I have always loved the sound of a bass guitar, even as a small child. I would be 29 years old before I ever learned to play one myself, but have not stopped learning since.
In the Beginning
Since I was a small child, the sound of a bass guitar has been simply enchanting to me. It all started when I heard Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath back in 1970, at the age of five. When I started dance lessons a few years later, it was always the bass which seemed to move my body most readily. Even when I began singing and writing lyrics in local bands at twelve, it was Geezer (who also wrote the lyrics for Black Sabbath), and Geddy Lee (singer AND bass player for Rush) who were my greatest influences.
Since I was a small child, the sound of a bass guitar has been simply enchanting to me. It all started when I heard Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath back in 1970, at the age of five. When I started dance lessons a few years later, it was always the bass which seemed to move my body most readily. Even when I began singing and writing lyrics in local bands at twelve, it was Geezer (who also wrote the lyrics for Black Sabbath), and Geddy Lee (singer AND bass player for Rush) who were my greatest influences.
Wrong Turn?
After singing and writing lyrics in various bands, it was in my early twenties that I noticed a perhaps (in hind sight, of course) unhealthy trend I’d fallen into. That trend was dating bass players. It is not that dating bass players is a bad thing, but my choice in men obviously was. The end result was two failed relationships, and three very beautiful, very talented children, so I can’t say the experience was all together bad, now, can I?
After singing and writing lyrics in various bands, it was in my early twenties that I noticed a perhaps (in hind sight, of course) unhealthy trend I’d fallen into. That trend was dating bass players. It is not that dating bass players is a bad thing, but my choice in men obviously was. The end result was two failed relationships, and three very beautiful, very talented children, so I can’t say the experience was all together bad, now, can I?
Waking Up
At the age of 29, about the time I gave birth to my third child, I made a pivotal decision. I decided to learn to play bass myself so that I wouldn’t be so attracted to a potential cause of my own heartache. My brother, who was a luthier (he built guitars), had brought home a bass guitar that was essentially three pieces of wood and some splinters. He said he was going to fix it. I told him that if he did, I would buy it, learn to play it, and we would start something we had both always wanted…A POWER TRIO!
At the age of 29, about the time I gave birth to my third child, I made a pivotal decision. I decided to learn to play bass myself so that I wouldn’t be so attracted to a potential cause of my own heartache. My brother, who was a luthier (he built guitars), had brought home a bass guitar that was essentially three pieces of wood and some splinters. He said he was going to fix it. I told him that if he did, I would buy it, learn to play it, and we would start something we had both always wanted…A POWER TRIO!
A Learning Experience
So, with the assistance of my brother, Geezer Butler, Geddy Lee, and other notable bassists, such as Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), and Ian Hill (Judas Priest – very under rated!) I taught myself to play the bass guitar. Although I still play only by ear, can’t read music, and sometimes to this day have issues with singing and playing at the same time, I think I did rather well. I have never had formal lessons, and continue to teach myself to this day.
So, with the assistance of my brother, Geezer Butler, Geddy Lee, and other notable bassists, such as Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), and Ian Hill (Judas Priest – very under rated!) I taught myself to play the bass guitar. Although I still play only by ear, can’t read music, and sometimes to this day have issues with singing and playing at the same time, I think I did rather well. I have never had formal lessons, and continue to teach myself to this day.
Advice to Those Wishing to Learn
My advice to anyone wishing to learn a music instrument is – DO IT! If you have the passion, you can even teach yourself, but there are also many excellent teachers in the world. Take lessons, teach yourself, but the most important thing to remember is – NEVER STOP LEARNING!
My advice to anyone wishing to learn a music instrument is – DO IT! If you have the passion, you can even teach yourself, but there are also many excellent teachers in the world. Take lessons, teach yourself, but the most important thing to remember is – NEVER STOP LEARNING!
Content written by Laurie Tysinger. © 2013 All rights reserved.
Originally published on Yahoo Voices, July 14th, 2013.
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