Developing A Great Practice Routine

In this lesson, I'll take you through my practice routine. I'll also show you what three main components I use to develop a great practice routine.
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Developing A Great Practice Routine

[@richbrownbass]

We talkin' about practice. Not a game! Not a game...not a game.

[@Phil_Trujeque]

What're we talkin about? Practice?

[@vidtube9361]

only real ones know

[@deangroves8198]

You came to the college I studied at and blew my mind, thanks for everything rich! Heros don't wear capes, he has a bass

[@richbrownbass]

@@deangroves8198 This is a huge compliment. Thank you so much.

[@squeetfighter]

I'm just here so I won't get fined.

[@Bracken1765]

Hello Rich: Picked up the bass about 3 yrs ago to try and keep my brain active. I’m 82 now and still at it. Have learned, what I know so far, strictly from utube. So far, I learned the most from you. You have opened up so many things to me. Most likely, I will never play with a live setting, but it doesn’t matter, because you have made playing this instrument fun, regardless. Thank you:

[@bassioelmucho]

Hey, I'm gonna pick it up again at 61, so I'm with you, sir! Enjoy it!

[@mjmason75]

You are like a psychologist for bass players. Your demeanor, honesty, and general outlook for playing bass is really excellent. Its great that you cover both the mental and physical aspects of playing. Also, your voice is calming, like a hypnotist. You’re lulling us in to want to practice and learn. Lol. Thank you!

[@colinstewart3699]

Yes thank you

[@troywilliam4779]

thanks for representing us viewers, thats what i feel everytime i watch Mr. Rich Brown

[@elmanitasdeplomo]

Agreed, I would absolutely love to have this guy as my teacher!

[@HouseholdDog]

And the philosophical too..

[@peadookie]

100%. Well said, thank you.

[@Grumdot]

About 3 years ago, my daughter came to visit me with her....boyfriend and the words play something came out. I realized I couldn't play anything without putting on a CD. It was embarrassing. But embarrassing is a powerful motivator. I realized when they left, I needed to turn off the CD player, and develop a more personal relationship with my bass, just the two of us. Now I have simple songs that I can play, grooves of varying difficulty that I can play with or without my drum app, and old classics like, Jingle Bells, or Somewhere over the Rainbow that I can play in my musical lexicon. I shall not be embarrassed again. ...Hopefully

[@daveanderson3714]

"Remember all of the reasons we picked this instrument up in the first place". Such a great way to start a practice session. Thanks Rich!

[@jyotiprakashnaik9758]

"You are not in competition with anyone, go at your own pace" these lines of your are gold and it motivated me to practice more at i hope it motivated each and everyone watching your videos thank you.

[@richbrownbass]

That makes me very happy. Thank you for watching!

[@justinfedenyszen7049]

Practice what you can’t play or don’t know… best advice ever. That’s been a huge lesson for me. Thank you kind sir for everything you do!

[@richbrownbass]

A huge lesson for me as well, Justin. Thank you for watching.

[@carlboswell986]

From as young as I can remember, music made me happy. Now at 63, I play music for the enjoyment, and when others hear me, and they enjoy hearing me, that's an added bonus!

[@charlescannon4675]

"You are on your own path." and. "Playing." LOVE IT!!! Thank you.

[@richbrownbass]

My pleasure., brother. Thank you so much for watching.

[@geofflb6537]

I remember something in the first guitar instruction book I bought in 1968 which has shaped my attitude to practice ever since. It said "Playing is pleasure and practice is playing". I'm 72 now, I've been playing mostly bass for a fair few years now, and I'm still loving every step of the journey, with no concern for any destination. What a fine travelling companion you are Rich: thanks so much.

[@p7dickens23]

What I am practicing is not getting lost in the progression!!!

[@chriscureton622]

After gigging for 48 years I still needed to hear this. Thank you Rich Brown 💥

[@stellarose3655]

I love the calm and succinct vibe of this video. Thank you so much for providing great tips to build a solid practice approach. Much appreciated!

