Think again. You should see what some of these “silver vintage” folks are doing!
By Jon Liebman
September 19, 2024
How many times have you thought about how much fun it would be to play bass but you assumed you were too old, you missed your chance, and you really blew it?
Well, first of all, I can tell you, with absolute certainty, that you’re not too old to play bass. And I don’t even know how old you are!
Would it surprise you to learn that most of my students are over 50? In fact, a lot of them are in their 60s and 70s. I’ve even got students in their 80s, both men and women.
And you know what they’re doing? They’re learning bass. They’re playing THEIR music. And they’re having more fun than they ever thought possible.
Now before you go, “Yeah, but I have arthritis,” or “Yeah, but I’ve had surgery,” or whatever your situation is, you should also know that I have a lot of students dealing with physical challenges like those, and a whole bunch of others to boot. Somehow, though, they’ve managed to find a workaround, usually involving finding new ways of holding their bass or positioning their hands. Now they’re no longer held back from playing their favorite music.
And they’re finding it incredibly fulfilling.
Watch the video and prepared to get inspired.
Let’s play bass!
Jon
Hello John,
I’m 57 and picked up the bass a little over a year ago. I’ve been practicing and playing on a regular basis and I love it. I just get so frustrated because it seems like I’m not improving like I want to. I started out with a in-person coach at the guitar center where I purchased my bass and that was not working for me. I’m now learning via online, but some of the courses I’ve tried are too much and not in a structure where I’m learning and improving and having fun at the same time. So, I’m getting frustrated and just want to have fun playing the types of music I want to play. I love the oldies funk, blues, and r&b music and I also love the gospel tunes as well. I just want to be able to groove along and create some bass riffs of my own. I struggle with speed with my right plucking fingers. They don’t seem to keep up with my fretting fingers. Overall, what can your program do for me? I’m headed out of town for a much needed vacation tomorrow to Mexico, but will check back in when I return.
Hi, Angelo. First, let me say, “Welcome to the low end!” I’m glad to learn that you’re playing bass regularly and that you’re loving it. Sorry about your frustration. You’re not alone. Learning bass is a process. First you need to understand what’s expected of the bass player (i.e., locking in with the drummer, setting the foundation for the band, making the music feel good…) and taking steps to achieve those goals (building solid technique, becoming proficient in different styles…). I’ve helped a lot of people get the results they’re after with a step-by-step approach, specifically with my trademarked Groove Grower™ framework. If you’d like to give the Bottom Line Club membership a try, I’d love to work with you. Given your age, background, and musical tastes, you’ll fit right in! Here’s the link where you can sign up: https://forbassplayersonly.com/bottom-line-club/
Thanks, Angelo! 🙂