Recent content by Rebecca

Okay, on the topic of public misconceptions about big instruments in their bags (this even marginally involves an elevator): A number of years ago, I was playing a small promo spot for a gig on the morning NPR show in St. Paul. This was with an opera company for which I played baroque harp -...

I agree with those who say anyone can learn to do it, but whether it's easier young or older can depend, IMO, on how natural a skill it is for you. If you don't have a natural talent for it, you might find that time and knowledge makes it easier for you now than when you were young. Case in...

Can't imagine a legit reason, but there could be one twit trying to get him replaced by telling the rest of the band he wasn't available, and the rest of the band clueless about the deception. Not likely, but finding out can't hurt.

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I'm pretty new, too, and also on the road to playing out. My advice: 1) Have chord charts be your main entrance into a song - that'll pretty much solve your "getting lost in the song" problem and helps you do one of the main bass jobs, which is mark the chord changes. 2) Learn how to make...

Do you have any examples of the more laid back style of drumming you'd like to incorporate? Since he's a fast learner, give him some stuff to listen to. At 17, he may not have been exposed much to some styles, but could get there pretty quick with a good listening regimine.

Just saw it, very cool!

I understand that on an emotional level, but on a practical level, the way it worked out is much better. You say these are good musicians (I think you said that?). It's likely they have other musical interests and some of them may have more interesting side projects at some point. You didn't...

A couple of considerations: 1) Do you like the sound of this cover band? If so, you might learn to enjoy playing their set. if not, probably the fun of playing out won't override the dislike of playing coeds. 2) Is the pop rock you like compatible with the sound of the cover band? If so...

<blockquote>once I get the song sorted out and memorized</blockquote> I used to have horrible stage fright in other contexts, but when I picked up bass last year, I found that it largely went away. In trying to figure out why, I realized it was mostly because, unlike with art music, I wasn't...

Beautiful bass! I love that color.

Although I mostly agree with the comments here, and certainly applaud the OP for reaching out a friendly hand, one other little perspective: Some people don't deal well with surprises. OP knew the guy was playing, thought in advance what he would or would not do or say, talked it over here, and...

1.75 years

Maybe your guitarist just likes the idea of being in a younger band. It's not logical, but some people are like that. Even here, older players will sometimes post about being in a younger band as a point of pride. You see cl ads where people ask for an age range. Your lead guitar is the oldest...

I was in the exact same place as you a year ago. Here's what I did: 1. To learn how to write basslines: I was really bad at figuring out the whole progression unless it was really easy, so I usually googled up chord charts. Then, I'd play along, not trying to hit just what the recorded bass...