-for-note.

Da Man

grouchojohn · « **Reply #8 on:** June 06, 2006, 11:27:06 AM »

All of the advice given by the members of this great forum is right on time. So, now it's up to you...If you don't like it and it does not work for you then quit...But if you are simply frustrated because... you are growing, join the crowd. We are all growing, I have been doing this for a while off and on for well over 15 years, and am still learning. Your ear will develop, what you need to do is listen to a variety of styles and go from there. Don't just listen to the bass lines, listen to what each instrument is doing and you will develop a FEEL that you MUST have as a bassist. Lastly, humble yourself and don't try to BE someone else, develop your own style and your music will flow. Anything worth having is worth the work you MUST put into it. Place God first in your quest and tell us how it is going exactly one year from now. We will be watching. This is ABSOLUTLY, WITHOUT A DOUBT, The best bass forum you will find anywhere. Food for thought, I can read music, but I don't because I don't want to be tied down to sheets, I play from the heart and hardly ever play the same bass groove on songs that I play all the time. Hope this helps. The next move is yours.
Peace
Groucho

Flatwound · « **Reply #9 on:** June 06, 2006, 11:45:18 AM »

I hope that you've prayed on this matter. God needs all types of bass players. Trust that he is giving you what you need now, and that you'll get exactly what you need in the future. Keep it up. Your commitment to God will be rewarded every day.

MikeGee · « **Reply #10 on:** June 06, 2006, 11:48:12 AM »

My flaws are timing and ear, GOD used that. Now I am very good with chord charts. I can read well enough to learn a song. I can sight read a chord chart and make it sound like I have played the song several times before.

I play mostly melodic bass lines.

Cherri · « **Reply #11 on:** June 06, 2006, 11:53:23 AM »

Quote from: ddwilkins on June 06, 2006, 09:38:49 AM

Think of it this way, Victor Wooten says that music is a language. You didn't learn to speak the English language until approximately around the age of 18 +/- months old. You probably was 3 years old until you could speak the language where people could really understand what you were talking about. I don't know your age now, but I can bet that you don't know the entire English language, you are still learning new words today. With that said, you shouldn't give up on learning to play bass and developing your ear. It took you time to learn the english language, so it also takes time to develop ear. Every now and then, a prodigy comes around and contradicts everything that I said, but 99.9% of the musicians on this site will agree that with time and practice, you will get. Be bless and stay strong.

Definitely respected, that's great motivational speaking ddwilkins. Wooten gave that speech on Bass Day '98, his inspiration helped change my view too. Stay up brother!

ddwilkins · « **Reply #12 on:** June 06, 2006, 01:59:18 PM »

Quote from: Cherri on June 06, 2006, 11:53:23 AM

Definitely respected, that's great motivational speaking ddwilkins. Wooten gave that speech on Bass Day '98, his inspiration helped change my view too. Stay up brother!

He surely did, and it makes since. That's how I approach music now.

Cherri · « **Reply #13 on:** June 06, 2006, 02:19:46 PM »

ddwilkins, have you seen the Drummer's Collective DVD?

ddwilkins · « **Reply #14 on:** June 06, 2006, 02:27:43 PM »

Quote from: Cherri on June 06, 2006, 02:19:46 PM

ddwilkins, have you seen the Drummer's Collective DVD?

No I haven't.

energy73 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 07, 2006, 12:35:50 AM »

Quote from: Da Man on June 06, 2006, 10:32:26 AM

I tried to do that twice...quit. Couldn't hear, couldn't play, couldn't hold time, nothing. Just junk.

The first time the MOM rejected my resignation, saying that God will provide me with everything I need in due time.

The second time, the Minister unknowingly ripped me to pieces during a sermon about people stepping away from their ministry. I was actually waiting until the service was over so I could resign.

Things are getting easier for me. But it's always a battle.

Who's playing with you? Are they good? If possible, try and stay in communication with the keys. During practice, see if he/she would spoon-feed you, occasionally...note-for-note.

Da Man

I want to thank everyone for all of the kind words and I will keep trying to learn. I want to play so bad I can taste it but when I start practicing it sounds like junk. I have not been able to find a teacher here in the St. Louis area (not sure I could even afford lessons at the present time). I only have the program trotter was so kind to email and occasionally I have a keyboardist feed me some notes (once a month and he has to tell me where the notes are). I don't seem to be able to remember where the notes are except for the first open notes and c and f.

energy73 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 07, 2006, 12:36:59 AM »

Quote from: play4zero on June 05, 2006, 11:47:37 PM

God will use your flaws as well as your good points. When I started out years and years ago I couldn't hear squat and I confused all the percussion instruments with the bass parts on the Motown stuff I was listening to and so i developed a style of playing a lot of notes just when 3 piece power trios came along and that's what people wanted to hear from bass players. So i got to play with some very good musicians, not because I was good, but because I had a bum ear for picking out bass parts.

Hang in there, you'll get there if you work at it. And if you use your talent in a manner pleasing to God, doors will open for you and your playing will be blessed.

thank you for your kind words. what are 3 piece power trios and how do they work?

energy73 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 07, 2006, 12:38:57 AM »

Quote from: Bullitt on June 06, 2006, 01:24:01 AM

My first 3 years on the bass were spent wondering what I was doing and if it was "right".

Just keep praying and focusing on God. Remember not to play for yourself but for His praise and things will come together for you
Never give up and keep the following in mind.

Hang in there...

God Bless,
-J

thanks, I will do just that because all I want to do is praise God.

energy73 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 07, 2006, 12:40:53 AM »

Quote from: ddwilkins on June 06, 2006, 09:38:49 AM

Think of it this way, Victor Wooten says that music is a language. You didn't learn to speak the English language until approximately around the age of 18 +/- months old. You probably was 3 years old until you could speak the language where people could really understand what you were talking about. I don't know your age now, but I can bet that you don't know the entire English language, you are still learning new words today. With that said, you shouldn't give up on learning to play bass and developing your ear. It took you time to learn the english language, so it also takes time to develop ear. Every now and then, a prodigy comes around and contradicts everything that I said, but 99.9% of the musicians on this site will agree that with time and practice, you will get. Be bless and stay strong.

thank you, point well taken eventhough I was in kindergarden at age 4. Thanks again and God Bless

energy73 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 07, 2006, 12:42:09 AM »

Quote from: Cherri on June 06, 2006, 08:47:14 AM

Don't give up! Frustration means you are learning something NEW! I’m currently using this software from perfectpitch.com, which I’m teaching myself perfect and relative pitch. Check it out. One…

Thanks, I will try that now. God Bless

Author Topic: Giving UP! (Read 2577 times)

Da Man