I don't like the new guy.

[Killing Floor]

We can’t say because we’ve not heard the music.
You can’t fire the drummer because there isn’t one.
2 acoustic guitars can be pretty tough to hear unless one of them is playing a lead or melodic role. And is it possible that’s just not what you’re into? If the lead was playing at a lower volume how is it interfering?
If you don’t like the music as a duo don’t join. Joining puts you immediately into a role of playing what you don’t like or having conflict. The singer obviously likes the other guitar.
I’d graciously decline. That keeps you from losing the next opportunity.

 

[Hambone70]

Is it Carlos Santana?

 

[Nev375]

Well my friend wants me to play gigs with him. I would love to.....but not if the other guy is playing with us.

What should I do?

Just turn down the offer and be happy!

 

[SAlcott]

"Don't just do something....stand there". Attributed, (possibly apocryphal) to Jim Hall.

 

[Killing Floor]

Is it Carlos Santana?

No, OP said he was playing a lot of different notes.

 

[bearhart74]

quote you "play gigs with him. I would love to.....but not if the other guy is playing with us."

 

[Topkat13]

Please…find another band.

 

[Reg Braithwaite]

At this point, it's not your friend. It's an act with two people in it… If he asks you why, be honest. Just tell him the other guy's style isn't your thing and offer that if they decide not to play together you'd be all in.

I think being candid is the right call. He’s your friend, not a random player looking for a bassist. My only refinement suggestion on top of this advice is to avoid wording it as an either/or, nobody wants to be told they have to choose friend A or friend B but not both.

i recommend saying something like, “Our musical chemistry isn’t there, and that’s not what I want, and probably wouldn’t be what anybody wants in a small combo, so best wishes with that direction. If another project comes up where we can play together, call me and I’ll come running.”

It’s functionally the same thing, but doesn’t make it sound like you’re hoping he fires his noodling guitarist.

 

[LBS-bass]

I think being candid is the right call. He’s your friend, not a random player looking for a bassist. My only refinement suggestion on top of this advice is to avoid wording it as an either/or, nobody wants to be told they have to choose friend A or friend B but not both.

i recommend saying something like, “Our musical chemistry isn’t there, and that’s not what I want, and probably wouldn’t be what anybody wants in a small combo, so best wishes with that direction. If another project comes up where we can play together, call me and I’ll come running.”

It’s functionally the same thing, but doesn’t make it sound like you’re hoping he fires his noodling guitarist.

Well I think it goes without saying that you need to be diplomatic in these sorts of conversations, but maybe it doesn't, because a lot of what's being suggested here probably won't go too far toward preserving the relationship with the songwriter.

You have two situations here. One is the immediate request to get involved, and the other is managing expectations around the decision you make. The way some people seem to want this handled would perhaps tackle the first thing, but leave a lot to be desired on the second. Saying something like, "thanks for asking me to get involved. I really love the songs you've written, but I'm not sure the musical direction of the current duo is going to work for me," is a lot more diplomatic than saying, "you know, that guy sucks, and I'm sorry but I can't work with him."

For all we know, that guy doesn't actually suck, but he's not doing what the OP thinks would be best for the music. That's totally nobody's call except the songwriter's. If the songwriter's happy with it, he's not going to appreciate unsolicited advice. Getting involved as though you're an uninvited musical director isn't going to go over well.

So, best to remain more on the non-judgmental side and signal openness to collaboration in the future if things should change.

 

[TexasHeat]

Talk to them. Approach it from the song's perspective. Tell them the dynamics of the song is squelched by the constant counter melody. Suggests sections of the songs where the noodling should and shouldn't take place. If they are receptive, you'll feel better about your contribution. If they aren't, then you know where you stand. Decide from there.

But yeah, like others suggest, talk before walk.

 

[singlemalt]

Count your blessings. You got to check out what they are doing without the hassle of dragging gear to a meeting, the awkward conversations, ….

What you saw is what you’d get.

 

[red_rhino]

FFS, use your words. I’ll never understand these “what should I do?” posts when the simple answer is just to have an open, respectful conversation.

I get the sentiment; sometimes it seems like people need input on every decision or conundrum. But it’s usually helpful to benefit from the experience and perspective of others. Some wise advice early on in my career it would have prevented me from saying some things I shouldn’t have, or at least resulted in better outcomes. Instead, I got “experience”, which I now offer to others free of charge. (And probably worth at least as much as you paid for it. )

 

[Rib 13]

Is it Carlos Santana?

 

[smogg]

For all we know, that guy doesn't actually suck, but he's not doing what the OP thinks would be best for the music. That's totally nobody's call except the songwriter's. If the songwriter's happy with it, he's not going to appreciate unsolicited advice. Getting involved as though you're an uninvited musical director isn't going to go over well.

So, best to remain more on the non-judgmental side and signal openness to collaboration in the future if things should change.

^^^^^ this ^^^^^

 

[LBS-bass]

I get the sentiment; sometimes it seems like people need input on every decision or conundrum. But it’s usually helpful to benefit from the experience and perspective of others.

Yes. There are a few "words" being offered here that wouldn't be very wise to use, IMO. How you say things matters.

 

[51PRI]

FFS, use your words. I’ll never understand these “what should I do?” posts when the simple answer is just to have an open, respectful conversation.

That's what forums are for, at least one thing they're for. Sometimes it isn't always easy to speak directly to band members about problems. I appreciate the feedback I get here about band problems.

 

[Freddy T]

It doesn't sound like you're that into the singer's music to begin with, so why rock your friend's boat? If you're doing him a favor by playing bass for kicks, then let him know you're just sitting in and non-commital. On the other hand, if you're goal is to be in his band, then take it slow anyway and scope out the scene from the inside. First impressions aren't always revealing.

 

[bassicmike]

Your friend has chosen to work with the other guitarist. A good indication he is happy with the music they play.

Their musical relationship/project is none of your business. As said by LBS, unsolicited criticism is not going to reflect well on you. Keep quiet. If asked, be diplomatic. "I prefer the songs the way you did them solo". NOBODY wants to hear their endeavor ripped. So don't.

If asked to play, you can politely decline.

Or you can try it, and see how it goes.

Why be a rectum if you don't have to be.

 

[Paul New]

Break fingers

 

[jdh3000]

At this point, it's not your friend. It's an act with two people in it.

If your friend invited this person to play, he must like what he's doing. You're not going to change this. I'd steer clear, personally. It's just going to invite stress since you won't be happy and it'd be a huge leap to suggest that you might be able to influence or mold things more to your liking when that's not really your place.

If he asks you why, be honest. Just tell him the other guy's style isn't your thing and offer that if they decide not to play together you'd be all in.

I'd do this...^