By the end of my 2-hour lesson, I was able to play a C major scale. I need to work on control pressure so that the notes don’t buzz, but not too shabby for my first time playing a bass guitar!
Posted 3 months ago
During my first bass guitar lesson, Ben teaches me how to play an arpeggio in C-E-G-C (or 1-3-5-8).
Posted 3 months ago
My first bass guitar lesson!
Not like I have much free time as it is, but apparently I was looking for another challenge in my life… ha ha.
My husband Ben has been playing the bass guitar for many years, and I’ve always been impressed and proud of his skill. The only musical instruments I have attempted in the past was the violin in the 4th grade and the African djembe a couple of years ago. I always thought it would be cool to learn how to play the bass, but I wasn’t sure I’d have the patience to learn from Ben. But I feel ready now!
So last week, I made a deal with Ben to teach me how to play the bass guitar. We set up an appointment in our calendars to ensure we would set aside at least an hour to play without distractions. Ben asked me what songs I would like to learn to play in the future, and I decided on My Girl by the Temptations and Stand By Me by Ben E. King. I figured it would be very motivating for me to learn to play the bass lines of Motown classics that I love!
This morning, we looked at what bass I wanted to work with - a precision bass or jazz bass. I chose Ben’s old Fender Jazz bass to practice with. Then this afternoon, we sat down in his office and begin what became a wonderful two-hour lesson.
I learned how to hold the bass and where fingers should rest. I learned how to pluck the strings and where to hold my fingers down on the frets. I learned the names of the strings (E-A-D-G) and what one note can be found on each string. By the end of the lesson, I learned how to play a C major scale and a C arpeggio.
My lesson went very well. Ben and I worked very well as a teacher/ student combo. We were both very patient and understanding of each other’s habits and styles. As a result, it was very rewarding and I look forward to my next lesson!
My homework assignment: practice playing the C major scale and C arpeggio. While doing so, I must focus on controlling pressure on the strings so that they don’t buzz. I need to get used to the positioning of my left hand so that one finger is comfortably placed on each fret. And finally, I need to feel comfortable plucking through the strings with my right hand. A lot to process, but I have my bass and amp set up in Ben’s office so that I can practice at any time during the week. Let’s see what lesson #2 brings!
Posted 3 months ago
Celebrity Silhouette Cruise January 2013, a set on Flickr.
Via Flickr:From January 12-20, 2013, Ben and I travelled to Miami, then sailed out of Fort Lauderdale to enjoy a western Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Silhouette. Visited the ports of Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Labadee, Haiti.
I got to enjoy such experiences as dune buggies, zip-lining, and grilling up some new foods. Relaxing time spent with my husband right before tax season begins!
Posted 3 months ago
Preparing the flatbread, pt. 3 on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
With my chef, Michael, I learned how to knead and throw the dough to make flatbread pizza.
Posted 3 months ago
Can he come home with us? on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
It took me a long time to finally grab one out of the water without jumping, but once I did, I didn’t want to let go.
Posted 3 months ago
Sea turtles, pt. 3 on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
We went to the turtle farm in Grand Cayman and I swear I wanted to take one home with me!
Posted 4 months ago
Posted 4 months ago
Jade Cavern on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
Our dune buggy adventure led us to the Jade Cavern, a cenote in Cozumel.
Posted 4 months ago
Ben savoring his spicy mojito on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
Mmm… yummy! One of the reasons we love Larios on the Beach in Miami!
A place to showcase my thoughts, goals, photos, and whatever else crosses my path! My focus is to:* Showcase my hobby of photography,
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