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Got the practice aspect down: now to join a band...

MovingPitchers

MovingPitchers

Jun 9, 2013
8,499
11,999
Canada
#1
I'm sort of tired of church worship bands. I don't even get to play bass anymore which is stupid.
Nearly all of the other members are just doing it because they have to.

What's a good way to jam with people to some secular music like Rush, Yes, heck, even some Blink? Anything to get those fingers moving and creativity juices flowing. My skills aren't getting any better from being in a worship band.

Some people told me Craigslist but my brother advised against it because they generally tend to be like 40+ year olds with nothing to do after working their 8-4 jobs and stuff...and I'm 21...so...

And the friends I do know who do play instruments are either in a band already (well-established) or don't want to jam at all.

Lame.
It's almost making me want to give up bass completely. Why play the instrument if you can't apply the knowledge in a band setting, where the bass guitar is most suited in?
 
#6
Try an old school flyer on the bboard at a few music stores. And see if anyone in it worship group is interested. Their attitude could be different w some new music. No reason why you or they couldn't be in the worship band and your new group at the same time.
 
#7
We have several well established, and very good, bands in my area that have members ranging from their 20's to 50's within the band. I agree that you should be more open minded about the age thing and start hitting up the musician's classifieds. You could also make up your own ad stating that you are an available bass player. Bandmix.com is a good site for doing just that.
 
#10
jazzonlyjazz said:
Some people told me Craigslist but my brother advised against it because they generally tend to be like 40+ year olds with nothing to do after working their 8-4 jobs and stuff...and I'm 21...so...
Click to expand...

So ... What?

You couldn't possibly learn something from someone who has been playing longer than you have been alive?

Besides, your brother doesn't know what he's talking about. There are plenty of band with people just as young and inexperienced as you. :D
 
#11
I'd personally avoid CraigsList like the plague. Have you posted on the bulletin board at your local music store? A store that gives lessons ought to have lots of regular customers that want to start a band.

Also, consider song writing. It's another way to use your musical talents.

Back to your church gig, have you asked other players if they want to play with you "outside" of the church? All the musicians my age, at my church, have very similar musical interests. They would all jump at the chance to play more and play other genres.
 
#12
Pearly Gator said:
I'd personally avoid CraigsList like the plague. Have you posted on the bulletin board at your local music store? A store that gives lessons ought to have lots of regular customers that want to start a band.

Also, consider song writing. It's another way to use your musical talents.

Back to your church gig, have you asked other players if they want to play with you "outside" of the church? All the musicians my age, at my church, have very similar musical interests. They would all jump at the chance to play more and play other genres.
Click to expand...

First answer: took down my Craigslist ad. Never looked into posting an ad at my local music store.....I'll definitely look into that.

Second: I did write a song but it turned out really bad. And it was written on a bass I much prefer to experiment on a guitar which to me helps me expand my note range with the additional B and E strings.

Third: well that's what I implied but we all have different tastes in music. Sadly the vocalists are into the modern mainstream crap you hear on the radio so I count them out. I do know an elec guitarist who really loves rock music such as Eric Clapton jimi Hendrix muse, and the like. No Rush since she finds it super complicated (as if!!!!) I suggested to her jamming to Hysteria by muse since she was the one who suggested it to me to learn the bassline. She also recommended a ton of RATM songs but I really don't like Tom morello. She said she might be willing to give limelight a try though.
Mind you though, she's 17 and I'm 20 so I guess the other reason why she kinda hesitates is the age gap...church politics...gah

Everyone else is just there. Ether too young to hang around or completely not interested in playing outside church material since that's all they know how to play. Is it even possible to pick up an instrument without having been influenced by some famous artist????
 
#14
Listening to music and playing music are two different things .. I'd keep an open mind and play, what is offered in your situation. Have fun with your guitarist friend if she is game for it and throw in some of your own stuff to match her RATM.


And honestly ... I'm 40+ .. and even I find some of the material you mention old and worn out. Tho it is great study material :)

I'm saying be fun and flexible ... you're young and so outside your bedroom, you really shouldn't hang on to strongly to what is the music of my youth (and some of it actually the music of my dads youth)
 
#16
Bass players are always in demand so should not be an issue to find some buds to jam with. Don't poo poo Craigslist.... just mention your age in your ads or respond to ads for bands looking for players in their age group. Guys in their 40s are not going to be that interested in jamming with a 21 year old newbie anyway and vice versa. Also now that you are 21 ......go find a local open mic at the neighborhood music pub and start sitting in. Good way to learn songs on the spot and get your blues chops.
 
#17
jazzonlyjazz said:
Some people told me Craigslist but my brother advised against it because they generally tend to be like 40+ year olds with nothing to do after working their 8-4 jobs and stuff...and I'm 21...so...
Click to expand...

So here are a few of good things about the 40+ year-olds.

1. Have their own gear and it works.
2. Have jobs so they actually can afford good gear.
3. Might help you get a job so you can get good gear.
4. Have been around the block and can teach you a thing or two.
5. Won't miss practice because mom or girlfriend wouldn't give him a ride or his 1995 POS is broke down again.
6. Might help you get a better job so you can upgrade your 1995 POS.
7. Knows people with grown-up jobs which equals gigs.
8. More likely to have connections to venues which equals gigs.
9. Are not usually seen at the local GC trying to convince mom or girlfriend that they really need that gear and will pay them back if they would buy it on their credit card.

I could go on and but I think you get the point. Don't overlook us old guys.
 

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