Practising on the bass guitar 'similar to meditating'

Repeatedly practicing bass guitar lines becomes similar to meditating after a while, according to John Myung.

The Dream Theater bass player has discussed how he maintains his abilities between tours with the US prog-rock band in an interview with Music Radar.

He revealed that at the start of his career, he was only ever interested in playing with his bandmates and could "never understand" why he shunned solo rehearsals.

However, Myung soon realised that sharpening his skills by playing "mindless finger patterns" improved his overall musicianship.

"I felt centred and energised. I felt a great sense of wellbeing. It's the same sort of thing that happens when people meditate," he remarked.

The star added that he varies his music sessions by also learning the cello, which he claims works on similar principles to playing the bass.

Dream Theater, who recently split from drummer Mike Portnoy, are known for albums such as Black Clouds & Silver Linings and Chaos In Motion.

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