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Advice needed

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous [BG]' started by Ely, Oct 10, 2001.

  1. Oct 10, 2001 #1
    Ely

    Ely

    Jun 8, 2001
    Huntsville, AL
    Ok here's the deal:
    -I'm the only devoted/talented bassist at my school
    -My best friend at school is the most talented/most devoted guitarist at my school
    -He's going to audition to join the most talented/devoted drummer's band this weekend, replacing their old, non-devoted, untalented lead guitarist
    -While he's there he's gonna recommend me to be the band's bassist

    The band is a Hard Rock/Metal originals band, and if I audition for it it'll be my first real band AND my first time playing with anyone besides jamming with my guitarist friend
    The problems:
    -I have a really lousy practice bass and I don't have an amp of my own, while the drummer has a professional full electric drum set, and my guitarist friend has a really nice Fender Ultimate Chorus (it gets great distortion) and is getting a 1960's Gibson SG-Standard in perfect condition (unused since the 60's) for FREE from his uncle in Arizona
    -I don't really know how to make up bass parts besides root, fifth, etc
    -I don't know any bass parts to any metal or hard rock songs to play along with, I don't ever play anything but scales usually
    -I don't know if I'll have to impress them with my mad skills or just show up and jam

    So what should I do?
    Any reccommendations on how learn to jam with these guys? Anything you could recommend to show me how to construct a bassline by ear? I really need some help, cuz if I don't get into this band then I'm pretty much screwed until my lazy friends decide to actually LEARN their instruments :rolleyes:
     
  2. Oct 10, 2001 #2
    Brendan

    Brendan

    Jun 18, 2000
    Portland, OR
    I'm pretty sure it's reccomended to go ahead and play with better musicians. Something about forcing you to get better so you can keep up with them. There's some lengthy expositions on that somewhere, but unfortunatly, I'm not in possession of any of them.

    I wouldn't worry to much about blowing them away with any sort of chops. I'd just show up and jam. Admittedly, it's sometimes pretty hard to jam when you're outclassed.
    I also wouldn't worry about the quality of your bass. If you can play the darned thing, you're doing a heck of a lot better than some.

    Just show up and rock it with them. If you're losing pace or you place, follow the most immiediatly recognizable pattern, be it drums or guitar. They weren't good at some points in their life, they should understand. What I would concentrate on would be impressing upon them the fact that you are dedicated, and willing to learn to get better. I know that would impress me.

    Or, just follow the time honored tradition of musicians everywhere, and FAKE IT! ;):D
     
  3. Oct 10, 2001 #3
    merlin

    merlin

    Apr 15, 2000
    Adelaide, South Australia
    I still fake it and we have a gig on saturday! lol.

    I have never auditioned for something, but the guitaristi chose is far better by means of experience etc, it has forced me to improve. I had to put aside any pride and ask for help which he gave. Everynow and again he'll come round for like 3 or 4 hours to give me a glorified lesson.

    When we were auditioning people for my band a couple of the guys did look for equipment and talent etc, but as it rested on my decision (or it held alot of weight) i looked for personality. Its easy to acquire gear, its easy to learn things if u have the right attitude. That and communication skills. we let one guy go because he was far too quiet, every idea we threw down was met with a shrug and "whatever u guys want" sort of answer.

    The guys we have now all give their input, but respect each others opinion. I could sense that with my drummer, he was quiet too, but he could play, had good improv and still gave his opinion, not as much as he does now, but we just gelled together well, and thats the key. You can tell if someone is right for the spot within the first 5 minutes.

    Merls
     
  4. Oct 10, 2001 #4
    Brendan

    Brendan

    Jun 18, 2000
    Portland, OR
    I'm a firm believer in that as well.
     
  5. Oct 10, 2001 #5
    Dave Castelo

    Dave Castelo

    Apr 19, 2000
    This goes to Misc. you will get a lot more feedback there :)