Hi all,
I've not really posted much, despite being a member for quite a while.
anyway, I had my first gig as a bassist on Friday and wanted to share my experience. To give a little background, I have a degree in music and have played guitar for about 20 years (25 y/o now). I only ever played bass to fulfil my needs when recording. about two months ago a local band, that I happened to like asked if I could recommend them a new bassist. Now, for some reason, I thought, why not me...? So that week I turned upto to a rehearsal, having figured out a couple of parts to some of their tracks.
Something just seemed to click. I felt at home, I feel like more of a bassist than I ever have a guitarist. Now rocking a MB little mark III with traveller 210 and a Squier VM Jazz, I am completely smitten with playing bass. It's indescribable, the power, the groove and growl of the bass, driving the song and locking in with the drums satisfies me more than any screaming guitar solo I've ever played.
Anyway, we supported a well known local band and played 8 originals to about 150 people.
To anybody about to play their first gig here is my experience of it and a few tips:
Don't be scared, what you're about to do is inherently cool. Try and enjoy it because your slot will fly by. Don't drink too much as you will need to focus. Be confident in your band mates as well as your own ability. Use the WC before you go on! don't worry about how you look - concentrate only on what you're playing. Stage moves and presence will develop with time and confidence.
Mostly, have fun. You have practiced to get this far and you should be proud.
The audience are punters, at the end of a working week, out to have fun. They, generally, won't judge you, and 99% won't notice if you hit a bum note leading into the 2nd chorus.
