has anyone else run into this problem?

[thomasthecat]

When I jam with my band everything is fine and we all click together and it all just works out very well. We mesh. BUT when I jam with just one of the guitarists they always ask me to solo, and then change the rhythm/swing of the song and sometimes even the time sig. Its very strange because they are all really good at what they do. I have the melody in my head and they're like GO and then the song changes and it always screws me up.


Just curious if anyone else has ever ran into this problem

thanks

[dave64o]

They either might not be aware of what they're doing or else they might think that they're doing you a favor by "filling in some space" while you're soloing. Have you talked to them about it? If they don't understand, do that while they're soling so they can see the effect it can have on the soloist. As a bass player, you understand the importance of keeping a solid foundation, but they might not.

[3l3phantstomp]

The gwiter slinger takes for granted (not greedily, but unconciously) that you are part of the rhythm engine, and no matter how far out into space they get, you can always lead them in. That's not by DEFAULT! That's the care you give as a bassist. I resist a lot of tempting solo space to honor the form of the current groove.

If its just you two, and they want you to rip a solo, they have to remember that your foundation will not be there anymore. So (IMO) they either have to a)provide a rhythm (or their normal part) to let you do your thing, or b) they have to weave with you. It can be hard to explain, but I explain it like jets at an airshow. If two jets are doing their own thing, it doesn't look that great and creates strange smoke signals in the sky. But if they are in tune to the same rhythm, and weave in direct compliment (think of the smoke trails from the jets making a double helix due to a timed spiral or something), an amazing thing takes place that is the foundation for loads of great discovery and music.

The weave is the key. Ask him to think about your solo, and see if he can be where you are not. In my experience this will further you both as players.

[thomasthecat]

Thank you guys for the advice. Its so weird though because my brother is one of the guitar players and hes GREAT at rhythm. When its just him an a guitarist he does the whole "weaving" thing (Even when im playing guitar!!) where he will change what hes playing to make the solo sound better. It only seems to be a problem when im on bass....but ill talk to him about it. I kinda want him to keep playin the rhythm. Usually I can play to what he plays and its not a problem either but lately I just dont know whats been goin on.

thanks again guys