• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Ramping Up With Your New (working) Band

#21
bluewine said:
Performed note for note with the feel, rythem, drive and execution of the original artist recording with absolutely no error.
Click to expand...

It's fine that you have these expectations, but I don't know a single cover band in my market that holds their members to this standard. Some get close, but not to this degree. And a lot of bands think they're close, when they're really not.

A BL putting this expectation on people around here would never find anyone to play with him... people just aren't gonna put in that kind of prep time to play 4-hour bar gigs for $100 a man... but hopefully you'll have success.
 
#22
I understand bluewine's "gold standard" for playing a cover note-for-note faithfully to the original to the extent possible. It's my standard as well, and it is achievable.

But it's not always do-able if the time frame is too small, and then you have to take the advice of others on this thread and put quantity over quality. At least until you get those first few gigs under your belt; meanwhile, you can continue to do your homework and perfect your lines. But you can't hold up the band's agenda in the process.

I once lost a guitar slot because I was taking too long to learn my parts. BL just wanted me to get something close to the originals, and I was going for perfection.
 
#23
I'm really not sure what this thread is about...

If I'm reading it correctly then you're asking people how they learn songs or go about it, but then you're saying you want to do it your way. I think I might be missing something...
 
#26
DBCrocky said:
Ok, you are saying that learning 50 songs (to your standards) in two weeks is not possible.

But you are finding a methodology for learning 45 songs in three weeks quite successful.

Sounds like a big argument over minor differences.
Click to expand...

I never looked it that way, but now that you mention it, you make a good point.


blue
 
#27
If a cover band gave me a recording of their versions of the songs, I would listen and try to play it that way or improve upon what I hear within the context of how they play the song, which may or may not be playing closer to the originial recorded version. I totally understand that your standard is note for note from the original recording, but my priority is to sound good with the band I am playing with and keep the gig. When put in the "learn three sets in two weeks" position, I create playlists of the sets on iTunes and go through them one at a time and create "cheat sheets" for myself with chords, changes, and other reminders (ie: repeat chorus, three hits on the ending). I practice them one set (roughly 15 songs) at a time so I don't overload my limited brain capacity and I also burn a disc for my car so get them ingrained in my head as I am driving. This has worked well for me in the past. Good luck on the 26th, hope you have a great gig.
 
#29
oh, good!
here's another one of Blue's "tell me how you do it, so I can tell you it doesn't live up to my excellence" threads. If you spent as much time working on the songs as you do posting threads about working on the songs, you could learn them in a few weeks and be ready to go.

$.02
 
#31
Jarrett said:
I hope this doesn't burst your bubble or anything, Blue, but you standards have no bearing on my life. What I said is I can (and have) learn 50 songs in two weeks. If you can't do that, how do you plan to play that gig coming up on Thanksgiving week?
Click to expand...

I probably won't have them down, there will be some mistakes on my part. I won't own the material.

Plus, my first gig with a new band,I will be nervous.

Other than that, I hoping I can get by on my looks.

blue
 
#32
jaywa said:
It's fine that you have these expectations, but I don't know a single cover band in my market that holds their members to this standard. Some get close, but not to this degree. And a lot of bands think they're close, when they're really not.

A BL putting this expectation on people around here would never find anyone to play with him... people just aren't gonna put in that kind of prep time to play 4-hour bar gigs for $100 a man... but hopefully you'll have success.
Click to expand...

My standard is not realistic and I agree with you.

I'm trying to make a point and I feel I have to use that standard to successfully make it.
 
#33
electracoyote said:
I understand bluewine's "gold standard" for playing a cover note-for-note faithfully to the original to the extent possible. It's my standard as well, and it is achievable.

But it's not always do-able if the time frame is too small, and then you have to take the advice of others on this thread and put quantity over quality. At least until you get those first few gigs under your belt; meanwhile, you can continue to do your homework and perfect your lines. But you can't hold up the band's agenda in the process.

I once lost a guitar slot because I was taking too long to learn my parts. BL just wanted me to get something close to the originals, and I was going for perfection.
Click to expand...

I think it's a good starting point. After you own the song you can start doing your own thing with it.

I think its the rythem and drive that many of us struggle with.

blue
 
#35
Well, it is what it is. Learn the songs and perform..right? Well its practice and how much you put into it..that will tell at the gig. I have learned this many songs twice since I became a bass player and did allright at the first gig. Notes on the setlist help.

I dont get the whole learn the song your way? I learn them the way the band wants to cover them or even twist them which is more fun IMO. If they want note for note..great, drop out a part..fine, add a part ...great too. Cover's are that covers of another artists song. The band can do what they want to them. As for not making mistakes..good luck with that one.
 
#36
essentre said:
I'm really not sure what this thread is about...

If I'm reading it correctly then you're asking people how they learn songs or go about it, but then you're saying you want to do it your way. I think I might be missing something...
Click to expand...

Have you ever had a band give you a preferred method for learning new material, if yes, share it.

What do you struggle with when it comes to new material? For me, sometime it's being able to hear and distinguish the bass part in a recording. Sometime it's burrows in the mix.
 
#37
By the end of this thread I didn't even know what the OP's question was. How to learn 50 songs note for note and play them all perfectly in two weeks? I'll start with "It's a waste of time and effort." But that's just my opinion.

Unless you have unlimited time to devote to this it's not possible (in two weeks) for most people. First, set some realistic goals - learning the chords and signature lines to all 50 songs. Write out charts for all of the songs making notes of the arrangements. Write out the signature bass lines so you don't have to commit them 100% to memory. Then start filling in the blanks as time allows.

Unless these are songs by Yes, Genesis and Gentle Giant, you should at least be able to learn the chords, play in the correct style and learn any important bass lines. Anything after that you are playing for personal satisfaction because 99% of the audience won't know the difference between close to the record and exactly like the record.
 
#39
lfmn16 said:
By the end of this thread I didn't even know what the OP's question was. How to learn 50 songs note for note and play them all perfectly in two weeks? I'll start with "It's a waste of time and effort." But that's just my opinion.

Unless you have unlimited time to devote to this it's not possible (in two weeks) for most people. First, set some realistic goals - learning the chords and signature lines to all 50 songs. Write out charts for all of the songs making notes of the arrangements. Write out the signature bass lines so you don't have to commit them 100% to memory. Then start filling in the blanks as time allows.

Unless these are songs by Yes, Genesis and Gentle Giant, you should at least be able to learn the chords and any important bass lines. Anything after that you are playing for personal satisfaction because 99% of the audience won't know the difference.
Click to expand...

Setting realistic goals as you say is something that works for all of us

I think you know and have shown that you do know what this thread is about.

blue
 
#40
bassbully said:
Well, it is what it is. Learn the songs and perform..right? Well its practice and how much you put into it..that will tell at the gig. I have learned this many songs twice since I became a bass player and did allright at the first gig. Notes on the setlist help.

I dont get the whole learn the song your way? I learn them the way the band wants to cover them or even twist them which is more fun IMO. If they want note for note..great, drop out a part..fine, add a part ...great too. Cover's are that covers of another artists song. The band can do what they want to them. As for not making mistakes..good luck with that one.
Click to expand...

Cool comment.

For me with the old band breaking up right when I finally owned every song then 2 months later I'm starting from scratch for the new band is a challenge and I have not been putting in the work that I should for the new band.

When I get home from work, I go to the gym, when I finally get home, I'm exhausted. I have been crashing without practicing the new material.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back