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How many song to learn is reasonable for an initial try-out?
- Thread starter Mattosaur
- Start date
Sure, it's fun. While I may never actually play a given song with a band, there's probably something worthwhile to be learned in any song. I might discover something interesting that I can use in some other context. Plus, I just plain like learning stuff! Then again, I just never know when I might find myself in a situation where a song gets called that wouldn't be in my repertoire if I hadn't already learned it just for the exercise at some point. It's cool to be able to say, "Sure, I can play that!" when something unexpected gets called.
Then, there's the matter of versatility. I like to be able to play stuff that's outside the genre(s) where I normally work. Since I don't play those with bands, the only real choice is to play it by myself (or not play it at all).
The thing is, I actually like playing. I like it so much that, even when I've learned all I really "need", I still want to learn more.
First of all, no audition lasts 17 songs unless you're REALLY having a good time.
Lean towards the ones you really like and/or really want to nail, then call for them in the audition. Be reasonably familiar with all the grooves. Something they're likely to be rating you on is how well you pull songs out of yer ass, so be expecting songs that they never mentioned before as well. You should have a sense of what they like already.
They want to feel you groove. As long as you hit most of the right notes, they'll trust that you'll learn your parts. If you don't groove well with them, that's something that'll really stand out.
That's how I think, anyway. My auditions invariably go well.
How do you learn songs?
I wouldn't want to sit around learning them at band practice, wasting everyone elses time.
I wouldn't be able to learn them while sitting down at the table having a nice dinner with my family.
I could, but wouldn't want to learn them, while hanging out with friends. It wouldn't be much fun for them while I sit there and listen to the same part over and over through headphones trying to nail it.
lol, keep working at it man. One day you will be able to do it as well. It's not that tough with practice.
Man, I bet they are beating down your door, hehe.
I think you made that clear when you said you won't (can't) learn more than 3 songs at a time.
For the record, there are a number of songs I work very hard on, that I will likely never play with a band. That's because they are songs I love, and have interesting or difficult bass lines, and I want to improve my ability. For example, I will likely never play a Rush song with my band. None of us should be singing the vintage songs I like so well, but I love to play the bass on them. So I jam along, by myself, and have a lovely time. Sometimes I'll put on some jazz guys, and some other prog rockers. None of this would work in our band, but boy is it fun to play.
It's totally do-able, but it also depends on the genre and your relative familiarity with the songs going in.
I tend to agree with you if it means learning 50 totally new songs that you've never had any contact with before, especially jazzy, show tune type, or really arcane stuff.
But most radio-friendly music can be digested in large amounts by any reasonably experienced player. It's designed that way for a reason.
Played with an old blues slinger for quite a while and our only "practice" was hashing out a set list before the show, if we had time.
He never had a regular band and would call around until he got enough players after he booked a job. If he had a new guy show up and do a good job they went on the call list. if they didn't do so hot they didn't make the cut.
Last full time pro band I was in, we NEVER had a practice, EVER. My audition was a one hour set, live at a gig. The next week is was another set, live at a different gig. The third week, the other guy was gone and it was up to me. I played with him for almost 2 years. Never once had a practice or rehearsal.
When I auditioned, I knew about half the night, got the gig then had to cram the other half at home. A lot of it was pretty stale classic rock, but still... some stuff I hadn't played in years. Other bluesy stuff I just made up and never actually learned. He was another one that would just call out songs with no written list.
At first it was pretty challenging.
Regarding the learning 50 songs in two weeks? I don't think there's a band that does 50 songs I don't already know. Usually I already know at least half of any band list. After this many years, I've done just about every popular song there is. True, YYZ and Carry On My Wayward Son might need some review, but they're still in my brain somewhere.
...Not bragging. Just saying that after some experience it's totally doable.
When I auditioned, I knew about half the night, got the gig then had to cram the other half at home. A lot of it was pretty stale classic rock, but still... some stuff I hadn't played in years. Other bluesy stuff I just made up and never actually learned. He was another one that would just call out songs with no written list.
At first it was pretty challenging.
Regarding the learning 50 songs in two weeks? I don't think there's a band that does 50 songs I don't already know. Usually I already know at least half of any band list. After this many years, I've done just about every popular song there is. True, YYZ and Carry On My Wayward Son might need some review, but they're still in my brain somewhere.
...Not bragging. Just saying that after some experience it's totally doable.
The current plan is to practice once a week while building the setlist. 3-5 songs per week, depending on what everyone is comfortable with. I have 10 or so that I'm going to suggest that I already know, but for the most part it's learn 2 simple basslines and 1 or 2 more complicated ones.
I'm easily the worst musician in the group (which is great for me), but I think my somewhat competent bass playing (I learned the intro fills, which impressed them) and ability to more or less be near the pocket was what had them excited. They were on the verge of calling it a day on this project because they hadn't been able to get a bass player.
I forget that not everyone played in a school band at some point, so the entire idea of counting and rhythm isn't something everyone knows. That has given me a big leg up, even if I don't think I'm very good. I'm still good enough to play with.
I'm easily the worst musician in the group (which is great for me), but I think my somewhat competent bass playing (I learned the intro fills, which impressed them) and ability to more or less be near the pocket was what had them excited. They were on the verge of calling it a day on this project because they hadn't been able to get a bass player.
I forget that not everyone played in a school band at some point, so the entire idea of counting and rhythm isn't something everyone knows. That has given me a big leg up, even if I don't think I'm very good. I'm still good enough to play with.
I can't maintain my position in my bands or your position in your band? Not clear what you mean. Either way Blue, man your posts are the best
jive1
Commercial User
There's like 3 whole chords in them.
Twice I learned 60 songs in one week. Not for auditioning purposes, but once they hired me and I had a gig with them the following week, I HAD TO learn all their material for the upcoming gig.
Did it with two different bands. It takes commitment and a lot of long days and nights. And I had to use cheat sheets to get through the gigs. But I did learn more than 50 songs in one week.
Can't learn 50 songs in TWO weeks? Maybe you can't, or won't but it is possible, and at times absolutely necessary.
To the OP, how many songs is reasonable for a try-out? That's up to the band doing the auditioning. Typically you could expect enough to be a good cross section of the kind of material they play. But it's up to the band how many they want you to audition with. And up to you if you choose to decline that.
We just auditioned a singer two weeks ago. He had to have 9 songs down. Didn't care if he needed notes to read from or not, but he had to own those songs. As the leader of my band, I don't have time to piss around. I figured those 9 songs were the best ones to see if he could do the job, and enough material to see how hard he was willing to work at being a member of the band. If he couldn't learn 9 songs in one week, what's he going to be like when he has to learn 15-20 in a week?
Must be nice to be able to dictate your requirements to prospective employers. Are you the first call bass guy in your area?
Why do you only audition last?
