Stay Groovy: Tips for Aging Bass Players to Keep Rocking

[@jaynawilliams8923]

🤣You think you're old. I am 73, re-learning bass, electric guitar and piano and thinking about getting into a local rock band to play some gigs. And I can rock those little tiny strings on those little tiny frets just fine.❤

[@SimulacronX]

Amazing :) keep it up

[@jaynawilliams8923]

@@SimulacronX You too. I'll keep rockin' till I die

[@TheMaartian]

@@jaynawilliams8923 I just turned 73 myself. One of the adjustments I made was switching to short scale (30") basses about 10 years ago. I love them now. Gig on!

[@khankann]

@@jaynawilliams8923 I don’t think I’m old ☺️ But there are many people here who are older than I, and I know some of their stuff. I’m glad you are doing just fine! ❤️

[@khankann]

@@SimulacronX some people are really inspiring, aren’t they? ☺️

[@colinmalsingh2667]

Thank you Tatiana I started learning electric bass at age 64. I'm enjoying it and your video has encouraged me. I decided to buy a short scale Gretsch bass as i know a bit about posture & anatomy and didnt fancy having the full sized one hangingnoff my shoulders for long periods

[@khankann]

thank you for you comment! I really think that the short scale basses are underestimated. 👍 All the best for your play!

[@bassmickeyd]

Nice and important to know that as we age it's up to us to adjust and address whatever issues pop up. ... I'm 72 and started playing electric bass in 1972. ... In 1992, as I was raising my daughters, I took up the upright bass and soon developed back strain, mostly caused by poor posture. I live in Hamilton Canada and am lucky enough to have Doctor John Chong, who at the time had a complete musicians clinic which addressed Musicians physical issues and musicians came from all over the world to seek help. I know professional musicians who had to change posture to correct years and years of abuse. I was lucky, John suggested swimming and Tai Chi and I do both, to this day, and have no major issues. ... I'd encourage every bass player to look into Tai Chi. Movement like Music is measured steps. Totally calculated and totally in the moment. ...

[@khankann]

@@bassmickeyd thank you for sharing, your experience is valuable! It looks like tai chi and swimming can be really beneficial for many players!

[@charlieburns1385]

Finger cramps are my issues I play often w my band and usually 3 , 50 min sets I realized that some meds increase finger cramps Thanks

[@khankann]

Is it a kind of a side effect of some meds? I wonder if they can choose the alternative options for you which are free from this effect! BTW, these are long sessions to play, that's impressive!

[@charlieburns1385]

@@khankann thanks l wouldn't say 50 min sets are long this is very common for most bands Some bands do 2 , 90 min sets with 2- 20-30 min breaks instead of 3 , 50-55 min sets 3 - 20 min breaks

[@Rickytbird]

I’ve been playing bass since I was 14. I’m 49 now. It’s been very frustrating experiencing my body slowing down and getting aches and pains when I play. Songs I used to be able to play I just can’t anymore. And I can’t see my fretboard. But I keep playing because I love it. I’ll play until I can’t. Hopefully that never happens. I do wish I was in my 20’s again and could play anything. Oh well.

[@khankann]

@@Rickytbird oh goodness, I hear you. I hope you will still enjoy playing for many decades to come! 🙏

[@Rickytbird]

@@khankann thank you! I hope you do too.

[@philipslater2767]

I did find this video helpful and I find you inspiring, I am 71 and have recently started learning the bass,thank you ❤ Pip.

[@khankann]

Yay, it’s such a pleasure to read a comment like this! Thank you! ☺️❤️ All the best for your practice!

[@harrybrooks8514]

Tatiana, I just encountered your post, and I’m really encouraged. I’m a 67-year-old bassist who hasn’t been active for an embarrassingly long time. I’m retired, still have my equipment, and am looking for an opportunity to take up practice with the fretted bass and Appalachian dulcimer

[@khankann]

Hi, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed at all! Life is busy, and there are so many things that require our time and attention. I hope you’ll have a great the time with your instrument now when you can! ☺️❤️

[@SimulacronX]

You are so nice. Thanks a lot.

