TDM Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 I got an email the other day asking if I would like to play bass for a local rock/hard rock band. They suggested a few songs which were on the setlist for me to learn. They are Mr Brownstone and Nightrain by Guns N Roses and possibly Burn by Deep Purple. I've not played in a band for quite some time so I'm rather out of practice but I think I've got the GnR songs down mostly. Anyone got any general/specific advice? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Dont overplay and for gods sake, try to look like you're enjoying yourself!! Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dark Lord Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Remember. You're choosing them just as much as they're choosing you. You have to spend a lot of time and effort in a band. If they are not reasonable people - walk away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Be early. Make sure you`ve checked all your gear is working, and make sure you take all that is needed with you. Smile, and be friendly. Once you`ve done the playing part, ask the band what their direction is - if they want to be gigging 4 nights a week, every week, and you do shift work, well it`s not gonna work, so establish who exactly they`re looking for, as well as establishing it this is the band for you. When chatting stress any plus points - driving, backing vocs, contacts in venues etc. Don`t slag off any previous guitarists you`ve worked with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shizznit Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 [list] [*]Make sure all of your kit is healthy and in perfect working order! [*]If you have songs to learn before the audition...learn them! If you don't then be methodical and patient learning the song as you go along and avoid gurning in frustration. When the other musicians are watching you like a hawk negative body language will be easily picked up. [*]Be on time and show your willingness to help the other musicians getting their kit out of their car (that first impression goes a long way!) [*]Make small talk whilst everyone is tuning up/setting up. Football is usually a good ice breaker! [*]Don't criticise the other musicians if something doesn't sound right to you. Remember, your under the microscope...not them! [*]Don't criticise the last band/artist you worked with. [*]Just be calm and be yourself. [*]Work out if your personal commitments will allow time to be a part of the band/artist you are audtioning for. [*]Enjoy the experience! Meeting new musicians is always a lot of fun [/list] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thumperbob 2002 Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Just be cool and enjoy yourself- give yourself the mindset that you are auditioning them, not the other way round. Make sure you know the songs better than they do. Be prepared to make a hasty excuse and leave immediately if they are a bunch of numpties ( happened to me more than once- always got my wife to call after an hour with some excuse for me to leave- she knew I would ignore the call if they were OK ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeh Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 [quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1328661685' post='1530968'] Dont overplay and for gods sake, try to look like you're enjoying yourself!! Truckstop [/quote] This says it all.............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spike Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 I passed an audition last week and the feedback I got from the bandleader was - I learned the material I didn't overplay I took notice of what the drummer was doing Hope it goes well for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraightSix Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 [quote name='shizznit' timestamp='1328692980' post='1531107'][list] [*]Make small talk whilst everyone is tuning up/setting up. Football is usually a good ice breaker! [/list] [/quote] I'm not sure I agree with that - you would be out of my band immediately...! Talk about music... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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