99 Skills, Habits And Characteristics You Acquire As A Musician

When you start learning the bass guitar (or any instrument) for fun and then decide to do it for a living, you pick up a huge array of skills, habits, and characteristics that often transcend music. Some are cool and some are boring but necessary. Here are 98 I can think of. I want you to think of number 99.

  1. Focus
  2. Discipline
  3. Concentration
  4. Deliberate practice
  5. Dedication
  6. Patience
  7. Repetition
  8. Honesty
  9. Perseverance
  10. Consistency
  11. Routine
  12. Organisation
  13. Planning
  14. Self-improvement
  15. Efficiency
  16. Time management
  17. Work/life balance
  18. Resilience
  19. Passion
  20. Imagination
  21. Creativity
  22. Pride
  23. Competitiveness
  24. Openness to feedback
  25. Dealing with failure
  26. Drive
  27. Determination
  28. Coordination
  29. Dexterity
  30. Performance
  31. Poise
  32. Calmness
  33. Confidence
  34. Fearlessness
  35. Self-esteem
  36. Inquisitiveness
  37. Harmony
  38. Melody
  39. Versatility
  40. Good ear
  41. Music Theory
  42. Composing
  43. Producing
  44. Reading
  45. Transcribing
  46. Improvising
  47. Groove
  48. Sense of rhythm
  49. Feel
  50. Timekeeping
  51. Recording
  52. Engineering
  53. Communication
  54. Self-reliance
  55. Sequencing
  56. Computer skills
  57. Audio editing
  58. Arranging
  59. Gear knowledge
  60. Maintenance
  61. Technique
  62. Repertoire
  63. Stamina
  64. Working in a team
  65. Managing people
  66. People skills
  67. Collaboration
  68. Humility
  69. Humour
  70. Punctuality
  71. Professionalism
  72. Learning your craft
  73. Networking
  74. Teaching
  75. Memorisation
  76. Independence
  77. Responsibility
  78. Preparation
  79. Scheduling
  80. Multitasking
  81. Resourcefulness
  82. Lifelong learning
  83. Bookkeeping
  84. Finance
  85. Accountancy
  86. Web design
  87. Branding
  88. Advertising
  89. SEO
  90. Social media
  91. Video production
  92. Video editing
  93. Outsourcing
  94. Vision
  95. Entrepreneurship
  96. Initiative
  97. Awareness
  98. Writing
  99. __________?

Have I left something out that you think is important? Comment below with your number 99.

Keen to get better fast? Check out From Beginner To Bassist (Learn The Elements Of Great Bass Playing)

From Beginner To Bassist (1)

Subscribe to the Bass Bites newsletter for your exclusive FREE ebook

  •  Learn to use theory in context
  • Acquire life-changing practice habits
  • Tighten your groove and timing
  • Exercises to work on technique
  • Learn your fretboard inside out
  • Harmonics/chords/modes (with diagrams)
  • 12 free video lessons

I send 1 email every Sunday with free lessons, pro tips, gear, gig advice and more. Your details will not be passed on or shared with any other party. Privacy policy.

Share 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Online Bass Courses Dan Hawkins Bass Store


If you get any value from my lessons and would like to help keep this site running and the weekly lessons flowing, click the button below for a small donation. Even something small really helps me cover running costs!

Help keep these lessons free for all!
{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>