How bad is my playing?

[Blakarian]

Most Led Zeppelin songs have a strong groove and melody, so that one should be fine. I do wonder, though, if you'll be bored just playing root notes on a lot of these songs. A lot of Pink Floyd doesn't have much bass fireworks going on. Just saying.

Anyway, if you are indeed going to be focusing on bass this time, look back at your video where you're playing the bass notes (the top half of the video). Notice that you're getting way too much clack off the frets and that you're not getting much sustain. Try to get a more sustained tone and get a little more out of held notes.

Yes of course, I scooped the mids because I tried to create a more "subtle sound" I guess, but I'll be using the 7 string you saw in the bottom of the video, flat eq and no reverb, I was thinking some overdrive but nothing too fancy

 

[honeyiscool]

Yes of course, I scooped the mids because I tried to create a more "subtle sound" I guess, but I'll be using the 7 string you saw in the bottom of the video, flat eq and no reverb, I was thinking some overdrive but nothing too fancy

I understand you have a flair for wanting to impress, but you should really just play a Zep song on a regular passive 4 string if you got one, though maybe you don’t. You can get away with a five string in the modern day. And you don’t scoop the mids to create a subtle sound. You use mids to be present in the mix. And it almost feels like you don’t have the personality to play or enjoy classic rock bass, yet you want to join a band to play it. I don’t really understand your motives.

 

[lfmn16]

it's Veridian by Between The Buried and Me, Briggs is one of my heroes as a bass player

OK. Doesn't change my opinion, but thanks for sharing.

 

[Blakarian]

I understand you have a flair for wanting to impress, but you should really just play a Zep song on a regular passive 4 string if you got one, though maybe you don’t. You can get away with a five string in the modern day. And you don’t scoop the mids to create a subtle sound. You use mids to be present in the mix. And it almost feels like you don’t have the personality to play or enjoy classic rock bass, yet you want to join a band to play it. I don’t really understand your motives.

first and foremost I do actually enjoy good old Led Zeppelin! Secondly seven string basses are not made to impress, having more range allows you to move more easily on the fingerboard. As long as it sounds good everything is fine

 

[honeyiscool]

first and foremost I do actually enjoy good old Led Zeppelin! Secondly seven string basses are not made to impress, having more range allows you to move more easily on the fingerboard. As long as it sounds good everything is fine

No. No. No. No. No. You’re not understanding me here. The seven-string is not made for the purpose of impressing anybody. It’s a great musical tool that gives a bass player a lot of range. It’s you that deep down inside wants to justify that there’s a musical need for playing seven strings on a song when such an instrument is quite excessive and also will work very poorly with the image of the band. The band does not want to answer questions about why their bass player has more strings than the guitar player. You’re not thinking like a team player. You’re thinking like a wannabe virtuoso soloist. If you want to think like that, it’s ok. Just be prepared for every single band that you try out for to reject you until you wise up and pretend to care about other people’s needs. You can still have that mindset, but if you want to join bands and play music with other people, you swallow that part of you and show up with a Fender (or something slightly resembling a regular vintage bass) to the audition. And if you want to do your thing and play your seven, then you start the band and you pick the people you want to play with and you be the leader.

It’s just like dressing in formal clothing for a job interview. Once you’ve proven your worth and gotten the job, you can come to work with colored hair and eyebrow rings, but until you do, you just present yourself to be a team player. But you don’t have to dress up for any job interviews if you start your own company.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

first and foremost I do actually enjoy good old Led Zeppelin! Secondly seven string basses are not made to impress, having more range allows you to move more easily on the fingerboard. As long as it sounds good everything is fine

Taking a seven-string bass to a classic rock cover band audition is a sure-fire way to not get the call back.

 

[MistaMarko]

While your version of "Viridian" is pretty good, I'm most concerned about the seeming lack of accuracy as far as covering the original. If you're wanting to play in that cover band and learn tunes, you REALLY need to have a better attention to detail. Take that video you posted and overlay it over the original. It's way off in a lot of places. Yeah, it's a solo bass piece, but you should be able to hear those discrepancies.

This carries over into learning anything, especially classic songs with classic bass lines. You have to nail that stuff to the tee, and be spot on. The appeal of covering something is sometimes how accurately you can recreate it. Listen past the notes and rhythms and go a step further and listen to "how" it's being played. Warm tone? Soft attack? Punchy? More subdued? Staccato? Legato? ------- one of the greatest exercises and skills is for a musician to try to copy the way another musician plays, and this is quite frankly the most important skill in a cover band.

 

[Blakarian]

While your version of "Viridian" is pretty good, I'm most concerned about the seeming lack of accuracy as far as covering the original. If you're wanting to play in that cover band and learn tunes, you REALLY need to have a better attention to detail. Take that video you posted and overlay it over the original. It's way off in a lot of places. Yeah, it's a solo bass piece, but you should be able to hear those discrepancies.

