Here's what Roy has to say:
"Virtually every student I've ever had hits a plateau at one time or another. I have myself many, many times. As they say, the only way out is through. One thing I would invite you to think about is what you practice. Playing riffs you can already play is playing, not practicing. Practicing should sound a little bad, IMO. You are working on things you can't quite get and eventually getting them under control. One mistake a lot of players make is that when they cop a cool riff or two their practicing becomes "congratulatory" practicing: "Dig me! I can play this (insert Cool Band/Bass Hero) riff!" That's great, but then it's time to move on. Are you working with a good teacher? (Like, say, Roy Vogt on Teach Me Bass Guitar? - Ed.) Guidance when you're first learning can really help you learn quicker and waste less time on blind alleys. A good teacher can help you to learn the why of what you're playing, not just how to imitate it. Finally, don't expect too much from yourself after just a year or so of playing. Through practice your mind and body are entering a new relationship, you're building the muscle memory that will be critical to your ultimate success. Picture a baby learning to walk, there are lots of falls, stalls, and stumbles as his body learns the intricacies of balance, momentum, and balance - but before you know it he'll be asking for keys to the car! Most of my students don't really start to stand on their own two feet until they've been "re-wired" year into playing. I also encourage you to find some people to jam/play in a band with. That really helps on a lot of levels. Playing bass at it's best is a team sport. Good luck and keep plugging away at it!" Roy |
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