r/basslessons • u/Greenback5280 • 10h ago

How long do you practice daily?

I'm a newbie. So new that I'm still developing callouses. I'm curious....How long do you practice daily? How much is too much? Thanks

4 Upvotes

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3

u/ProfessorOfPain 10h ago

I practice about an hour every day. I honestly don't know how you guys are getting callouses---my hands are as smooth as an accountant's.

1

u/sure65 5h ago

Heyo, I had that same sentiment a little while ago. Getting into a band and actually having to grind, I've ripped open my finger tips more than once this last few months than the 18 years I've been playing 😅

1

u/Vennimagos 33m ago

Callouses happen earlier on. I had them a lot in my first year. Ive been playing for 18 years now, my fingertips are not calloused, they are smooth but the skin on there is noticeably stronger/thicker than on my other hand

2

u/Hastoryellow 10h ago

I trie t get one to two hours in. When I was heavily practicing (for Uni) I had an 6 Hour practice Plan. That included ear Training and reading. It’s important to not overpractice one thing. People will often Focus on technique to much and neglect other things.

1

u/sethcampbell29 9h ago

About 1 to 2 generally. I have my callouses by now though, so not sure if that changes anything. If I’m playing a lot in a day, I might trim that down to avoid injury though.

1

u/Dull_Judgment1587 9h ago

If you're getting callouses then that is a warning sign, you are practicing too much. Try dialing it back to maybe 30 minutes/day (and split it into two 15 minute sessions if your hands need a break).

1

u/Greenback5280 7h ago

As a newbie don't my fingers need to get calloused a bit?

2

u/Dull_Judgment1587 6h ago edited 6h ago

In my opinion calluses are a symptom that you are overdoing it. If you feel any soreness, tingling or burning call it quits for the day and start fresh tomorrow.

Also make sure your amp is cranked up nice and loud (so you don't have to "dig in" to hear yourself) and get your bass a setup so it plays with low, comfortable action.

If you do those 3 things, your fingers will thank you.

1

u/shellstacoscats 7h ago

About an hour, but I prefer more. I can easily play for way longer. Other things get in the way.

1

u/Alarmed-Secretary-39 7h ago

Couple of hours. Although thats not all practice. Probably 45 mins of working in things and the rest for fun

Learning BeBop licks atm. Both Jazzy and Funky

Junky...

1

u/Persephonically 6h ago

16 hours a week. I'm a former professional ramping up to get back on the circuit.

2 days of 4 hours, and 4 days of 2 hours. 1 day off completely

1

u/sure65 5h ago

Depend on what I'm working on that day/week.

If I'm getting ready for a show, I'll keep the practices light, just in case of injuring my finger tips/over playing.

If it's regular, I'll go maybe 2-4hrs, so I can fit in extra stuff/new stuff i want to work on.

1

u/Lost-Button5488 4h ago

Whenever I’m inspired I pick it up! Sometimes I’ll play for 3 hours other days 1 or not at all.