[@kentrothrock9159]

Thanks for the video. Great insight. I practice all sorts of exercises that I have learned from your channel and elsewhere as well as playing along with songs and backing tracks. Like you suggested, I like to just play random patterns as well to just make music. Recently I've been playing with some friends, learning lots of Grateful Dead tunes and that has really helped me to make some real improvement after seeming like I had plateaued somewhat. Thanks again. I really like your laid back style...

[@7355days]

“I don’t need any pressure when it comes to my Bass playing” I love this, it’s important, a lot of people don’t realize how much pressuring yourself or allowing others to pressure you can cause you to play, learn, perform so much more differently

[@richbrownbass]

The word "play" implies FUN. We should be having fun making music, because we are after all playing. RIGHT!? 😃 Thanks so much for watching!

[@rumtea2]

Thanks for this Rich. You've shared some very useful ideas about approaching practice time and making it personal. I feel motivated by your description of developing a relationship with the bass. That is helpful as I sometimes feel that me and my bass don't seem to want to get along! Cheers fella.

[@christiannebailey6857]

I've only recently picked up the bass so this is great advice on how to approach my bass practice. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@LowEndNewbie]

Great video and topic Rich. I've have been challenging myself with sight reading, learning the modes and building walking bass lines. Based on your list of suggestions, it sounds like I'm doing something right because I do a little of each. I keep one bass next to my desk. Between Zoom meetings or needing a break from Zoom meetings, I practice one of the many exercises you have uploaded. I need to spend more time working creating grooves and just being creative. Thanks again for sharing.

[@robertopennone7412]

thank you Rich!!!!!!

[@Flying_turnip187]

Hit the nail on the head brah! This is what I needed! You are always on point man! Thank you!

[@richbrownbass]

That means a lot, brother. Thank you!

[@stephenmitchell2979]

Hi Rich, this is very encouraging brother. I’m in a covers band and it’s great to pick one song from the set and have a few days warming down and playing around with it. It’s amazing what a difference it has when you play live. It gives you so much more freedom on the instrument and you get the song completely under you skin where it continues to grow. Thanks dude, brilliant delivery as usual. God Bless you, from all bassists in the UK.🤙🏻

[@richbrownbass]

You totally hit the nail on the head, Stephen. There's nothing like being on stage and playing music you know inside and out. There IS so much freedom there! Thanks so much for watching.

[@andropolisstudiomusic]

Great. Talking about the mindset is rare. Thanks a lot Rich. Great lesson!

[@unkleian]

Love this Rich. Bang on right - inspiration not aspiration. These are great Inspirational words my man.

[@richbrownbass]

Thanks so much, Unkle Ian.

[@jmaldonado2]

Yes!!!! That was awesome. Thank you

[@markjames6822]

I've been working on reading music lately. The most difficult thing for me is to just SIT down and get my eyes in front of the page. But even if I only get 15 minutes of reading and playing, i count that as a win...more so if i do it consistantly!

[@richbrownbass]

When I was a kid taking guitar lessons, the last thing I wanted to do was practice. But, my mom would always say, "just give me 15 minutes." I couldn't be more grateful to her for that.

[@omg_wtf]

@@richbrownbass there's an idea about learning habits where you start very small, and just be consistent. So yes even just 15mins. Or even 5 mins. If you can't play bass for five mins a day then there is no chance you'll be able to play an hour a day. Start small, build up.

[@thomaswalker8790]

Absolutely amazing! I never thought you could make it so simple and easy. I guess you just gave us an important insight into the mental side of bass practice in a nutshell. Kudos to you!! Ciao for now..

[@aaronreece8803]

Mr Brown! Awesome! Your community asks and you deliver with an amazing video!!! Thank you!!

[@boywithapple741]

Thank you again Rich. Keep on.

[@sharolmongrain8022]

Right on Rich thanx😊

[@roadbull1]

This is awesome content Rich! Much appreciated.

[@joaquin3768]

Wow. no esperaba encontrarme con este consejo sobre no exigirse uno mismo y es un alivio oirlo porque siempre que toco el bajo pienso que no estoy avanzando nada y que deberia ser MAS Y MEJOR. Uffffh muchas gracias por tu video. Saludos desde argentina!

