odysseus

Hi there. Welcome! 😁

Bong Jovi

Actually, that may be an improvement.... 

Bald Company

A few bands seem to be following in the footsteps of bands like Animals As Leaders with 8 string guitars. Mainly proggy metal type bands though.. 

4 hours ago, BigRedX said:

 

When I formed my first band at 14, with like-minded friends from school, it never occurred to us to start by playing "covers". In fact we probably didn't even know that word. Nearly all our favourite bands wrote their own songs, and those in the glam rock/pop world often made a big deal about it - usually disparaging those who had their hits written for them. Therefore there was never any question that we weren't going to start writing from the beginning.

I was slightly hamstrung by the fact that none of my friends played instruments. It was only when I was able to drive, go and see bands, and meet like minded people that things opened up a bit more and the jamming started. 

10 hours ago, BigRedX said:

 

I learnt to play when I was 13 for the express purpose of being able to write my own songs. As soon as I was competent enough to be able to strum my way through most of "The Beatles Complete" I concentrated on writing rather than just playing.

Indeed. I'm sure others do too, but I would expect them to be in a minority. Personally, I was trying to learn guitar and get some technique going in my early to mid teens. I don't think I 'wrote' anything until about 17. I switched to bass at 19 and then out it all came! 

Kids learning to play well is a great thing. I wouldn't expect 'creativity' when really young. That would come later when they establish their own identity and what music their identity leads them to pursue.

33 minutes ago, KingBollock said:

Indeed. And the fact that learning to play guitar and bass has never been so accessible. The cost and the quality of entry level instruments (less likely to be put off by a poorly made budget instrument) makes getting started a lot easier. Plus the massive amount of information and advice on the internet probably helps a lot.

Yup. Plus they don't have to keep rewinding a cassette tape to try and nail the parts. Also there are more tools such as Guitar Pro etc. where you can mute other tracks, loop, speed train etc. I am grateful, however, that some kids are actually still learning to play instruments.

As Frank Zappa was heard to say, "Shut up and play your guitar"

Sacrilege, I know. But I really like this, so nerrr!!.... 😛

On 22/08/2022 at 19:13, Crawford13 said:

I'm not really into Extreme, but I always thought that they must be really annoyed that this was the song that defined them, when most of the music is basically shred hair metal...😂

I absolutely hated More Than Words, but I liked the rest of Pornograffiti. I didn't care for any of the other albums though..

Stagecraft, you say.... 

You're a better man than me, Gunga Din. I'd have been the righteous f*ck out of there once I realised the dude didn't know what he was doing. Best of luck, sir! 

I have a face like a robber's dog, and no amount of fancy clothing will get round that. I do move around if there is enough room to do it without clouting a fellow band member on the noggin though.

Currently on a bit of a break after leaving my last band a couple of months ago.  Just bought a digital piano, so I'm trying to learn some stuff on there. Having a break from bass, which I do regularly, usually means I'm playing guitar instead... or in this case piano. I'll be back to bass sooner or later.

DP

3 minutes ago, Bluewine said:

.... questionable venues with low pay and poor logistics.....

My entire musical life in a nutshell. 😄 That said, I've really enjoyed most of it.

I have no experience of the other option, but it does sound good!

On 27/03/2022 at 14:07, pst62 said:

As talented as Mr Claypool and co are, If I wanted to see a Rush tribute, I'd rather go to see these lads.

 

 

Tidy!!! 🤘

9 hours ago, MacDaddy said:

 

Similar to me, my bass playing comes from classical guitar technique.

I was asked to play bass in a band with some of my mates precisely because they knew I played classical guitar and they were after a finger-style player.  Fortunately for all of us, I took to it! I still use classical picking patterns up the dusty end on occasion 🙃

I started on classical guitar when I was a kid, I didn't pick up a bass guitar til I was 19. I'd have found bass a lot more difficult if I hadn't played guitar first.

Discovered Lovebites a couple of years ago. Those ladies can certainly dish out metal in fine style!  Still trying to get hold of the Five Of A kind DVD....

Dunno if they've settled on a new bassist yet after Miho's departure.  I would have offered my services, but I'm not sure I have the legs for that kind of dress.... 

17 hours ago, Simon C said:

That'll keep your strings from going floppy. 😜

It'll stop you peeing on your slippers as well. 👍

I have seen this meme in the context of an Ampeg  8x10. My mate has got one, and yes, it is godawful heavy.  I've been using Barefaced for about 10 years now, and my back is eternally grateful, as I live up 4 flights of stairs.

My latest discovery, courtesy of KEXP... again! I'm now working my way through other sets available, such as this.  

9 minutes ago, thedontcarebear said:

Sounds like you’re the odd one out and should probably leave?

This is pretty much why I left my last band.  So many musicians want to play the Bohemian card, but not actually do anything other than get stoned and just talk about doing stuff.