Auditions

[Sarge79]

Hi all,

I never successfully auditioned for a band before. I currently play in my church's praise team, but I didn't have to audition to join. I unsuccessfully auditioned for a band when I was ultra new to bass about 30 years ago, but bombed due to not knowing crap about anything. Since then I've learned a lot songs and tuned my ear well enough to pick out the bass lines and know what notes are being played, but I have never taken time to learn to read notes, memorize all the scales, and the like.

Basically my question is, what are the paces you've been put through when applying/auditioning for a band as a bass player? Do people expect you to know all your scales, know triads, be able to read notes, or are most bands more interested if you can pick up and play songs to cover easily, and are generally more content with that?

I'm asking because I have been pondering on trying out for a rock/pop band vice playing in my church band. I am interested in what your experiences have been; whether, trying out for a band yourself, or putting other musicians through auditions to join your band. - THX!

 

[ArtechnikA]

For a typical cover band, you'll get a song list.
No one has ever wanted me to play a scale.
Know the rhythms, know the changes, and you're 95 per cent there.
The other 95 per cent is 'don't be a jerk.'

 

[StyleOverShow]

Relax Sarge! It’s not a music exam. Mostly it’s about how you fit in musically (don’t over play) and what it would be like to hang with you (be friendly). Too nervous is a red flag too. So relax, come prepared, be on time and enjoy it. You’ll do fine

 

[LiptonJigglers]

When enquiring or applying for the position, ask for a song list.
Usually, IMO, all that's required is to know about 5 songs, that they will highlight for you..
If you do the homework and can get 10 songs under your belt, you're foot is already in the door.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

What are bands looking for? tough questions.
1. Ask for a song list and what key they are played in. Play the correct notes, not over play, really close to the original if a cover band.
2. Timing, work with the drummer, watch his kick. He may not play like the original.
3. Able to play without music, quick to learn/play new stuff. Someone makes a request, you gotta be able to play it. Able to play by ear or feeling. I watch the guitarist, play what ever chord he is playing. (root note).
4. Nice if you can read a little music, or at least know notes on the neck. music sometimes has the chords written across above the words, be able to understand that.
5. Be calm, get into it a little. ***DON'T dance all over the stage !!!
Its not a test, just seeing if you can groove with the band and play the right notes!

 

[Bassngtr]

I don't have a ton of audition experience, but I'll chime in for what I would want to be prepared for (after almost 30 yrs of playing in several bands, including a 10+ year church gig). And as a hiring manager for many years...

Know the fretboard shapes for major and minor chords; IMO this will take you a long way with songs you are unfamiliar, with or hearing for the first time. At this point you probably have some "moves" in your arsenal - things/fills that almost always work or sound good. Use them. If you make a mistake (you will) laugh it off.

It's best if they give you a list of songs to learn/audition with. Know these well. But it won't be limited to these songs. If they want to play something with you that you've never played, or heard, just do it and see how it goes. I would want to see how a player can think on their feet, even if I expect them to fail. It's not the end result that matters to me, it's your approach to a tough situation that matters IMO.

A huge part of the audition is (or should be) chemistry with the other folks. Discussion about likes in genre, tone, artists etc. will help determine if this is a fit.

Remember you are auditioning THEM as well. It will either be a fit or it won't. Either way you come out ahead, with more experience.

When I auditioned with my church band, they handed me 19 songs to try briefly that night. I had only ever heard one of them, but never played it. The others were 100% new to my ears. I fumbled, tried, and failed. I walked out thinking "well, that's the end of that...". But it wasn't the end. They added me, and I spent the next 3 weeks learning those 19 songs cold. Then I started playing with them...every week 5 new songs. These guys are now my lifelong friends and brothers, and we are in multiple bands together. So you never know.

God luck - let us know how it goes!

 

[Bassngtr]

The other 95 per cent...'

Well played sir.

 

[Deleted member 394181]

I have for several. The one I didn't get into was completely my fault. I knew the songs, I got real nervous(which is not like me), started sweating profusely, and my back up vocals, well just bad. I'm usually ok at back ups too. Finally, I couldn't figure out a new multi effect pedal I had. The band was a good bunch of guys, but they never called.....obviously. So Sarge, just as important as playing are a lot of other stuff. Learn from my mistake.