[@ignaciomeyerp]

thank you a lot! your words at the beginning really reflects my actual musical status, trying to find again that "inspiration". Cheers!

[@waldroc942]

Just found your channel Rich. Lots of good stuff and I like your laid back, but still very informative approach. Count me in, thanks. You've already made me a better player.

[@deafprof]

Love your channel!

[@gd-lockc7618]

Learning bass for about 5 months now! I love it it’s just disheartening at times because I can hear and feed all the ideas, but it isn’t in my wheelhouse yet. I’m gonna keep working

[@nairibass]

Great content! Thank you so much

[@robcreel4257]

I just put my favorite bass back together and ready to get back into it. This video help a lot. Now I need to get into a routine. Thanks for posting Rich.

[@benjaminweber1321]

Thanks Rich! Love your videos. I still do your metronome exercises pretty much daily. I've come to realize that timing and groove is not only something you have to first improve and then maintain, but also something you have to warm up. I find that doing 20 minutes of metronome exercises before a gig lets me hit that first beat with authority. If you really want to make it fun do those exercises at a slower beat, like 60bpm, and then drop out beat 2 so beat 4 is your only reference. When you get to where you can hit that "a" of 3 with confidence and beat 4 lands right where you expected you know you're locked in. You asked what we're practicing. Right now I'm on a kick to sharpen my chops. I've got that famous bridge from Sir Duke pretty much down. I'm working with Charlie Parker's Ornithology as a study piece. My goal is to be able to play it with confidence at 90% speed (kind of like what Jaco did with Donna Lee -he played it fast but not quite as fast as Charlie did). So far I'm up to 75% with reasonable authority. The wheels start to come off when I try it at 80%. So if anyone has any pointers for working on chops and speed bring 'em on!

[@rustknale3818]

Love what you do and your message. Respect.

[@cabinetdad75]

This is just what I needed today. Often I find myself pushing too hard and over looking the basics. Or worse, rushing thru practice and the exercise doesn't stick like it should. Thanks for the video Rich!

[@devonfornelli1727]

Such great advice on a most important topic. My favourite was when you spoke about taking a minute, reminding yourself why you play this instrument and savouring the sensation of playing for fun. Thank you for the videos. I’m not a bass player and I truly value this advice and these videos and how they inspire my practice! We love you Rich!

[@richbrownbass]

Thank you so much, Devon. This means a lot to me, my brother. 🙏🏾❤️

[@kalaalefaio5108]

Damn!!! This is exactly what I needed to hear tonight. Thank you!

[@michaelhedrick852]

Rich, Thanks again for another great lesson with lots of words of wisdom. I am working on new songs to learn for a cover band, but my teacher also has me working on 'Blue Monk' using double stops. I'm hearing Pat Metheny's words right now!

[@richbrownbass]

Metheny's words ring in my head quite often. Playing Blue Monk using double stops is a great idea! I need to try this myself. Props to your teacher, and thanks to you for the kind words.

[@BradleyHansonPhotography]

I feel like I’m learning more from you than from any other source, so thank you for all you do.

[@cjsamtab7]

My opinion as both a bassist and saxophonist, even when you aren't playing or practicing, think about it, think of different fingering techniques, tone refinement, etc. Thinking about it can help tremendously too especially when you don't have access to any instrument or are stuck in a moment waiting on something and there's just Time to kill.

[@kt-ff8hv]

THAT groove you're playing Mr.Brown at 12:40 is a whole lesson by it self…a great one!

[@richbrownbass]

Thanks very much!

[@evantarleton1]

Your knowledge is deep and your ability is equally deep, but your energy and enthusiasm is so compelling! Thanks for,the never ending inspiration!