[@khankann]

@@SimulacronX you’re always welcome! ❤️

[@shugemery]

Hello Tatiana. What an informative video and subject to cover. I watch a lot of videos on electric bass since starting my bass quest December 5, 2022. Proud to say I am one year and 9 months in and have rarely missed a day of playing. Coming from playing mandolin in bluegrass to bass has been life changing for me at this age of 66. Took up bass after reading a book called "the Practice of Practice." My goal was to not feel like I was always practicing but playing instead. Trying to wrap my head about the Modes in Scales had me twisted. The book suggested taking up an entirely new instrument for a new point of view. So I borrowed my brother-in-law's dusty bass and began. It has almost totally usurped my mandolin. The electric bass is like time travel to me going back and learning parts I grew up listening to as a teen. Also I am a retired circus clown/juggler and the bass now replaces that practice. The Joy it brings me is immeasurable. Every morning i look forward to my bass time and often 2 to 3 sessions a day. It so improves my well being. Never thought of the hearing loss aspect but that makes sense. After playing acoustic and now having an Amp moving air across my shins...it is so new to me. It has invigorated my love of playing. I'm not in a band. I play to challenge myself and take on something difficult. And i practice the Modes daily. I get it now. I came across your video of Summertime a few weeks ago and bought the chart. Working on that as my first singing song while playing bass. Singing playing the mandolin was easy. Not as easy on bass. Constantly working on "What is Hip" by Tower of Power. I think I have it down and realize it needs more work and get back to drilling and running 16th notes. Not unlike juggling practice. This is the longest comment i have ever typed out. I enjoyed the subject in this video. New muscles now after being a Bass-Man.

[@khankann]

@@shugemery oh, it’s such a pleasure to read your comment! Like a whole new life story is revealing in front of my eyes! Thank you really much! I’m so lucky to get this community and you in it. I feel much better with people like you around. Good luck with your consistent practice! ☀️ Please feel free to share your music with me if you want!

[@shugemery]

@@khankann Thank you for getting back to me. Here is a clip of me working "Bernies Tune" up to speed. Fun work. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZbSlXitbt-Gqsk

[@TheMaartian]

Lovely video, Tatiana. High frequency hearing loss? Yes, mostly in my left ear. When I talk to women with high-pitched voices, I have to position myself so they are on my right. Flexibility loss? Yes. As I have mentioned before, I switched to short scale basses. It's much easier to reach the first fret, and the frets are closer together, making certain shapes easier to play. As you mentioned, there's also a mental and emotional component to age. I've been getting happier and more relaxed since I turned 60 over 13 years ago. I sleep better. I have less stress. Music and playing bass and keys are a big part of that. С наилучшими пожеланиями!

[@khankann]

@@TheMaartian I’m so glad that we have music to stay with us! 💕

[@zeusdavenport393]

A very good topic Tatiana! I suffer from all these medical conditions. As a 56 year old who plays bass (and sometimes guitar) there can be a lot of limitations because of joint pain, back problems and dexterity loss. I find, however, that it does force simplifying some of the bass playing, and simple bass riffs and playing are more desirable in a performing band scenario. None of the conditions you mention effect the most important requirement of a bass player - timing / rhythm.

[@khankann]

Thank you for your comment! I think you are absolutely right about the most important bass players' qualities. Moreover, that simplifying often helps the other band members, and they appreciate it. I hope you can find some ways to manage those issues you have and keep enjoying playing music!

