Don’t play what you know — play what you DON’T know!

Learn bass by getting out of your comfort zone

By Jon Liebman
January 27, 2025

When you pick up your bass, do you always start by playing the same thing? 

When you go to practice, do you find yourself “working on” things you already know?

I get it. It gives you a boost of confidence, a sense of accomplishment.

But you’ve gotta move on.

If you want to learn bass and become a better player, you need to play new stuff. You need to play what you don’t already know.

When you practice your scales, do you always play the same ones? 

Do you play them from the bottom up every time? 

Try switching that up. Start your scales from the top instead of the bottom. 

Play them in thirds. 

Play them on different parts of the bass. 

Play them at different tempos.

You need to shake things up if you really want to improve.

Watch this week’s video for more inspiration and suggestions. Then leave a comment below and tell me all the ways you’re mixing up your bass-playing routine and what a difference it’s making.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Let’s play bass!

Jon

Comments on Don’t play what you know — play what you DON’T know!

  1. KJ says:

    Simple but solid advice! I’m gonna go set a timer…

    1. Jon Liebman says:

      Awesome! Thanks, KJ.

  2. Bill Carson says:

    Great advice, will start doing it

    1. Jon Liebman says:

      Thanks, Bill. Let me know how it goes!

  3. Dianne Burns says:

    Jon – Spent the last 30 minutes following your suggestions of not going over the “same ‘ole.” In particular, playing scales from up to down and in 3rds the same way. Felt empowering I’m gonna try a new way of doing things each day…stretch my envelope. Practice my weak spots, not my strengths. Thank you.

    PS. I’m going to Gerald Veasley’s bass boot camp this August. I’ve never been to Philly!

    1. Jon Liebman says:

      Thanks for the update, Dianne. Keep mixing it up! Have a good time at Gerald’s boot camp. I was there a few years ago. A great hang. 🙂

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