This carries over into learning anything, especially classic songs with classic bass lines. You have to nail that stuff to the tee, and be spot on. The appeal of covering something is sometimes how accurately you can recreate it. Listen past the notes and rhythms and go a step further and listen to "how" it's being played. Warm tone? Soft attack? Punchy? More subdued? Staccato? Legato? ------- one of the greatest exercises and skills is for a musician to try to copy the way another musician plays, and this is quite frankly the most important skill in a cover band.

Yes of course, when I have to learn a song precisely I look for tabs, sheet music and playthrough on youtube in order to emulate the original song as much as possible. The song I'm playing in the video was learned by ear and I did not put too much attention in the original peace.

BTW: I sent a video to the band playing led zeppelin, they asked me to come over for a face to face audition, I think I'll be in a band

 

[Badwater]

In most cases, bands want someone who plays to their groove, or along with their groove, or can drive their music. They often are not interested in the technical aspects of fingerage that you're displaying in the video.

Perhaps, you could re-audition by playing a song or 3 of the music they play. Nevertheless, the only way to find the truth about why they turned you down, is to ask them for a full and critical critique. And if they give it, consider it a learning experience for your next audition.

And next time, find the music the band plays, learn it, perfect it, and use it for the audition. Or you can create your own band and hire anyone you choose.

 

[gary Cass]

Hello fellow bassists! Recently I've responded to a band looking for a bassist, they asked me to make a video of me playing something and send it to them, I did and they told me I'm not good enough to play in their band, I've uploaded the video I sent them on youtube because I'd like some more experienced bassist to see what I'm doing wrong and tell me how to better myself! Could anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong? this is the link to the video:

Sorry but according to your video i would not hire you also.1st, Why 2 basses and 2nd it looks like you have not played with a band before..What it shows is that you are music store player..My advise is to play the bass as a percussion instrument not a classical guitar.Turn your CD player on and play along with it..

 

[TJL]

Hello fellow bassists! Recently I've responded to a band looking for a bassist, they asked me to make a video of me playing something and send it to them, I did and they told me I'm not good enough to play in their band, I've uploaded the video I sent them on youtube because I'd like some more experienced bassist to see what I'm doing wrong and tell me how to better myself! Could anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong? this is the link to the video:

As soon as they saw that 7 string bass, it scared them away. Your potential band mates want you to conform to their idea that a bassist should just plunk away in the background with no creativity and absolutely no chance of outshining them on stage. With that said, your true job as a bassist is to provide a solid foundation (on the one) that allows the egos of the band ( guitarist and lead singer) to exercise their God given right to hog the stage. Never let anyone know you are into tapping. You just entered into lead guitarist territory with that display, and I guarantee that was the nail in your coffin. The old K.I.S.S. adage applies here....keep it simple stupid.

 

[Eddie Charles]

The seven-string is not made for the purpose of impressing anybody. It’s a great musical tool that gives a bass player a lot of range.

6 and 7 string basses are not a real bass in my estimate. I've considered them myself as a method of bridging my guitarist side with my bass side. If a band is looking for a bass player I can understand why they would be a little hesitant in considering such an instrument (and musician) in their mix.

 

[honeyiscool]

6 and 7 string basses are not a real bass in my estimate. I've considered them myself as a method of bridging my guitarist side with my bass side. If a band is looking for a bass player I can understand why they would be a little hesitant in considering such an instrument (and musician) in their mix.

That’s a little ridiculous of an assertion, though. They’re real basses. End of story.

 

[alembicman86]

Hello fellow bassists! Recently I've responded to a band looking for a bassist, they asked me to make a video of me playing something and send it to them, I did and they told me I'm not good enough to play in their band, I've uploaded the video I sent them on youtube because I'd like some more experienced bassist to see what I'm doing wrong and tell me how to better myself! Could anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong? this is the link to the video:

I like your tone and it sounds like you have the chops to play anything you put your mind to. Nothing wrong with what you presented. You could've showed some other examples, modes of different styles. Maybe a couple recognizable rock riffs, simple blues riffs, short 8 measures just to show versatility. Nothing hurts worse than rejection, especially when they pick a less talented player. Sometimes it's a band waiting for one of their buddies to come play. You can't take it personal. Besides, it's not like they're signed to a record label or famous. Other bands will surely be interested in you. Best of luck.

 

[TH63]

Hello fellow bassists! Recently I've responded to a band looking for a bassist, they asked me to make a video of me playing something and send it to them, I did and they told me I'm not good enough to play in their band, I've uploaded the video I sent them on youtube because I'd like some more experienced bassist to see what I'm doing wrong and tell me how to better myself! Could anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong? this is the link to the video:

What style of music do they play/looking for in a bassist. You played things I can't. Nice demo video

 

[talita mathews]

Bands accept or reject players for all sorts of reasons, sometimes you simply aren't the right fit. You can't let it discourage you or take away your confidence. I would pose the same question you ask here to the band and ask for an honest detailed appraisal. They might tell you exactly.

I'll just give you harshest feedback and hope you don't take it personally, but just as a way to maybe improve some things.

