What is expected at a "sit-in" practice?

[KellyC]

I'm stretching myself, switching from blues to heavy metal, learning fast picking. I'm good enough to play Muse, but not good enough to play The Color Black by Dayseeker without a lot of practice.

I have the opportunity to play with a metal band. I have a recording of the set and with a lot of practice can do a decent job probably.. but they today asked me if I'd come in for a sit-in practice and I just think that I'd embarrass myself I'm not prepared. I was going to learn their songs but then set them aside to learn the Dayseeker song.

I've done this before. Said that I was better than I was and just worked really hard behind the scenes. Harder than anyone realized. And it's such short notice. I'm thinking that I'm just busy today.

But if a sit in practice comes with very low expectation, then maybe I should go?

I think that most everyone at some point in their development as a bass player has gone for an audition that was a stretch for their current ability level. The most important thing, IMO, is that you make the band sound good even if you have to simplify a bar or two to play cleanly and with precision.

Approach it like a pro...chart the music (in whatever complicated or simplified manner makes sense to you) so that you have a map for all the songs' structures and can hit the stops and starts, practice the songs so that you can play them clean/in time/with the right feel, and show up prepared like a pro even if you are early on in your bass journey.

If they don't give you enough time to prepare before hand, then take a notebook with you so you can create your charts in real time. Don't be afraid to ask them "how many times does it repeat the intro bars before the verse? How many bars is the guitar solo? Can you show me that riff where the bass doubles the guitar?" etc etc. Doing this shows that you have a systematic approach to learning/mastering the songs even if you don't know them at the moment.

Lastly, for that volume of music, take earplugs for God's sake.

 

[Sparkl]

I'm stretching myself, switching from blues to heavy metal, learning fast picking. I'm good enough to play Muse, but not good enough to play The Color Black by Dayseeker without a lot of practice.

I have the opportunity to play with a metal band. I have a recording of the set and with a lot of practice can do a decent job probably.. but they today asked me if I'd come in for a sit-in practice and I just think that I'd embarrass myself I'm not prepared. I was going to learn their songs but then set them aside to learn the Dayseeker song.

I've done this before. Said that I was better than I was and just worked really hard behind the scenes. Harder than anyone realized. And it's such short notice. I'm thinking that I'm just busy today.

But if a sit in practice comes with very low expectation, then maybe I should go?

No self doubt allowed - go. You might as well end up being the best musician in that band. Or not. Who cares. You will never know till you try though.

 

[Killing Floor]

Know your business. Whatever is expected. And you should think twice about playing Muse.

 

[CoffeeLove]

Ask for clarity about expectations, that is reasonable. Ask how many songs, and which specific ones they would like you to play. Keep it simple enough that you absolutely stay in the groove, that is typically more important than little nuances of songs (minus signature licks/lines). You definitely go for it, have fun.

 

[KenD]

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. To me, a 'sit in practice" sounds a lot like an audition.

 

[Clark W]

I'm stretching myself, switching from blues to heavy metal, learning fast picking. I'm good enough to play Muse, but not good enough to play The Color Black by Dayseeker without a lot of practice.

I have the opportunity to play with a metal band. I have a recording of the set and with a lot of practice can do a decent job probably.. but they today asked me if I'd come in for a sit-in practice and I just think that I'd embarrass myself I'm not prepared. I was going to learn their songs but then set them aside to learn the Dayseeker song.

I've done this before. Said that I was better than I was and just worked really hard behind the scenes. Harder than anyone realized. And it's such short notice. I'm thinking that I'm just busy today.

But if a sit in practice comes with very low expectation, then maybe I should go?

 

[Clark W]

I'm stretching myself, switching from blues to heavy metal, learning fast picking. I'm good enough to play Muse, but not good enough to play The Color Black by Dayseeker without a lot of practice.

I have the opportunity to play with a metal band. I have a recording of the set and with a lot of practice can do a decent job probably.. but they today asked me if I'd come in for a sit-in practice and I just think that I'd embarrass myself I'm not prepared. I was going to learn their songs but then set them aside to learn the Dayseeker song.

I've done this before. Said that I was better than I was and just worked really hard behind the scenes. Harder than anyone realized. And it's such short notice. I'm thinking that I'm just busy today.

But if a sit in practice comes with very low expectation, then maybe I should go?

Myself, personally, if I go to a sit in jam, audition, or whatever, I will be the last one they complain about. So either you know the material, or have the ability to pick it up on the fly.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I'm stretching myself, switching from blues to heavy metal, learning fast picking. I'm good enough to play Muse, but not good enough to play The Color Black by Dayseeker without a lot of practice.

I have the opportunity to play with a metal band. I have a recording of the set and with a lot of practice can do a decent job probably.. but they today asked me if I'd come in for a sit-in practice and I just think that I'd embarrass myself I'm not prepared. I was going to learn their songs but then set them aside to learn the Dayseeker song.

I've done this before. Said that I was better than I was and just worked really hard behind the scenes. Harder than anyone realized. And it's such short notice. I'm thinking that I'm just busy today.

But if a sit in practice comes with very low expectation, then maybe I should go?

The term "sitting in" is not determinant as to what expectations are by either party . You shouldn't be here asking for advice, you need to be talking to the BL as to what he has in mind, and if you think you can meet his expectations or if you both can agree to whatever, have at it. If not, take a pass

 

[MBASSTT]

Usually in situations like this, I try to get a rough idea of the songs, and use this first rehearsal to take notes, and get an overall feel for the arrangements.
Then get everything fine tuned for the next rehearsal.

 

[Mark Ambler]

I'd pretty much nail the songs before rehearsing, a couple of slips are fine, but I wouldn't
want to waste peoples time. Unless they have charts for all the music, (I'm guessing it's not that sort of Band), they need to allow you decent time to prepare. How would you feel about going to a rehearsal, setting up, etc, and the bass player doesn't know the material? Always leave a good impression.

 

[Jogobass]

Be honest with yourself and others. That will work out better in the end, always.

 

[BobDeRosa]

I'm stretching myself, switching from blues to heavy metal, learning fast picking. I'm good enough to play Muse, but not good enough to play The Color Black by Dayseeker without a lot of practice.

I have the opportunity to play with a metal band. I have a recording of the set and with a lot of practice can do a decent job probably.. but they today asked me if I'd come in for a sit-in practice and I just think that I'd embarrass myself I'm not prepared. I was going to learn their songs but then set them aside to learn the Dayseeker song.

I've done this before. Said that I was better than I was and just worked really hard behind the scenes. Harder than anyone realized. And it's such short notice. I'm thinking that I'm just busy today.

But if a sit in practice comes with very low expectation, then maybe I should go?

Being prepared is always better than not, but your eventual success or failure might also depend on how many options the band has. Are there lots of other bassists in your area for them to choose from? If you're one of very few who qualify, they might be a little more patient.

 

[4-stringB]

If you don't feel prepared don't go.

GO. Show them you can be at the right place, at the right time, with working gear and a great attitude. The music will work itself out.

 

[KenSmithFan]

Lying isn’t a great way to start a relationship. And you may be 34 in your head, but you’re 54 in the real world. I’ve yet to see someone who thinks they look 10 or 20 years younger than their age who actually does.

But what do I know? I have the antiquated notion that you should be straight with people.

 

[51PRI]

Lying isn’t a great way to start a relationship. And you may be 34 in your head, but you’re 54 in the real world. I’ve yet to see someone who thinks they look 10 or 20 years younger than their age who actually does......

Well, I USED to have people tell me I didn't look my age, but I haven't heard it lately. :>(

 

[jthisdell]

I don’t think anyone would expect you to walk in to this and be perfect.