How do I join a band?

[Markofthebass]

I’m new here, I was looking over the option and this seemed like the best location!

In short, I want to join a band and see how it is! What do I need to know beforehand?

 

[buldog5151bass]

The best thing is to go places where there are musicians, and talk to them, see who is out there looking for a bassist. That means open mics and jams, music stores, bars and clubs that have live music, etc. Cast a wide net.

 

[Markofthebass]

The best thing is to go places where there are musicians, and talk to them, see who is out there improving for a bassist. That means open mics and jams, music stores, bars and clubs that have live music, etc. Cast a wide net.

Noted, thank you… I know a few music stores in my area, actually!

 

[Killing Floor]

Do you have any friends who are also musicians?

 

[Markofthebass]

Do you have any friends who are also musicians?

Two that I can note, yes.

 

[StereoPlayer]

I’m new here, I was looking over the option and this seemed like the best location!

In short, I want to join a band and see how it is! What do I need to know beforehand?

Welcome to TalkBass!

 

[Markofthebass]

Welcome to TalkBass!

Thank you!

 

[StereoPlayer]

Jam with your friends. Go to open jams at bars. It takes time.
How long have you played?
Network many musicians…Facebook, Craigslist or whatever. Hang out a music stores. They sometimes have a place to post ads.

 

[GroovyBaby]

Two that I can note, yes.

Playing with friends is a great place to start. Some of the “how” depends on your skill level. You want to play with the best people you can, but so does everyone so an expert won’t want to play regularly with a beginner. Playing with friends or talking w musicians who like similar music is a great place to start. Welcome! It’s a fun ride!

 

[gln1955]

Most communities have a Facebook group for the local music scene or even specifically a musicians wanted group. Around here this is much more active and has fewer weirdos than Craigs List.

 

[flannel cat]

Hanging out at the open mic,s or jam sessions should conjure something up.
I was hired into a band this way,, now I,am trying to educate myself on the fly while playing for two bands..
Been a hell of a journey and loving it. welcome to the house of, thumping, and may your band hunt go swiftly.

 

[bolophonic]

Try to hang around as many musicians as you can. That means going to see live music and networking there.

 

[surfguitar]

I’m new here, I was looking over the option and this seemed like the best location!

In short, I want to join a band and see how it is! What do I need to know beforehand?

In my experience, the only bands that worked (and lasted) were with musicians that I hung out with. Trying to put together a 'boutique' power player band never seemed to work. Just find some musicians who like the same music & have the same interests and jam with them.

 

[mrcbass]

I’m new here, I was looking over the option and this seemed like the best location!

In short, I want to join a band and see how it is! What do I need to know beforehand?

Welcome fellow Mark!

First - are you ready to play with others? Do you have your basics figured out (knowledge of keys, basic bass patterns, can play along with a some songs)? If not, get yourself ready before trying to deal with others - for your benefit and theirs. A really bad impression can keep you out of the game. You don't need to be perfect, just have the basics figured out.

If you are ready, then if you can jam with some friends who are at a similar level at first, that is ideal. If you can't make a band out of your friends, then you have to meet new people. If you're an outgoing sort of chap, then schmoozing jams and gigs are one way to do it. I'm not that kind of guy. I tend to use Craig's List when I'm looking for a new project. It can be a landmine, but I've found several compatible projects to play with through that website. I have a couple projects gong where I was invited to join and that's ideal - but it takes a while to get to where people are recommending you.

When you do start going for auditions, remember that you are auditioning them as much as you are auditioning for them. To get your resume started, you might have to take whatever comes along. Eventually, you'll decide to be more picky and choose the ones you want to join. Ideally, you can be patient for the right project - one that is fun, challenging, fulfilling and gigs the right amount (at least these are qualities important to me).

Best of luck!

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

Welcome!

The Bar Band Bassman

 

[Five or Six]

Don't put the cart before the horse. IF you know how to play you will have to get some kind of exposure. IF you are a true beginner without the chops, you may be cutting your own throat by providing a bad impression. I think someone asked, how long have you been playing? To try and join a band without any playing experience may be musical suicide?

 

[madbanjoman]

I met my current band through bandmix.

 

[ebo]

I’ve met fellow musicians at jams and bars but never parlayed that into a gig. It’s always been through friends or Craigslist and complete strangers for me. My best bands (and the one I’m in currently) were total strangers prior to auditioning. I’ve gotten in over my head many times but that’s how you learn to swim.

 

[HoboCop]

In my area (Philly) craigslist is still pretty widely used.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I’m new here, I was looking over the option and this seemed like the best location!

In short, I want to join a band and see how it is! What do I need to know beforehand?

Craigslist

Look for something you fit the bill for.

Learn the songs they give you, go to the audition, play the best you can.

You'll either get a list of practice days and a list of songs, or a "well it was fun jamming with you"

In those cases, you are either in or you're not. If you got the last response, they aren't going to call you again. Find another one.