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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...

I saw the show in Boulder last night, and agree, it was fantastic. Packed house and the crowd was really into it. Supposedly, the drummer was under the weather. But if that's how he plays when sick, I can't imagine how he'd be healthy, because hecwas amazing. My only complaint: the crowd took...

An alternate suggestion to playing with a metronome: play with a drum loop or machine. My practice amp has a few beats built in and I have more on a free iPhone app - nothing fancy. And, like a metronome, it can help you learn to control your speed and rhythm, but it's way more fun. Also, I...

The One Least in Love - Jason Ricci

Do it, I did. I'll just add a couple of other tips: 1) You can steal practice moments that might not seem like practice, but will really help. For example, during your commute, listen to music, tune your ear to the bass, and tap out the rhythm on your steering wheel. Play with your drummer...

Hi. I haven't played double bass since I was a kid, but I played in the continuo ensemble (baroque harp) for quite awhile in a baroque opera company. We didn't use double bass, but the gambists and cellists did definitely realize the figures somewhat. Obviously, more when they were the only...

Sliced Bread

Thanks! And every bass player should get a chance to hear a little theorbo. its the instrument that made me fall in love with the low end.

A different kind of save the day, with minimal bass content: At one point, I played harp with a baroque opera company. I was the weak link, learning on the job with a bunch of great people who, unlike me, were all trained musicians. I was one of the "continuo" players, ie, we improvised our...

Though some of the responses may fit the "shove it in your face" idea, that wasn't what the OP was asking for, if I read her right. Though, by far, most band names are gender neutral, there certainly are, and always have been, a lot of bands that strongly imply that the members are men. Just a...

Artemis

1: Shedim (which is a Hebrew word for demons) 2. Evolution of the Vertebrates 3: Wisconsin Department of Revenue I have to say, all three are better than any band name I ever made up on my own.

I think the point is that there is no such rule. So called split infinitives have been used throughout the history of English by literate writers and speakers. It shows up as a "rule" in books of rules, without any evidence. That is, most people who have studied the issue have found that most...

I say, try it. It may be hard, but so is being in separate bands, which I assume is the alternative, since you're both musicians. Then you hardly get to see each other.

OP, this just one person's opinion, but as it might correspond to other potential fans, here it is: I hate it when bands try to go vintage in their look to match their music. Worst is when classical groups but on period costumes, but same applies for me with classic rock, blues bands, punk...

If the drummer is asking you to rehearse with a metronome, it's because the beat is wandering too much, in his opinion. So it all boils down to whether his opinion is reasonable, or whether he's too anal. So just check it out by listening back to your rehearsals and discussing it as a band. I...

the Doors

Yeah, it's OK. Actually the theory side is kind of interesting, although I don't understand it all. It's the shopping side that I have little patience for - almost wish there were fewer choices. But I've got some good ideas and am allowing myself a budget of about $1000 for the whole thing...

Thanks. That was very clear and seems to explain some of the effects I was noticing. I appreciate all the good advice. Given that I'm just starting and have no idea what kinds of gigs may or may not be in my future, I'm leaning towards something middle of the pack at this point. I realize...

Thanks for all the input, this is giving me lots to think about. I can see I've got to go with more cabinet than I thought, just don't know if I want to get something kind of big to begin with, or maybe do add-ons, so that I've got something small and easy for when that's enough (eg...

I'm getting ready to get my first giggable rig, and I'd like anyone willing to let me know if my thinking makes since. So far, I've been playing with a small practice combo amp at home and with my guitarist's bass rig at rehearsals and at our only gig so far. I like the tone and...

I saw a gig in which George Porter Jr. sat on stool for the 3 sets. It was all rock and funk and he had no trouble entertaining. His attitude was cool and in the background, so that might count as no stage presence, but what hit your ear sure showed where the energy was at.

Unusual request, but since I actually have what I consider a great method, I'll tell you: comb your bangs (or the hair you want to become your bangs) together so that you can pinch it all between the thumb and index finger of one hand. Twist this pinch around a few times and then snip off the...

Not silly - as you've seen, there's tons of threads talking about all of those topics, only, since the population here is largely male, that's the perspective you get. I looked through several pages of huge thread on "what's your stage look", to get ideas. It was fun thread to read, but since I...

He's touring this summer with the Rhythm Devils. Also along is one of my favorite guitarists, Davy Knowles. Can't wait to hear it.