Yes or no ?

[Chris cook]

You just joined your 1st. band , you're the new bass player for a hard rock cover band.
Your first practice they tell you we have a show in 1 week opening for a popular local band. IT will also be your 1st time playing in front of a crowd
You have 1 week , 5 practices to learn 40 songs .
Could ya do it ?
would ya do it ?
Should ya do it ?
or
will you say No way ?

 

[ryco]

If the band was musically good and fun guys to be around and an interesting project
I absolutely could and would do it

 

[Carlitos]

I will say yes.
Years ago I had to learn 25 songs in a week for a substitution in a wedding. Only one rehearsal before the event. Most were covers, but I have never played 20 of them before. The guitarist and keyboardist were so accomplished that the gig went flawless.

 

[Discount Bassy]

Yes, although I don't remember having more than one practice that week.

 

[Killing Floor]

Could.
But probably shouldn’t. Unless you’re a really solid player and have nothing else to do that week. 3 sets is a lot to ask for a rookie.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Your first band?
No.
They really don't care about practice and quality.
Just hammer out a rough show and throw it at the crowd.
I guess that's Rock and Roll!

 

[5StringBlues]

When I was younger, yes. Now? No!

 

[Geri O]

Yes, because that’s part of what I do.

My main gig came about because I was given 2 days to learn 30 songs for a Nashville country music artist. I took the entire two days, made a few number charts, made a bunch of notes, and just woodsheded like crazy for 2 days. During soundcheck, we ran over 5 of of his “signature” songs, which was helpful, no doubt
That gig was supposed to be a sub gig, but at the end of the night, the Artist said, you’re hired, if you want the gig. Funny, out of the 30 songs, we did 19, LOL. Which was fine, of course.
I’ve been here for two years and looks like we’re getting quite busy this year.

Learning a lot of songs quickly is like anything else. You get good at it if you do it a lot. Being able to read number charts and Nashville number charts is handy. I just wish I was better at sight-reading real notation charts. If so, I could work even more. Them’s the breaks….

 

[Geri O]

You just joined your 1st. band , you're the new bass player for a hard rock cover band.
Your first practice they tell you we have a show in 1 week opening for a popular local band. IT will also be your 1st time playing in front of a crowd
You have 1 week , 5 practices to learn 40 songs .
Could ya do it ?
would ya do it ?
Should ya do it ?
or
will you say No way ?

Some might say no, but I say, if you’re serious about playing the bass, this will be a good opportunity to see if you really like the experience. It could be good, great, wild & hairy, exhilarating, frustrating, all the above and more.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Depends on the songs, and the amount of woodshed time you have that week.

 

[JC BASS 91]

Yeah...to do that I would have to take the week off from work and spend it all learning the songs...

Not saying I couldn't do it, but I would have to really make it a point to work at it. I still wouldn't play the show without errors (heck, I can't even do that with MONTHS of practice LOL!), but I would give it my absolute best, and chances are, the audience wouldn't notice anyway.

 

[Geri O]

I would add that this is fine for younger bassists getting a start.

But having said all of what I said earlier, I got to a point a few years ago on taking sub gigs where I drew a line. Most of the sub gigs being offered around here consisted of:
25-35 songs (mostly classic rock or country standards)
Usually a 4-hour gig.
Usually for $100.
With no repeat gigs on the horizon (I know, the nature of sub gigs...)

I just started giving a hard pass on those gigs. It became just not worth the trouble.

 

[Al Rivera]

I never say no to new musical experiences! This is how you grow, doing things that take you out of your comfort zone!

 

[Katoosie]

At my current level? Absolutely not. Not only would I make a complete fool of myself but also would let down my bandmates in a big way.

 

[Biggbass]

sure. it's hard rock...what could be simpler?

 

[JRA]

Could ya do it?

sure!

would ya do it?

can i play the gig seated?

Should ya do it?

only if i can sit while playing.

will you say No way?

"no way!"

 

[No Malarky]

I am going to pass.

 

[HardNHeavy]

40 songs is 2hrs almost, dont think your gonna play that many as an unknown opener. A "live rehearsal" Also being 1st gig...scary for some. I wouldn't want my first gig to be unprepared, there are many variables....I have more confidence now to say yes, then i did early on.

 

[Slevage]

40 songs as an opening act?

 

[socialleper]

40 songs! And you are the opener? Is it a grindcore band with 1 minute songs?

Sounds like they have some pretty unrealistic expectations.