Freaking out... My first time...

ColeR91 · #1 05-08-2009, 07:16 PM

So anyways, I'm a 1 1/2 year bass player who has no jamming experiance, & I also never learnt the importance of theory until about 6 months ago. Anyways, my friend who was participating in a rehab, got me an oppertunity to record with these 2 guys who are trying to start a band, they want me to help them record 4 songs, I do not feel prepared whatsoever, I just don't think I'm ready. Should I risk trying or dissappoint everyone? Jeexe, all of this & I have an anxiety disorder, haha, this is nerve racking. Anyways, thanks for any input. & the guys I'll be going in with are 3 year band member & a 6 year university taught student, both guitarists...

Foamy · #2 05-08-2009, 07:19 PM

Dude, go for it! You'll never get experience any other way! You didn't NOT walk because you kept falling, right? Just do it!

rosanne · #3 05-08-2009, 07:23 PM

Can you talk to these guys? Be totally up front about your lack of experience and your anxiety. They may or may not still want your help. If they do then go for it. They might want something that you are quite capable of playing. In any case it could be a valuable learning experience. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

**Stumbo** · #4 05-08-2009, 07:25 PM

You mean you're going to record w/o rehearsing as a band? Or practicing the songs on your own? If you're going to record and expect to "jam" your way through it, that's tough for just about everyone.

What about the chord changes, time changes, riffs, breaks in the songs?

Doesn't seem exactly right to go into the studio with guys that have all the songs down and you don't.

Your choice.

J. Crawford · #5 05-08-2009, 07:29 PM

I agree with Stumbo.

Going into a recording situation without jamming, learning, and studying with the band and their music is hard, even for the best of players.

Thats like asking to play for the Lakers, when your a DL for the Chargers. Its not going to just click.

ColeR91 · #6 05-08-2009, 07:33 PM

I should have mentioned, the studio is owned by one of them. Anyways, that for the input everyone!

DudeistMonk · #7 05-08-2009, 09:32 PM

Yeah, I'd see if they want to just jam instead, and if they don't I'd find someone who does.

mndean · #8 05-08-2009, 10:31 PM

That's a little much, coming in cold. I'd probably do it anyway, just so long as they know you've no experience doing it.

A songwriter friend of mine at least gave me a CD of songs he wanted me to learn. The chord changes aren't too challenging, but the time changes (if you can call them that) are, he loses half a bar in one tune and it ain't intentional. The backing band (no bass) sorta patch it over but they're a little lost for a couple of measures. He doesn't keep time well while he sings, either. I keep wondering whether to follow him or the drummer. It's all working itself out anyway. He built a studio and is ensconced in it with his toys, laying down track after track. Never has time to rehearse anymore. Kind of a relief, really.