 

[Marko 1]

An interesting thread on the subject.
Audition woes - is is just me? Share the reasons you didn't get the gig

 

[mrcbass]

Definitely don't worry about having to prove knowledge of scales and such. I've played with folks who couldn't tell the difference between a scale and a doorknob.

As has been mentioned, nearly all of my auditions are some variations of "prepare these songs". Sometimes they provide a big list and ask you to choose which handful to prepare. While I will focus on specified songs, I try to prepare as much of their playlist as I can - that's just my MO.

Try to find out if their philosophy is to try to cover songs note for note, or to just play recognizable versions of them. Then prepare the best you can. Always remember that you are auditioning them too. Have your stuff prepared and go in with an attitude of confidence (but not arrogance) and have fun. Never take unknown gear to an audition (or gig for that matter).

If it works out great, if not, you met some new people, learned a few new songs and hopefully something about yourself. I know auditions can feel like they're really important, but it's just a jam, that may lead to more jams and then maybe some paid work.

 

[hrodbert696]

For a typical cover band playing in bars, no one is going to give you a music test. They just want to know 1) if you can play the songs and 2) if you'll get along with the rest of the band well enough. Typically we would ask a new person to play three or four songs with us, then we might jam around a bit just to get a feel for what they know and what they're like playing otherwise, and talk about their background, their goals, OUR background and goals and how the band works overall. If the band wants to gig as much as they possibly can and you only want to gig once or twice a month, or if you're all about sex, drugs, and rock and roll but they have a clean-living style, things like that can be a mismatch.

 

[SoCal80s]

It depends on the type of band. Typical rock cover band will send you a list of songs and you have to learn them. But a big band or jazz band may want you to sight read a chart. An originals band might send you a recording of the guitar and vocals and ask you to create a bass part. Ask them when you sign up for the auditions.

 

[Egg250]

- Learn the material
- Roll with the changes, be flexible
- You'll make mistakes (probably), play through them
- be personable

 

[Bunk McNulty]

When enquiring or applying for the position, ask for a song list.
Usually, IMO, all that's required is to know about 5 songs, that they will highlight for you..
If you do the homework and can get 10 songs under your belt, you're foot is already in the door.

When I auditioned with my current band--been with them nearly 8 years now--they asked me to learn five songs. I walked in--5 minutes early--played the five songs, and they offered me the gig on the spot. I told them I needed to sleep on it. It just looked too easy. They were nice people and they already had gigs booked! Next morning I called and accepted. A month later I found out they had auditioned 24 bassists before me. None of them had prepared the requested songs. They'd even made up code words to use with each other. Something like "I hear it's going to rain tomorrow" which meant "Get this loser out the door." The moral of the story? Pretty obvious!

PS: Being on time and being pleasant with people also goes a long way.
Another audition experience: R&B/Blues band audition. They liked me fine, but didn't take me. The keyboard player stopped by the place I was working my day job, and said "We liked you, but this other guy we know well came in. He knew our whole book, every bit of it." I thought that was pretty classy, and in fact I had to agree with him. Five months later they asked me to audition again. I played four songs and the BL shouted "You're in!" Eventually I asked what happened with the other guy. BL's response: "Too high maintenance." Again, being prepared, on time, and pleasant paid a dividend.

Best of luck, whatever you do!

 

[KenD]

In a rock/pop band: ear training, rhythm/feel, able to interpret a chord chart, cooperative "let's nail this" attitude.

 

[BCRich100]

When I tried out for the Metallica tribute I’m in now it went similar to what’s been mentioned so far. They gave me a list of 7 songs and said learn the first 5, do the other 2 if you have time. I learned all 7 and we ended up playing 8 songs at the first audition. They threw one at me just to see how it would go, but zero pressure like some other guys mentioned. They said come back next week and have these other 5 songs ready to go. I went back next week with the 5 new ones plus the one they threw at me. We jammed 11 songs, then we sat down and had a beer to talk it over. They offered me the position on the spot and I took it.

I knew the band well previously to this and had jammed with them on guitar at a few gigs so they knew me well too. They told me they were trying out 4-5 other bass players the week in between my auditions. After I took the spot they told me they did that just to put pressure on me, but I was the only one they had lined up since they knew I could play guitar. They just wanted to see how I played bass and how quickly I could learn new songs. That was almost 2 years ago and it’s been a blast ever since!

