Guidance requested
 

So I answered an ad for doing this Tool cover band around where I am.
It was a bassist and a guitarist (I'm a bassist, but for this project I figured it'd be fun to just focus on vox, cuz it's so intensive)
The bassist was really good, but the guitarist wasn't very musical.
Come to find out the bassist is actually a guitarist and has been teaching the guitarist (who hasn't been playing terribly long)

I have a drummer who could nail this stuff but probably wouldn't be interested once he jammed with this cat (I know I wouldn't be)

So the question.
Do I just tell the bassist I'm not interested in the project, or do I ask him to join me on guitar in my version of the project?
Didn't know if that'd be a dick move, or if it's on him to decide.

Thoughts?

Well, do you want to play the music you want to play? Or think about what people you don't care about will think of you?

Yes and yes.

There's no ethics in show business , invite the guy to your project, it's just an invitation , in the end the guy is the one who has to make the decision wether its a "dick move" or not.

Word that's what I figured-- I just feel for something as intricate as this- you need as seasoned players as are willing to do it.

Thanks guys~

Just say it : )
I think we've all been there. I'd praise the beginner guitarist for his strengths, and balls to attempt the project. That youd be interested in working with him when he's a bit more seasoned, no harm, no foul.

^^^ Very mature and enlightened POV, to which I'll add:

If the group you sat in with is just a "project" in its infancy (with a guitarist facing a steep learning curve) and not a capable band that's been together some time and gigging, then IMO you're not breaking up anything more than a jam session.

Word- and yeah, if they're strong friends I know someone else who could do guitar-- groovy

i'd give the guy a list of songs and give him a chance, that way he is in the drivers seat to sink or swim or show you he is willing to put the work in to be good by taking structured lessons etc

that way his level of seriousness and skill is established without you seeming judgemental

+1, there's not even a drummer yet, nothing to break up, nothing to steal.

Hmm, that's too generous IMO. OP already has a drummer lined up that could do this project but won't work with the rookie.

My vote is do what you want. They are.

I admire the fact that your not being a tool about all this.

Zing!

Hand the bassist your card (or whatever you use for contact info) and tell him that you don't think it's the right fit for you, and that you really liked HIS playing and if he finds himself looking for project to give you a call. It would be improper to "steal" him away. If he's as good as you say he'll be looking sooner rather than later.

As to "no ethics in show business" :rollno: ... true only if YOU choose to act unethically. I prefer to take the high road. Hasn't failed me in 46 years.

You must invite him to join your group.

Some of the best bands I've been in started out with one cat severely behind the 8-ball in terms of skill. One day you might find that you're the guy who doesn't stack up to the rest of the act and you've got to decide how you would want to be treated.

Would you would want a chance to prove you're up to the job?
Or would you just accept it as all good if someone came along, decided you were a weak link and took away rest of your band to greener pastures?

Sure. If the guy's lazy or unwilling to practice you're well within your rights to have a different conversation with the bass player, but I'm not detecting that in this thread. I don't think you even really know the dude properly yet. He might be sitting at home practicing every night so he can be good enough to play with his friends in a Tool cover band.

What's happened here is you've spotted an opportunity to expedite your own goals and you know full well that you're probably going to have to try to f-over a guy on his training wheels to do it, hence you're here looking for validation. I'd suggest if you're not willing to deal with a learner you might be better off in a different outfit. But hey, if you'd be comfortable being on the receiving end of this scenario then you might as well go ahead and see what happens.

^ hence why I brought it to the group :) yeah I know a guitarist/ drummer who can do it, could probably find a bassist~~ may do that instead. I was feeling uneasy about having that convo with the bassist for the reason you've brought up.

However, it was less of him being a weak link, and more of not being on the same level of experience (never played live etc.) I've spent nearly 15 years honing my crafts, and enjoy performing with players of similar ability (regardless of years under their belt)

If this guy had answered my ad, it'd've been 'thanks but no thanks' it's only since it was the other way around that I'm unsure how to proceed.

But you're probably right, just doing my own thing my way is probably the civil thing.

Cheers~

Just in case anyone's interested- I decided just to do my own thing, not wedge these guys-- the bassist understood my hesitations and all is well-

I'll post some audio when we get it off the ground.