how to practice and thrive in a band?

Toneonbass · #1 09-25-2006, 08:13 PM

hey all...
I've been playing for like 4 months, and I am diein to play in a band.
right now I practice: scales, arpeigios,rythym,technique,sight reading,theory. I want to go into a audition and kick butt. any advice on what else I should work on, to thirve in a band setting?

Thanks...Tone

Correlli · #2 09-25-2006, 08:27 PM

joining a music club could be a good way to get started. That's how I did it.

Kronos · #3 09-25-2006, 09:00 PM

Train your ear as well.

Also, learn a cover tune or 2 of the type of music you're looking to play. That way, when you go to audition for a band, you can all play that cover tune to get the feel of how you guys play together.

iplaybassguitar · #4 09-26-2006, 01:55 PM

get chops...cuz most bands will consider that good enough.

(even though it isnt)

Christopher · #5 09-26-2006, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toneonbass

hey all...
I've been playing for like 4 months, and I am diein to play in a band.
right now I practice: scales, arpeigios,rythym,technique,sight reading,theory. I want to go into a audition and kick butt. any advice on what else I should work on, to thirve in a band setting?

Thanks...Tone

People skills, an ability to take criticism well, and an enthusiasm for the band's music.

Sadly, it's not enough just to play well. Dealing and getting along with others is more important. Check out the band management threads to get the lowdown on this.

tZer · #6 09-26-2006, 03:23 PM

+1 Enthusiasm

Love playing! Love learning new songs. Be open to all sorts of new material. Learn your songs well. You know when you are nailing it and when you are just getting by - work on your stuff until it is air-tight and you can play it in your sleep.

[constant suggestion]Get a teacher - a good teacher[/constant suggestion]

Otherwise - keep your attitude positive, keep a smile on your face and always be a positive part of the session. No one want's to play with Eyore.

IanStephenson · #7 09-26-2006, 03:52 PM

Good ears and the ability to choose your battles.

EricF · #8 09-26-2006, 06:45 PM

Be familiar with the type of music you'll be playing and show up ready for it - slinging a pointy bass around at a blues gig just doesn't make it.

If possible, learn a song or 2 (or more) of what is already on the band's playlist. If it's all originals, ask for a recording to practice with.

Play attention to the drummer. If the 2 of you can lock in, it'll be a lot more important (and get you a lot farther) than whether or not you know the right scale to play over an Am7b9.

Be enthusiastic, humble, and confident - but not cocky, demading, or arrogant (the guitar player and singer will already have that covered).

Have fun.

Toneonbass · #9 09-26-2006, 07:07 PM

excellent, thanks for the comments so far...

Correlli · #10 09-26-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher

People skills, an ability to take criticism well, and an enthusiasm for the band's music.

Sadly, it's not enough just to play well. Dealing and getting along with others is more important. Check out the band management threads to get the lowdown on this.

I totally agree with this. not everyone is going to like what you play. the ability to accept harsh criticism is skill in itself.

Boplicity · #11 09-27-2006, 09:32 PM

Tone, you didn't mention that you are learning any songs, especially all the way through. You may have an idea of the type of band you want to join. Be sure to spend time every day working on a repertoire of that style of music.

Even if the band doesn't play that particular list of songs, you can show them that you at least understand the structure and technical requirements of that style of music. It will also help you learn their songs faster.

For example, if you want to play in a country band, by knowing the typical bass lines and most played songs of country, then when you audition with a country band, you can show them that you are grounded in the music and can learn their songs quickly.

You can add to your knowledge base even when you are not holding your bass guitar by lsitening to the style of music you want to play every chance you get. Doing so will help you develop a feel for the music and also build up a good knowledge of the best known pillars of this style of music.

sloppyjaloppy · #12 09-28-2006, 03:46 AM

my advice is just sit on it for a while, keep doing what your doing til you get your **** together. i mean this in a good way of course but i wouldnt wanna go out there auditioning for bands when youve only been playing 4 months, fair enough jamming do that as much as possible though that will help you out tons. all im trying to say is, if your going out to audition you will be making a name for yourself, practise up for a bit longer and make that name the best you can.

SirCanealot · #13 09-28-2006, 06:47 AM

I've been playing a year now and I'm only vagully considering looking for a simple cover band to join or something in like maybe 4-6 months

Just my 2 cents...

Need a bigger amp anyway ^^

Toneonbass · #14 09-28-2006, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloppyjaloppy

if your going out to audition you will be making a name for yourself, practise up for a bit longer and make that name the best you can.

point taken...I think I should look for some people or at least a drummer to jam with. learn to play in the pocket with real people.

Boplicity · #15 09-28-2006, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toneonbass

point taken...I think I should look for some people or at least a drummer to jam with. learn to play in the pocket with real people.

Excellent idea. Playing along with real people is quite different from playing along with CDs. For one thing the timing is often less regular. Cds don't argue back. Another human being may correct you, argue with you, blame you or praise you. Another thing, you can jam on one riff or song indefinitely. It does take some getting used to and the sooner you start doing it, the better equipped you will be to join an actual band.

IanStephenson · #16 09-28-2006, 06:05 PM

Get out there and do it.

I have a side project with some friends who are pretty inexperienced, but being in a band situation is good for them.

No one is going to get pissed of that you're still developing your skills provided you ARE developing (ie putting the work in), and are are honest and open about your abilities. ie I'd be pissed of if someone auditioned for my regular band who sucked, but we deliberatly recruite a guitarist of limited ability for the side project because we got along well with them, and they had a level of ability that was right for the band.

Get out and play, and you'll get better

Ian

FaithNoMan · #17 09-28-2006, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanStephenson

Get out and play, and you'll get better

Ian

+1

..and you'll FEEL better!

There is not many things on this planet that are more satisfying than creating music with the right people....and you'll never find them playing by yourself.

ihateusernames · #18 09-28-2006, 09:07 PM

Skip the technical stuff, learn songs.

Play music not theories.

Don't kiss anyone's ass.

Resist the urge to buy all of the expensive best of everything until the band income pays for it.

RELAX, if you can play, it comes out.

markjazzbassist · #19 09-28-2006, 10:26 PM

find a drummer friend. even if they aren't in the band with you, it's good to learn how to coexist with the drummer and how to hold the groove.

Toneonbass · #20 09-29-2006, 06:17 PM