 

[Five or Six]

In all my years of playing I was involved in one audition. Knew roughly 80% of what they did and all went well. Well, hm, the drummer was terrible but, I hung in a full evening. Played roughly 25 songs, several of which I did lead vocals on. When they said they had heard enough, we stopped. They wanted me to join on the spot. I thanked everyone for the opportunity and the invite.

I told them that I needed a day to digest what had taken place and got a phone number. Everything was fine except the drummer as I said, he sucked. I basically played off the guitar players. I knew going home it was a no go. I called the next day and declined. While doing so, the guitar player I was talking with asked me why I declined? I didn't beat around the bush and told him. He got kinda snippy and said: "we don't think so". I thanked him again and hung up. Never heard from them again, never saw them out.

During the audition: I was early for the audition.
Came prepared.
Was dressed decent.
Didn't drink or smoke prior to the audition.
Met members and asked what they were looking for before a note was struck?
They ran the audition not me.
Played my best even though the drummer sucked. (Never challenged the drummer)
Was myself, and not a smart ass. ( I can be one if I want)
Thanked everyone before I left, and opted to think about their offer before making a decision.

That's it for my personal one and only audition. I have auditioned guitar players. Gave them 2 weeks and 5 songs to be ready to play. 95% couldn't play 2 of the requirement stating they didn't have time to prepare. Ya, I want you, NOT! The other 5% smelled like and played like they lived in a beer bottle. One guy even brought in a cooler and smoked pot on a break. I've grown to dislike auditions. Especially if someone is answering a CL ad. Anybody that has gone through that knows what I'm talking about. My drummer put one up without asking. He sat crooked for a while.

 

[Pings Bass]

Seems like most pop/rock cover acts are by ear and you're lucky to get a book of any kind beyond a YouTube playlist.

If you know a lot of songs in the genre and you're good at sounding out new stuff, you're probably fine.

Personally I prefer an actual book with lead sheets at least, and even better if they have signature parts fully notated. I've gotten pretty good at sounding things out, but it's a time saver for me if somebody else has already done that and written it down.

All of the church stuff I've done has been fully notated, which saves me a huge amount of time learning crappy pop songs.

 

[Sarge79]

In all my years of playing I was involved in one audition. Knew roughly 80% of what they did and all went well. Well, hm, the drummer was terrible but, I hung in a full evening. Played roughly 25 songs, several of which I did lead vocals on. When they said they had heard enough, we stopped. They wanted me to join on the spot. I thanked everyone for the opportunity and the invite.

I told them that I needed a day to digest what had taken place and got a phone number. Everything was fine except the drummer as I said, he sucked. I basically played off the guitar players. I knew going home it was a no go. I called the next day and declined. While doing so, the guitar player I was talking with asked me why I declined? I didn't beat around the bush and told him. He got kinda snippy and said: "we don't think so". I thanked him again and hung up. Never heard from them again, never saw them out.

During the audition: I was early for the audition.
Came prepared.
Was dressed decent.
Didn't drink or smoke prior to the audition.
Met members and asked what they were looking for before a note was struck?
They ran the audition not me.
Played my best even though the drummer sucked. (Never challenged the drummer)
Was myself, and not a smart ass. ( I can be one if I want)
Thanked everyone before I left, and opted to think about their offer before making a decision.

That's it for my personal one and only audition. I have auditioned guitar players. Gave them 2 weeks and 5 songs to be ready to play. 95% couldn't play 2 of the requirement stating they didn't have time to prepare. Ya, I want you, NOT! The other 5% smelled like and played like they lived in a beer bottle. One guy even brought in a cooler and smoked pot on a break. I've grown to dislike auditions. Especially if someone is answering a CL ad. Anybody that has gone through that knows what I'm talking about. My drummer put one up without asking. He sat crooked for a while.

Brought the booze and the weed to the audition? Jeesh.

 

[sean_on_bass]

If its a cover band, you really just have to know how to play the songs. Not to say knowing scales or how to read is not extremely useful, but you don't need it to make it in a band bare minimum. Find players with the same mindset and you wont have a problem. But go ahead and learn those scales/chords/keys, because it will make you much more capable.