I might be in a unique situation...

Busker · #1 07-09-2007, 08:45 AM

The band I'm in....

It's kinda strange, but the drummer we just hired used to be the bass player in the band. The guitarist? He started with the band, as the bass player.

I've got two ex-bass players who have their own ideas about bass lines.

I can take a little constructive critisism, but yesterday the drummer told me how I should play Stranglehold, and he's been back with the band for like, 2 days, and has a lot of work to do himself to catch up to us.

I just said, "Two ex-bass players in the band, I'm $%^&". We all got a laugh out of it, but I know myself pretty well. My attitude won't hold up for long if they don't leave me alone and let me play the bass. If I'm playing a bad bass line or a wrong note, tell me, I'll fix it and move on. Otherwise, SHUT UP and play yer guitar and drums. [/rant]

CrashClint · #2 07-09-2007, 08:52 AM

Just tell them you appreciate their input and you will take it into consideration.

Then play it how you want if their idea is not better.

Pilgrim · #3 07-09-2007, 09:28 AM

Put it on the table - be out front with them. If you tell them what your concern is and ask them politely to lay off, they should do so.

louieeadg · #4 07-09-2007, 09:39 AM

The two above posts are true. +2

Now, on to my lowely opinion...I have seen(and been in) successful bands and have seen(and been in) unsuccessful bands. The common denominator in the successful bands are two things. 1) Everyone listens to everything and they all had good ears. 2) No idea, no matter where it came from, went unanalyzed. Don't look at it from "an ex-bass player" telling you what to do. Look at it from "your fellow band-member/mate" suggesting an idea. It is very possible that they are hearing something you aren't. This concept works vice-versa. My current band I'm in(3-piece), we all spend atleast a half hour during all our practices playing each others instruments. It gives you a humbling perspective of the other guy. When we're talking to each other about our respective parts, its not viewed as a command, its merely an idea. We all know good music and we know what we like to hear. Be open.

CrashClint · #5 07-09-2007, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louieeadg

The two above posts are true. +2

Now, on to my lowely opinion...I have seen(and been in) successful bands and have seen(and been in) unsuccessful bands. The common denominator in the successful bands are two things. 1) Everyone listens to everything and they all had good ears. 2) No idea, no matter where it came from, went unanalyzed. Don't look at it from "an ex-bass player" telling you what to do. Look at it from "your fellow band-member/mate" suggesting an idea. It is very possible that they are hearing something you aren't. This concept works vice-versa. My current band I'm in(3-piece), we all spend atleast a half hour during all our practices playing each others instruments. It gives you a humbling perspective of the other guy. When we're talking to each other about our respective parts, its not viewed as a command, its merely an idea. We all know good music and we know what we like to hear. Be open.

+1 Good solid advice.

Busker · #6 07-09-2007, 11:35 AM

Yes, good advice all.

I will admit, I'm not playing anything perfectly, note-for-note as on the recordings. But neither am I trying to simplify stuff too much. I'm getting the signature bass lines down as best I can, making it *sound like* the song. And I've changed some things on the guitar player's advice. I'm not trying to be too stiff about it. But I do have what for me is a major task, learning 44 songs in a certain timeframe. I've almost got it done.

I guess the drummer is what set me off. He's been kicked out of the band 2 times before I've heard, and I wasn't quite ready for his advice. I don't even know him yet.

I'll just try my best to go along and get along, otherwise it may be me who gets kicked out. And try to improve the music too.

Enden · #7 07-09-2007, 08:58 PM

that sounds awful.

jonathan_matos5 · #8 07-10-2007, 07:35 PM

good luck i hope that they catch on that you are the bass player now and not them.

on a side not sounds like time to play big bottom

jenderfazz · #9 07-10-2007, 10:05 PM

Your band members are also musicians, and they see your music in a different way than you do. Especially the fact that 2 of them were bass players - I'd think that gives them even more of a reason to contribute. I say give it a try their way. I'd feel just as annoyed as you if I were in your situation, but a more reasonable course of action is to compromise a little bit. If their idea don't sound/feel good to you, make it clear that you think your way is better. Don't get confrontational with them, either. However, if they won't take no for an answer, your band is probably in a tough situation anyways. You can always leave if it's not working out for you.

jaaboy · #10 07-12-2007, 10:53 AM

you can do what my drummer does, listen to what we tell him to play, and he says Okay. Then it comes time to play the song and he does whatever he wants. Its okay though, hes a great drummer anyways.

Pilgrim · #11 07-12-2007, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louieeadg

The two above posts are true. +2

Now, on to my lowely opinion...I have seen(and been in) successful bands and have seen(and been in) unsuccessful bands. The common denominator in the successful bands are two things. 1) Everyone listens to everything and they all had good ears. 2) No idea, no matter where it came from, went unanalyzed. Don't look at it from "an ex-bass player" telling you what to do. Look at it from "your fellow band-member/mate" suggesting an idea. It is very possible that they are hearing something you aren't. This concept works vice-versa. My current band I'm in(3-piece), we all spend atleast a half hour during all our practices playing each others instruments. It gives you a humbling perspective of the other guy. When we're talking to each other about our respective parts, its not viewed as a command, its merely an idea. We all know good music and we know what we like to hear. Be open.

I like this advice. The important thing is to be open to ideas, but not to give others the impression that they're in charge of your playing. Not always an easy line to draw, and it probably will have to be re-drawn occasionally, but if there's a reasonable level of respect between band members, it should be possible.