How to practice a set to minimize mistakes

bakum · #1 03-14-2011, 11:37 PM

Hi,

I'm practicing a set for an upcoming show and I'm wondering if someone has some practice tips for how to minimize sloppy errors.

What usually happens to me is the more comfortable I get with material the more my mind wanders while playing and the more stupid mistakes I make. When I play a show last minute on material I barely know I often play flawlessly. When I play things I've played 1000 times I often sound like I have no idea what I'm playing.

Anyone have any tips? I have a great practice routine of about four days a week of warm up, light scales, strengthening, etc, then running through the material. So if you can suggest something that you feel works, I can definitely execute.

Thanks!
-mb

Marginal Tom · #2 03-14-2011, 11:42 PM

Pretend there's a big, angry-looking dude sitting up front who says he hates sloppy playing, and he's sharpening his machete. If that doesn't work, nothing will.

MalcolmAmos · #3 03-15-2011, 06:13 AM

The band I play rhythm guitar in had a bassist that was accused of falling asleep in the middle of a song.

One gig I was placed by him, yep, he would drift off ..... course Doc was way in his 80's then. We lost him right after that.

I think we all drift off and lose our place - I know I often go on auto pilot - the answer to this problem is stay focused.

Have fun.

HaVIC5 · #4 03-15-2011, 12:37 PM

Quote:

the answer to this problem is stay focused

That's really the only way to do it. It can be tough, but always being mindful of where you are and where you are going is important. Auto-pilot can sneak up on you pretty quickly, unfortunately.

AmadeusXeno · #5 03-16-2011, 08:06 AM

What I do when playing a gig is try to make all the other bass players from the other bands jelous of my playing. I go out there and do the best I can and after the set go ask others what they thought of the show. Most bass players seem to get intimidated just from my rig though lol. I guess that's what happens when you bring out 2 full stacks, and 3 basses (2 of them being 6 stringers)

mpdd · #6 03-16-2011, 08:30 AM

maybe play the set list once with no gaps that is a pretty good gauge of how a show would go and it makes rehearsal more focused and less tedious, or play a little slower as a band to really grind out the songs so you have to pay attention more and avoid autopilot when there is more emphasis on being tight as well as hard and heavy

klokker · #7 03-16-2011, 08:44 AM

Learn the bass part well enough to play it solo. Practice it solo. I practice my parts now singing the song as well, even though I usually only do back up.

I spent a lot of my time playing along to the songs on mp3's we recorded or YouTube or whatever. I had better concentration when I turned off all the other stuff and just did it solo.

stratovani · #8 03-16-2011, 11:55 AM

Sounds to me like boredom is creeping in. Learning songs as a band usually requires intensive repetition, which can lead to boredom. I think the best thing for that is simply to not stand in one spot throughout the show. Move around, interact, get into the music! Doesn't mean you'll play better, but at least you'll stay awake!

HeadyVan Halen · #9 03-16-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmadeusXeno

What I do when playing a gig is try to make all the other bass players from the other bands jelous of my playing. I go out there and do the best I can and after the set go ask others what they thought of the show. Most bass players seem to get intimidated just from my rig though lol. I guess that's what happens when you bring out 2 full stacks, and 3 basses (2 of them being 6 stringers)

So you guys playing Madison Square Garden this weekend or the next?

JimmyM · #10 03-16-2011, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmadeusXeno

What I do when playing a gig is try to make all the other bass players from the other bands jelous of my playing. I go out there and do the best I can

i might have stopped right there if i were you

Quote:

and after the set go ask others what they thought of the show. Most bass players seem to get intimidated just from my rig though lol. I guess that's what happens when you bring out 2 full stacks, and 3 basses (2 of them being 6 stringers)

well it's nice to have nice gear, but trust me...other bass players are way less intimidated by nice gear than you think. when i was younger and my band didn't have any money to buy nice gear, we took quite perverse pleasure in sharing stages with bands who had way better stuff than us and blowing them off the stage

however, i do respect your confidence level, and i'm a firm believer in playing your best at all times and feeling you're the best at what you do. that will carry you a lot farther than gear ever will.

**bassybill** · #11 03-17-2011, 12:25 AM

Interesting

AmadeusXeno · #12 03-18-2011, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i might have stopped right there if i were you

well it's nice to have nice gear, but trust me...other bass players are way less intimidated by nice gear than you think. when i was younger and my band didn't have any money to buy nice gear, we took quite perverse pleasure in sharing stages with bands who had way better stuff than us and blowing them off the stage

however, i do respect your confidence level, and i'm a firm believer in playing your best at all times and feeling you're the best at what you do. that will carry you a lot farther than gear ever will.

I was going through a tone crisis when I built that rig and now I just can't stand going without it lol. I still haven't quite found the exact tone I want though. I feel I can play quite well although I have played gigs where other bassist were more skilled then me. I always make sure to go to them and give credit when it's due. I try not to let my head get too inflated when I'm better but I gotta admit I kinda enjoy it.