I just can't seem to find the right band

yarg682 · #1 03-11-2011, 12:03 AM

I've been playing for about 4 years and really like metal. I play a five string fretless cause I'm a huge fan of Steve Digiorgio and I've really come to love that tone. I always tend to find myself making really bizarre riffs, while I can always lock in with the drummer pretty well (my rhythms very well developed) I always have a hard time harmonizing with the guitar since I can't seem to keep myself from going off on some tangent. Is there any way to teach myself to just be more consistent or should I just continue to look for a band who's very into experimenting?

Breslin dp · #2 03-11-2011, 12:19 AM

My advice is find a drummer who you are tight with and build from there. Some times it's hard jamming with guitarist their egos tend to get in the way.

MalcolmAmos · #3 03-11-2011, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yarg682

I've been playing for about 4 years and really like metal. I play a five string fretless cause I'm a huge fan of Steve Digiorgio and I've really come to love that tone. I always tend to find myself making really bizarre riffs, while I can always lock in with the drummer pretty well (my rhythms very well developed) I always have a hard time harmonizing with the guitar since I can't seem to keep myself from going off on some tangent. Is there any way to teach myself to just be more consistent or should I just continue to look for a band who's very into experimenting?

You already know what is needed; "Is there any way to teach myself to just be more consistent?"

IMHO our job is to show up on time, know the material, don't step on each others toes and play what the director wants us to play.

I play Country. In classic ole time Country anything beyond Roots, fives, eights and the correct 3 will get me some fish eyes from the other guys. So that is what I do.

I think that is the point you will have to give some thought to. Do you like playing with this band and if so play what the band wants. There is no "I" in band.

Good luck on what ever you do.

BROKEN OHMS · #4 03-11-2011, 05:20 AM

Find a drummer, write some songs and start a band where your bass is the main instrument. The right guitar player will come along and back YOU up.

puddin tame · #5 03-11-2011, 01:56 PM

it's a maturity thing, in terms of your playing. I used to do that a lot too but these days I find the music is a lot better if I keep it more in the box / maintain a more logical sense of progression

mambo4 · #6 03-11-2011, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yarg682

... metal... fretless ... hard time harmonizing...

In the universe of sought after bassists, fretless metal bass is rare, so you have that going against you.

But a bassist (or any musician) who can't follow the harmony are simply useless to a band. And that is what you really have going against you.

If your way of playing is "your thing" and you want to stick to it for reasons of artistic integrity, then you must accept the uphill battles to be fought.

But if you have a hard time following harmony due to simple ignorance or inablility, then it's time to hit the books, learn some songs, sytles, riffs and chord progressions that will serve others.

Russell L · #7 03-12-2011, 11:42 AM

Work on articulation instead of playing on tangents. Sometimes less is more, too, if you say it well. Also, what is needed. Don't play "lead bass," so to speak, unless their is room for it, and so long as it isn't the norm. Even in a simple song with just a 1-5 bass part there is room for expression. Always room for good articulation. When playing country songs, for instance, I make it interesting to myself by saying what needs to be said by articulating the licks well, and by thinking of dynamics. And then, just once in awhile, I can add a little something unique, like maybe on a turnaround where things can be a little freer. Your pals will like you for playing WITH them. And if you're being hired to play, like for recording or filling in, it is a must to play what is required without trying to show everyone what else you can do. Otherwise, you won't be getting any more calls.

Discipline and professionalism go hand in hand.

yarg682 · #8 03-15-2011, 11:07 PM

I mean I am having a hard time finding a band in general too though, I've played with a few metal bands around my area they all write me off after one jam session because I have a hard time knowing what notes they play, I do have a decent understanding of intervals and how they work so it's not like I can't play root notes I just can't figure out the material as fast as they want me too (on the spot).

Russell L · #9 03-16-2011, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yarg682

I mean I am having a hard time finding a band in general too though, I've played with a few metal bands around my area they all write me off after one jam session because I have a hard time knowing what notes they play, I do have a decent understanding of intervals and how they work so it's not like I can't play root notes I just can't figure out the material as fast as they want me too (on the spot).

Been there. You should have recordings of everything they play to study by. I remember having to learn about 100 songs for a band once. I had tapes, though, and literally spent my life for about a month practicing. Everything had to be just right. They had two hits on the radio at the time. I even wrote 76 pages of real notation so I could read what I couldn't remember right off. It's very difficult to play bass with anyone when you don't know the tunes. While guitar players and keyboard players can get around not knowing every little thing in a tune, the bass has to be correct. If it's not, it really stands out. It's the reason I don't play at open jams anymore.