-I don't like the video prism effect.
-For most styles of music your demo would be considered "overplaying", unless it is a fusion jazz band.
-There is no rhythmic context, so the band can't tell if you are able to follow a drummer.
-You don't look like a rockstar.
-You are staring at the frets.
-There is no song, just noodling.

I would do this instead.
-Pick a band that they are most like and dress up like a member of that band.
-Take a photo, not a video. Use the static picture with the audio.
-Play along to one of the band's songs or a similar band's songs and mix your bass hard Right and the original hard Left. You can also play it in a stereo in the room in the background if that is easier for you.
-Make sure you use an instrument "that looks the part" for the band.
Again I don't know the style of music you are auditioning for, but you need to look, act and play the part. The audition is about much more than your playing.

Hope this helps, seems like you have good chops, so learning how to audition will be a useful skill for you I think. Good luck!

 

[talita mathews]

Awesome response, Bassbeater...very good, constructive points and very encouraging...

Mr. Blakarian, u definitely have the ability to play...and also let me say that i really admire u for putting yourself out there and really asking for help...i think that point alone will make u a better player bc ur not afraid to hear constructive criticism ~ so way to go...the main point i would say is that they were looking for someone to join a band - a bass player to add dimension to the other instruments...in my opinion, your audition tape was more of a solo and didn't really highlight how u could add to or play with a group of other musicians. It felt more memorized than from the heart and it kind of reminded me of my final solo piece in college before my bass teachers...If u really want to be part of a band, than i would say to start jamming more with others...hope this helps!

 

[dairyman3833]

Bands accept or reject players for all sorts of reasons, sometimes you simply aren't the right fit. You can't let it discourage you or take away your confidence. I would pose the same question you ask here to the band and ask for an honest detailed appraisal. They might tell you exactly.

I'll just give you harshest feedback and hope you don't take it personally, but just as a way to maybe improve some things.

-I don't like the video prism effect.
-For most styles of music your demo would be considered "overplaying", unless it is a fusion jazz band.
-There is no rhythmic context, so the band can't tell if you are able to follow a drummer.
-You don't look like a rockstar.
-You are staring at the frets.
-There is no song, just noodling.

I would do this instead.
-Pick a band that they are most like and dress up like a member of that band.
-Take a photo, not a video. Use the static picture with the audio.
-Play along to one of the band's songs or a similar band's songs and mix your bass hard Right and the original hard Left. You can also play it in a stereo in the room in the background if that is easier for you.
-Make sure you use an instrument "that looks the part" for the band.
Again I don't know the style of music you are auditioning for, but you need to look, act and play the part. The audition is about much more than your playing.

Hope this helps, seems like you have good chops, so learning how to audition will be a useful skill for you I think. Good luck!

This is 100% accurate. One time I went to audition for a band wearing jeans and T-shirt and they where all dressed up in Goth gear. Boy did I feel outta place. And I was soloing and poopie, they just starred at me like I was the f'ng nerd or something. I ended up leaving wanting to beat their assinign! I still didn't see what type of band where you trying out for? Was it a jazz band? Context is crucial! So this video wouldn't be good unless it was a jazz band. I would try to play to some drums in your video, do you have any recording software/interface? Or with video you could just play it on your stereo in the background. And this video wouldn't be good if you trying out for a band like Chili Peppers, or a metal band like Mastadon, etc. You hear my gums flapping?

 

[dairyman3833]

I also asked the band why I'm not good enough for them as some of you suggested to do, they texted me back saying exactly what most of you did: they're looking for someone who can hold the groove, not a lead bassist, I asked if I could send another video this time showing some rhythm, do you guys have any suggestion of some really impressive rhythmic playing? Anything is good except slap because I'm not very good at it

Do they have any web presence? If so put up a link so we can better help you! I always thought Chili Peppers was a good groove based bass present band. Especially Higher Ground cover by them. Everyone knows it and seems to be impressed when a bass player whips that outta of his/her arsenal. But context is key....meaning Chili Peppers will not work if the band is Metal like Slipknot or something. And Chili Peppers won't work for Radiohead either or Pink Floyd. So play a Led Zeppelin tune like Good Times Bad times, it's pretty busy on the bass and then transition to maybe Money from Pink Floyd. Play to a drum track if possible. Do you have recording capabilities? If not then you can play to a basic drum track on YouTube in the background of the video. Or even play to the songs. If you want to be crazy impressive, try to cut the songs up and intermix them. For instance, 1st 12 bars are Good times Bad times, next 12 bars are Queens We Will Rock You something around 90bpm's. Also dress up like one of the 2 groups you mentioned, and look at the camera once in a while. If you've got a mirror play in front of the mirror and try not to stand in the same spot, meaning move around and shizzer!

 

[Mushroo]

Context is crucial! So this video wouldn't be good unless it was a jazz band... And this video wouldn't be good if you trying out for a band like Chili Peppers, or a metal band like Mastadon, etc. You hear my gums flapping?

Funny you say that. The song is by a progressive metal band.