I’ve learned that there’s a fine balance between following the rules and breaking away from them. In this article, I’ll be discussing the importance of finding that balance and developing your own unique style as a musician.
As a bass player, I know firsthand the importance of following instructions when it comes to practicing and learning new techniques. However, I also believe that it’s equally important to add your own personal touch to your playing once you’re comfortable with the basics.
When I first started studying bass, I practiced for hours every day and followed all the rules my tutor gave me. But as I progressed, I realized that what sets great musicians apart from good ones is their ability to take what they’ve learned and make it their own. You can create your own style and techniques by adding your own personal flair to what you’ve been taught.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should ignore the basics. Music reading, for example, is an important skill to have, even if you never use it. It can come in handy when you least expect it, and it’s always better to be prepared. However, don’t let music reading become a crutch. The best musicians are those who can improvise and create new things on the fly.
When it comes to preparing for gigs, I have a trick that works for me: I play the music in my head, even when I don’t have my bass guitar with me. By visualizing the music and mentally playing each note and rhythm, I’m able to keep it fresh in my mind and always be prepared to play my best. It’s especially important for bass players and drummers, who have to be on point during every moment of a performance. Every little mistake can be noticed by the audience, so it’s crucial to be as comfortable and confident as possible.
That being said, mistakes do happen. Even the best bass players in the world make mistakes during concerts. When this happens, it’s important to keep going and not let it throw you off your game. The audience may not even notice the mistake, and dwelling on it will only make things worse. Just keep your head up, stay focused on the music, and remember that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.
In conclusion, as a bass player, it’s important to follow the rules and learn the basics, but it’s equally important to put your own personal spin on things. Music reading is a useful skill, but don’t let it become a crutch. When preparing for gigs, try visualizing the music in your head to stay sharp and focused. And when mistakes happen, don’t let them bring you down. Keep playing and have fun.