My first audition ! Any advice ?

[fearceol]

I took up bass about 18 months ago. I tried, but could not find other musicians to jam with..... until now. I have up to now being playing along to cd's at home. I am going for a jam/audition next week for a band that plays my favourite music .... the blues. I know playing in a band is a lot different then playing along to cd's in your bedroom (the safety net is gone ).

Any advice on do's and dont's would be appriciated. I know the main two "do's" would be "keep the groove" and "listen to the drummer".
Thanks.

[TheBassBetween]

Do: Play well
Don't: Mess up

Good luck!



Ok no seriously, just relax and the play bass the way you know how. Don't be embarrassed to ask questions to the other band members. I'm sure they would prefer a bassist who will play what they want, rather than one that will make assumptions based on his own judgment and play something that they won't want. Oh and don't mess up.

[DocBop]

Relax and have a good time. That is the most important thing because it will come through in your playing.

Besides listening to the drums and rhythm guitar keep you eyes open. Blues is a very spontaneous music with singer or guitar player queuing breaks or changes in dynamics. Remember to keep it simple especially more traditional the players are. With old gut-bucket Blues players simple is good, very good. Younger player who think 60's Cream is Blues will be open to busier bass. You have to sum up who you are playing for, asking who they are into before the audition can help give you an idea of what they will like.

Again relax go with the flow, simple and in the pocket will get you further than lots of hot notes with no groove.

[morf]

Originally Posted by fearceol

I took up bass about 18 months ago. I tried, but could not find other musicians to jam with..... until now. I have up to now being playing along to cd's at home. I am going for a jam/audition next week for a band that plays my favourite music .... the blues. I know playing in a band is a lot different then playing along to cd's in your bedroom (the safety net is gone ).

Any advice on do's and dont's would be appriciated. I know the main two "do's" would be "keep the groove" and "listen to the drummer".
Thanks.

RELAX! Keep your head cool, concentrate entirely on the music, try your hardest not to think about what they're thinking of your playing while you play. Keep time, dont overdo it, dont show off, keep the groove, and you'll be fine!

Oh, and most important of all: HAVE FUN!

[JimK]

Be in-tune...

[fearceol]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll do my best to apply them on the day. They play the trad blues, so simplicity and the groove will be the order of the day.

Thanks again.

[BassChuck]

+1 on all the above advice. And to that add:

Don't say things like, "I'm really new at this", "I'm not really that good". And to all things social, keep it in moderation, don't drink to much (if its offered), let others tell the jokes, listen to their stories, but don't offer yours (if you get the gig there'll be plenty of time). Let them talk about themselves. Let them impress you.

[tswd]

Since it's a blues band, that will make things easier. Assuming you know the standard progressions. If you can hit the changes and keep time, it'll do wonders. That's usually all people want the bass to do, anyway.

Just relax, be yourself, and play along.

[stealth51]

Relax

[peterpalmieri]

I will assume you practice at home sitting down, for the audition you will most likely stand the entire time. You may wish to practice playing standing up....

If this is the case of course, Good Luck!

[Cristo]

Don't worry about it. If they don't go with you, it doesn't really matter. There will be other opportunities.

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by BassChuck

+1 on all the above advice. And to that add:

Don't say things like, "I'm really new at this", "I'm not really that good".

That's interesting BassChuck. While I did n't say either quotes, I would have thought there was a fine line between giving them false expectations and putting yourself down. Anyway I suppose they'll decide for themselves afterwards.

To peterpalmieri : Thanks for that. My practice includes both sitting and standing. I'll increase the time on the latter.

[Scot]

I agree 100% with BassChuck. If they're much more experienced than you they will likely know your approximate level, even after having a short conversation with you on the phone. Musicians, just like any tradesmen, have the ability to decipher that kind of stuff from the "language" used when speaking with other musicians. If they ask you specific questions about who you've played with, how long you've been playing or whether or not you can follow chord charts, of course you're going to give honest answers but it isn't necessary to offer up your own unsolicited opinions about your abilities (they probably won't ask: "So kid, are ya any good?" and even if they do you don't have to give a direct answer to that kind of question). In fact, one of the big tell-tales of an inexperienced musician is when he offers up unsolicited opinions about his abilities, whether trying to talk himself up or down. In the end, the playing does the talking (like you alluded to). If they are experienced cats, they may already realize that you're not an experienced player but they need a bass player and are willing to give you a shot. That's the perfect opportunity for you. If they are experienced players and expecting a certain level of experience from the bass player they audition, it's THEIR job to properly advertise the position appropriately and it's their job to screen the bass players they bring in appropriately too. So there's not really a fine line - it's pretty straight-forward: be honest with yourself that you fit any requirements they may have advertised or mentioned and answer any questions they ask as honestly as you can but only addressing the specific questions asked.

You've already received some good advice in the thread and here's another little trick that may help to make you look (and sound) good:

Keep your ears and eyes open for the "quick change". In case you don't know, that's where a 12 bar blues progression goes to the 4 chord in the second bar, as opposed to the "slow change" where the 4 chord doesn't come until the 5th bar. If the other cats perceive you to be a good listener that's able to follow along well you will be WAY ahead of the game.

The "relaxing" and "having fun" advice cannot be overemphasized.

Let us know how it goes!

[KayCee]

Show up on time.

[fearceol]

Thanks Scot ! (and BassChuck)

That aspect of going for an audition never occured to me and I've taken it on board (as I have with all the info here). I will indeed let you know how I get on. It wont be for a week or two as two band members are out of town. ( More time for me to prepare

[injurfejs]

I have an audition soon too and I saw this topic so can someone give an advice.

Does anyone have any advice on punk music? I guess that will be pretty easy just playing roots to the guitarist?

[morf]

Play with an attitude? Hang the bass low? Lift the chin up? Break the bass on the guitarist's back at the end?

[injurfejs]

I would but then i would have to buy a new one lol

I guess I'll just throw his distortion at him lol

[louieeadg]

fearceol, you have some good advice up here. Use it, but please don't think about talkbass while you're playing. I'd advise you start out real simple, you know, "catch your bearings". Then slowly add a little once you're comfortable and nicely settled in the pocket. It'll give your playing more feeling. Because it is an audition, think of it as the "audition blues". Kinda timid at first, then get comfortable as stated earlier. And as everyone will agree about blues...don't play one note unless you FEEL it with every ounce of energy in your body.

Oh, and keep your foot out of your mouth. Definition: if they ask you a question and you don't know the answer, tell them you don't know but you can learn quick. Ask questions. Anyone who is good in their field can respect that, especially if their experienced.

Oh, and I saw another good point. If you drink, and they offer, have one. But don't get drunk. Like everyone said. Have fun. If you're in a room with some fellas and there's drums present, if you can't have fun you need a new gig.

Don't do heroine, crystal meth, or acid.

As for you injurfejs, yes. Roots and occasional fifths. And keep up with the guitarist. Simplicity is the beauty of punk. Sublties give the music its feeling. And anything along the lines of jumping up and down, chest bumps with the guitarist, kicking microphone stands, throwing your bass into your amp, dying your hair black or white, and showing up on a skateboard are all accepted lines of behavior. Have fun!

[jmceachern36]

Do- show up and have fun
Don't- take it personally if you don't get the gig (it doesn't mean you can't play, just not the right fit)
Do- keep going to auditions and playing with as many people as possible. It will make you a better musician.

Best of luck!