I just finished Module 5 and up until String Crossing, I was cranking along, Billie Jean kicked my butt.
Josh mentions not to fixate on the material and if you can get through the slow workout then try to keep moving along. I started with the 3-month plan but have decided to do 4 lessons per week.
What I have been doing is printing out the module sheets and then when I chill at night, I try to run through the lessons in that module, no music, just work through them. Is that a good idea?
It’s a bit overwhelming at times, and I don’t want to spread myself too thin, I play the drums at church every Sunday, so there is some practice there.
Any suggestions on trying to learn songs while going through the course? Is it a good plan?
But are you watching the lessons? I very much prefer reading to videos for information consumption, but Josh’s instruction is invaluable. And the Slow/Medium/Workouts are there for a reason. If you can’'t do those, perhaps a drum machine or metronome?
Josh has said–and most here agree–that learning songs is a great addition to the course work, even from the early stages.
Every day I work from screenshots of the Practice this for 10 Minutes and the 1-Month Challenge in a manner similar to what you describe above. Then I work on the song (or 2) I’m learning. I use a Beat Buddy Mini 2 to improve rhythm. Lessons proceed at an irregular pace.
Of course, everyone is different…I powered through the modules, getting comfortable with and slow and medium, and some fast. I tried not to get bogged down, even with BJ, who also kicked my ass!!
Learning songs is a great way to practice, without feeling like you’re practicing!
At some point - for me it was at about the 50% / 60% completion point, I started a band. I needed to play with other people!! Playing with others puts rocket boosters on your development as a bassist.
Re: BJ, I actually never went back to it while doing the course, but did so a few months ago (2.5 year point). A quick brush up and it was actually quite easy. Its amazing the difference a couple years of practice and playing make - what kicked ass then suddenly doesn’t.
I didn’t start working on songs until I had finished the course. If you’re asking my advice now, which you kinda are, absolutely go for it. If you’ve unlocked that part of the course extras, check out the 100 first songs. You can filter them by difficulty and the list has been curated by our senpai @JoshFossgreen .
Imo, we’re here because we want to play music. Do your lesson work, then learn to play some songs as a palette cleanse / reminder of why you’re doing this. Very importantly, have fun with it.
I am exactly half way through, but I’ve been learning songs since very early on. It has really helped me apply the lessons, and its also very motivational for me. I’ve got Come Together down pretty good and working on Sunshine of your Love now. I think it’s fine to do this concurrently. At least it has been for me.