My Bass Journey

A little while back, I joined a Hawaiian band as their bassist—a role I accepted despite having no prior experience with the instrument. It all started when a friend of mine asked me to play bass guitar for his band. I’d never played bass before. After a couple more asks, I borrowed his bass to check it out and gave it a try. I fell in love with the bass and bought my own instrument a few days later. But with a major gig at the Grand Ritz in Escondido just two months away, the pressure was on. The learning curve was intense. I had to quickly master techniques like finger-style plucking and two-handed muting, while also grappling with bass lines and chord progressions. Learning Hawaiian songs as a complete beginner added another layer of complexity. Not only were the melodies and chord progressions unfamiliar, but the non-English lyrics made it incredibly challenging to recover if I stumbled. Despite these hurdles, the performance was a success, igniting a passion for the bass that has since driven me to seek out further opportunities to play.

Since then I've studied, practiced, found bands to informally jam with, and ended up joining a few different bands. I've even been paid to “sub” or sit in several bands if their bassist wasn't available for a gig or two. I currently play regularly with two bands: a traditional Hawaiian music band and a band that plays covers of popular danceable rock songs.

I've played paid gigs numerous times now and have gotten to the point where I'm competent enough to learn songs quickly not only to “support” the song, but actually get creative with my bass lines.

At 60 years old, I can't think of many “hobbies” that I could've picked up this late in life and progressed to the level and skill as quickly as I have. I've earned a reputation in my little local music community as a capable bassist who can get the job done. The hobby not only brings me joy, but has brought in some cash as well. I don't think that would've happened had I taken up golf, basketball, bowling or fishing.

Playing the bass in a live band is rewarding in so many ways. I feel that I am bringing true value to the music. I can hear and feel my progress and have a sense of real accomplishment. It's not “easy” but it's worth it. I remember first starting out and how awkward and clumsy it all felt. Although I have some background in music, it's similar, but such a different instrument than a guitar. The techniques and what you play is unique to the bass. I've had to learn skills that have taken time to hone and improve.

After 2 years of playing, I find I'm still “on fire” for the instrument. I pick it up every chance that I can get, just to practice and improve. I challenge myself with new techniques and skills. Practicing is seldom if ever a chore or drudgery, I really enjoy it and look forward to it.