[@richbrownbass]

Thank you, brother Evan. 🙏🏾❤️

[@gfcos]

Hello Rich. I've seen a couple of your videos before, but this one in particular resonated with me and it made me subsequently subscribe. I'm a very new bass player, I've only really been playing/practicing since March 2021. I'm about 95% complete with an online course I signed up for (currently learning slap/pop). The course is my main reason to practice at the moment, so I wanted to research other ways that I should be practicing on my own. During my search, I've discovered that I have SO much more to learn on the instrument and it can feel overwhelming at times (getting in my head, as you alluded to early in this video). So, it was very serendipitous, and reassuring that I came across your video. I wanted to stay inspired, even after I complete the online course. Outside of the course, I'm currently practicing the major scale in 3rds, as well as memorizing the notes in the 7 natural (non-incidental) major scales. My next goal is memorizing the notes on the incidental major scales, with the main goal being able to identify any note on the neck. I'm very eager for it to become second nature for me, but I know that takes time and I have to be patient. One last question, what kind of bass do you play? Sorry if you've answered that question before, like I said, I've only seen a couple of your videos prior to this one. Thanks and keep the videos coming.

[@shuggymilligan153]

I am now playing some of your exercises and getting better hands for it...really enjoyable. Thank you

[@ivanmike1968]

Good stuff! Especially about the headspace for the practice routine. I’ve been playing a long time, but really want to take my playing to the next level so to speak. It can be challenging to figure out what the practice next.

[@peterfischer9993]

I love how relaxed you are in your mind and hour hands. working to try to play more relaxed.

[@kristinfung]

So true re: returning to the reason why you fell in love with the instrument. I'm working on practicing out of joy and inspiration, not obligation or comparison/competition.

[@richbrownbass]

EXACTLY! I love that. Groove on, K-Funk!!!🙏🏾❤️

[@Hansreinaaa]

The most challenging part of my practise routine at the moment are ear excercises. That was always out of my comfort zone and now I try to fix this. Maybe you can do a video about musical ear training in the future, that would be great. I think you're one of the best bass teachers on KZbin and i'm very thankful about your content. Greetings from Germany!

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

Functional Ear Trainer on the toilet each day. Though take care with hygiene and avoid pink-eye.

[@KyBoLui]

Thank you so much for this !!!

[@richbrownbass]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@GlennMichaelThompson]

I've been working on triad pairs as a harmonic and melodic device. Also going over the melodic minor/jazz minor scale and the modes from it. For this I've found that the book by Ramon Ricker "The Developing Improviser : The Melodic Minor Scale vol. Four is extremely helpful at getting these sounds into my ears and under my fingers. Also just picked up Improvising Jazz Bass by Richard Laird. Plenty to keep me busy and on the right track. Also spend time Improvising alone and playing through standards and other tunes.

[@hannovor]

absolutely great👍 one of the best lessons ( in more than 50 yrs!) I ever heard

[@richbrownbass]

Wow! Thank you so much, Hanno.

[@gulbalagulba23]

great vid rich tnx!

[@hyppo00]

Thanks a lot Rich. Ever since your first video's on grooving out on the bass I've been hooked to your channel, and learned a lot. I'm currently working on ghost notes! Real groove makers. Maybe a nice topic for a future video.

[@richbrownbass]

Thank you very much for watching. I'll see about putting together a video on ghost notes soon.

[@alethallinger]

excelent!

[@suryabanerjeebass]

You are great sir!

[@ferbajoelcine]

Damn, love your classes. I use to be in SBL for a while, but for a Latin American it’s barely impossible to study in paid academies like that one. I was so exited to find out that you had your own channel cuz you were BY FAR my favorite teacher there. Thank you so much for this channel and for all the time you share with us !

[@richbrownbass]

Thank you so much for your very kind words, Fernando. That really does mean a lot, my brother. It has definitely been a pleasure to bring these videos to you. I'm so glad you're enjoying them.

[@ferbajoelcine]

@@richbrownbass enjoying them and kicking my ass at the same time!

[@jransomtucker]

Thanks for all of this. Your video's are constant reminders to not be lazy and rest on what I already know. They're reminders to challenge myself and get my head around knowledge that I don't yet understand and then focus on getting it into my ears and hands. It is all really appreciated!!

[@gernblenstein1541]

I'm practicing holding back! 😉 Another great lesson. Honestly, I am practicing chords and 7ths with my teacher, scales, and permutations in the scale on my own, trying to find the groove, right hand 2 finger picking, really learning everything I can.

