As a bass teacher in Nashville, I've observed that bass playing is a ''Contact Sport'' when it comes to learning well. I'm not a very knowledgeable guy regarding sports. My friends will testify to that, as they have to remind me who the football, basketball , Hockey teams are, as well as their star players and coaches:-)
With that limitation firmly in hand, (along with a bit of tongue in cheek-) I want to lay out what bass playing and sports have in common: A consistent reviewing of the facts and fundamentals. I seriously love the stories behind major sports figures. and that includes what they do on a regular schedule to attain a great skill level They simply review the fundamentals and never lose sight of that.
In teaching many hundreds of students over the years, I've encountered great raw talent that would have remained ''Permanent Potential'' without the discipline of daily practice on music facts that produces results.
Love these quotes:
“Most people get excited about games, but I’ve got to be excited about practice, because that’s my classroom.”
– Pat Summitt, Basketball
“First master the fundamentals.”
– Larry Bird, Basketball
The minute you get away from fundamentals – whether its proper technique, work ethic or mental preparation – the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you’re doing.”
―Michael Jordan
These quotes are so universal! Think of great bass players and what it took to gain the ability and the edge to perform at a professional level. Each player has the unique and personal style that carries the stamp of their art and personal expression and approach on the bass guitar.. We learn by emulating our favorites. Know that this self taught period can be both positive and expressive in our first encounters with playing bass.. for the joy of it! Then comes the thrill of playing with friends/family/casual jam sessions that can really '' seal the deal'' with playing bass.. So many have begun this way.

I've taught everyone from beginners to some of the current crop of top Nashville session and touring bassists.. and also pro students/intermediate/beginners in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa via Skype and Face time.
I did a video series on Fundamentals and the how and why of the nuts and bolts of good playing and the road to solid musicianship.. and a little bit about my personal history as well:-) This was for Bass Frontiers Magazine in 2011.. Please see the link below for the first of four videos. We had fun doing them and it was very informal.. but, I managed to pack in a lot of practical info!!
Contact me to begin your own personal journey to improvement.. I love to teach and have been doing it privately since 1979 even while touring and session work ( see my credits on this site with some clips/audio samples of hits I've played on, etc.. by clicking on the '' About'' tab on the top of the page... also click on the testimonials tab for stories and personal experiences of some of my students.
****** A STUDENT TESTIMONIAL *****
"The first year I lived here in Nashville, I pursued Steve Bryant and seized every opportunity to learn from and be mentored by him. I'm eternally grateful that I did, as he equipped me with the tools and knowledge I needed to succeed as a professional musician, here in what I believe to be the biggest music producing city in the world. I can't begin to count the number of times I drew upon the wisdom and knowledge he imparted, in order for me to succeed in this line of work. If I weren't so busy these days, thanks to him, I'd still be bugging him every week for another lesson! Haha! I still intend to...
Whether it be technical, mental, or relational skills, I felt like Mr. Bryant always ensured that I was well-equipped with what I needed to address any issue in the music industry. In my opinion, his teaching and mentoring abilities are unparalleled. Steve Bryant is not only an excellent teacher and mentor, but he also employs a vast wealth of knowledge and experience that any student (at any level) can benefit from! I'm so grateful to have found such a great example of excellence, discipline, kindness and professionalism.
Steve Bryant is my hero..."
Jake Barr, Nashville Bassist for Jeremy McComb, Bone Feather, and Tiffany
*******
Wishing you solid improvement in your bass playing and the personal satisfaction of good musicianship.
Here is that link that takes you to my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwEKDw53_JE&t=332s
you'll find some other vids as well covering some uber practical stuff:- )

Regards,
Steve

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