Playing With a Drummer at What point?

[beaglegod]

Ive got a few friends who are musicians and one in particular has played drums for quite some time, although he may be a little rusty because of the three kids hes got tearing through the house. Anyway I was by his house and saw his set up in his basement, seems like hes been getting the rust out as of late. I was wondering though at what point should i consider myself ready to try and play something with him?

Im thinking this may be a good opportunity to learn but outside of a song or two Ive learned by ear, all I really do right now are my scales/modes/arpeggios/rythem studies/sight reading etc. I dont really play anything yet. Should I hold off for a few months or just give it a try?

Hes no doubt used to playing with descent players but hes a super cool guy, very humble.

[JimmyM]

ASAP IMHO. Nothing improves your bass playing like working with a drummer. Maybe learn a few simple songs that he and you both like and get crackin'!

[dmusic148]

Go and play, for God's sake. Bring a six-pack and have some fun. Forget trying to plan ahead-it won't work the way you think it will.

[backline112]

As noob as I am, I would definitely make use of that opportunity. Talk with him and start easy, then build up to more complex timing, beats, etc.

[DudeistMonk]

Go and play, for God's sake. Bring a six-pack and have some fun. Forget trying to plan ahead-it won't work the way you think it will.

+1 to the 6 pack and lack of planning

Just show up, pick a key and jam...It's easy to play with just a drummer, you can play anything you want as long as its in time! (straight bass, melodic solos, change key whenever you want) After the first time its zero stress and lots of fun. Out of all the jams I've recorded in the last 2 years my favorites to listen to are all old drum and bass jams.

Also if your nervous try jamming to some drum loops/tracks/drum machine at home, if you can do that working with a real drummer will be a piece of cake, since they will adapt to you/follow you both in terms of timing and feel and a machine won't...Garage band drum loops are how I realized that I was ready to jam with people.

[Electric_Spank]

I also say go for it ASAP. I started to jam with my friends over winter break when I went back home. I brought my old bass back with me to school here and I have been practicing ever since. I'm not too shabby.

Edit: I should also add that when I started jamming with my friends I had minimal experience. A good drummer automatically makes just about any jam sound good. Don't worry about your playing just try to experiment and improvise some cool lines. Most of all have fun .

[Col Pruse]

If you play bass, getting with a drummer should feel natural.

you're probably ready.

[trust24]

Ive not been playing long and i know exactly how this person feels. When your just playing to yourself at home you cant really know wether your doing somthing really good or not, there for you sort of just keep it to yourself. But i agree as with most things in life you just have to jump in the deep end somtimes and have a go, and if hes your mate and a good person all you have to do is say ive not done this before but do you fancy ago. After all its cheaper than going down the pub or whatever

[Jake of Bass]

Go for it. As long as you can play to a beat (you don't have to be perfect or anything) then you'll do fine. The more you play with a drummer the better you get, and it's heaps of fun!

[billjr]

I started with the technique, scale and method books, but I also got several books that taught blues bass lines, and groups of easy songs (or at least songs done real easy). Those were great for giving me some actual tunes to play with the CD while reading the tabs, and made practice much more fun. Basic blues lines sound great when played with a drummer, and they're easy to learn quick.

Or quicker yet, go to www.bassmasta.net. There's a section that has tabs for different styles of basic bass lines.

You'll be amazed how easy and great it will be playing with a drummer to start. Then, who knows...find a guitard, singer, and bingo...you're in like flynn.

[HelloJerk]

Do it!

[Dogbertday]

Go play!!!!!

Just make up a simple groove and let it evolve and keep it goin...

[Sub5ound]

Nothing, NOTHING will improve your playing more than playing in real time with a real drummer. If he's a decent drummer that keeps time, you will actually be able to apply all of your personal studies...you may even outgrow him and find you need to be challenged more in order to stimulate your growth. Such was the case with me. Go for it.

[bassplayer22]

Yeah, what are you waiting for!?!

Tim