I'm being considered as a session player for a death metal band. Advice?!

[Sleeq]

Hi all...

I'm a blues player above all else, but I try to be versatile to get some session playing.

However I've NEVER played metal.

A fellow who has a popular death/extreme metal band has asked me if I can record a song with them as their bassist is out of town for a while.

Nothing concrete yet... is there anything I should know? I mean I don't wanna look like I can't do it... some nice money involved too!

[Sleeq]

Also noting I probably don't have the right equipment... 3 Fender P-Basses... only one with rounds...

[Kinetic Monkey]

p basses are fine for metal - just look at iron maiden. But roundwounds will sound better for a regular metal sound.

Scoop your mids, and consider taking some dirtboxes.

[jetbike]

Watching with interest. I expect there may be tears.

Turn up to recording in street clothes and full corpse-paint.

[Sleeq]

I will say the music is quite intimidating:

YouTube - Benevolent - Purgatory

[Jazz Ad]

Death metal goes very, very fast. Try not to groove, which is a bit strange for a bass player.
You must be straight on time and your playing must sound linear, if it makes sense. Think mechanic.
It is not an easy genre to play especially if you're not familiar with listening to it.
I don't have much advice other than listening to it a lot to get the mood.

[spaz21387]

the p bass will handle it but pretty much all you have to do is play fast. I have never played bass in a metal band but have played guitar. I have jammed quite a bit on bass with a metal band but never played a show. The only tips I have are: re setup your bass for drop tuning you will have to raise your action up a bit because drop tunings and low action buzz bad, And listen to the kick drum.

[RNV]

If what you are playing is anything near the music in the link you posted, you'll be fine. They don't seem to be very technical, just a bit of syncopated one note passages. My advise to you is to either learn to mute your strings at break neck speed, putting foam at the bridge won't cut. Beyond that, have fun! Good Luck!!!

[Bassmanhopkins]

Originally Posted by Sleeq

I will say the music is quite intimidating:

YouTube - Benevolent - Purgatory

That band's vocalist deffo reminds me of a band i used to listen to...... anywho.

You'll get the hang of it no problem, just so long as you lock in with the Drummers double kick, you should be ok. Drop tunings can be a problem, but thicker strings and little raise of the action should do the trick. The P bass should do the trick no problem, many death metal bands in my area tend to use them for their growl. the only thing you have to worry about is being super tight, the kids will notice it if the stops and breakdowns are sloppy. but finally, have fun! death metal really does give me the opportunity to just go insane on stage. Trust me, you'll enjoy it!

[BobWestbrook]

Don't. Just Don't.

[Stilettoprefer]

Being a jazz player, I just joined my first punk/ metal band a few weeks ago. I actually had to dumb down my playing abilities to play the style and not overplay. Metal is so much fun and so simple as long as you can find the beat and key. Drop tunings aren't that weird, just watch the guitards hands and play the root notes of the chords until you get a feel for the song, then start getting creative. BUT DON'T OVER PLAY. Metal is very, ummm not groovy (for lack of better terms).

[Pollinator95]

Listen to metal quite a bit before the recording, to get a feel for it. You don´t have to stick to root notes, but if you´re a session player they probably won´t want this: YouTube - OBSCURA - "The Anticosmic Overload".
Aside from that, I recommend that you develop a basic 3-finger gallop, just in case. Take picks, and maybe a mild distortion pedal. And don´t forget your attitude!

[TomA1234]

If your link is the style of stuff you're being asked to session for, then you're lucky, it could be SO much more technical.

If you're not used to playing at speed/aren't breakneck fast with fingers then try a pick. I also suggest using some kind of distortion pedal, but don't overdo the distortion.

The EQ I use for metal is to cut the bass a bit and boost the mids and treble, allows you to cut through easily. I hate using a mid scoop EQ because it can get very lost in the mix, and I like to be able to hear the bass.

If you are using a pick then I would say keep the bass flat and boost the mids and treble a bit less than normal to counter the extra brightness of the pick so it doesn't become overly bright.

(this is if you are allowed to control your sound)

[steveksux]

Use the search function.

There has to be a thread titled "What's the best session player for metal?" out there somewhere. It'll have all the information you need.

Randy

[bolophonic]

I am very happy to read this thread. Every player has their own style. I focus my playing in punk and metal settings on the rhythm/percussion aspect of the instrument more than melody and groove. Some people might call that "dumbing it down," but I don't see it that way.

[hbarcat]

There's a lot less walking and grooving in metal. The priority is on the power of the root and the five.

Think less linear and more parallel.



bolo has it:

Originally Posted by bolophonic

I focus my playing in punk and metal settings on the rhythm/percussion aspect of the instrument more than melody and groove.

[fourstringburn]

Grow your hair, get tattoo's of satanic imagery, snort powders, talk in incomplete sentences, get a SVT Tube amp and you"ll be fine

If your confident in your bass playing and know your notes in every key along with defining rhythms, I don't see would you have a problem in any free form music. Typically metal songs are based off minor scales and usually the bass parts double the guitar riffs. Your ears and instincts will tell you when you can cut loose on something different.

I would recommend asking for some kind of rehearsal tape if available so you can get an idea of the band's style and song structures.

[Rangerboy068]

Originally Posted by Kinetic Monkey

p basses are fine for metal - just look at iron maiden. But roundwounds will sound better for a regular metal sound.

Scoop your mids, and consider taking some dirtboxes.

No.

Just no.

[Stick_Player]

[Sleeq]

Thanks guys. Perhaps it's because I haven't played this music before. Should be fun.

Now let's hope I get the gig!