Rixy

Hey guys, thought I'd bump this thread to let you know that I put up some ads and within a few days I got two good offers.

One offer is a Ska band wanting to experiment with reggae and gyspy music. This band is still trying to get guys together.

Another is a band wanting to work with funk, blues and rock. This band just needs a bassist for a complete line up.

I decided I might as well go with both of them and decide what I like best. I'm not really sure on what will go down when I get there. Another pain is that the Ska band is in another town, so that might be a trouble in the future. Do you guys have any tips on the first practice sessions?

Meanwhile, I'm wondering whether my lack of knowledge in blues music will be a problem. All I know is the blues scale, and whenever I play in that it ends up sounding like a funky swing jazz kind of thing

I can slap and pop - quite damn fast too. I went through a "LUK @ M3" phase that I have grown out of. My more preferred style of playing is a melodic, groovy, slower style of playing; at least people can properly hear what notes I'm playing. I still enjoy it on my own, but if I was in a band I wouldn't be too keen to utilize it. I was just so eager to try it out after listening to so much God damn RHCP and Primus

Thanks guys. I'm going to clean up my bass over the next few months and get out there and see what happens. Hopefully when I get a job and some income things will get better. By the way, age wouldn't be a matter would it? I'm actually quite young, only 18. I don't think I've ever seen Ska/Reggae bands in their teens. Most teenage bands I see are punk, rock or metal. I don't have a problem with that, but it doesn't really interest me. I often jokingly say to myself [i]John Frusciante was in the Red Hot Chili Peppers when he was 18, what am I doing with my life!?[/i]

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='1173703' date='Mar 23 2011, 07:22 PM']Rubbish, if you'd been down here it would have been awesome, I think I've played with all the bands you sited in the OP would have loved to have done something.[/quote]

Ah, that sucks

Are you in a band like that then? I wouldn't mind giving it a listen.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='1173692' date='Mar 23 2011, 07:12 PM']Where are you based?[/quote]

Derby, East midlands

I can't jump into it straight away, as I have some studies and exams to get out of the way in a few months. Not to mention get new strings, new picks, new leads and a new strap as the lonely bassist inside of me has kind of given up a little bit and has moved onto banjo and acoustic guitar. But hey, I'm still trying to hang in there

I believe that I am a decent bassist. I've been called "very good" by others, but I don't want to get cocky. While this is nice and all, I don't really have anyone to play with. I have friends, but they're not into music like I am. I'm really into the current UK Ska/Reggae/Punk scene: Sonic Boom Six, Mouthwash, JB Conspiracy, Jimmy the Squirrel, Stuck in 2nd etc. and it would be really fun to get into that kind of music. Problem is, I barely know any musicians that are into that kind of music. I have a friend I jam with sometimes, but he tends to go out of key all the time and frequently bends notes. I'd just be happy with a simple offbeat jam, but once again I'm kind of stuck in a rut as I don't know many people with similar tastes to mine.

I was going to put up an advertisement, but I'm wondering whether I'd be able to play with other people in the first place. The only amp I have is a Roland Microcube. I fear it wouldn't have the volume to hang in with other musicians. I'm completely skint, and while I can play proficiently I can't even afford a decent intermediate bass. I guess what I'm wondering is what did you guys have when you started out playing in bands? Many I'm over thinking and I should just get out there and play? I'd really like to play some form of reggae or ska. I wouldn't mind hanging in the back and laying down some low riddims. I don't really expect to be Les Claypool or Victor Wooten. Do you guys have any advice on my little dilemma?