I need to get more serious about practicing. I spend most of my time with the bass just playing and learning new songs. (Which is great and ultimately, really, the goal. But I think my playing and learning speed are better when I devote the time just for practice and I get into a good groove.) I generally try to spend time with the bass at least once a day and then on occasion - thanks, brain chemistry - I’ll go several days without touching it before the interest builds up again. It’s all good, I know where to find them when I’m ready 
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Victor Wooten has it too, I heard he tried the glove but it didn’t really work for him. I found that the extra tensions really helps the brain with the sensory issue and my fingers are doing what I’m telling them to lol <3
Yes, exactly, and excellent point about the frontal lobe temporary storage. Sleep is so important, especially when you are getting frustrated or fixated on trying to finish something!
Actually, I find it quite fascinating, especially seeing the stages of learning on my own bass journey. I’m sure everyone has similar experiences and I’m glad we are all trying to get our sleep to be better bassists lol
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I attempt to practice every day, but I often come home from work too tired to spend time playing and go straight to bed. (I work third shift, so I’m always in a mental fog anyway.)
God, I can’t wait to retire. Working sucks.
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I aim to! But I won’t stress over missing a few days.
I’ve missed a few days here and there during the B2B course. I started in December and am now on Module 15. Very close!
Having a progress sheet is really helpful. I use the one Josh provided and just note down what days I miss. Makes it easier to pick up practice again.
I’m now more worried about after B2B though 
I will miss not having to think about what to practice for the day. Will need something to keep me engaged so I bought some TalkingBass courses to prepare for that 
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I don’t practice every day. Maybe I should, maybe not. As long as I’m fine with it 
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If it’s not what your paycheck relies on, its a hobby. In which case, this is all that matters.
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Noooooo, partner works a 6 on 2 off rota so when my partner has a couple days off, we’re off doing something together.
Libi
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I have been practicing almost every day but quickly selecting a note on the fret-board is my bane. I decided to develop an app that is basically flash cards for fret notes.
Sorry - the previous platform I set this up on expired. Here’s a link that will start the app.
https://notetar.github.io/note-trainer/
Here are a couple of images of the app. I run the app on my tablet and check for feedback that i have plucked the correct note with TE Tuner from The PlayStore.
Perhaps someone will find this helpful.
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@FluffyDog6 Careful what you wish for. I’m retired but it doesn’t get any better. I’m amazed how I got everything done while I was working. With all the stuff I need to deal with I still make practice/Billie Jean a priority.
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I have to finish up a couple of small projects and ship some big parts to Ohio befors I can put in the time I need to. And before full devotion to B2B my ibanez bass is getting a new setup before put it back in its case for some sleep time. I seem to have a bunch more quitars to work on should I choose that path to follow. Between family and small things I am going to stick to doing a module in two or three days as time permits.
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There might be days where I don’t feel like doing anything - so I just practice scales or do a single lesson. Once I start, I generally continue a longer session and accomplish more than expected.
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Yeah, that happens. I’m in a slump right now and am just repeating stuff I was having problems with.
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I don’t do B2B everyday but I do tend to practice an hour everyday, I’m enjoying doing the 2 recently posted practice videos from Josh that are greatly improving my technique and reach. Finger flaring greatly reduced and fretting with all fingers a lot closer to the strings.
A few hours of B2B on a weekend with a large pot of coffee on the go, I’m finding is one of life’s great joys
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I was watching a video of Richard Smith performing The Entertainer After he finished playing, the accolades to him by Tommy Emmanuel showed the respect he has for Richard as a musician.
I read some of the comments and the first one was rather poignant:
I had dinner with Tommy Emmanuel one night before he performed. He is one of the nicest, humblest, human being you will ever meet. I have played guitar on and off since my teens and I am now in my fifties.
Tommy asked me if I wanted to play his guitar and I told him I wasn’t that good and would be embarrassed, Tommy said: "nonsense mate you play for fun and because you like the guitar right? I said well yes Tommy but I can’t play like you and he responded “I couldn’t play like me either, it took me years to be able to play they way I play”.
Then he asked “how often I practice?” and I said an hour or so a day but not everyday. He responded: “I play 8-10 hours a day EVERY day. The only thing I know how to do is play guitar I cant do anything else, thank God people pay to come listen to me otherwise I would be broke”
There it was, that was the answer that alluded me for years. I have friends that went on to play professionally and I could never really grasp why I wasn’t as good as them. Its the time commitment, the love, and passion.
What Tommy taught me in that moment was that while I love guitar it isn’t the same passion he has, I have other interests that distract me from that type of commitment and that is OK. Tommy taught me to just appreciate the guitar for what it does for me in the time I have.
So for those that feel intimidated like I did watching someone of Tommy or Richard’s caliber play, remember they are more than likely spending way more time perfecting their craft its a full time passion for them. Play the best you can and enjoy every moment.
There is nothing in the world like being able to pick up an instrument and make music whatever level you are at.
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I practice almost everyday. I have to practice in the evening after my kid goes to bed, so I do take Saturday night off if my husband is also taking the evening off from his writing projects. And of course sometimes a social obligation will get in the way for a night.
Practicing has become my priority for leisure time. We don’t watch much TV and I’d rather practice than doomscroll.
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I try to use practice as something akin to meditation. It gets me out of my work headspace and into a relaxation headspace.
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Same! My mind is never in the moment but sometimes I can be when I’m practicing. It feels like magic.
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Just starting Module 7. Probably should be splitting things up a little as it is around 8 days since I started. Finding time to practice is easier now so barring an injury there will be daily sessions from here on out.
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I am starting Mod 14 and after nearly a week with bursitis can get it going good soon.
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I grabbed the bass again a month ago, since then I’ve played every day. My current routine is an hour of B2B and an hour or hour and a half of yousician exercises and songs, with some quality time with the family and rest in between.
I hope I can keep the consistency long enough to form a solid habit and don’t let my erratic hyperfocus to go elsewhere… wish me luck!
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