Note to Self (and Bassists): Is this even helping?
Published 3 months ago • 3 min read
Notes to Self (and Bassists)
Dear Reader
There’s a question I hear all the time:
“How do I know if what I’m practicing is actually making me better?”
The question usually appears when progress feels slow or a new concept isn’t landing right away. Or when working on a challenging piece or concept for a while, and it feels like treading water.
It’s a fair question - and one I’ve asked myself: is this even working?
Here’s what I’ve learned - both from my own practice and watching hundreds of students grow:
If your practice is built on intention, repetition, and awareness, it’s working. Even when it doesn’t feel like it.
If you’re staying present - tracking what you’re working on, listening closely, slowing it down, noticing the little details - you’re laying bricks.
And those bricks build a foundation. Even when it feels messy.
What doesn’t usually work? 👎 Mindless noodling 👎 Practicing things you already do well 👎 Playing the same thing over and over while tuning out
Those moments have their place too - some are just fun! But they don’t build anything new.
So how do you know it’s working?
You notice small shifts:
👍 You feel the subdivision clearly, it is grooving, and you know it 👍 A fingering that was awkward feels easier 👍 You start to hear things you used to guess at 👍 You’re not lost in the form - you’re riding it
Progress doesn’t always show up as a big moment. Sometimes it’s just that quiet “huh” after a phrase lands better than yesterday.
That counts.
So if you're asking yourself, “Is this doing anything?” Try this instead:
Am I playing with attention? Am I stretching just a little past what’s easy? Am I showing up again tomorrow?
If the answer’s yes - even to one of those - then yes, it’s working!
Want help sticking to that kind of practice?
Then check out our Cohorts!
A cohort means you go through one of our courses (in this case, the Rhythm Matrix Course) with: ✅ Peer support ✅ A dedicated accountability coach ✅ Weekly video assignments ✅ Live feedback sessions with me
Here are two of the many tools we use in our cohorts to make sure your practice is actually making you better:
🎥 Tool one: You’ll record your practice at regular intervals and post it. The act of recording helps you stay present, listen closely, and reflect. Combine that with the feedback you’ll receive, and your progress becomes real - and visible.
🧑💻 Tool two: Each time you submit a video, we ask you to state your intention. This simple act sharpens your focus, strengthens your mindset, and helps flush out unproductive self-talk. It turns practice into something more effective - and more personal.
Our next Rhythm Matrix Cohort starts soon Intro pricing ends August 20.
Secure Your Spot! [👉 Founding Members Discount Link]
🎶 The Rhythm Matrix Cohort 10 weeks of deep groove work through Units 1–5 The groove is what got us hooked on the bass. Now let's own it. This is a great opportunity to work on rhythm, cohort-style! Starts September 5. Early Bird pricing is going up on August 20th. Members get 25% off. As a member, all you need is the Cohort Add-on and your membership discount is applied at the link below. You will see it at check out. 👉 [Use your special discount link]
Upcoming at ArisBassBlog Included in your Membership! Times on your Dashboard
🌞 August is Focus Month - Pick your Focus: 3-Session Mini-Series You’ll choose one focus area for your bass playing - timing, tone, or technique - and each week, we’ll guide you through targeted exercises to help you go deep and make real progress. The perfect summer activity.
👂 EarTraining Mondays - Most Mondays, Bass in hand! Hear better to play better. 🎸 Open Pattern Practice- Train your musical mind using our Pattern System Tools 📖 Reading System - Underway and in full swing - join anytime! Get the full course plus all remaining live sessions. (Live sessions will soon be going away - join now and get access to the complete archives.)
🌟 Soloing September - In this series, you’ll learn simple, musical ways to break out of the box and start improvising with confidence. No overthinking, no flash required. Just clear fretboard moves, smart theory tips, and a chance to explore your creative side in a supportive space.
Let’s turn “I can’t solo” into “Wait… that actually sounded good!”
👂 EarTraining Mondays - Most Mondays, Bass in hand! Hear better to play better. 🎸 Open Pattern Practice - Train your musical mind using our Pattern System Tools
When you're ready, here’s how I can help you play the way you've always wanted to:
1️⃣ Take a course Build your foundation in rhythm, theory, reading, or fretboard fluency. Click here for COURSES
2️⃣ Join a cohort Do any of our courses with a group of peers, accountability coaches, regular homework and check-ins with me. Check the SCHEDULE for COHORTS
3️⃣ Practice Live with us Your membership gives you exclusive access. Check the SCHEDULE
4️⃣ Not sure where to start? Take the Starting Point Quiz and find the best fit for you right now
