Am I ready for another band?

[Kickin'Fruit]

Hey all, it's been a long time since I've been on the forums, luckily not as long since I've picked up my bass.

I've been playing on and off for about 2 years now since my last band and am not sure if I made much progress from just playing the root.

A new band has asked me to come play for them as they are looking for a bassist. Not sure what skill level they are looking for, I'm sure I should ask or at least make them aware of what level I'M at so we're all on the same page.

Basically, I'm looking for some moral support or advice on how to approach this new band with my current skill level. Tryout/Jam session is next Tuesday.

Tell me how realistic this sounds:

For the next week, bang out as much basics and ear training as possible and be ready to lock in with the drummer (that's what I hear they are looking for and what I'm ready to provide) at next practice. I also am going to be as honest as possible about my play level and enthusiasm.

Am I fooling myself thinking I'm ready for a band if I ask them what key they are in or consult them on what I should be playing?

I'm not afraid of rejection, I just want to be as prepared as possible Thanks in advance.

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by Kickin'Fruit

Hey all, it's been a long time since I've been on the forums, luckily not as long since I've picked up my bass.

I've been playing on and off for about 2 years now since my last band and am not sure if I made much progress from just playing the root.

A new band has asked me to come play for them as they are looking for a bassist. Not sure what skill level they are looking for, I'm sure I should ask or at least make them aware of what level I'M at so we're all on the same page.

Basically, I'm looking for some moral support or advice on how to approach this new band with my current skill level. Tryout/Jam session is next Tuesday.

Tell me how realistic this sounds:

For the next week, bang out as much basics and ear training as possible and be ready to lock in with the drummer (that's what I hear they are looking for and what I'm ready to provide) at next practice. I also am going to be as honest as possible about my play level and enthusiasm.

Am I fooling myself thinking I'm ready for a band if I ask them what key they are in or consult them on what I should be playing?

I'm not afraid of rejection, I just want to be as prepared as possible Thanks in advance.

ask for a song list and see if you can handle playing along with youtube or the records.....

[DRafalske]

The main thing is to be honest with them about your abilities. Dishonesty is what leads to wasted time and that's not fair to anyone.
They should be happy to provide you a song list, and you should do all you can to be able to play those songs. Not necessarily note for note as recorded; but you should be able to keep up with it.
I don't consider any honest questions to be bad form at all. While you should do everything can to be prepared, there's nothing wrong with asking if they change any keys. If they spring something on you at the try out that you're not ready for, again, a basic question such as the key is more than reasonable. Don't expect anyone to call out the changes though.

[sleepytime]

Originally Posted by Kickin'Fruit

Am I ready for another band?

I am inclined to say no. Get serious about it, build some chops, then look for a band.

[MalcolmAmos]

They asked you. Must be a reason they did. Fitting in and not stepping on toes is almost as important as musical talent. So you ride the root, I bet there is time between the audition and the first gig to settle in on their music.

Like has been said get their song list and go for it. Even if you don't make it, you've gained some experience for the next audition.

[Rob W]

It's almost always a good idea to play with people who are better than you. It will make you strive to reach a higher level.

And don't forget, there's no reason you can't play with more than one band. Play with as many people as you can.

[dalconthenovice]

never never never feel like your not good enough because you need to ask what key something is in, christ! even virtuosos do that!

[dalconthenovice]

for me, i never felt it was too early to try out for a band, infact, even if i get rejected, i always ask "alright, so iain't what your lookin for, sorry for wastin your time, but just for ****'s sake, what could i have done different?" and go from there, i always love going for auditions and gettin shot down cuz a good 80 percent of the time i got positive constructive criticism... can't say to much about that remaining twenty percent though.

[tobie]

Originally Posted by Kickin'Fruit

Tryout/Jam session is next Tuesday.

Don't worry about 'being good enough'. You might not be where you want to be, but still better than what they're hoping for. Remember that 'jelling in' with their band is even more important than being the best bassist on the planet! I'd rather play with a positive, reasonably skilled, willing-to-improve, hard working bassist than with a highly skilled know-it-all bassist who does not fit into the team.

Since they're a 'new' team this is an excellent time to join - they don't have an ex-bassist to compare you to!

[Kickin'Fruit]

Thanks all for the encouraging replies. Even the discouraging one. I got a hold of one of their songs and have been listening to it so much I don't know if there are any other notes out there but what is in that song. I've been narrowing down the key and just trying to hum out the bassline. I don't even know if the recording HAS a bassline. If it does, it's either too high pitched or it's just a backup guitar playing the low string.

I've got some good ideas for what I'd WANT it to be if it's not already in there so things are looking up.

They said the last bassist they had try out was more into funk and that's not really what they were looking for considering he didn't complete the rhythm section.

[Jim11895]

I was in a very similar position. I had been playing for only a year or so, but wanted to join in and make some noise with some like-minded guys. I found a band looking for a "seasoned" bass player. They were in my same town, so even though I am far from seasoned, I liked the thought of a 5 minute drive to practice, and I contacted them.

I was open and honest about my very limited abilities, and luckily things kind of meshed, even though it was painfully obvious that I was not in their class. Been playing with them for almost a year now. It's amazing how enthusiasm, courtesy, and friendliness can make up for mad skills. Just show steady progress week after week, and things will usually work out.

Bottom line: Go for it, and good luck.

[Kickin'Fruit]

Band practice sucked. Well, I sucked.

Back to the shed.

[tobie]

As long as you've learned a few lessons from the experience. Nothing beats experience - good or bad. Are you still going to play for them? If not, ask them if you can practice with them until they've found the bassist they're looking for.

[K2000]

It's all good experience. Keep going.

[Kickin'Fruit]

Originally Posted by tobie

As long as you've learned a few lessons from the experience. Nothing beats experience - good or bad. Are you still going to play for them? If not, ask them if you can practice with them until they've found the bassist they're looking for.

Yeah I definitely learned what I need to work on and what will be expected from me for a new band.

I had gotten some of their songs ahead of time but really need to work on my ear and then coming up with a few fills or different basslines from the root. I had to ask what chords were being played and the order. When I tried to feel it out, I wasn't hearing FAST enough and was kind of muddling the mix. I tried just to show that I could keep pace with the drummer though and at least let him feel like he wasn't being ignored by the rhythm section.

I didn't find out for sure if I wasn't wanted back, but it definitely felt like it was going that way. My friend said he'd talk to the rest of the guys but it'd kind of now like that Groucho Marx quote: "I won't belong to any organization that would have me as a member..."

I will continue to work on my licks though. It's just a matter of deciding how bad I want it to determine practice amount. Lots of stuff going on in my life as a whole right now.

[elavate7]

just practice eveyday! you will get better and eventually be in a band.

[Rico_2212]

Originally Posted by Kickin'Fruit

Am I fooling myself thinking I'm ready for a band if I ask them what key they are in or consult them on what I should be playing?

IME you're only fooling yourself if you don't know and don't ask.When your trying to learn the band's entire set within a limited amount of time, it's only natural that some of the lines get blurred. Trust me, it's better to ask and be sure. Guessing will only get you so far.

[Kickin'Fruit]

Originally Posted by elavate7

just practice eveyday! you will get better and eventually be in a band.

Yeah I have been playing for 4 years but definitely haven't been PRACTICING at the level I need to be.

I was in a band before and it dramatically increased my skills. Luckily they were okay with helping me out and letting me play the root. Also, it doesn't hurt to have cool friends in the band who just would rather have a tight group to party with than necessarily go on tour.