First Band - Originals or Covers?

[electracoyote]

I've seen it work both ways.

But from a purely academic/educational perspective, playing in a cover band is a great way for a newer player to build a repertoire of chops and an intuitive familiarity with the instrument, and learn from some of the best pop bassists out there (the ones making records). And nothing gets you up to speed like having to play it live.

[bassbully]

Covers IMO just are easy to attach to since there is allot of recorded material. When I got back to bass I woodsheded on old Blues and rock bands like ZZ Top older songs like.... Fool for your stockings...And Albert king tunes to get timing and walks and turnarounds down. Blues and blues type rock gave me the confidence to try harder songs etc.

I think covers get you rolling faster and force you to work on your timing since it is already set. In originals a song can move timing around before the group fixes on it finally...that I know.

If I would of jumped into somebodys originals music when I first got back it would of frustrated me not that its harder but that the timing was not written out like a cover and that alone would create issues.

[bassbully]

FWIW -Places like Franks Power Plant are where bands get out and start to mold their sound. I love places like that and am lucky to of been a part of a scene with places like this where bands play stripped down music. Even if you feel its simple makes no diff what does is if it talks to you is catchy and good.

Although my area has allot less clubs today there are still a few around and north of here. Some of these gritty clubs have put national acts out of them since the 70's. There was a band from here a few years ago who got a pretty big buzz with noisy, simple, bluesy music. I never saw them live around here but many I know did. Some people dug them, some hated them, Today they are know as The Black Keys.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Pacman

Where you stand really doesn't matter. While your playing is just fine for what you're doing, it's really a stretch to call yourself a performer....

It's another relative term, performer.

Blue



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[bluewine]

Originally Posted by bassbully

FWIW -Places like Franks Power Plant are where bands get out and start to mold their sound. I love places like that and am lucky to of been a part of a scene with places like this where bands play stripped down music. Even if you feel its simple makes no diff what does is if it talks to you is catchy and good.

Although my area has allot less clubs today there are still a few around and north of here. Some of these gritty clubs have put national acts out of them since the 70's. There was a band from here a few years ago who got a pretty big buzz with noisy, simple, bluesy music. I never saw them live around here but many I know did. Some people dug them, some hated them, Today they are know as The Black Keys.

I've read some articles about The Black Keys but I've never heard their music.

Blue

[StrangerDanger]

I voted cover band but the best scenario would be a cover band with some original material as well. Working your way up to 50/50 is a good goal to have. Do you have any friends that play? If not, try asking around at work. Sometimes there are people you work with that play guitar or something and you may not even know until you ask. Also attending open jam nights is a great way to meet people who play and might want to put a project together. I would try to stay away from craigslist as much as possible.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by StrangerDanger

I voted cover band but the best scenario would be a cover band with some original material as well. Working your way up to 50/50 is a good goal to have. Do you have any friends that play? If not, try asking around at work. Sometimes there are people you work with that play guitar or something and you may not even know until you ask. Also attending open jam nights is a great way to meet people who play and might want to put a project together. I would try to stay away from craigslist as much as possible.

All good ideas.

Blue

[capncal]

i started out playing in an original band about 4 years ago. i had never played bass before in my life. picked one up a couple of times, but never played a note. we were all kinda in the same boat. a couple friends got together, one playing guitar, one singing. another friend bought a drum set and they just happened to have a First Act bass in the closet!

I'm not sure i still really know how to play. But i've been trying to put together a cover outfit to do some Beatles songs. I just love learning those simple little chord progressions and think I'll be able to incorporate that into my originals group once i've got full command over the covers I'm learning.

I guess it depends on the situation, the group of guys, and what it is you really want to play.

I'll agree with whomever above said try out for as many bands as possible and just see what happens! Be sure to discuss your opinions on making money and your time constraints and you'll be golden where ever you land!

[mpayne86]

Covers, for a few reasons, 1 it gives you experience and reference to go on. 2 when you play gigs at bars, people want to hear songs, songs that you played 1000 times, but your getting paid to play them.

[Pacman]

Originally Posted by bluewine

It's another relative term, performer.

Blue

Relative to what? I literally didn't see *any* "performance" in those videos. (And I watched quite a few.) The thing is, if you represented yourself as what you actually *are* - that is, a guy who spent more than 20 years away from music, and has within the last two years started playing again - most here would consider what you're doing not half bad at all.

But, if you want us to believe you've got over 40 years of experience playing in rock bands, someone's bound to tell you that you wasted 38 of them.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Pacman

Relative to what? I literally didn't see *any* "performance" in those videos. (And I watched quite a few.) The thing is, if you represented yourself as what you actually *are* - that is, a guy who spent more than 20 years away from music, and has within the last two years started playing again - most here would consider what you're doing not half bad at all.

But, if you want us to believe you've got over 40 years of experience playing in rock bands, someone's bound to tell you that you wasted 38 of them.

Hi Jon,

I'm sure it's relative to a lot of circumstances and scenarios.

Wasted 38 years of 40, maybe, but then the same could be said about a lot of us. Which would also be relative.

I respect your input and opinion of my performance as a mod and forum member. However, at the end of the day, I'm sticking to my positions and opinions.
I represent myself the way I see myself. I don't expect anyone to agree with me or believe me. I think that's what makes the forum nice.

Regards

Blue

Attachment 304987

[Bert Slide]

Originally Posted by bluewine

Hi Jon,

I represent myself the way I see myself.

Regards

Blue

Attachment 304987

"All men are frauds. The only difference between them is that some admit it. I myself deny it."
H. L. Mencken

[jive1]

Best thing, just join a band. Covers or originals doesn't matter. The main thing is an opportunity to develop, and either one can do that for you.

My suggestion is to just relax, and take it for what it is: a temporary experience. Bands and players come and go, and it's just the nature of the business. Your first job isn't necessarily the best job or last job you have. Your first date isn't necessarily the best date or the person you are going to marry. The same for the first band you join.

When you are new to anything, you will make mistakes. Don't fear them, as they are sometimes the best teachers.

[bluewine]

If you can get a year out of some level of productive band experience your doing pretty good.

Blue

[ChloroPhil315]

Originally Posted by jive1

Best thing, just join a band. Covers or originals doesn't matter.

+1

Join anything as long as you like the music you play.you are learning how to play new songs regardless and the band is about being in sync with who you play with, not what you play. You can always learn any other songs you want on your own.

[deepBassie]

Originally Posted by ChloroPhil315

+1

Join anything as long as you like the music you play.

..and join whichever cover/original band that gives you the most opportunity to gig in front of chicks!

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by deepBassie

..and join whichever cover/original band that gives you the most opportunity to gig in front of chicks!

Interesting point, however I think there are some guys that get into this business for the wrong reasons. Chics is one of them.

Blue

[ChloroPhil315]

Originally Posted by bluewine

Interesting point, however I think there are some guys that get into this business for the wrong reasons. Chics is one of them.

Blue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XU6jx7dmBo

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by rollyolly

So now I ask talkbass for opinions on what I should do(based on your experience with both.) I'm not looking for a some kind of tangental heated debate amongst TB'ers

If you don't need to make money at this, or at least not right away, then you should play whatever kind of music you want to play. Period.

I don't see how putting this to some kind of public vote is going to help you resolve that question. So what kind of music do you want to play???

MM

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by rollyolly

I'm a relatively new player, and I'm having a very difficult time finding a cover band looking for a "newish" player on craigslist. I'm married with kids, and have a full time (non-musical) career, so making money through my music doesn't matter at all.

That would be 99% of us. We find ways to make it work.

Sounds like an originals band would be a good match for you. They don't gig very much or make money.

Blue