Having a "good ear" during auditions? - Page 2

AngelCrusher · #21 03-26-2005, 07:40 PM

best thing to do is turn on the radio and jam to it. i did that when i was pretty young and went from no ears to figuring out albums. i get demos from bands to try out, and i can learn their songs pretty fast. as long as you have the feel and only miss a few chords, they will be happy, and point out what you are missing. I have never had a problem...

but that is because i practiced playing to the radio and records. it will help you see the common patterns and also aid in your development. i don't think anyone can be a GREAT bass player if they can't learn quickly by ear. it is just a vital part of playing bass. if you are playing rock bass, then it is a must because when you can just jump in and drive the song w/ no cues, they will want you in their band.

Peter Squire · #22 03-26-2005, 09:58 PM

I agree with just about most of the things said here. I am lucky in that I have a well trained ear, but thats due to having a solid theory background and just playing along to radio and cds.

I would be able to wing it through an audition, but if you feel you can't, then ask for charts beforehand. If they say "we don't have charts" ask them why. its fairly amateur for a band to not have charted a few songs to give to new auditioners, even when they are playing standards. Lots of bands arrange songs to suit their act, so those arrangements at least should be charted.

Even though I don't need them personally, i chart every song we play. This is essential in case I get sick and can't play a show, or something. The band can then get a pickup bp and do the show anyway, and still get their pay. luckily, this hasn't happened yet, but it also helps when the singer calls out a song we haven't played in a long time - I can just get the chart outta my case and play.....

ras broos · #23 03-26-2005, 10:37 PM

If you're interested in improving your musical ear, Functional Ear Trainer is a great piece of freeware, available at http://www.miles.be.
Playing along with a radio or CD is very useful, but the addition of a structured program goes a long way towards putting what you pick up intuitively into some sort of framework that really helps anchor the learning process.