Is jamming with ANYBODY better than not at all?

[bigboy_78]

I've recently been trying to get out of the bedroom and into a band situation. I live in a small town so the options are pretty limited but I go to a monthly jam/open mic and will sit in with whoever is around, but it can be a bit hit and miss as far as the talent goes.

One of the guys is keen to get a band together involving his girlfriend on vocals and an imaginary drummer. The problem is this guy is a bit of a tool and I don't enjoy his company at all and his girl can't actually sing. I also hate playing without a drummer.

So should I stay in the bedroom and work on my Jamerson chops or just suck it up and try to get along with guitarzan and his girlfriend in the hope that going public might lead to better opportunities?

[SH69]

The former

[Kenner]

stay home.... hangin with someone you "tolerate" ain't gonna get better......

You and your ipod or drum machine will be happier at home....

[Mikhail1]

Get out of the bedroom. Many musicians can be tools, a lot of singers can't really sing but it beats setting in your room playing along with another bassist. Since he is bringing the girlfriend (and probably boatloads of drama!) you find the drummer. Keep us posted, it'll probably fun while it last and can provide good band stories later!

[LegoBass]

There comes a point in time where jamming can just stunt your growth as a musician. Jamming with someone without talent, drive, or taste in music and accoplishment can offen unmotivate and make you sick of music. The open mic is a great idea, but jamming with someone who has no idea of what they are doing, can only end up a waste of time. Just keep practicing and wait for that moment that you can make something of.

[cracked_machine]

If you really don't like the guy then it's going to be a miserable experience for you. And without a drummer it sounds kinda pointless even bothering in my opinion. Are they planning on finding a drummer? Maybe you should find one by yourself and bring him/her along.

[bigboy_78]

If I knew any drummers I'm sure I wouldn't have hard time finding a less irritating guitar player of mediocre talent to jam with. I'm kinda hoping he knows a drummer, but I think his personality keeps people away.

I mean if his girlfriend couldn't sing but was hot I wouldn't be asking.

Annoying guitarzan, average looking "singer", no drummer. It all sounds like a fail.......but I might give them a chance any way.

[gumtownbassman]

You need to team up with a drummer first, then ask the other two if they want to do a few sessions with YOUR band until the replacements come along.

I was in a band a long while ago with someone i didn't get along with (an egotistical tool), but we made some seriously cool music, recorded an album and got radio & tv airplay, then it was all over after the wheels fell off (the egotist tool wanted to replace everyone, even ones who wrote & composed the songs).

[thorplaysbass]

Personally I'd just keep going to those jam nights. No reason to start a band if you can list of things you can't stand (no drummer.. i'm with you on that for the most part) and people you also can't stand (the tool). Haha don't take my advice for more then it's worth, but those open mic/jam nights could help you in the long run, you can learn something from everybody but also don't rush into a band situation just because. How long have you been playing for?

[Nev375]

You aren't going to meet any good musicians you don't already know in your bedroom.

Keep going to the jams. If you, as a bass player, can make a guitard and his tone deaf girlfriend sound way better than they actually are, someone might notice someday.

Keep practicing with Jamerson too. I'm sure the guy probably experienced your pain once.

[bigboy_78]

Originally Posted by thorplaysbass

Personally I'd just keep going to those jam nights. No reason to start a band if you can list of things you can't stand (no drummer.. i'm with you on that for the most part) and people you also can't stand (the tool). Haha don't take my advice for more then it's worth, but those open mic/jam nights could help you in the long run, you can learn something from everybody but also don't rush into a band situation just because. How long have you been playing for?

’ve been playing for a few years. I’m not Victor Wooten, but I consider myself competent. I guess I am inn a bit of a rush at the moment because I’ve realised my life is getting away from me. I’ve been away from music for about 10 years. I was in a few bands in my late-teens/early twenties, but a wife, 2 kids and a move to a different town (less than 1000 people, not much of a talent pool) and I’ve lost touch with the people I need to be in contact with. I sold my amp when we moved in 2001 and have only just managed to get myself another one. I think realising that it has been 10 years is what has me worried. That 10 years disappeared pretty quick, if then next 10 go as quick I’ll be on the wrong side of 40 and still pretending I’m a musician when really I’m a middle aged guy who owns a bass rig.

[bigboy_78]

Originally Posted by Nev375

If you, as a bass player, can make a guitard and his tone deaf girlfriend sound way better than they actually are, someone might notice someday.

That’s what I’m hoping. If I can help these guys onto a stage somewhere and manage to steer the set list towards songs that don’t emphasise the girls weakneses, maybe somebody else in need of bass will notice the solid bottom end and I can get myself in to a better gig...........but I don’t see this getting outside the jam room and if nobody is ever going to hear me play I might as well hang out in my bedroom with James.

[N.F.A.]

Get out there and play with some others. It's hard to find the perfect people, so until you do, just jam with people you do know.

[zillo]

Heck yeah...get out there and play with these guys. Who knows what might happen or where it might lead? Besides, this is not really an either / or situation. You can do both, and if it gets ridiculous with the couple....

Playing with people leads to playing with other people, or maybe these guys will surprise you. Cowabunga! Dive right in.

[FretlessMainly]

Originally Posted by bigboy_78

I think realising that it has been 10 years is what has me worried. That 10 years disappeared pretty quick, if then next 10 go as quick I’ll be on the wrong side of 40 and still pretending I’m a musician when really I’m a middle aged guy who owns a bass rig.

I'm starting to push 50 and still playing out, so don't let that get in your way. Even the great Coltrane played with lesser musicians at times - by 1966 he was getting comments from fellow musicians and friends about who he would sometimes play with - they weren't anywhere near 'Trane's level. His response was basically that you can learn from anyone.

So, keep working at home, and get out as much as you can; as has been said, you won't meet anyone in your bedroom (well, other than your wife, but I'm assuming she's not a drummer).

[Spectrum]

Originally Posted by bigboy_78

That 10 years disappeared pretty quick, if then next 10 go as quick I’ll be on the wrong side of 40 and still pretending I’m a musician when really I’m a middle aged guy who owns a bass rig.

I'm 42 and getting back into music after a long break (the last time I was in an actual band was 1987). I've stayed in playing shape and go to jams, which are great because I don't have to commit to anything but I get to play with different people. I still feel (and if I may say so, look) young, and I may be forming a band soon, but I have a good day job as an engineer so I don't have to put any pressure on myself to rush into something that isn't right.

From your OP it sounds like you live in an area where it's tough to find people; since I live in the DC metro area that's really not something I can help with.

But unless you think this guy is almost your only option I wouldn't rush into it. Then again, you never know. MY guitarist back in the day came off as kind of a jerk but once I got to know him he was a pretty good guy.

[Hapa]

TOugh call, play if you want the practice controlling a loose band, keeping time so tight that the rest of them have to correct.
Shed if you need to work on being able to control the band. Cause when we bass players are in the pocket nobody has to guess where the beat is and what the changes are everyone grooves.

[jumbodbassman]

play with people, good or bad. especially a drummer....

[lowfreq33]

I would rather not play than play with bad musicians.

[ryco]

no, stay at home and practice.
but keep looking for good people! Go to jams and always play with people who are better than you.
my 2¢