I’m 36 years old. I studied and played bass from age 13 to 18, but after that, I never picked up the instrument again. Over the last 18 years, at most, I occasionally messed around with an acoustic guitar I’ve always owned—never formally studying, just learning simple songs for fun.
Back when I played as a teenager, my main focus was thrash metal and hard rock. The bands I covered the most were Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. At the time, I only played fingerstyle and never used a pick. In music school, I was taught theory, techniques, and new songs. But the truth is, I never enjoyed studying theory and technique; at home, I only focused on learning songs.
Now I want to start playing again. I picked up an Ibanez GSR200. Holding the bass, I realized I still remember some of the songs I learned in the past. Instrument-wise, my technique is pretty rusty—my left hand is slow, and my fingers lack independence. Theory-wise, I don’t remember much. I can identify notes on the fretboard, but much slower than before. And I only remember simple shapes for major and minor scales. My musical taste has changed; today I want to play hardcore, metalcore, and modern metal. Because of this, I want to focus on pick technique now.
I don’t intend to turn professional. I want to learn enough to play the songs I like well, improvise when necessary, and maybe write some music.
How do you recommend I organize my practice regime/routine as I return to playing bass?
