tryout help!!!

nefarious · #1 11-11-2007, 04:38 PM

so I was talking to a guy online in my area that has a band that needs a bassist he asked me to tryout for them. I want to do it but im worried about my playing, simply because I have never played in a band before let alone a band that has a couple of albums out already and is going for a third.I played in my school orchestra when I was younger but to me that seems like a whole other animal.is there anything I can do to help my situation? I already asked him what is expected of me. but is there something im missing? any help would be greatly appreciated ........thanks

theshadow2001 · #2 11-11-2007, 05:39 PM

All you can do is learn the songs they want you to learn and then go for it. Don't be too down if they don't like you, just move on. If they do like you, great you have your first band.

There's no need to be someone else or try doing anything you wouldn't normally do. Just go in as who you are and play as you normally play. After that it's out of your hands

anderbass · #3 11-11-2007, 09:26 PM

Good advice...

Just practice to their recordings, act confident and jump right into your audition to see if you guys all sound good together (and sometimes more importantly) can stand hanging out together for long hours or not.

I'd suggest playing simple and tasteful bass lines that are played very well instead of trying to show off many of your fast runs or flash unless that style is truly appropriate for their tunes.

Start out with the mindset of just supporting the songs and really listening to what the drummer, rhythm-instruments and the vocals are doing. (what you play must somehow complement what they've already got going)

Most of the bands I've played in have had one person that definitely has the best timing, (it isn't always the drummer or myself) so pay particular attention to this persons playing and what he does...

If you don't get this gig, you may find that you like the 3rd or even the 10th band you try out with much better, so just keep at it till you find the right fit.

If your not doing it already, try practicing along to recordings of other bands to help get your mind out of being a bedroom-bassist and more into band mode.

Good luck...

IanStephenson · #4 11-12-2007, 03:55 AM

THEY ASKED YOU.

Presuming you've been honest and open about your abilities, then you've got nothing to loose. If you don't measure up, then there's nothing for anyone to get upset about. It's not as if you've been hassling them for a chance, and telling them how great you are, so there is NOTHING for you to live up to - just go and have a go.

I doubt the bar is that high if they're picking up band members in chat rooms. If band is estabilished, then they can easily recruit replacement members by word of mouth, so I wouldn't read too much into the "album" thing. Sounds like THEY are the ones who might have to live up to their own hype.

Don't try and learn too much material. If they ask you to learn 10 songs, then by all means try, but you'll do better learning 3 and nailing them than bluffing all 10. If you can nail one song you can nail them all given a few weeks warm up. If you play three songs great, and then appologise that, that is all you've had time to learn, they have already decided if they like you or not.

Most auditions are decided by the first chorus of the first song. A lot are decided before you play your first note. Act appropriately (whatever that might be), and you'll get the gig even if your playing isn't as good as someone else - fitting in is more important than playing. You're already chatting to the band, so they like you - the gig is yours to loose now, so you just have to not screw up, and you're in...

Ian

NWF Bassist · #5 11-12-2007, 04:23 AM

wow, lots of good advice, maybe this should be sticky for future reference

Joe Nerve · #6 11-13-2007, 04:35 AM

I'd also tell them the truth and let them know you never played in a band before. My first gigs were gotten because of guys who saw potential in me. It's better IMO to let them know the deal than to try and act as though you're something you're not.

If you do that, learn whatever you have to learn so that you can play it through in your sleep without a single mistake at least 3 times then I think you'll be fine.

If they don't use you it means your not supposed to be playing with them anyhow. Nothing lost, something gained - you got past your first audition and learned some new stuff on bass. It's always good to remember that they're on your side too. They don't want you to suck, they want you to kick ass. Good luck.

nefarious · #7 11-13-2007, 01:11 PM

well I did the tryout last night. and it went pretty well. they said my playing technique is good and, that they would like to give me a shot.so I am pretty happy because these guys are killer musicians.so thanks for all of your advice guys it all went pretty well

anderbass · #8 11-13-2007, 03:02 PM

congrats... good job nefarious !