Best way to prove to yourself you can (or can't) play something

Depth_Charge · #1 03-25-2008, 09:50 AM

The song that has been bothering me for some time is Self Esteem by The Offspring. There is almost a signature bass line played during the verse, and it's a pretty simple line that's frustrating me!!

No matter how much I try to play that song in time I just cannot satisfy myself that I am playing it OK. I've auditioned using the song once, and noone said anything, and again tonight I played it at practice and begged the guys to tell me how bad I sucked, and they all said it sounded fine.

So how do I know for sure? In my mind and ears, it sounds terrible, it's never smooth, clean or even close to the recording. Yet everyone who hears me play it shrugs and says "Yeah, you're nailing that line fine..what's wrong with it?. I explain, and get weird looks...so I drop it, go home, practice it, and am still not happy I'm playing it OK.

Help?

Hoover · #2 03-25-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

In my mind and ears, it sounds terrible, it's never smooth, clean or even close to the recording. Yet everyone who hears me play it shrugs and says "Yeah, you're nailing that line fine..what's wrong with it?. I explain, and get weird looks...

You just need to find some friends with higher standards.

Esquillama · #3 03-25-2008, 01:04 PM

Try recording yourself either playing it alone, or along with the recording of the band doing it. When you can listen back without trying to concentrate on playing it, you should be able to tell if you've got it or not.

Good luck.

bigthemat · #4 03-25-2008, 01:09 PM

send me a recording, and I can tell you it sucks if you like

fenderhutz · #5 03-25-2008, 01:10 PM

It's because the recording of that bassline sounds super relaxed, like a little offtime, but not really.

It always sounded odd to me.

BillyRay · #6 03-25-2008, 01:55 PM

I have the same relationship with The Seeker from the Who. Everybody I play with recognize the song and say that I play it fine, but every time I pull it off, it just feels weird, out of place.

jomahu · #7 03-25-2008, 02:48 PM

try playing along to 'smells like teen spirit' by nirvana. it's the same song.

some suggestions:
1. record yourself playing with a metronome
2. sing it out (mostly for rhythm's sake)
3. really really listen to the drums.

Depth_Charge · #8 03-26-2008, 01:51 AM

Thanks guys! Yet another reason to improve my home recording setup to something that ACTUALLY WORKS reasonably well!!