Self Analysis

The ability to conduct objective self analysis is crucial towards making progress in any field of endeavour - learning the bass is no exception.

At the end of each practice week I recommend spending 20-30 minutes analysing your progress through the practice week you have just completed. Refer to the goals for the week - have you completed them all. If there are any goals not completed, what are the reasons for this? Did you underestimate the time needed to complete them? Did you miss practice sessions?

Be ruthlessly honest with yourself here - if you're not you are only being dishonest with yourself.

I've found that for the majority of bass playing tasks the best way of analysing them critically is to record what you played and listen to it a day (or more) later. When you listen back at a later date it's usually (painfully) obvious if you're playing something incorrectly.

Don't fret! The reason you're doing this is to ensure that you're following your chosen course as closely as you can. There will be days when you feel like you can play anything, and days when you feel like your playing is utter shit. (TIP! Depending on how you've recorded yourself if you've got the facility to store some recordings away they make REALLY interesting listening a month or so later! Try it. You'll thank me.)

Make analysis of your playing a regular part of your weekly schedule - it works like a minor course adjustment and keeps you on track towards your goals!

Return to Bass Practice

 

 

Return to How To Play Bass Homepage