Does anybody else have a problem like this?

[majorrager]

Ive noticed that in my band, I seem to be the only one who pays attention to anybody other than himself. Because of this, I am the only one who ever has criticisms, but they are always made greater good of the band. I seem to make the other guys annoyed with/mad at me often, but it seems that everyone else it too wrapped up in their own playing to notice anything anyone else does.

Does anyone else have similar problems like this and/or solutions to not making myself seem like a nazi while still trying to make the band sound good?

 

[ric stave]

There's nothing wrong with you or what you do - as you play with more people, you'll start to appreciate when you get other players who actually listen to everything going on around them.

It's a real pet peeve of mine to try to lock in with a drummer and get an accent happening, and he's not listening, or a guitarist who doesn't listen to where someone else is taking the song/solo/whatever, and keeps playing in his own world.

I've been blessed to find over the years a bunch of guys who are all 'real' musicians, and actually clean the damn potatoes out of their ears and cue off of everyone else. I've played shows with these guys and there have been what could've been train-wreck blunders, but due to quick thinking and silent cues and everyone paying attention most have turned into a fun tangent or segue into another song.

Keep listening, and point out things you hear - if they don't come out of their shells, you'll eventually find people who do.

 

[JustDavid]

From the tone of your post I'd guess you phrase your criticisms constructively.

I agree with Ric. Not all musicians are like that. It will get better with time.

 

[Stumbo]

Record your rehearsals/gigs so you have a reference for your "suggestions", as I call them. And phrase them as such: "Based on the recording, I suggest we.....", or "Compared to the original recording we're playing too fast so I suggest that.....", etc.

I find that it helps a lot to have a basis for your "opinions, suggestions, etc" other than "I believe that we should...." or "I feel that we should....." or "It's my opinion that ....." whether in your band life or non-band life.

Beliefs are acting if something is true whether it is or not. Feelings have to do with being sad, angry, happy, etc.

Also, getting some agreement as to what your goals are as a band is another way to shape behaviors in the future. If a behavior or idea isn't getting you closer to your goals, then drop it. This also is helpful in your non-band life as well. Also, if someone comes up with an idea or thought, the easiest way to figure out if it works is to try it.

If it keeps being a struggle to move forward toward your goals or the band's goals or any goal, for that matter, you may need to consider changing your situation.

 

[David Jayne]

This is why there are so many bassist/producers. Bass isn't an 'ego' instrument, it's a 'musical' instrument. Good for you, keep it up, it will pay off for you eventually.

 

[Korladis]

Get a better band. You seem to be the only musician in your current one who cares about the music as a whole, rather than just their own part in it.

 

[majorrager]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, they are really helpful. I am just in high school now, with one year left, and these guys are really the only somewhat talented ones in the school, though none of them are "real" musicians. Hopefully more opportunities will come up in college, I will be going into the music education dept, so im sure some good people will come up there

 

[Steve]

I seem to be the only one who pays attention to anybody other than himself.

Yep. There's a lot of that going around.

The ability to "listen" is one of the defining lines between an amature and professional.

IMHO YMMV

 

[Mo'Phat]

If you're the only one doing the criticizing, even if it's constructive, the others will get ticked off. You're turning into a nag. They have mom's for that.

The way to overcome that is to get what your doing out on the table so they can air their frustrations as well. Tell them that you will call out when the band is doing something wrong because you're so passionate about getting it right and putting out great music. Then, they can't be pissed at you for knocking them. You're trying to help the music, but it seems like it's coming across as you slamming them. They're taking it personally, and you need to keep it businesslike.

 

[Mo'Phat]

Also, say 'we' alot. We aren't tight in that bridge leading to the 2nd chorus. We are really speeding up near the end. We look like utter douchebags in these pink leotards and green crocs.

Even if YOU are tight, on tempo, and look dead sexy at all times, phrasing everything as 'we' eliminates the finger pointing and accusatory critiques.

 

[71jazzbass]

plus one million on the recording suggestion.

I had a similar proplem with a drummer and guitarist that I play with, and myself for that matter.

We began to record our practice sessions and then listen to the recordings together.

It has made a world of difference in helping ALL of us become better MUSICIANS, and you will be surprised to find out how much material will no longer need to be commented on, they will hear it themselves.

 

[Rugaar]

Here's a great book. Buy it, read it and have your bandmates read it. It gets into the aspects that each individual instrument needs to work on PLUS it talks a lot about working together as a band to make the whole greater than the sum of the parts. In our band we jokingly refer to it as "the bible."

How To Make Your Band Sound Great

 

[MatticusMania]

No, Im pretty sure youre the only one experiencing that particular problem.

 

[Jazz Ad]

It's the bass player's natural role to listen to others and make sure everything blends just fine, with proper help from the bass if needed.
Now, other players should listen too instead of staying in a corner.

 

[strummer21]

+1 to recording your practices/rehearsals. Even if it is just a camcorder set up in the corner, it is enough to show how they REALLY sound as opposed to their memory of how they sound.

 

[mrpackerguy]

In my band we are openly critical of one another, frequently and openly. Works for us.