How to get a break.

truecanadian04 · #1 03-05-2013, 09:35 PM

I'm having trouble getting into a band. I always responding to bands looking for a bass player. But for some reason they don't get back to me. I've jammed with a few bands that were in the making. But for some reason after a few jam sessions they never get back to me. I've responded to a few ads through websites and they always talk at first but then nothing once I give them a little info on myself. I've took some lessons to make sure nothing was wrong was with my playing style. All three teacher said I don't need lessons, I just need to get in a band. I'm extremely motivated and I have lots of time on my hands to get together. How hard is it to get a into a band and I'm I doing something wrong? What are some ways to get my name out there so maybe people will come to me? I'm starting to get frustrated and thinking maybe ill never get to play in a band. Please help me!

basscooker · #2 03-05-2013, 09:52 PM

patience, young paduan. you reek of despiration. relax, you're a bass player. it's part of the job. keep learning, get better. maybe check out a different genre of music and learn some of that. put up a couple classified ads and let them be. it will happen.

maybe don't show up for auditions with a squier and a 15 watt behringer.... ok that was too far, i quit.

edit: to be fair and honest i checked out your profile, and you have good gear, alot more than me. look that was just a tounge-and-cheek jab, no harm intended. but really could it be too gearhead of an approach, or coming on too strong? how about placing an ad to form a group? do you have a tough schedule to work around? are you heavy-handed with your volume at get-togethers? do you go to audituions with a truckload of stuff? rheutorical questions, but worth asking youself.

EricF · #3 03-05-2013, 10:28 PM

I've found that picking (or becoming) a new band member has as much to do with personality and other non-musical factors as it does anything else. An amazing musician with a personality, attitude, or set of goals that doesn't match the rest of the band is as much of a turn-off as someone with poor music skills. Chemistry/compatibility between bandmates is critical. In my band's most recent search for a new guitar player, we passed on a few skilled players who didn't fit with the personality of the group, and a few passed on us because we weren't what they were looking for.

Strat-Mangler · #4 03-05-2013, 11:04 PM

Was just about to mention the personality thing.

It also could have something to do with your playing. Teachers oftentimes say one thing but the reality can be something very different.

Record some tracks of you playing covers to give an idea as to what your abilities are. Put them on YouTube or create a quick site so people can have all the info/demos they want to hear in an easy way.

Not saying this to sound like a jerk. It's just been my experience that almost everybody thinks they're great at playing their instrument when only a small percentage actually is. People tend to not either care to pay attention to their own playing or don't have the ability to hear themselves while they play.

If you sing (well!), mention it so that it can be an extra skill that a band might look into potentially recruiting you for.

Good luck.

carlos840 · #5 03-06-2013, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basscooker

patience, young paduan.

If you are going to use classic lines, get them right! "padawan"!!!!

Regarding the band, i agree that it doesn't have much to do with skills, most people would rather have an average player that is reliable and a nice person than a douchebag virtuoso...

Just keep trying.

truecanadian04 · #6 03-06-2013, 07:26 AM

I'm a laid back guy with little worries for the most part. In not religious or have any beliefs that would make people feel weird or awkward. I'm a stay home dad during they day so my nights and weekends are free. I know I'm not amazing on bass, being that I self thought myself for the most part. I want to play in a metal band. I can play about 70% of most Metallica, Pantera, Slayer songs. I do struggle with some parts but I'm always pushing myself. Even if you watch the Metallica bass additions, some of those bass players were struggling to keep up(i know I'm not that skill level)Maybe I will make some videos on you tube. I'm more of a solid rhythm player no fancy two had tapping or slap and pop. I do practice those styles, I'm just not that comfortable plying them.

slobake · #7 03-06-2013, 07:59 AM

See if you can find other musicians hang out with and play as often as you can. Don't worry about being in a band for now, some of the best bands happen organically. Play any kind of music you can, you will grow and people will notice. Relax when you play and have a good time and others will want to jam with you and have fun too.

JohnMCA72 · #8 03-06-2013, 08:38 AM

You can't make a break come to you. All you can do is make sure you're ready to take advantage of one if it does come your way.

placedesjardins · #9 03-06-2013, 07:38 PM

Start your own band. Be the band leader. Put in an ad. Hold some rehearsals.

Play some coffee houses. Just bass guitar. It might not go over well, but it's worth a free cup of coffee. No one boo's a coffee house musician.

basscooker · #10 03-07-2013, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlos840

If you are going to use classic lines, get them right! "padawan"!!!

eh. ok you outgeeked me. you "win". i got the quote at least

Hobobob · #11 03-07-2013, 12:46 AM

Just keep responding to ads and going to auditions. Put up an ad yourself. You'll find a good fit eventually. If you get too desperate, folks will pick up on that. Just be confident, be yourself, and keep woodshedding. You can never be too good.

klejst · #12 03-07-2013, 07:46 AM

Indeed it takes patience. Don't just join a bad to just join band otherwise 9/10 it won't work out. Take the time to try to find musicians who share similar tastes in music as you because that will make things a little easier.

MatticusMania · #13 03-07-2013, 10:09 AM

You dont "get a break" unless youre waiting around for chance, and thats not very likely.

You have to go out, grab life by the horns, and create your own success.

bluesblaster · #14 03-07-2013, 10:17 AM

maybe you just keep running into flakes, maybe its not you at all. Just keep after it and you will find the right fit eventually. Good Luck

Chebass88 · #15 03-07-2013, 10:54 AM

You mentioned you are interested in joining a metal band.

The questions I would ask:
1. How many local metal bands are there? What are their skill levels? Are they gigging frequently? (If they aren't playing - you probably won't be either)
2. Where do the local metal bands play? How often?
3. Are there any opportunities for a local metal band to play? (If you were to start your own band, could you secure a gig or three?)

While I am sure some will disagree, it seems like there are fewer opportunities for a metal band (and thus a bassist in a metal band). This is a different kettle of fish (IMO) than a cover band in your local dive bar playing blues & classic rock.