tjkennelly Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 My last band broke up a few months ago and I haven't really been playing much as a result. I've been looking for a while to see if there were any metal originals bands who needed a vocalist but to no avail. I was thinking about joining another band as a bassist but I don't think I'm musical enough to do so. I can play anything set in front of me but writing music is quite difficult for me. So I've been thinking about joining a covers band; something to keep me busy for now and to get me playing again. Just wondering if any of you lot had some advice on what sort of setup I should have; if theres anything I should invest in or skills I should start learning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowbee Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 If you're joining someone else's band try and be open minded, as your idea of what is a good song isn't always shared by your bandmates or the audience. I play some songs I really, really don't like in my covers bands but no-one would ever tell because I try and be professional about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 (edited) If you're joining a covers band: * Do exactly as you're told for the first couple of months, unless you're asked for your opinion * Play the bass lines as per the original, or how the last bassist did it, unless you're asked to do otherwise * Keep any suggestions for new material back until you've absolutely mastered the existing set * Get a boring old Fender bass. The pointy one in your avatar will scare the old Bobs in the audience. * If you haven't got one, get a rig that will knock out min 300w [i]clean[/i] * You mention you're a vocalist. Sharpen up your " Ooooh - Ahhh" backing vocals - always useful. * Stand at the back in the shadows, exchanging wry glances with the drummer. Keep your feet still. [i]Do not "Rock Hard".[/i] * [s]Invest in a powder-blue glittery suit and a fat kipper tie for those wedding gigs.[/s] Edited September 3, 2009 by skankdelvar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 All of the things already stated and remember that female vocalists are very popular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CathalOC Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 I played in a covers band for a year or two when the first band I was in broke up. I don't regret it even though some of the songs were very painful to mine ears! When I moved here 3 years ago I took some drum lessons, just to keep myself busy musically. I think any kind of band activity is a good idea to make sure you don't lose your love of playing. In terms of setup, I agree with the above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 [quote name='tjkennelly' post='589155' date='Sep 3 2009, 09:52 PM']....I was thinking about joining another band as a bassist but I don't think I'm musical enough to do so. I can play anything set in front of me but writing music is quite difficult for me. So I've been thinking about joining a covers band; something to keep me busy for now and to get me playing again....[/quote] I think we are assuming your covers band will be towards the charts end of the scale? If so, you don't need to read music. A chord chart and a listen to the original record will get you through most cover band gigs. As others have said; sing, play don't rock and keep it simple. Your best asset should be your singing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrenochrome Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 If you join/start a rock covers band then a pointy bass should be fine! Backing vox very useful as is the ability to sing a line or 2 when the lead singer forgets to come in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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