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overwhelmed with new band

outlet3000

outlet3000

Guest
Jul 19, 2016
12
18
#1
Hey guys sorry if this is a weird post.

I've been playing bass for around 3\4 years now - just simple songs or making my own stuff up so decided to post an ad looking for other hobby musicians who where bord of playing to CD's.
Withing a week I was asked to join this band. We've had one practice session, playing the singers own songs (nothing complex)

My problem is I'm feeling pretty useless - Bass has always been a small hobby and these guys are so far ahead of me, I even explained this to them and think they only picked me up due to the lack of bass players in the area.
Am I just overthinking this and trying too hard ? I'm a shy guy with low self esteem and often put up with panic attacks. can you guys give me some advise, talk me down or examples from your own experience of your first band?

Should i give up and go back to hitting things with sticks ? (Drummer joke:D)
 
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#3
Don't panic, it can be a bit daunting joining a new band when the other members know the songs and you don't.

Keep it simple until you are familiar with the songs, even when you are some songs will probably benefit from a simple bass line over something more complicated that detracts from the singer or other lead instruments (if you want to play lead then I would suggest taking up guitar or keyboards or some other lead instrument).

Above all else concentrate on playing in time, if you are hesitant then it will sound off, if you play root notes at exactly the right time no one will complain.
 
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#7
Yeah two fingers is right. Play with better players every chance you get, as often as possible.
I'm not a bad bass player, but I've been in a few bands that let me in because I'll show up and have a good attitude, not solely for ability.
Also, accept that people will choose you for a variety of reasons. The difference of why they regard you, and why you WISH to be regarded does not imply something negative. You're putting that on yourself, so put it down and keep moving soldier.
 
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#9
Bloody hell ! I'm not sure what to say - thanks guys, bass players unite :thumbsup:

Sorry I just panicked and was feeling angry with myself and at a cross roads with music.
As most of you pointed out this should be fun and push you out of your comfort zone. If I was that bad they wouldn't have asked me to come back.

@delta7fred I will try and keep it simple - caught myself playing boring straights with small tail ends.
 
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#10
This is an ideal situation. If you're having fun and learning something from those around you, everybody benefits.

My first gig was in '77 with conservatory students (...I was in a medical curriculum) and the first song I learned under their tutelage was Jeff Beck's "Led Boots"....whew!...complete with an early Moog synth. If you can learn that and actually stay in the pocket, you're set for life.

Riis
 
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#11
Have to agree with everyone else here. Playing with people who are out of my league is the best thing to help me stay challenged and growing. I've done it all my life and I'm still always amazed when great players think I can hang with them on that level. Don't worry about it, just keep playing and enjoy it :)
 
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#12
Overthinking it. For whatever reason, these guys think you're a good fit.

I've always thought participation with people who are more advanced in whatever (work, school, sports, music) will be a great learning experience and my skills will improve by osmosis.

Stick with it, keep plugging away and your confidence will almost certainly increase. I'd say almost anyone here has gone though the same thing at some point. You've gotta start somewhere!
 
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#13
Sounds like you're on a good path :cool:

Taking on a first band sitch can easily feel overwhelming. Do a few practices with them (and put some between time in the shed), and you'll be surprised how much your playing improves quickly :bassist:

Not wanting to let people down is a good motivator. As long as you enjoy the music and they're cool to be around, this is a great opportunity for you :thumbsup:

Godspeed!
 
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#14
I agree with everyone else about this being an ideal situation, etc. I joined my first (hobby) band just a few months after first taking up the bass, and was in the same situation of playing with guys much better and more experienced than I. They were willing to be patient while I found my legs, and to this day (15+ years later) I'm still playing with one of these guys.

In light of the anxiety you expressed, I'll just add two other thoughts.

First, although you now feel "pretty useless" and in over your head, I expect you will be amazed at how quickly you improve as result of playing with these guys (assuming, of course, that you put in the time and effort to learn and practice the songs, etc.) As this happens, you'll be able to contribute more and your confidence will increase.

Second, it seems to me that the worst possible thing that could happen is that, at some point, they find someone else to replace you. If that happens, you'll just be back to where you are now -- practicing alone to CDs -- but with a wealth of experience that will carry over into whatever you choose to do next. Even the worst-case-scenario is a win!

There simply is no downside here. Throw yourself into it, do the best that you can, and enjoy the ride!
 
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#18
+1 to the above comments, that this is a terrific learning opportunity. Hang in there with it, OP!

Keep in mind that (from what you mentioned) it's likely your self-perception is biased negatively. IOW, the other players perceive your playing more favorably than you do. My suggestion is to give it your best, and just treat any feelings of "I can't do this" as passing emotions which are probably distortions of reality.
 
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#20
in case nobody said it, record all your band's songs well enuf so you can play along in private at your leisure and get deep into them instead of chasing after them, then at practice you'll have far more confidence, be more up to snuff and involved to know what to discuss with your mates, then they'll be happier and hopefully work better with you as a true member. play a loop of those songs quietly as you retire for the nite (all nite if possible or whenever you can) and they'll sink in quicker, plus improvising will be easier.
 
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