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From Playing with yourself to Playing with Others

#21
Infrasonik B. said:
I know I should just grow a pair and take the plunge but my concern is the miniscule amount of musicians in this city that play the kind of music I’d like to play (Soul/Funk/R&B). If I screw it up with a few of them, I might not have anyone to go to when I come back from the extreme practice period that would ensue.
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Most musicians will give you man-points just for having the balls to show up for the audition. We've all been there, we've all had a first audition, and no one is going to fault you for putting your skills to the test to see what happens.

In the event that you just weren't ready yet and you don't get the slot, it's not like you can't go back to the woodshed and bone up on some more skills and try again some day. You may even get some relevant and helpful suggestions from the musicians you audition with.

And, you just might surprise yourself and the musicians you audition with. After years of playing in my living room, wondering if I was any good, I got hired on my first audition. ;)
 
#22
pandaman37 said:
practice with a metronome. more than anything, id say my problem when i play with other musicians is my timing.
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THIS! Just have your meter cold when you show up. Or cool as you can get it with the time you have. Ask for songs ahead of time and woodshed like a mofo. And go do it, one gig is worth about a month of practice. Playing out with take you to the next level.
 
#24
Infrasonik B. said:
Thanks for all the support and advice, figured I should just go for it.

Any tips on replying to wanted ads? What info do you want/not want to put in your first email?
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Don't talk about your weaknesses, talk about your strengths. What things do you bring to the table that would make you good for the band? And not just musicianship, that's only one facet of being a good bandmate. Talk about your reliability, flexibility, team spirit, character strengths that will make you a good hang as well as a good musician.

You'll be expected to spend many hours in a rehearsal space getting along with and befriending these guys, and then you'll be counted on to deliver the goods when you perform for a room full of strangers. What makes you the right guy? Talk about those things.

It will be revealed soon enough that you're kind of new at this, so don't emphasize it right out of the gate. And as someone mentioned, they may have no problem with a newbie and giving you advice to help you get up to speed.
 
#25
If you've never "played with others" ... not even in a jam band ... you are NOT ready to audition for any band. Furthermore, any band that takes a player who is completely inexperienced has no business doing "auditions" ... who the hell do they think they are?

Get out on the music scene in your area. Check out the open mics, and other venues that host music that you play. Don't think about joining that band that's on stage, rather, make contacts with other newbies in the audience who are in the same boat as you are. Like the old song says, "if you wanna play the blues you gotta pay yer dues, and ya know it don't come easy". Same goes for whatever genre you're into.
 
#26
RustyAxe said:
If you've never "played with others" ... not even in a jam band ... you are NOT ready to audition for any band. Furthermore, any band that takes a player who is completely inexperienced has no business doing "auditions" ... who the hell do they think they are?
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I have to disagree. Both our keys player and our lead guitarist had zero experience playing in bands. Both are excellent players, who along with a little learning, have blossomed under some great direction. Everyone has to start somewhere.
 
#28
RustyAxe said:
If you've never "played with others" ... not even in a jam band ... you are NOT ready to audition for any band. Furthermore, any band that takes a player who is completely inexperienced has no business doing "auditions" ... who the hell do they think they are?

Get out on the music scene in your area. Check out the open mics, and other venues that host music that you play. Don't think about joining that band that's on stage, rather, make contacts with other newbies in the audience who are in the same boat as you are. Like the old song says, "if you wanna play the blues you gotta pay yer dues, and ya know it don't come easy". Same goes for whatever genre you're into.
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Are you trolling? I didn't think you had to pass an exam or something to try out new players before offering them a gig.
 
#29
Been there, that's all. Some band looks for a member on CL, show up for the "audition" and it's three guys who don't know their own instruments, and they're gonna see if I'm good enough?

On the other hand, I've had people who, in their own estimation are "good enough" that suck eggs.

Just like any other job, experience counts.
 
#30
RustyAxe said:
Been there, that's all. Some band looks for a member on CL, show up for the "audition" and it's three guys who don't know their own instruments, and they're gonna see if I'm good enough?

On the other hand, I've had people who, in their own estimation are "good enough" that suck eggs.

Just like any other job, experience counts.
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Everyone needs to start somewhere. The OP should dive in with both feet and never look back!
 
#31
Definitely audition! Unless the ad specifically states that the band is looking for someone with tons of live and studio experience.

They will probably give you some tunes and if you prepare and can play them confidently, you are more than ready.

I would also not stress the fact that you have zero band experience. You have jammed with other people, that is something. Stress the positive aspects like your attitude and commitment (e.g. you practive a lot). If they give you the chance, prepare the tunes really well and be confident. Also, during the audition, don't get nervous if you make mistakes. The auditioning band makes them, too. And if you play together, they might not notice every minor detail of your playing, so as long as you groove and look cool, it's all fine :bassist:

Ultimately, auditioning for a band is a really good way to asses your current musical abilities.
 
#32
I was always apprehensive about playing with others when I was younger because I didn't think I was good enough. When i was in my early 30's I FINALLY joined a band and saw that I was just as good as those other guys. I wasted many years because of my shyness and not wanting to fail.

I agree with didgeribass. Attitude before aptitude. There are plenty of 'heads out there who are good but have a bad attitude and big ego. It's refreshing to find players with little ego and a good attitude.
 
#33
RustyAxe said:
Been there, that's all. Some band looks for a member on CL, show up for the "audition" and it's three guys who don't know their own instruments, and they're gonna see if I'm good enough?

On the other hand, I've had people who, in their own estimation are "good enough" that suck eggs.

Just like any other job, experience counts.
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Sure, experience counts, but everyone has to start somewhere. I had a band all lined up before my bass ever arrived via UPS. I sucked then. A few months later I went to my first audition. In hindsight, I dont think Id have taken me on, but they gave me a chance, and I developed some experience. When they broke up getting into another band was that much easier. I still sucked, having played for only a few months, but the next band lasted 3 years, and gave me many an opportunity for improvement.
 
#34
I'm another one who disagrees with Rusty. I think if you are HONEST with the band you are auditioning for and they still want you to audition, then it's all good. The worst that can happen is they say "Thanks. We'll call you."

The worst auditionees are not neccessarily the worst players. They're the liars, egotists, unprepared, jerks who won't shut up and play.

Advice:
Be honest about your experience.
Get them to give you at least 10 songs, learn at least 6.
Set up and tune quickly.
Don't noodle.
STFU
Listen and accomodate to the best of your ability.
Do the best you can.
Have FUN.

Hey, you really don't have anything to lose. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work. Don't take it personal. I've been playing for 35 years, I've showed up to auditions and wound up intimidating the players to the point where I didn't get the gig (there's such a thing as being TOO good). There's more to a band situation than ability. There's "fit".

As far as experience goes, our singer had never been in a band before. 44 year old karaoke queen. Well, we thought, what the heck... her "SingSnap" (karaoke site) seemed decent so we gave her a shot.

She blew our %$#@ing minds.

Don't be afraid to pop your cherry.
 

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