Auditioning on songs with no basslines.

[Silas Martinez]

So, I'm looking at auditioning with a band that has an established set list, and a CD released, but is more focused on their new stuff. The new stuff is scratch recordings, just guitar (accoustic) and vocals - recording to take place once the band is complete again (for the stated reason of keeping the recorded and performed parts the same).

I'd appreciate feedback from people who've auditioned against songs without recorded basslines, where you're basically writing a bassline and auditioning on both creation and performance of that bassline.

The approach I've taken is to take note of the major changes, and mix following them with following the melody (vocals). Honestly, it is coming down to in-key improvising, creating a groove and feel that is compatible with what I have to work with. The songs (and the band) are a kind of accoustic-pop-jazzy feel, which means I toss in some walking and syncopation.

My concern is that I'm not sure what the rest of the instrumentation will sound like, and how well what I'm playing will fit that. The artist has stated that he wants me to 'learn' a couple of the songs (specifically stating which), but plans on winging it during the audition. Anyone else dealt with that? What was your game plan, and how did it go?

Thanks!

[AdlerAugen]

know some basic riffs for different keys and chords. For example, hotel california's bassline is real easy...it's playing powerchords picked instead of strummed. that way you don't have to worry whether it's major or minor, just play the powerchord riff of your choosing. Easy.

If you want more there's also a pretty cool riff in "Already gone" by the eagles. look up the tabs for it, it's pretty cool.

and if you can't think of anythin else just stick to the root and fifth.

[mambo4]

I recorded last year with similar preparation : scratch guitar and vox.

I had 2 things going for me: I had played with the drummer for years, so locking in was no prob , and it was just a trio, so no worries about stepping on anyone.

I just learned the changes, and improvised simple root five stuff , listening to the vocal phrasing for pauses( to fill with hot bass wanking.) The scratch tracks also had some hints for me as far a rhythm breaks/ hits to aim for.

Due to the nature of the bass, if you concentrate on supporting the song, everybody else will follow. You'll be judged by how good you make everybody else sound.

Keep it simple, nail the changes, lock in with the drummer and allow space for the vocals. Opportunities for fills and impressive stuff will pop up here and there.

[Silas Martinez]

This project is two guitars, lots of vocal harmony, drums, and misc. other instruments. In this case, I'm pretty the finished songs won't sound a lot like the scratches I have to work with. Fortunately, there are a lot of rhythmic cues in the guitar work, so I have a pretty good idea of where I'm going.

[hbarcat]

Originally Posted by mambo4

...Due to the nature of the bass, if you concentrate on supporting the song, everybody else will follow. You'll be judged by how good you make everybody else sound. Keep it simple, nail the changes, lock in with the drummer and allow space for the vocals. Opportunities for fills and impressive stuff will pop up here and there.

A big, fat +1 to this advice.

[Joe Nerve]

Plus 2 on mambo's advice.

I'll add to that also to learn the songs till they become part of you, so that there's no thinking involved - only listening and feeling when you're playing with them.

One of the things I do when playing with new groups is I learn the songs as well as I can, then I noodle through them on my own, playing lead bass over and over, just improvising. It makes it easier for me to open up and be creative when playing with the band.

Since it's an audition my thought is that it's always best to keep it simple and heartfelt as possible, and just open up now and then to show them ya can. I think a lot of times bands will take a more solid guy over a guy who's playing all over the place.

[Silas Martinez]

Well, after I posted this, I talked to the bandleader again. We talked a bit about what he wants from a bassist, and, in his terms, he likes a 'flash bastard bass player' - then mentioning XTC and the Beatles as favorite bass players.

So I'm thinking I'm should outline changes and stretch out, since that is what he wants to hear. I get the feeling he's not so much worried about me nailing a perfect bassline as he is have a solid musical grooving/leading voice. I think showing them I can and letting them reign me in may be the way to go here - he also mentioned that songwriting tends to be an iterative/collaborative process with them, so I'm thinking this audition is more about what I can bring to the table, and how well we mesh.

Still an odd audition....

[MysticMichael]

Dude, that's great! He's giving you a chance to show how creative you are. Not only that, but you get a chance to contribute to the composition of the material right from scratch - in an environment in which there is no real "right" or "wrong" part...

Sure, you've still gotta cover the basics of good notes choices, good time, good feel, good intonation, etc. But there's still an awful lot of latitude possible beyond that. You're not tied down to just producing a "safe", conservative, conventional bassline - you have an opportunity to really play outside of the box - tastefully of course...

My advice: Have fun with it. And don't over-think it. Just listen to the scratch tracks closely, then play what your musical instincts tell you belongs there. If you're really getting the spirit of the piece, it shouldn't take long for you to hear the missing part in your mind. Usually works for me...

MM

[sikkinixx]

Haven't had a lot of experience in this area, but I do jam occasionally with two brothers who are excellent acoustic guitarist/vocalists, great harmonies. They generally use a drum machine and do mostly original stuff.
I found the key was to, as MM said, listen and follow your instincts. Timing, nailing the key changes and following the harmonies worked for me. I have actually done one set on stage with them (the songs that we had nailed), and it went down really well. The audience even seemed to miss the one f@#k-up I made. Unfortunately, the boys didn't. I'm still copping s@#t over it. lol
Good luck dude. Hope it goes well.

[Silas Martinez]

I'm off to audition - wish me luck, TBers!

[anderbass]

Good luck...