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Need some advice on a inconsistent bandmate

J

jacksonguy95

Dec 9, 2009
60
1
#1
Hey guys so i joined my first band about two months ago its a speed metal band

lately at the last few practices our rythm guitar player hasn't been able to keep up to speed, keep pace and the overall rythm up and it throws us all of (no drummer in the group yet)

he does not embrace the other band mates ideas for lyrics, riffs etc.. he wants it only his way

our lead guitar player gave me a call a day or so ago about him.

he told me he wants him out and asked for my opinion, im 50/50 with it.

although yes he does have troubles and is a bit stubborn with us, he is responsible, shows up everyday for practice, and offers to give our vocalist a ride home after each practice. and that is unbelievably convienent because our vocalist relys on parents for rides and shows up late most days.

i just want some third party opinions because its a hard decision for me because i get along with him alot and would just hate to see him go, but if hes slowing down the band.. well..
 
#2
If you're using him for a ride or because 'it's convenient' then you're just taking advantage of him, which isn't cool IMO. He may be a great guy but not a great fit for the band. Have you tried hauling him aside and talking to him about some of his issues? Chances are not having a drummer is throwing him off as much as you guys feel he throws you off. I'd say have a chat with the other guys but make finding a drummer priority number 1.
 
#3
Having created a couple of these threads myself, I can tell you it's time for him to go. You know this and are hoping for people to tell you this overwhelmingly so you can feel better about it, or someone to offer a panacea that makes it all better.

In my experience anyways.

If the band's worth it, you can work out ways around anything he may offer. If he's not practicing enough to keep up, he's not responsible. He's only responsible enough to appear so by showing up all the time. Nothing good can come of keeping him unless he's the most spectacular guitarist in the world. A halfway decent one that contributes to the band in full while chugging muted power chords will take you much further.

My test for complications like these:
Is it causing problems now?
Is it causing problem after a modicum of success (will he want to control things like the CD release show and album art? Merch?)
Will it cause problems if you become successful? Will it cause problems when the label is pushing you to release a new album and he won't accept input on lyrics and riffs? Or when you have to hire someone to play his riffs on the record? Or the first time you play to 1,000 people and his off time rhythm guitar turns the sound to mush?
 
#4
If he can't handle it musically he could be St. Francis of Assisi and he still needs to go. You need to decide whether this is a "hobby band" or a performing band and if it's the latter your following, when you get one, will not care how nice it is that he gives your singer rides or if his parents bake cookies for you boys to munch on while you rehearse. Musicianship is what counts most.

If the man can't play or won't listen to constructive criticism he's an anchor and you'll sink right along with him. There's nothing worse than a musician who can't find and hold a tempo. Even an occasional "clam" is easier to live with than a guy who's always half a beat behind the rest of you.

I know nothing about "speed metal" but from that term I can assume the tempo is quite a bit quicker the a Viennese waltz so find a player who can handle that genre and just let this guy know his playing isn't up to snuff as far as what you guys play. You're not telling him he sucks just that your material isn't what he does well. Adios.
 
#6
Dude, it's your first band, and it's not even a whole band yet. Maybe if you find a drummer the timing thing will fix itself. Maybe get a cheap drum machine in the meantime to keep everybody on the same page. It's good that you're taking it seriously and want to be a tight band(ette), but it's entirely possible you guys are rushing and he's keeping steady time.
 
#8
You gotta make up your mind: Is your music about friendships at the expense of the music being its best? Or is it about the music being its best and the friendships aren't the most important thing, a healthy professional business working relationship would do just fine.

I know which one I usually chose. But no one can make that choice for you.
 
#10
I've been playin in bands for years & I will take personality over been a great player in most cases, unless they have have no ability. I find it so much easier to practice,tour & record with fun people over grumpy douches who make been in a band a chore.
 
#11
lowfreq33 said:
Dude, it's your first band, and it's not even a whole band yet. Maybe if you find a drummer the timing thing will fix itself. Maybe get a cheap drum machine in the meantime to keep everybody on the same page. It's good that you're taking it seriously and want to be a tight band(ette), but it's entirely possible you guys are rushing and he's keeping steady time.
Click to expand...

I fully agree. Rent or borrow a drum machine and crank it to a real drum level at your next pratice. You just might see a lot of improvement with the whole band. If he still can't keep up, then you have been more than fair with him and will make it much easier for all involved, to throw him out for the lack of skill level.
 
#13
You don't even have a full band yet... Seems pretty silly to kick him out until you do. Maybe focus more on getting a full band before nitpicking... This guy might have issues but until you have a full band you really aren't in a position to judge someone's playing in a band setting.

Man...it seems like the stock band management answer for any question is "fire them... Now! Here's all the reasons why even though I don't know you or the situation!"

Good lord
 
#14
although yes he does have troubles and is a bit stubborn with us, he is responsible, shows up everyday for practice, and offers to give our vocalist a ride home after each practice. and that is unbelievably convienent because our vocalist relys on parents for rides and shows up late most days.
Click to expand...

The problems you mentioned can be worked out with practice; And will be from what you've posted.


Responsible, and courteous? That can't be trained!
He's giving your vocalist rides home? You realize if you kick him you might lose your vocalist as well?!

Sounds like you need to tighten up on your Drummer, there's the problem with Tempo.
[edit] Oh and always take lead Guitarists/Vocalists pointing fingers with a grain of salt.
They're always the most tempramental. You should be the anchor, the last guy to make rash Decisions.
 
#15
I'd hook an iPod up to your PA and see if he can play along with the original recordings (assuming you're playing some covers - or maybe something similar to what you're writing). If he can't keep up with recorded music, it's probably time to sit down and discuss the vision for the band.
 
#16
Being that you don't have a drummer you guys definitely need a way to keep everyone playing at the same time. That type of music needs to be exact. If it's off it sounds awful.

Just grab a metronome and set it to the proper BPM. It'll be a challenge for everybody to play consistently with it, but very beneficial for all of you in the long run.
 
#18
livinitup0 said:
You don't even have a full band yet... Seems pretty silly to kick him out until you do. Maybe focus more on getting a full band before nitpicking... This guy might have issues but until you have a full band you really aren't in a position to judge someone's playing in a band setting.

Man...it seems like the stock band management answer for any question is "fire them... Now! Here's all the reasons why even though I don't know you or the situation!"

Good lord
Click to expand...

OP mentioned other problems such as bandmate not willing to take input from others. After going through what I have, they'd have about 2 practices to shape up on that before they were gone.
 
#19
oniman7 said:
OP mentioned other problems such as bandmate not willing to take input from others. After going through what I have, they'd have about 2 practices to shape up on that before they were gone.
Click to expand...

"first band"
"relying on parents for rides"

I don't think we're talking about a pro or even a weekend warrior band here. OP has never even played in a band with a drummer before. I'm assuming the guy in question doesn't have a whole lot of experience either.

Not trying to flame the OP by any means but I just think there's a big difference in band management between experienced musicians and someone's very first band.

Just my 0.02
 
#20
livinitup0 said:
"first band"
"relying on parents for rides"

I don't think we're talking about a pro or even a weekend warrior band here. OP has never even played in a band with a drummer before. I'm assuming the guy in question doesn't have a whole lot of experience either.

Not trying to flame the OP by any means but I just think there's a big difference in band management between experienced musicians and someone's very first band.

Just my 0.02
Click to expand...

Absolutely. However, I've had that person in every band from my first up until my last that went through 7 singers and 3 guitarists to find the right one.

Spinning your wheels is a lot easier without the tire lock that is an uncooperative band mate.
 

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