[@dannabass]

Overplaying is the hardest not to slip in to!

[@deepspacetheater]

Ha! Love that intro! My wife and I just saw that episode of "Ted Lasso" last night! Anyway, I'm sure this lesson will be sweet as a homemade tea biscuit. Thanks, Rich! Something you say early in this lesson has to do with the amount of time one could or should spent with the bass each day. As a guitarist since the world was flat, I've focused my daily session down to 40 minutes each morning, along with some goooood, hot coffee. I have a similar approach to the bass: to start with the hands relaxed and the mind open to where the process will go. My friend the Zen master says, "If you can meditate for an hour, do so. If you can only meditate for five minutes, do so."

[@richbrownbass]

Oh man, I still haven't seen Ted Lasso! It's definitely on my must-watch list. Good on you for being so disciplined with your time. I'm no Zen master (that's for sure), but I learn a lot from reading 2 books in particular: Zen & the Art of Archery and Peace Is Every Step. I learned a lot about gratitude, and meditation, and the idea that almost any activity can be a form of meditation. That was pretty revelatory for me.

[@Johniiieeeb]

More absolute gold. Thankyou sir 🙏

[@richbrownbass]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@Jjfabbonbass]

Inspiring words, my friend.

[@xM4riOKx]

I like your approach, informations provided were also very useful. Thank you so much, very appreciated :)

[@sebastianbisurgi9970]

Damn, You are speaking straight to my heart. Thank you very much.

[@richbrownbass]

Thank you, Sebastian. That's what I love to hear.

[@charlesbranagan9993]

Hi rich....I am a beginner bass player from Dublinl, Ireland...have to say... your approach and explanation of the various aspects of playing is truly wonderful....keep up the excellent work...take care. Charlie Branagan

[@alexl.9917]

That's the real approach, Rich, and I'm glad I already have the same approach 😁, although in a much more humble dimension. The more I learn the more I know that I know almost nothing 🤣 Playing 40 years almost completely by ear and feel I discover now whole new universes besides notes and scales (i. e. never got around modes ;-) and boosted my creativity. I love what I do, I love what I learn and I love the way, I'm making progress on my bass abilities. Thank you for sharing and caring and all the good vibes you're sending through the Internet

[@richbrownbass]

This means a great deal. Thank you, Alexander. I'm so glad these videos are helping.

[@gingerbread-woman]

Thank you, I think what you said is actually really helpful.

[@paulbucklebuckle4921]

My first time here with Mr. Brown , liked subbed and bell. I can see Im gonna be back regular I can tell.

[@henryfreeman7748]

I love bass, my bass is an extension of my creative energy it gives me a goal, which is to be able to share my musical dream on this instrument, perhaps some day with others. I'm starting to find my bass uniqueness, where that will take me I'm on the path to find out. After all every bassist has his or own voice. I find this brown stone channel a great temple of information and inspiration thank you. I found my first bass in the trash intact in the trash on the streets of Brooklyn a gift of the music god...

[@ClavixusProducer]

Thanks for this video, I’m just getting back to practice, after a couple of months!

[@davedave8608]

this guy gets it.. cheers

[@richbrownbass]

Cheers, Dave. Thank you!

[@LuvNMusic]

I luv it Ritch... keep it groovin... Practice to profect! I just wanted to say thanks man for the words of encouragement, my music is on it's own time as well so I really felt what u said... Thanks again! ~Blessings~ ~JB~

[@StudioDiseno-ne2so]

I hope to become a very good bass player like you! Thank you for teaching and guiding us to become one!!!

[@gixxerboyroyluvdrumswaters9023]

Good stuff.

[@antoniopaloumusic3914]

Nice video thanks!

[@clausm2203]

Great rutine

[@bluegroove777]

Right on. Sometimes ya just gotta talk about practice. Good stuff.

[@unkleian]

I'm working on the modes of all the major scales and when I have done that efficiently, then minor scales. These words are inspirational and and ideal to keep focussed...and productive. Thankyou Rich.

