How I Would Learn Bass (If I Could Start Over)

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker, Josh, reflects on his bass learning journey and shares essential lessons for aspiring bassists. He emphasizes the importance of a consistent practice routine, the dangers of unhealthy comparison, and the power of adopting a growth mindset. Josh highlights the need to clarify your personal 'why' for playing, stay motivated even without inspiration, and embrace the inevitable struggles of learning. By sharing his own experiences, Josh encourages players to push through challenges, keep showing up, and enjoy the process of musical growth, ultimately becoming better bassists.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don’t let comparison run your life: Comparing yourself to others can be discouraging. Instead, adopt a growth mindset, where you believe you can improve with effort and practice.
• 😀 Develop a growth mindset: Believe that your abilities can be developed through hard work and good strategies, rather than being fixed from the start.
• 😀 Find your 'why' for playing bass: Having a clear reason for learning an instrument keeps you motivated and helps you stay focused on your goals.
• 😀 Embrace the suck: Learning an instrument will involve struggles and failures. Embrace these moments as signs of growth rather than obstacles.
• 😀 Stop waiting for inspiration: Consistent practice, even when you don’t feel like it, is key to improving. Don’t rely on motivation to show up.
• 😀 Motivation comes from showing up: Just start practicing, and the motivation will follow. Consistency is more important than waiting for inspiration.
• 😀 Comparison can be useful if done the right way: Use comparison to inspire yourself, not to tear yourself down. Focus on learning from others, not feeling defeated.
• 😀 Your 'why' will evolve: As you grow and mature, your reasons for playing bass may shift. Be open to changing your goals and motivations over time.
• 😀 The 'Question Markify' technique: Challenge limiting beliefs by turning them into questions. This helps create space for growth and redefines your mindset.
• 😀 Failure leads to faster learning: Embrace failure as part of the learning process. People who learn from their failures tend to improve more quickly than those who avoid them.

Q & A

Why is it important to establish a practice routine when learning bass?

A practice routine helps maintain consistent progress and ensures that you're regularly working on the fundamental skills. Without a routine, it's easy to lose momentum and become inconsistent in your practice, leading to stagnation in learning.

What is the significance of proper fretting technique in bass playing?

Proper fretting technique is crucial for producing clean, accurate notes and preventing unnecessary strain or injury. It helps ensure that you’re not only playing notes correctly but also building muscle memory that will serve you throughout your musical journey.

Why is playing with a metronome emphasized in the script?

Practicing with a metronome is essential for developing good timing and rhythm. It helps you play in sync with a steady beat, which is a foundational skill for any musician. Without this practice, it's easy to develop poor timing that will affect your ability to play with others.

What is the key to overcoming frustration when you hit a plateau in your bass playing?

The key to overcoming frustration is maintaining a growth mindset and focusing on continuous improvement. Acknowledging that plateaus are part of the learning process allows you to stay motivated and push through difficult moments, rather than giving up.

How does comparison affect a bassist’s mindset and progress?

Comparison can be harmful if it leads to feelings of inadequacy or discouragement. However, healthy comparison, where you view others as sources of inspiration rather than competition, can motivate you to improve. The script stresses the importance of using comparison as a tool for growth, not as a source of self-doubt.

What is the 'growth mindset,' and why is it important in learning bass?

The growth mindset is the belief that abilities and talents can be developed through hard work, practice, and learning. It’s important for bass players because it encourages resilience and persistence, even in the face of challenges, and fosters the belief that improvement is always possible.

How can the 'Question Markify Technique' help in overcoming limiting beliefs?

The 'Question Markify Technique' involves turning negative, limiting beliefs into open-ended questions. This creates space for self-reflection and encourages a shift in mindset, allowing you to challenge assumptions like 'I'm too old to learn bass' and replace them with possibilities like 'Can I get better at bass?'

Why is it important to know your 'why' when learning bass?

Knowing your 'why' provides clear motivation and direction for your practice. It helps set goals and gives you something meaningful to work towards, whether that’s playing with friends, becoming a virtuoso, or just enjoying the process of making music.

How does the concept of 'embracing the suck' contribute to a bassist's growth?

'Embracing the suck' means accepting and even welcoming the discomfort and challenges that come with learning. Struggling through difficult moments is part of the process and leads to growth. By accepting failure and mistakes as part of the journey, you become more resilient and improve faster.

What role does showing up and practicing, even when unmotivated, play in becoming a better bassist?

Consistent practice, even when you don’t feel inspired, is essential for improvement. Waiting for motivation to strike is often counterproductive. Showing up and doing the work builds discipline and reinforces your commitment, leading to progress even on days when motivation is low.