Michael,
If you can play a scale or a mode in 8th notes at say quarter note = 120
bpm without making a mistake I'd say you know it. Continuing to practice
them for the sake of "technique" is a waste of time, IMHO.
>
> 2. Being a reformed drummer/guitarist turned bassist (electric and
> accoustic) I am familiar with being able to play "shapes" and not really
> know the notes I am playing. Of course the shapes (chords, scales,
> arpeggios) were thought out and developed understanding the underlying
> notes, but in application, can be used without really being conscious of
> the actual notes used. Is this bad? I have been trying to break out of
> this habit by making up new ways to play things that force me to be aware
> of the notes I am playing. Is this useful or a waste of time?
I think it's extremely important to know the names of the notes on your
instrument down cold, but when you are *playing* you probably don't have
to be aware of them as such. If you stumble when asked to ID a note keep
working on learning them, if you can do this easily move on to something
else.
>
> 3. I have found transcribing (the little I have done to date), creating
> solos, and composing songs to be very helpful in my development. I am
> not sure if it is because that is "the way" or if it is because I reached
> a point in my other practices where I hasn't learning anything new.
After 25 years of study I can honestly say that those activities you
mentioned have been the ones that have helped me the most; this is what
I do every day now. I also learn new tunes and work out arrangements,
and some sight-reading practice.
>
> 4. I love the bass (there seems to be alot of us bassist on this list)
> and that is my main focus. I want to be conversant with other rythmn
> section instruments as well (guitar, piano, drums). I think this "cross
> training" has proven beneficial in reinforcing concepts applied in a
> slightly different manner. This takes time away from my bass, is this a
> worthwile pursuit?
Good pursuit, good pursuit.
Clay