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Asked to step in as Bass Player

Angelsbass

Angelsbass

Feb 10, 2011
65
1
#1
Advice please? :help:

I play percussion in a cover band now and I'm a student bass player still working in progress. I've been asked to step up and play bass for the band. The bass player now is getting tired of gigging and doesn't seem motivated anymore. So the leader asked if I would want to step in his place. I have been playing congas, timbales, drums for over 20 years but bass is something Ive only been at it for a couple years. I know that it wil only make me a better player and I will only learn more but I lack the confidence to tackle this.

My question to my TB friends is should I just tackle it and learn from error & trial? or should I stick to my percussion and continue learning from home and play out when I feel ready?

You're feedback is greatly appreciated :confused:
 
#2
I'd say go for it, there's nothing like learning by playing w/others, esp in a band situation. Much faster learning rate than staying at home and practicing by yourself, though you should still do that anyway. Start simply and play basic lines, keep things steady (you're a percussionist so that helps tremendously) and you'll be fine.

Do look into a giggable amp, though, maybe borrow the other bassist's or ? if you don't have one already.
 
#5
quote: there's nothing like learning by playing w/others, esp in a band situation. Much faster learning rate than staying at home and practicing by yourself, though you should still do that anyway.

I agree 100%. I've been looking for a band to jam with for a little while now. Haven't had much luck, until now. Its alot of material but I do now all of it and hopefully that will help alot. I have a Fender Jazz USA with a GK 1001rb II and Eden 410 & 115. I just never had the oportunity to really play my gear in a band situation until now! lol
 
#6
Are they going to add a percussionist to replace you?

What if the group decides to replace you as a bass player?

Do you want to change career direction? Are you ready to put in a lot of personal practice time to get up to speed? Do you have the time?

Are you ready to feel pressure on stage to perform? Can you play the lines that the current bass player is playing. Will it take the fun out of being in the band?

What if you decide you don't want to play bass later on?

Has the group looked for another bass player?

Just sayin'...
 
#8
Stumbo said:
Are they going to add a percussionist to replace you?

What if the group decides to replace you as a bass player?

Do you want to change career direction? Are you ready to put in a lot of personal practice time to get up to speed? Do you have the time?

Are you ready to feel pressure on stage to perform? Can you play the lines that the current bass player is playing. Will it take the fun out of being in the band?

What if you decide you don't want to play bass later on?

Has the group looked for another bass player?

Just sayin'...
Click to expand...


WOW! I haven't gave it that much thought. I know they will probably not replace me as a percussionist unless I bring someone in. As far as knowing all the bass lines, that is a no. I do have alot to learn but I have time. The BL just wants to know if I will do it and if so to start getting ready. As far as pressure it goes along with gigs. I do this as a hobby, I have a full time job so when I can pick up gigs I do. But playing bass is something I've been wanting for a long time. Good questions...
 
#9
Absolutely do it. Don't think you need to add frills and impress other bassists with clever basslines. If you can keep the rhythm and hit the root on the chord changes, you're ready to get out there and fly.

Afterwards, you will feel like you messed up a bunch. Everyone around will tell you that you did fine and they will mean it.
 
#10
I have been in the same exact position, before.
I was worried about it too. But I did It. And would say for you to tryst your gut. And do it.
You can only gain from this experience. And if they will give you time to get things down. Well, really. You will get to learn to play with a new drummer, I'm assuming. So while the drummer is learning the material. You will be able to learn as he is.
Plus you already know the drum parts?
So, do it. Going from drums to bass is not as bad as it seems. It will all fall in place.

Good luck. Trust your gut. Sounds Like You already know what your gonna do. ?
You'll never regret it. Learning a new instrument That is. Makes you more valuable and wanted or needed.
Do it?!
Tell us what you decide. And how It goes
 
#13
SUPERMAG said:
I have been in the same exact position, before.
I was worried about it too. But I did It. And would say for you to tryst your gut. And do it.
You can only gain from this experience. And if they will give you time to get things down. Well, really. You will get to learn to play with a new drummer, I'm assuming. So while the drummer is learning the material. You will be able to learn as he is.
Plus you already know the drum parts?
So, do it. Going from drums to bass is not as bad as it seems. It will all fall in place.

Good luck. Trust your gut. Sounds Like You already know what your gonna do. ?
You'll never regret it. Learning a new instrument That is. Makes you more valuable and wanted or needed.
Do it?!
Tell us what you decide. And how It goes
Click to expand...


Supermag...

thanks for the push! thats what I need to hear!
 
#15
mrtanner42 said:
Absolutely do it. Don't think you need to add frills and impress other bassists with clever basslines. If you can keep the rhythm and hit the root on the chord changes, you're ready to get out there and fly.

Afterwards, you will feel like you messed up a bunch. Everyone around will tell you that you did fine and they will mean it.
Click to expand...

Mrtanner

I agree 100% on you're reply. thanks for the enthusiasm. I will surely try and fly, I just hope I don't crash! haha

thank ya
 
#17
Maybe the current bass player can give you lessons?

I also suggest getting a good portable recorder and recording your current bass player at rehearsal and gigs. Maybe his amp has a line out for direct recording or one can be added to his signal chain. Also, video taping him alone for a few gigs would also help you learn the tunes more quickly.

Don't forget to make your own charts ( in an easy-to-read from a stand larger font) and possibly use a music stand for awhile at rehearsal and on stage. As far as complaints about using a music stand on stage, I suggest using a solid black one, keep it a bit low and tilted back rather than upright and in your face. Also, if you wear black clothes on stage, the music stand, IME, doesn't really stand out as much.

In addition, if you haven't read through this thread already, I suggest some study in more detail may give you an "inside" view of what it takes to play bass in a band.

Good luck.
 
#18
Look for open mikes to play at. You will grow very quickly when you are playing with strangers, and have about a minute between songs to figure out what you are going to do. It will help you A LOT in listening to the other musicians, and you will gain a lot of confidence when you are done- even If you suck it up, you will realize that it isn’t the end of the world. Also, when you are sitting around, waiting for your name to be called, you can tune in to what the other bassists are doing. It’s easy to play when you are alone, or with a group of friends in which you can start and stop. Remember, its music, not war, or brain surgery. Have fun, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
 
#19
Pork_Chop said:
Look for open mikes to play at. You will grow very quickly when you are playing with strangers, and have about a minute between songs to figure out what you are going to do. It will help you A LOT in listening to the other musicians, and you will gain a lot of confidence when you are done- even If you suck it up, you will realize that it isn’t the end of the world. Also, when you are sitting around, waiting for your name to be called, you can tune in to what the other bassists are doing. It’s easy to play when you are alone, or with a group of friends in which you can start and stop. Remember, its music, not war, or brain surgery. Have fun, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
Click to expand...


Porkchop

Excellent advice!!! thanks alot
 
#20
Step up and do it. Learning the songs and arrangments you have down to a certain extent because of your involvement in playing with the band. In playing bass you have a certain physical presence to build up with your playing. So long as you band members are cool to allow you to 'develop' your playing you will be surprised at exactly how much you know and how good you are already.:)
 

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