Last Saturday I had the opportunity to attend a music lab set up by my local music school. Everyone else had already been playing together since last year. I was very clear with them about my skill level, to the point of being disparaging, I guess.
Anyhow, after learning our names and exchanging some jokes, we begun playing.
I tried to keep the rhythm and to nail the beat. There were so many things to care for at the same time: what other were doing, fix my fingers, counting measures… I had a blast.
I played possibly the most basic and boring bassline ever (chug chug … Root note on each eighth).
But … I was actually playing with real people and not with a track… I almost couldn’t believe it. And my basic bassline was at least useful, if not compelling, since it was a new song for everybody and the singers needed to learn it.
Now I can’t wait for the next time, I hope to improve a bit and to get to their level (or not so far!)
I know it’s a silly post but I wanted to share with you a nice experience ,
Not a silly post at all. That’s a wonderful opportunity and achievement. Congratulations! Keep having fun and let us know how it goes with future practices.
I agree, definitely not silly. I did something similar 6 months ago and its the best thing Ive done as a bass player as i’m too old to start thinking about being in a gigging band.
Yes. I had to overcome my sense of being too much of a beginner but I really think that playing together will help me to get better, while enjoying a good time.
You have to be a beginner to move on from that - so you’re off now! Just keep going!
Someone said to me the other day that they wouldn’t know where to start with playing an instrument. And I said, “that’s right. That’s exactly what I was like before I picked one up. Have you picked one up yet?”
Sounds like a great experience @f.guerrieri. It is a totally different experience playing with real people as opposed to recording solo through a DAI, or playing with a drum or background track. I spent my first year playing alone, and the first time I played with a group I was horrified to find out I couldn’t pause or start over if I made a mistake. Keep with it, it gets easier over time and is extremely rewarding. I started with eighth notes too!
Why wait? Look for local jam sessions to attend and play in.
About 5-6 years ago I looked for local jam sessions to play with other like minded musicians. At that time it was for guitar and ukulele. I live in a rural area and it did not surprise me that there there were none.
So, I approached our local library and asked them if they would be interested in hosting a weekly jam session.
I started playing Bass in January of 2021. Until then I thought that ululele was one of the easiest instruments to learn to play. But what could be simpler that just joining others and playing just root notes, then progressing to roots and fifths, on to roots, thirds, and fifths, then roots thirds fifths and octaves. Combinations of these should also work.
The library idea took off like wildfire and currently there are two separate sessions every week.
Since then we have been offered space at Legions (called Posts in the USA), Senior’s homes, and a few other venues, free of charge. My only stipulations were that we would not be charged a fee for the space, that we could use the space for about two hours per session, and in return every now and again we would put on a one hour free concert on special occasions, such as Christmas.
Some of our sessions have exceeded the allowable room capacities. One Christmas concert, pre Covid, comes to mind were we had over 70 musicians playing.
As you have discovered, playing with others is a hoot and a great way to interact with other like minded individuals and learn from them. You will also discover quickly that your playing is not as bad as you thought.
Anyways, good on you for taking the leap and good luck in the future.
I would send anyone interested in participating a set list and lead sheets for the music we would play the following week. I discovered quickly there has to be some organization.
It was taking me an average of about 18 hours a week to get lead sheets that were correct. And then of course you get suggestions for songs that you may have to transpose or transcribe.
The library now has a lending program for guitars (electric and acoustic), ukuleles, violins, and basses. All electric instruments include all the cabling and amps. Free music lessons are also available.
Our sessions are not limited to any one instrument (just no drums) and last week we had guitars, basses, ukuleles, a banjo, kazoos, comb and tissue, and the most god awful instrument from Newfoundland called an ugly stick. You Newfies and East Coasters know what I am taking about.
A lot of schools in my area have now put in extra curricular music jam activities.
Sometimes I think I created a monster that just keeps growing but it is worth it.
Thats not silly. Your lucky more opportunities
Will come from this. I have no experience to what I am writing but I believe this is a great learning point and you got to know your fears
Now your working hard to overcome your insecurities. I have been trying to find others my level to get together with. Every once in a while my buddie a guitar player comes over and the conversation is man we got to work on something! If lucky we lock together for 2 minutes which thrills the hell out of me. Its just turns into getting drunk telling tall stores .
Congratulations your on the way!!!
This is a dream of mine! I can’t wait to play with other people.
Reviving this old topic because my dream is about to come true
I signed up for a workshop from the local music store and they have put together a rock band of four people (including me) and will provide everything for us to play together for the entire month of July!
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