how do you know when you're ready to join a band?

toolfann615 · #1 10-01-2007, 09:53 PM

im kinda freakin out one of my friends whose never heard me play wants me to jam with his band because they need a bassist, ive been playing for about 8 1/2 months i know that doesnt mean anything except im not fully confident in my abilities so how do any of you guys decide if you want to try out for a band, or do you just suck it up and do it?

meev992 · #2 10-01-2007, 10:08 PM

You're ready, when you're ready.

In life, all we can do, is practice, learn, gain courage.

If you're looking for quantitative ways to measure your "readiness", I practiced 6 hours a day, for 3 years, and now I have the best band that I could ever ask for, and I feel very comfortable with the fretboard of a bass.

didier · #3 10-01-2007, 10:08 PM

you will notice changes in your body, small at first, but as time goes on.....

NAh.. .don't even think about it, just go for it! Tell them you're not all that confident, and don't set yourself (or them) up for disappointment. But try it out, and see what happens. Don't think of it as an "audition," but rather as a chance to jam with some friends... I mean, are these guys going to pay you? See what happesns, and if you all have fun then do it again.

You're also probably better and more ready than you think. Plus nothing else is like playing with other people as a way to improve. It's not the only way to get better, but you will get better really fast by doing this, and you will learn things that you'll never get on your own or even with a great teacher and lessons.

go for it, I bet you'll have a blast.

tanslacks · #4 10-01-2007, 10:12 PM

This one is easy..

They asked YOU to jam with them. Just be honest, don't pretend to know anything you don't, and have a blast. Being asked to jam is the best way to introduce yourself. They set aside time to meet you... Have fun

driver800 · #5 10-01-2007, 10:13 PM

If you want to play music you are ready to be in a band.

You will never be as good as you want to be.

Don't wait for it.

Just do it.

rfclef · #6 10-01-2007, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driver800

If you want to play music you are ready to be in a band.

You will never be as good as you want to be.

Don't wait for it.

Just do it.

I don't know if I am ready... I have done my share of playing for $$, and for fun, but until 11 months ago, had been on brass (primarily tuba)... I love bass... got tired of playing with the CD player... posted a Craigslist ad... Be honest... I told em what I wanted (to have fun and perhaps maka little dough)... made sure they knew where I was musically... Not Geddy, Not Jaco... just a guy who like music... Now I am having fun... we are hoping to start gigging after the first of the year...

You are ready for SOMEthing... give it a shot..

refbassist · #7 10-01-2007, 10:48 PM

i would judge my gut for this one,i believe you are the best person to measure or judge yourself so think can you or can't you...

bearfoot · #8 10-01-2007, 11:07 PM

Your tuba experience gives you an enormous edge. Although you do hear a lot more notes, generally, with bass guitar, your tuba experience is where it's at - as a bassist. You're really miles ahead of the common situation of the guitarist who turns to bass out of necessity, even if the guitarist will have initally more compatible techniques.
Actually I'm a little jealous of whatever band it is, it would absolutely the nuts to have a guy who could double on bass guitar and tuba.
Just promise Master Yoda you'll return to finish the training, and go save your friends.

rfclef · #9 10-01-2007, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearfoot

Your tuba experience gives you an enormous edge. Although you do hear a lot more notes, generally, with bass guitar, your tuba experience is where it's at - as a bassist. You're really miles ahead of the common situation of the guitarist who turns to bass out of necessity, even if the guitarist will have initally more compatible techniques.
Actually I'm a little jealous of whatever band it is, it would absolutely the nuts to have a guy who could double on bass guitar and tuba.
Just promise Master Yoda you'll return to finish the training, and go save your friends.

Lol... One thing: as tuba player, most of what I played was written, and i was pretty darn good at playing em (though i am REALLY outta shape now). I am not as adept at making up my own parts... I like reading my parts... but I am getting better.

And yes... there is no try. Do, or do not. (mmmmmm.... donut....)

meev992 · #10 10-01-2007, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfclef

And yes... there is no try. Do, or do not. (mmmmmm.... donut....)

awww man, you got me all excited about donuts for nothing

ThunderSix66 · #11 10-02-2007, 12:16 AM

You are never ready until you try it. You have to jam with people in order to have the ability to jam with people. This may be confusing, but just do it, it will make you exponentially better, improving your ear, timing, and feel. Practicing in your room by yourself only gets you so far.

jomahu · #12 10-02-2007, 05:07 AM

what kinda music will y'all be jamming? if it's avant-garde jazz or mammoth prog-rock, then i can understand your trepidation.
but if it's just informal groovy stuff, or rock-like stuff...then go for it. playing with other folks does wonders for one's personal and musical growth.
and don't freak out if you play a 'wrong' note. wrong notes are the best sometimes.

said it before, will say it again: i joined my current band two years ago. when i auditioned, i had been playing for about a month or two.

driver800 · #13 10-02-2007, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomahu

...i can understand your trepidation.
...

Great word! I haven't heard anyone use it in a while.

I need new friends.

gre107 · #14 10-02-2007, 07:11 AM

When the student is ready the teacher will appear....

Asa Samuel · #15 10-02-2007, 07:12 AM

this little joke should help:

a man bought his son a bass guitar, an amp and a set of lessons for his birthday.
the son goes off to have his first lesson and when he gets back his dad asks him what he'd learn't.
so the son replies 'well i learn't the first five notes on the E string'

the next week the mans son goes off for a lesson and when he gets back his dad asks him what he'd learn't.
so the son replies 'well i learn't the first five ntoes on the A string'

the next week the son goes off for a lesson but when he gets back he's smelling of cigarette smoke and alchohol so his dads a bit confused and says 'so what did you learn today?'
and his son replies 'sorry, i couldn't make it to the lesson, i had a gig!'

that should clear a few things up

meev992 · #16 10-02-2007, 09:04 AM

that one is my favorite story

tycobb73 · #17 10-02-2007, 11:33 AM

I found it a lot like having children. You never think you are ready, but once you have them you have no choice but to adjust and have the time of your life.

professor_bills · #18 10-02-2007, 11:44 AM

You mean to tell me you would compare a few blisters on your fingers to pushing a melon through your pelvis? Don't let my wife hear you say that!

jerome_oneil · #19 10-02-2007, 12:02 PM

Here's how it went for me.

I showed up at my friend's house with my guitar expecting we were just going to jam. He's on the drums, and there is another guitar player there. They tell me the other guy didn't show up. I said well, "I'll play the bass for you tonight, then."

They said "Oh, we don't have a bassist."

So we jammed for a bit.

"So, Jerome, how long you been playin' bass?"

"About 15 minutes."

Point being, just go do it. The worst that can happen is you suck, and you should never let that stop you.

jerome_oneil · #20 10-02-2007, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by professor_bills

You mean to tell me you would compare a few blisters on your fingers to pushing a melon through your pelvis? Don't let my wife hear you say that!

I have three kids, and I never felt a thing! Men have to do all the work. All the women have to do is give birth.