Practicing "off bass"

[  ] Today on @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we continue the series "What do I practice" by covering things you can do "off bass". I frequently hear players lamenting that they want to practice, but have demanding jobs, long commutes, family obligations, etc. Well, there are things you can do "off bass" that, while not as effective as having "bass in hand", can keep things moving. Let's start with notes on the neck, chords and scales. First, there are countless apps that can help here.  Many are set up like video games and cater to 4, 5 and 6 string basses. Not tech savvy? Then take a random note per day, visualize all the places on the neck or print out a diagram of the neck to use. Take a different arpeggio/pentatonic/other scale each day. Write out the notes...like 100 times. Every time u get a chance. Visualize them on the board. Sing them if u can. You can do the same with other aspects of music theory as well (e.g. key signatures, reading) Next, rhythm. An important skill and something I will cover in more detail in a coming installment. Get a book of rhythms or choose a rhythm or figure from a tune and count it out, write it out, manipulate it, invert it, etc. I knew a guy that would count out rhythms using the tempo of the NYC subway as he commuted. Ear training. When ur somewhere and music is playing, try to visualize the bassline on the board. Play it in ur mind. Write it out if u can. Check ur work next time u are with a bass.  U dig? There are plenty of things you can do to progress, even when a bass is not available. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbass #sitstrings #tsunamicables #glasserny #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #philjonesbass #basslessons #remotelessons