Re: Practice Advice
David Kaczorowski ( kaczordk@UMDNJ.EDU )
Fri, 21 Feb 1997 14:04:13 -0500 (EST)
>
> 1. I have been told it is vital to practice my scales/modes everyday the
> rest of my life. This takes a fair amount of time, is it worthwhile? I
> haven't seen it produce big results yet, but I have been told it will
> surface in subconscious ways. I get more results from learning songs and
> developing solos, generaly employing a more chordal approach. Comments?
>
> 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?
>
> 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.
>
> 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?
>
> I realize that practice routine is somewhat subjective. But there are
> things that must have proven helpful to members of this list (some have
> already been discussed). These are some questions I have been grappling
> with lately. Any thoughts, public or private, would be most appreciated.
>
>
> Michael D. Temple
> mdtemple@ix.netcom.com
> Birmingham, Alabama USA
>
Michael,
I think the importance of practicing scales and modes, etc. is
relative to your current level of ability. When I first began playing
bass I would practice that stuff a lot. I would practice everything in
two octaves, practice different ways of playing the same scales (i.e.
through different positions), play variations of them (like 132435,etc.).
Eventually I grew beyond all that.
Now I practice applying what I know, and developing it further.
I practice tunes, compose, and read. I just recently began trying to
transcribe, but I've always listened to others to hear how they handle
different things, etc.
As for knowing all the notes you're playing while you're playing
them, I don't know if anyone does that, it all happens so quickly.
I don't have time to go into any more detail right now. I hope I've
been some help. Feel free to mail me.
peace,
David Kaczorowski
kaczordk@umdnj.edu