13 Essential Audition Tips for Bass Players /// Scott's Bass Lessons
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.ย. 2024
- In this lesson Scott gives you some great tips on how to best prepare for auditions and some advice to help you out at the audition itself. How you prepare for an audition can have a large impact on how you perform on the day. Being fully prepared not only allows you to perform to the best of your ability but it can also help you to stay relaxed, in what can be a pressurised environment.
During the lesson Scott talks about writing charts out for the songs. Even if your intention is to learn to play the songs from memory it is still worth charting them to speed up the memorisation process and to better understand the harmony being used.
The reason why charting & analysing harmony helps you memorise songs is to do with how your brain works. The best way to understand this is to think of the neutrons in your brain being interconnected like a spider’s web. When you connect new information with the existing information in the web it strengthens the web as a whole. So for example if you recognise that the song has an 8 bar verse and there is a II-V-I progression in the chorus, you will be taking the new concept of the song and connecting it up to these existing ideas. Approaching songs this way can greatly increase how quickly you can pick up new material.
There are also other benefits to writing charts, such as the memorisation benefits of writing something down as well as the visual aspect of being able to see the “layout” of the song. When it comes to the actual audition it’s also useful to have something visual to refer to. It’s much easier to talk about the hits at the end of bar 5 of the verse if you can see the structure written out.
Like with anything there are a number ways to approach memorisation and as Scott mentions, simply listening to the songs can be invaluable. Your subconscious mind is a powerful tool and listening to the material is something you can do while you go about your daily life. While it isn’t as effective as time spent with your bass in your hands, using both of these methods together will really ensure you know the material well.
Using the lyrics is another subject area that Scott touches on. Not only is this great for really getting a feel of what the singer is trying to convey to the audience with their song, it can also be another great tool for memorisation. With most sets of songs you learn there will always be that one section change that you miss every time. In these instances making a note on your chord chart of the lyrics that take place just before the change can help cue you as to where it is. This is particularly helpful for songs with an unusual structure or number of bars in a section.
Another important subject Scott touched on during the lesson is standing up for yourself. If you are a player who is new to this kind of professional environment, it can be easy to fall into the trap of just saying yes to everything that is asked of you. It's important to remember that your time is valuable and it’s not realistic to invest massive amounts of time learning 20+ songs in a couple of weeks for an audition that isn’t a sure thing.
When it comes to the audition process it’s really important to not take things personally. As with anything in life there will be successes and failures. What’s important is to view failure as part of the learning process and not with the negative perception it is usually associated with. Every failure is just another step towards success.
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All good tips. I have a perhaps lame one but in our modern times its one to consider. If you are unfamiliar with the situation of your tryout stalk them online before the tryout. In other words do what you can to find out about them. The line up, the past line up where they play, what they play, perhaps there will be video footage to see perhaps how they play. it doesn't hurt to know something about what your walking into before showing up. yes I have done this. I'll go slither back to my hole now.
This is great advice and I have done the same. Quite easy with all the social media presence.
Agreed! I've gone and seen the band play live (they had a temporary fill-in for a few gigs). But I looked online for any videos and recordings they may have, FB, Bandmix profiles, etc. It's quite possible they're doing the same thing on me. Just to familiarize myself with them and each of the members.
I am doing my first audition on Sunday. I fear failure, and having to go home after if I didn't play as well as I should have. I guess that's part of the learning experience, and I look forward to it. Regretting not going to a gig is scarier than going and failing to me though.
I am auditioning on electric bass for the us army band. This helped a lot
did you get it
Probably the best preparation is learning the songs and playing them over and over. And other points you mentioned in the video. I'd add asking a member you're negotiating with if they are playing some songs differently than on the original recording. For example live version, shorter solo, no intro, different drum pattern and so on. The biggest fear is the fear of unknown and after that the fear of rejection. In the beginning I used to shake before I start playing.
Thank you Scott. That was VERY inspiring. I just suffered a minor strike on the left side and I'm treating this stroke like it's not gonna defeat me. My movement's are getting better and watching this video has gotten me inspired and more determined, for IMUST live out my purpose in life. I won't let stroke beat me. Thanks Scott. ✌✊
I have been through a number of auditions and live performances myself. Before I started playing bass, I played saxophone for many many years. Nerves used to get the best of me and its very obvious as wind player. Your tone suffers, you can't breathe properly, your time is off, you forget cues and finger fumble. There is a lot more that can go wrong in that setting than playing bass (in my opinion). My private teacher spent a whole lesson just talking with me about habits, nerves, and how to move past being scared or awkward when performing. The best advice he gave me was to be nervous. It is unavoidable. Be nervous as you practice and grow and shed. Be nervous as you walk to the stage. As soon as you touch the stage, think about those nerves and how much time you spent preparing. Then let the nerves go. No tension, no panic, no nerves; just reassurance that you prepared and you can do your best. Take an easy stride on to the stage, take a proud bow because you are ready, and play with your heart not your mind. When you think you stink. Just play what you already know, because you made all the mistakes and flubs in the practice room. Everything you put on that stage or in that audition is what you wanted, because you should have the confidence that you make the choices up there not muscle memory or some uncontrollable flub. YOU can do it; especially if you prepared!
This came along at the right time, always appreciated Scott!
