Beginner going to an open-mic - advice?

[ArtechnikA]

To clarify, it's a jam. Going up to play by my lonesome would probably fall more under the category of standup comedy than music.

I did an actual open mike recently and played my one melodic solo bass piece. Not especially inspired, but people acted gracious enough. Mostly it was a test of the room and the PA - and to meet other local musicians.

I am going to head over on Tuesday to get a sense of what they're playing and talk to the leader to see what's what.

What part of the world are you in?
There's a weekly Tuesday open mike/jam near me as well.
I went once to scope the scene and get a sense of what I'd need to work on. There's promise.
I'll be back.
Although 9pm->1am open mikes are not fully compatible with a dayjob that has me getting up at 5...

 

[talentless_hack]

What part of the world are you in?
There's a weekly Tuesday open mike/jam near me as well.
I went once to scope the scene and get a sense of what I'd need to work on. There's promise.
I'll be back.
Although 9pm->1am open mikes are not fully compatible with a dayjob that has me getting up at 5...

I'm in British Columbia, out in Surrey at the moment. The open mic is at a pub a few blocks from my place.

 

[ArtechnikA]

Allrighty then - I was going to offer to buy you a beer if you were in the Phillyburbs...
I'll still offer, if you're ever in this part of the world...
Been to BC a couple of times - beautiful country up there. Vacationed a week in Whistler...

 

[hrodbert696]

Good idea to visit the open mic sans bass first, chat with people and check out what kinds of stuff they play. Learn some of those standards everyone plays. Get good and familiar with 12-bar blues and then play a couple of those with the folk there. Have fun and don't sweat it - my experience at open mics is that people are usually really friendly and supportive of the new guy.

 

[OldDirtyBassist]

If it's a friendly atmosphere, let them know you have a bass and you want to play. I tell you though, open mic blues jams are generally full of very bitter musicians.

Don't take your good bass, either.

 

[IGotGas]

Lots of great advice here! The only thing I might add is that when you DO mess up...and you will... DO NOT STOP PLAYING!! Hard to do when you're just starting out. And all the advice given about buddying up with the drummer is solid.

Everyone handles nerves differently. You'll learn quite a bit about yourself and others. One quality I've developed through the years filling in with very major bands is to smile and appear to have nerves of steel. When I'm calm and keeping the bottom and the beat nailed down...everyone else seems to chill and the possibility for good music to happen...happens.

Also, a little equipment/weird part of the song reminder/whatever else checklist can be a big help.

 

[Old man]

Quit all your thinking and go do it. Then do it again and again. Eventually it will be comfortable and you will be fine. It also occurs to me that "Talentless hack" May be a less than descriptive claim.

 

[VSUBass]

Lots of great advice here! The only thing I might add is that when you DO mess up...and you will... DO NOT STOP PLAYING!!

I was always told "If you make a mistake REPEAT IT--that way they'll think you meant to do it!"

 

[IGotGas]

I was always told "If you make a mistake REPEAT IT--that way they'll think you meant to do it!"

"Tasts like chicken...sounds like Jazz!!"

 

[James Halstead]

See what material the House Band knows, and learn two or three of the songs you like the most. One of the best things you can do is to learn to play the 12 bar blues (with some of the variations) in all keys (or at least E, A, D, G if it's a guitar band and F, Bb, Eb, and Ab if it's a horn band). Knowing the 12 bar blues (aka I, IV, V) will allow you to play with ANYONE, and you can jam on that progression in any style (it's a 12 bar BLUES in name only). Make sure you REALLY key in on the drummer…you need to be tight with him/her while you are playing. He's the one who will be most critical of your playing if you aren't paying attention to your timing. Just go for it. If the band sees that you are trying and are sincere, they should be very supportive.

 

[Akami]

To clarify, it's a jam.

I am going to head over on Tuesday to get a sense of what they're playing and talk to the leader to see what's what.

You've got one natural advantage over someone who's never played an instrument before and your ability as a guitarist at least sets you in place for paying attention to what the other guys are doing and tempo etc.

Playing bass as a pro is a much tougher bill to fill than playing bass behind a few others so that things sound 'musical' and together.

If you're an accomplished singer who has a good sense of harmony as well, and has paid attention to what constitutes a good sounding bass part, you'll be able to fall back into yourself and just try to bring that up, especially if you have a good sense of placing 'togetherness of sound' as the most important thing.

Have fun too!