[@1234drums]

This advice is going to turn useful, someday in my future 😂

[@khankann]

😄👍

[@joannalewis5279]

Brilliant stuff

[@khankann]

@@joannalewis5279 thank you! ❤️

[@kleberveridianogoncalvesde6293]

Very good advice! 🙏🎼

[@khankann]

You’re welcome)

[@66mmpow]

Interesting video. Very unique and informative🙂

[@khankann]

@@66mmpow thank you! ☺️🙏

[@paulhopkins686]

Hi Tatiana! I'm 42, and when I turned 40, I set a goal to see if I could become a good musician/bass player by the time I hit 50. I'm really enjoying the practice and playing in my rock covers band. Thankfully, I've had no physical issues so far! Thanks for your video, it's been really helpful and motivating!

[@khankann]

@@paulhopkins686 I hope you’ll stay completely fine for many happy decades to come! All the best for your practice! ☀️

[@SUKOCONANUNGBOND]

"Oke..Very Good.. Thank You For The Tutorial... I Like It..." 👍👍🙏🙏

[@SUKOCONANUNGBOND]

"SHE'S A GREAT MUSICIAN.." 🎸👍👍🙏🙏

[@khankann]

@@SUKOCONANUNGBOND you’re very kind, thank you! ❤️

[@SUKOCONANUNGBOND]

@@khankann "oke Mom... 🙏🙏👍👍

[@SUKOCONANUNGBOND]

Oke Mom.. You're Welcome...🙏🙏👍👍

[@judih.8754]

Tatiana thank you for this video. I found your channel, watched a few videos and have subscribed. I have "noodled" with my bass for a number of years. I picked up ukulele several years ago and I play in a band. I love playing in front of a live audience. Its so invigorating for this 70 year old gal. I've been inspired to take the bass more seriously and I am happy I have found your channel from NZ. I am in the US. I enjoy your style of presentation. Thank you!

[@khankann]

Thank you so much Judith! I really hope that you’ll feel that pleasure to play the bass! I’m happy when people like you are around. I’ve always known that my superpower is being surrounded with great people!

[@adolphusbryan6959]

❤❤ Great points, Tatiana!

[@khankann]

I'm glad you think so! Thank you for your comment!

[@argsigil7208]

Remember always that it's just a number. It all depends on how you feel the music.

[@khankann]

@@argsigil7208 I’ve heard a thought like “I don’t know how to behave my age. I’ve never been here before!” I like this! 😄

[@clausm2203]

Great video

[@khankann]

@@clausm2203 thank you! I appreciate your comment!

[@jonhillman871]

great topic. as an old person (56) i definitely benefit from this lesson.

[@khankann]

@@jonhillman871 it’s very individual fir people, but to me it’s not an old age! Nevertheless, I’m happy that you do music, and I hope you feel good!

[@jonhillman871]

@@khankann i feel great. i run 10k every day. i mostly eat nutritious food and do two 24 hour fasts per week. i don't use drugs, alcohol or tobacco. i have no idea how i ended up this way. i certainly didn't start off like this.

[@khankann]

@@jonhillman871 wow! We all have to learn from you how to maintain our bodies! 😯👍

[@jonhillman871]

@@khankann a lot of my motivation comes from fear and shame. nobody wants to hear that.

[@khankann]

@@jonhillman871 😯 and now I know that you’re really brave to say so!

[@bluesteel48]

I switched over to electric bass from pedal steel guitar because the gear for steel guitar is so heavy to move around.

[@jonhillman871]

sometimes i fantasize about switching to harmonica for that exact same reason.

[@khankann]

that's a great point to mention. Thank you! BTW, I hope you enjoy the bass!

[@khankann]

I have a friend who plays harmonicas. He has to carry a huge leather belt full of harmonicas of different keys! Sometimes I think the recorder is the best option! :))

[@bluesteel48]

@@khankann he should get a chromatic harmonica. they can play in any key.

[@khankann]

@@bluesteel48 I’m not very familiar with those specifics! ☺️

[@waldififil423]

🙂🍒

[@khankann]

@@waldififil423 thank you! You’re the first one, probably, who watched this! ☺️❤️