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I need honost advice on joining a band

C

Caveman3312

Jul 20, 2008
20
0
California
#1
(If there are alot of these theads im sorry:hiding: )

I've been playing bass for 3 years, and i've never been in a serious band. My dream is to play for a thrash metal band, but since I play with my fingers I'm not sure if I can handle the high speed quite yet even though I play with 3 fingers.
I can confortalbly play at around 150 bpm, but it doesnt seem to be enough.

So what should I do? Should I try to practice for another year or so until I can reach about 190-200 bpm, or should I look for a band more in my skill level? Please be honost.:D
 
#2
Join a band, even if you aren't good enough. For thrash metal they will probably take you even if you are just an alright player.

Don't waste time learning to play bass beyond a couple of months to be in a band. Being in a band will make you get better much faster than playing on your own. There is a lot of little things to learn that aren't always to specific to bass.
Also, around here anyway, bass players are hard to find. Most bands will take even one they think they have to school you.

Really, don't worry if you are a bass master before joining a band. I've been in plenty of bands and go out and see many bands, most people don't even notice the bass or make a comment on it, unless the bass player is so bad he's dropping all the notes and playing in the wrong key constantly.

That, and why wait go out and join a band and have fun. No sense in waiting most bands form and breakup really quick. If you get kicked out or don't make the cut, so what, move on, that's how bands are.
 
#3
i agree with ric, just go for it. playing with others will make you better, especially if you have to grow into it a bit.

also, for that style of music you might try playing with a pick. i am a finger player for the most part, but any time i play harder rock/metal, i find using a pick just settles me in better (sound, feel, etc). either way just get out there and play what you like. :cool:
 
#4
Do both!

There's a lot more to being in a band than having chops. See if you can't find a band or two to work with as you all improve together.

Help out with the song writing, gig a little, learn about all the ups and downs of being in a band. It's fun, it'll help you improve, and there's no reason to wait. Lots of bands need bassists!
 
#5
Go for it. Hell, you might want to try out for other bands other than just thrash metal. You'll develop a better sense for different feels and it'll make you a better player.

If the guys in the band are cool, they'll be upfront and honest and may give you some tips if they don't decide to keep you. If they're jerkoffs, they'll probably slag you off, but you'd be better off not playing with people like that anyway.
 
#8
Caveman3312 said:
(If there are alot of these theads im sorry:hiding: )

I've been playing bass for 3 years, and i've never been in a serious band. My dream is to play for a thrash metal band, but since I play with my fingers I'm not sure if I can handle the high speed quite yet even though I play with 3 fingers.
I can confortalbly play at around 150 bpm, but it doesnt seem to be enough.

So what should I do? Should I try to practice for another year or so until I can reach about 190-200 bpm, or should I look for a band more in my skill level? Please be honost.:D
Click to expand...

If you can play 16th notes @ 150 bpm, you are not going to have any problems playing in a thrash band. Just play 8th notes after 150 bpm. Simple as that.
 
#12
I bought my first bass on July 13, 2007 and started taking lessons. I had an amazing, strict instructor who really taught me good fundamentals. After about 3 months he encouraged me to look for people to play with so I did that on Craigslist. My post got about 15 replies, even with all my "3 month" disclaimers.

The first group I tried was way, way advanced and out of my league entirely. They all had over 40+ years playing, most of it together. I felt so lost and they really weren't super patient with me as I don't think all of them knew I was coming in so inexperienced. It wasn't a bad experience, I just couldn't handle the songs they were playing at all and they weren't really into "babysitting". :)

The second group I tried is the one I am still playing with today. They were really patient and did super easy songs the first few sessions and we just keep moving into more challenging stuff slowly but surely.

The main piece of advice I'd like to extend is to not give up after a bad experience. You may be snubbed by some people who feel they are pros and don't want to have to "hold a newer player's hand". Even my own bass instructor had that happen to him at one time, you just brush off and find another group.

Try to join a group that is looking to jam and hang out rather than an established gigging group for your first band experience, there will be less pressure. Be honest, relax, and play - see what happens. :)
 
#13
Get out there and play in a band. Jump right in. You will improve alot faster then in your practice space...
Click to expand...

I've been playing about 3 years (practice time not owned a bass time) and most of that was in my bassment, I finally got some balls as soon as I really started to understand groove and started jamming with people, I still have a lot to learn, but I'm capable enough to work really well with drummers and to understand everything else and go home and get better at what I suck at.

In 2 months of playing with others I have grown more as a bassist than in 2 years in the bassment.
 
#15
mambo4 said:
+1000.

the fastest learning I ever had on the bass was after jumping into the "deep end' with a group of superior, more experienced players. Try to join the most talented band you can find that will have you!
Click to expand...
+1000. After 20+ years of being the least-talented in all my bands, it's done wonders for my playing. You'll learn quite a bit if your eyes, ears, and mind are open. :)
 
#16
Chops are for guitarists. I've filled one time for a Stratovarius tribute band (hey, it was in the 90's) and people couldn't really care if I didn't double all the VERY fast 16ths: with the bass drum and loud guitars, you'Re just there to provide some low-end to the music.
 
#20
+1 go for it.

Everyone with band experience will tell you of some guy who tried out with YEARS of bedroom chops, and no band time. They're impossible to work with, as they think they know it all when they know nothing.

Ideally you want someone with band experience + chops, but band experience is far more important. Chops without the experience is a major problem. Someone coming in as a relative beginner will probably be less work to fit into a band than a bedroom hero.

get in and get the experience before you become a bedroom hero!
 

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