Bluegrass gig

[brivello]

I was recently offered a bluegrass gig and I'm not sure what to expect. I mainly play jazz have decent chops/reading ability/knowledge of music, but I'm just not sure what to expect. Is it common for them to stick charts in front of me, or is there a standard repertoire of tunes I am expected to know?

[R Sturm]

You're supposed to be able to play anything that sounds like a standard bluegrass tune. Best to know your material, but with basic skills you can get through most tunes without knowing them. 80% of traditional bluegrass is 3 chords, the rest includes either b7 or relative minor chords, so it is easy to pick up by ear. Occasional extended phrase or dropped beat as in Jerusalem Ridge, but if you lost the beat once you'll remember it. Of course, the more familiar you are with bluegrass the easier it is, but this is music you play by ear. I've never seen or even heard of charts and I've subbed for lots of bluegrass bands.

Might be different if they do modern stuff, lots more unexpected chord changes, or if it is newgrassy jazz, but no charts in traditional bluegrass.

Assuming that it is traditional bluegrass, get the rounder budget series Songs of Bill MOnroe, Songs of Flatt and Scruggs, etc. After you play through them you know some of the most commonly played material and you have an idea of how the style works. Keys change depending on singers, but with male leads songs will largely be in the A-C range. A lot in the key of B if they are serious........

[Dr Piggery]

It will depend upon the band, but you're highly unlikely to see any charts. Most BG muso's play by ear and wouldn't know what those "dot things" are anyway. If you are lucky they might have some chord charts written out.

Most traditional BG is not that complicated and fairly repetitive, compared to jazz. Many songs sit on the I, IV, V chords, with the odd II or VI minor thrown in.

There is no "standard repertoire" but if you want some charts of the more common tunes try this post on the Bluegrass Bass Place forum:
http://www.bluegrassbassplace.com/ph...opic.php?t=688

Go along with an open ear and go with the flow. I'm sure you'll pick things up quickly and enjoy yourself.

[Gufenov]

Many bands have a set list showing the songs and keys, usually placed on the floor. If you can get one you can make notes about extra chords, timing changes and so on. If not, it can be helpful if someone in the band can at least alert you prior to each song, "Key of Bb, 2-chord in the chorus" or similar. Once you have the chord progression you're home free, but the guitar player's left hand is your friend if you get lost.

[M Ramsey]

A prepared band will be able to help you with the Nashville number system. 1=Root etc., etc.

Usually in bluegrass, they will want you to stick to the I-V notes, just keeping solid rhythm & time. That's not to say there won't be room for a few walkups to the next chord, but simpler is better in bluegrass.

Marshall Wilborn worries about playing too many notes (and he doesn't). He's also nominated for bass player of the year this year by the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association).

[MingusAmongUs]

Yep, pretty much everything you need to know has been said. I'm a jazz player cum bluegrass player myself so "I feel ya."

KISS is the golden rule.

And watch out for those extra beats here and there, which are part and parcel of traditional BG, and still throw me for a loop. It will feel like the beat turned around. Which it did. And even though you're mostly doing Root-Five, if you play them backwards, the sky will fall!

A lot of times the music is simple enough that somebody can yell the changes or the numerals out at you while you're playing. If they time it right it should work out ok. And after a chorus or two, you've usually got it down.

Like any music, familiarity goes a long way. Listen to BG records and get comfy with the tunes.
Bill Monroe of course, and
Bluegrass Album Band
Don Reno
Jim and Jesse
Flatt & Scruggs
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Seldom Scene
Ricky Skaggs
etc

[speedster]

You also might want to consider a phrase that an ole wise bluegrass band leader used to say....

LESS IS MORE !

With bluegrass bass you want to keep it simple stupid if the band wants to have drive and a pulse. The bass is carrying and holding it all together and adding the pulse and drive while working with the mandolin, banjo and guitar....and stay right on top of the beat

Have fun you'll like it once you get used to the tunes.....

Grab the ski rope and hang on