[@richbrownbass]

Fantastic! Remember, the 6th mode is Aeolian. That's the natural minor scale. So, if you practice the major modes starting from the Aeolian (6th mode), you're essentially playing the minor modes. Cmaj = Amin Maybe you knew that already. Just clarifying. 😉

[@unkleian]

@@richbrownbass Ah, yes of course. Thanks Rich. To give it variation, I am also doing arpegios: CMaj7, Dm7, Em7, FMaj7 and so on as a warm up in CMaj. This all started after seeing your Modes video the other day, so thankyou :)

[@richbrownbass]

@@unkleian That makes me happy. Thanks very much.

[@thomasbass5032]

Again great video! Love that intro! 😊

[@richbrownbass]

Haha! Thanks, Thomas. That means a lot.

[@shyfawxproductions]

27 years later still love to practice the basics

[@gravedrummer]

These philosophies apply to any instrument as well. Thanks, great lesson!

[@richbrownbass]

I totally agree. Thank you for watching.

[@waderogers776]

Glad you're back! Hope you've been gigging!

[@richbrownbass]

Thanks, Wade. It's been a mad couple of weeks. Rehearsals, recordings, gigs, and teaching at university. It's been nonstop!

[@_B_E_A_D_G_C]

Allen Iverson would be so proud!😂😂 Thanks for coming through with the clutch 3 at the buzzer !

[@richbrownbass]

I'm supposed to be the franchise player...😅

[@robertq8412]

I appreciate the calm demeanor. Putting pressure on myself is almost never productive. These ideas would work for any instrument.

[@Mr4Strings]

Rich "Too Cool" Brown So calm and laid back with a definite message. I like your approach to a practice session. First of all, before picking up the bass, just thinking why do I love this instrument gets my mind in the right place to pick it up as a friend, not as an antagonist!! Thanks Rich. 👍

[@richbrownbass]

Yes! The bass is never your enemy. Thank you!

[@drwold1455]

You are The Best Profesional Teacher; Thank YOU! "SUPERLATIVE"

[@freddiesesh]

Thank you! Greetings from Argentina 🗿👍

[@ibwalt01]

I like what you did there at the beginning, you used the "Answer's" comment to make that point. Philly B-Ball all day. Love your teaching style. Thank you for all the help.

[@richbrownbass]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

Preach Bass Brotha, preach! 👊🏿❤️ I keep creating warm up exercises I haven't heard before. Not sure where they come from 🤔😁

[@Tax2Me]

3 minutes to get the main point before the Core. Well said Rich

[@kenlast8920]

The other day I did ask you about how can i improve musicality and you just did answer me with this video. Thanks so much rich....

[@richbrownbass]

It's my pleasure, Ken. Thanks as always for watching.

[@aaronreece8803]

Been working on your arpeggio exercises, and kind of a spin on what you spoke on in this video as far as playing what you hear. Instead, I’m trying to learn basslines from my favorite songs without listening to them, but from what I can remember hearing. Then I go and check how close I am.

[@bassioelmucho]

Hey there! I just discovered your site.. I really like this philosophy of not competing, etc.. I ve taken years off but still have my bass and just might pick it back up with no pressure and for the fun of it Thanks!

[@samuelbrainsample]

I know when I’m getting ready to practice when I sit down with bass in lap and I say “ALRIGHT! You’re going down this time!” (Talking about mistakes or sections of music I’m tackling). I have a mission when I practice.

[@visnamacpherson5109]

Great content. I love your voice.

[@richbrownbass]

Aww thanks, Visna. That's very kind of you to say. 😊

[@larryjimenez254]

Thanks Rich! Keep up the good work,, I'm from Manila

[@richbrownbass]

Thank you, Larry. I'll do my ver best!

[@larryjimenez254]

@@richbrownbass you're such a blessing to me,, you'll be bless I'm sure, I love to give something to you, but we're still on lockdown here, no gig's, no work, it's been almost two years now,, but thank God that I'm healthy so as my family,, take care man, God bless you always

[@richbrownbass]

@@larryjimenez254 Thank you very much, Larry. Your kind words are just as appreciated as any donation. Thank you for the support and encouragement. Continued blessings to you and your family, as well. 🙏🏾