How to practice bass if you hate practice!

[@carlodave9]

You are right! Nothing is more motivating than having a band. At 57, I somehow fell in with a few like-minded oddballs looking for a bassist. We’re two years in and still giddy with the strange chemistry we have together. They took me in even though I was a total beginner, because-without knowing anything-I could find the eclectic tones they were looking for. I never thought I’d know the joy of creating music, especially with musicians that know what they’re doing. This guy is no small part of my progress. I like how he can arm you with tips and techniques with the purpose of encouraging you to do whatever you want them.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That’s amazing - really happy to hear you found those oddballs!

[@dinoduprey6676]

Hi Dan, I've been playing for 60 years and I still play with my favorite songs that inspired me to pick up the bass guitar.. especially the BEATLES, 70's funk and so on.. Thanks Dan..

[@OnlineBassCourses]

It never gets old right?! That’s amazing - I won’t tell you to keep up the playing because you will.

[@dinoduprey6676]

@OnlineBassCourses I'll never give up playing the bass.. been playing since the age of 7, and I come from a family of musicians, there's music all around me 24/7 .. and there is always new techniques to learn.. never gets boring.

[@vagabond7883]

As a beginner (I'm 73), videos like this one keeps me motivated and hungrier to further develop my bass progress. My main objectives are to perfect my technique (good tone), being able to read music and learning simple songs which I like.. I'm sure the rest will follow.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Very inspiring - keep it up!

[@jasoncherry3404]

I’m just getting started with bass, I find that if I pick fun songs that are challenging they help me practice many of the core skills that you cover in your lessons. I started practicing Godzilla by BOC, it seems easy but the song has many challenging spots that push your skills without rushing you. There’s a chord slide that’s fun to practice so I’m building more advanced skills while having fun. Your lessons are great and I appreciate the time you put into them.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Jason. I love doing that too - songs that challenge you are the best.

[@JCBassCovers]

There are three songs that I play every single time I pick my bass up. Creeping Death, The Trooper, and Peace Sells. They keep me motivated.

[@olsonknight]

Dan - I just started playing Bass on October 2023 (it is currently April 2024). For some backstory - I had traded a brass instrument (in 2013) for a bass guitar (to try it out), but never ended up getting around to it. This sat around unused for ten years until some buddies asked me if I wanted to jam - we formed a band and everything, and I was lucky enough to borrow my guitarist's spare amp to get me started. Shortly after this, I dove right in buying new strings, a couple of additional basses, and a Fender Rumble 500 (big upgrade from that old 10W Peavey guitar amp LOL). I would not be playing without the band, and I find that the band continues to give me the motivation to play as much as I do. A big part of this is having them show me songs that they want to play - stuff I've never heard, nor would have heard without them. Also, the obvious "accountability" factor - they're expecting you to make progress and this can also be another great motivator! As you said, playing along with one of your favorite songs is THE best. In fact, my "practice routine" currently comprises of 90% playing along to songs I like, 5% watching online courses/instructional videos, and 5% random noodling. I imagine that this will change, as I am only six months in and could foresee the day where I am primarily doing more technical practice and training (scales, arpeggios, etc.) which I currently do little/none of right now. Thanks for making the content that you do - also, I love your EBMM stingray - that thing is beautiful. Every time I see it in your videos, I wonder what year it is. Keep up the great work, Dan!!!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for the great comment! You have a fantastic balance there in your practice routine. Definitely keep that going. My StingRay is from 1978.

[@notoots]

I keep a Spotify playlist called 'songs to learn' so if I hear something I like, I can keep track of it. Whenever I want something new to play with, I pop open that playlist, pick something out and mess around with it for a few days.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I do similar. It’s a great way to keep things fresh.

[@manfredoliveras3196]

Yes, It keeps the neurons jumping all over the place or just jump start them. Thanks!!! I also made several music playlists with different stuff: standards, dance, latin, metal and so on. It helps.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That’s a great thing to do. 👍

[@briangrovenstein6382]

Thank you! I find playing Rush or Yes classics,make it fun and challenging. Keep up the great work!👍👇

[@AvormW]

Great tips Dan! Another one would be to use a loop pedal, learn some basic chords and play over them. It's not only fun for hours, but it also helps with your timing.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Another good one!

[@adroc9101]

I am and have been a sub for a while, I also bought one of your lessons last year, but I absolutely love and appreciate these vids of yours. Thank you so much for all of this; it is VERY helpful. 👍🏽👍🏽 This vid in particular was terrific!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks so much for the support and your comment. I really appreciate that.

[@michaelhogan7866]

All great ideas, I’m going to try some of these! Thanks

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Have fun!

[@michaelhogan7866]

I’ve got the band going, but the apps seem really cool, and I’d not heard of them. Thank you! Looking at your courses now.

[@pgrvloik]

Great tips, as usual. I actually practice these too. But it's not what keeps me motivated. For me the main motivation comes from playing with other musicians. And sadly for now I can't find a local band to join. I'm playing jazz and bossa in a small music school jazz band. Cheers from the other side of the Channel.

[@NotmyrealName92]

Thank You so much Sir 😊❤️‍🔥

[@skiphoffenflaven8004]

I love to practice!! Your books are great to work through as well. Currently working on Raining Blood. Great finger strength and rhythm practice. Thanks Dan!!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I’ll check that one out! 🙏

[@bradami1234]

I used the pedal I have to create different dynamics. Find interesting drum beats to play against then i also focus on actually practice items. Arpeggios etc.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Great stuff.

[@1234drums]

Thank you for the advice, Sir ❤❤❤❤

[@labraunethacoldest9838]

Thank Dan u right I like to free style fonk bass sonds

[@rbennett2739]

Awesome. Thanks very much. Happy Mondays, Stone Roses and Charlatans for me. Etc...Blur, gorillaz, Inspiral Carpets I've been a beginner for 5 years now and I'm 50. An insight into Mad Cyril by Happy Mondays would be amazing if possible...(Paul Ryder)

[@jonathanwalegir7083]

thank you

[@billyjay1]

Thank you master 🔥

[@labraunethacoldest9838]

Fonk bass free style is fun Dan your great thanks for saying that

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Love it!

[@markbass354]

I LOVE BASS BEEN PLAYING SINCE I WAS 17 IM NOW 67

[@syedmohamadroiesbinsyedmoh1762]

Repertoire love that word 😂😅

[@heethanthen]

Play songs that incorporate the exercises you’re supposed to practice. And if you hate practicing playing songs then… why play bass in the first place?

[@kaydgaming]

The hell are you playing bass for if you hate playing bass? Practice is playing. If you don’t want to play, don’t play.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That’s not really the sentiment of this video. It’s more helping people if they’re in a rut or need some new ideas. I agree that you probably shouldn’t play if you hate playing bass!

[@jaimeandres573]

If you play any instrument and you don't like to practice, you should sell your gear n buy a foodtruck 😂😂

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Sadly it happens… but I also like the food truck idea!

[@paulhopkins686]

Great lesson 👍

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks! 😃

[@Bonanza41]

There is SO much information, products , PDF 4 sale , Amazon and loads of other products underneath your video that it looks as the same chaos behind you in your video’s. With all respect 🫡

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Struggling to find the respect in your comment 😂 why do you have to read that stuff underneath and make a comment like this? Really bizarre. This is my living and I have a family to provide for. I love teaching and KZbin but this isn’t some hobby for me.