Quora Question: How do I become a good bass player?

 Some years ago, I wrote an essay on how I perceived the steps to mastery. These steps were partly derived from my study of history and the historical context of artist training and education, and partly from some of Bruce Lee's terminology when applied to mastery in martial arts training.

That essay was lost -- which is sad, because it was one of the best things I've ever written -- but the fundamental principals haven't changed. These are the stages as I interpret them:

How do you become a good bass player? The same way you get good at anything: Take lessons, pay attention, and practice.

That said, over the years I’ve developed a sort of theory of pedagogy (teaching) that deals with the stages of mastery. It goes something like this:

Stage 1: Rudiments

Learn what the bass is, how it works, how to create notes, and what notes are.

Stage 2: Techniques

Learn how to play correctly and efficiently. Develop the muscle mechanics involved in the task. Understand how different styles apply these.

Stage 3: Skills

This is the application of techniques. Go beyond muscle memory to intelligent application of technique. You start to get creative and internalize the sounds.

Stage 4: Effectiveness

Play with a band. Hold down a groove. Learning songs takes less time, and you’re a “good” player. In other fields, this is where your apprenticeship starts. This is the longest stage, and you’ll often end up in the next stage without even realizing it.

Stage 5: Craftsmanship

Here the performance is generally flawless. The execution is precise and nobody doubts that you are a journeyman bass player. My piano teacher used to say, “you don’t really speak a language until you stop translating it in your head before speaking.” That’s this level. This is where you get calls when somebody needs backup in the studio, or their regular player can’t make the gig.

Stage 6: Artistry

This is where you move beyond craft and become truly unique and original. Your execution is the level of a craftsman, but now is personalized, creative, and has emotional content. You’re recording your own stuff now, and most people don’t really get it. But those who do will pay a premium for a few hours of lessons.

Stage 7: Mastery

Mastery is a strange level where the artist and the art are indistinguishable from each other. You pick up the instrument and it’s instantly an extension of your own body. There’s no dividing line between the language you speak and the notes you play. The instrument just does what you intend. Not what you tell it to; what you intend. That’s the magic of mastery.