Learning to play the bass

Little Bobby Tavoli came to his father one day and said, "Father, I want to learn how to play the bass."

Having been burned before when Little Bobby decided he wanted to learn something and then quit, Papa Tavoli replied, "That's fine Little Bobby, but you have to stick to it this time. After each lesson, I want you to show me what you've learned. I want to see that you can commit to practicing."

Little Bobby agreed, and they went to the store and purchased a bass, amp and cable and found a flier for a local bass instructor. Saturday morning, Little Bobby packed up his bass and went off to his first lesson.

Upon returning home, Papa Tavoli stopped him and asked, "What did you learn at your lesson this week?"

Little Bobby removed his bass from his gig-bag and said, "I learned the E string." He plucked the lowest string a few times and said "E. E. E."

Papa Tavoli, pleased with the results sent Little Bobby off to practice for his next lesson.

The following Saturday, Little Bobby scurried off eagerly to meet with his instructor. Again, as he walked in the door, his father stopped him and asked Little Bobby to show him what he had learned.

Little Bobby once again removed his bass from the gig-bag and said, "This week we learned quarter notes." He plucked the E string four times, keeping fairly good time and saying "1. 2. 3. 4."

Excited about his son's progress, Papa Tavoli patted Little Bobby on the back and sent him to continue his studies.

On the third Saturday, Little Bobby was up early practicing his E string and quarter notes and then left for his lesson without so much as a goodbye. When he returned an hour later, Papa Tavoli stopped him again, and said "Little Bobby, show me what you..."

But Little Bobby interrupted him and said, "Sorry Dad, no time to talk. I've got a gig, gotta go."