I wanted to chronicle my experience with B2B, so starting a thread here seemed like an easy way. Apologies if it’s been done before, it’s mostly so I can look back, and if it helps those who come after then even better. Any comment / advice most welcome.
I’m about to turn 60, so realistically this is my last go at learning something properly. I played piano to a reasonable grade as a teenager, but didn’t keep up with it once I left home. Did a bit of singing, not sure my voice is up to that these days. Tried to learn guitar but got nowhere, took a bunch of lessons but I think I had already developed too many bad habits.
Recently found myself interested in the bass, I like the combination of rhythm and melody. I’ve always loved listening to players like Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, Jon Camp. Given that I should probably have bought a Rickenbacker instead of a Jazz I suppose, but I’m not trying to emulate those guys, my goals are modest - learn, enjoy, and if I get to play in a band situation at some point then I will be a very happy bunny. Living on an island off the west coast of Scotland means there aren’t a lot of opportunities, but you never know what might happen.
So I decided to learn properly. Looked at lots of courses, did a few free first lessons but wasn’t feeling it. Then I found B2B. Josh just seemed to understand exactly what I wanted, and it seemed like he was speaking just to me. Anyway … here I go. Wish me luck!
Module 1, lesson 1 & 2. I love the way the course works, the pace is perfect. He seems to be able to read what I’m thinking at times - mid way through a lesson he’ll come out with a tip, and it’s invariably something I’ve been wondering about.
I started with the piano as well and abandoned it in my early 20s and taught myself to play the guitar but lost the passion over the years. Even as a teen I used to remove the piano covers and pluck at the thick cords! It has taken me until the age of 47 to realize I like bass. I’m about to start module 14 and loving the course. So far nothing has been challenging except Billie Jean and Boogie oogie oogie lol. I have no plans to play in a band but if it happens in a couple of years that would be nice too. If time allows. I feel much more connected to the bass than I ever did to the piano or the guitar and I think finger plucking is the main reason.
I first tried a bass about 30 years ago, but it didn’t go anywhere. I think what turned me on to it recently was Guy Pratt. I’m a massive Pink Floyd fan, Guy played bass with them since 1986ish. His Rockonteurs podcast with Gary Kemp is excellent, that led me to his Lockdown Licks videos on YouTube where he explains some of the songs he’s been on. He’s a real character, and I was hooked.
The first couple of lessons are pretty straightforward, and by lesson 2 you’re playing along. Look Ma, I’m doing it! Clearly I have oodles of natural talent and am destined to be the world’s greatest bassist.
Then came lesson 3 - plucking. With two fingers alternately. I can do it fine on an open string, but add in a fretting finger and that’s more digits than my brain wants to cope with at the moment. In fairness I am currently working nights, so my brain probably isn’t at its best.
I’ve no doubt that Guru Josh (All hail Josh) will get me there, but currently my notes aren’t consistent between the two fingers, and I regularly sound, as Josh so eloquently puts it, like farts. More thought and practice, and probably another run through the lesson. If that doesn’t work I’ll solve it by pulling my fingernails out, but hopefully it won’t come to that
@Graeme Good choice. I’ve read it’s good to put off brain dysfunction as one gets older by working to learn something new and difficult. Bass foots the bill for me.
Thanks @JBMotorrad good to hear success stories. I guess from your username that we also share a love of BMW’s? I’ve been musing about how my R1250GS is similar to playing bass - both often overlooked for flashier options, but for those who know they are all you need.
Older than who? Not me for sure, and judging by the membership of the Over 60 Bass Players group on Facebook you’re not alone - us old guys need to stick together
Well not having a facebook account I wouldnt know about the group but I would prolly qualify at 77-7/8.
To be consistent with the thread. I decided at an old age to learn bass. No previous instrument - just rock drummer 70’s - 80’s which definitely helps my groove. I’m always drumming in my head.
B2B has been a great experience. Josh’s personality is great. Just what I needed.
Absolutely, but I wanted to get passed the “useless” stage before moving on. A bit more practice, a bit of looking at what I was doing wrong, and some work with a nail file and I’ve got it to a standard I can live with for now. The rest will take practice as you so.
M1L4 … a new string, more notes and more two fingered plucking. Loving all the tips about hand position on the neck etc, feel like I’m developing good habits. Found this easier than the last lesson on plucking, but I’m glad I had a few runs through the practice on Lesson 3 so that I didn’t completely suck on Lesson 4. If I hadn’t done that I would have been worrying about fretting AND plucking, and I could see how that could build up if not addressed.
Lesson 4 seemed relatively straightforward. Most of all I love that feeling at the end of every lesson of having learned something and being better than I was yesterday. It’s very satisfying.
Well, Lesson 4 seemed straightforward, but the next day when I ran through the practice track I was rubbish. Seems I need to spend some time practicing each lesson to consolidate the skills before I move on. That’s cool with me, I’m just happy playing the bass. The practice tracks are much more exciting than when I learned piano as a kid, man that was dull! Away for a few days now so probably won’t do another till Monday
I ride a 2004 BMW R1150RT oilhead.