+Forgotten-Lament Piece a cake! ;)
+Scott's Bass Lessons Literally the right time too- I have an audition for college tuesday. I'm not certain what to make of it- I've not had an audition before, and I'm playing two contrasting pieces for 3-4 minutes.
+Gabriel Hole-Jones Good luck man! :)
Scott's Bass Lessons Thanks.
How'd it go man
I must have done a lot of auditions in my life, because I already use a lot of your tips. The ones I found most helpful were the ones for preparing.
Something I'd like to add to the conversation is that if you have a long period of time to practice your material, try not to get burned out on it. After to listening to something for a month and playing it over and over again, it can become tiring. So remember to take breaks if you feel the material is becoming boring to you.
Scott, I think that what differs you the most from other teachers is that, besides obviously being an excellent bass player, you're really commited to providing your students with life advices in general. You're the man! Thanks for the lessons!
scott devine CV:
part-time life coach
full-time bass monster
+theycallmejpj Lol ;)
Great tips, Scott! Thanks a million!
Great tips Scott. First I mostly prepare by playing along with the CD (or MP2) provided for the charts requested. I'll learn that ref. material, accurately as possible, and then maybe add my own variation in little tiny bits, just in case. Second, I am naturally very nervous in an audition... but once playing tend to relax a little. Being well prepared makes this happen quicker. FYI. I would add one more tip (#14) . LISTEN. Listen very carefully during the audition for cues, clues, and exactly what the other players may do. Knowing the chart per the Reference CD is just a starting point, but depending upon the group, there can be more or less variation to a song's structure, feel, groove, tempo, etc. Being flexible and adapting along with a group shows you can follow and adapt. Dont try to lead, but follow, until you are accepted and later comfortable with leading the feel. Hope this helps. Thanks again Scott. (Bassist since 1970).
I just wanna say i appreciate and am super grateful for this channel. Also your videos have improved substantially over the years. Thanks for the help you dont know how much this means to me and many others.
Pach Pacheco totally agree. One this is to be a great musician, another to be a great guide and make a difference to others.
Most of the time when I'm playing with a band for the first time ever I ask them to do a short jam. There's something about it that makes the bound and trust between the musician stronger. Great ice breaker.
As a fretless bass player, my biggest fear is that even if I get the timing and articulation right, I'll mess up the intonation. :)
Keep up the good work, Scott!
This summer, I started playing with this new band and they sort-of used our first few rehearsals and shows as an audition/probation period for me to see how well I did and how I fit in. It was a little nerve-wracking for me, but I tried to stay confident and do my best to prepare (didn't always prepare as well as I could have, but tried to make the best of it...). They seem to like me, and now I'm a part of the band full-time.
You bring up so many great points! Listening to the tunes and writing out charts is such a helpful thing. Showing up to the rehearsal and playing those tunes for the first time is such a breeze when I've already got the arrangement in my ear and don't need to look at a chart. It let's me focus on all the other bits like visual contact and listening to the rest of the group. Great video, Scott!
Best teacher I ever had!! Scott you are amazing...
The thing I do before auditions is make other musicians listen to me play work I'm preparing. More specifically, musicians that will be honest, and not just tell you what "you want to hear". For the most part, now I'm pretty excited for auditions, they are sometimes the only chance I will ever get to play with these people so I might as well have fun with it. Playing in front of other musicians was a big part of helping me to not be nervous at auditions.
I havent been on a audition yet but i want to go to a jamm session in the future. I made a giant leap in playing better by joining Bandhub on internet. I just started to collaborate in projects of other musicians and it helped me a lot. More fun in practicing more interaction and be able to play with other people in the whole world. I look for the chords of a song on internet and start practicing till i get it right.
I followed your directions to the T Scott, great stuff. everything worked out great. oddly enough these people did not enjoy my question asking and I didn't get the gig. was still a fun experience.
Joshua Encarnacion what did you ask? :D
THAT LAST PART IS SO DEEP!!! thank you for your video, I'm about to audition tomorrow for our Battle of the Bands at school, and IDK what to do, I got stressed and got anxiety attacks, plus I only have my instrument and nothing else so IDK what to say if they asked for an amp and luckily this helped me
Glad to hear this helped dude! Good luck in your audition! 🙌🏻
@@devinebass I got the spot
Hi Scott, I ve been following you for the last few months on TH-cam and I wish to say that some day I want to thank you by doing justice to all that I learnt from you and other Giants.
My answers - 1. Play regularly with a metronome. 2. I have no friends/ acquaintances in the showband circle and a cruise audition is totally unknown ground to me. Hope I look good.
Hey Scott, thanks for the lessons. I'm learning more from you than I could have imagined. But for your questions...1 I no longer fear auditions. I spend as much time as it takes to learn the material and I'm confident in what I'm expected to do...now, for question 2...my biggest fear is to have someone holler in the mic "BASS!" and I'm expected to SOLO. Of course, some songs I can fudge something...but overall, it's an overwhelming fear. One of the very reasons I'm a SBL member. I'm not at a point where I can solo on anything at anytime, but thanks to you, I'm learning how. THANKS!
Very good tipps!
1) Coming prepared , with the notes written down (music) at the highest level that I can at that time.
2) my biggest fear is taking rejection personally (as I did in the past).
Thank you Mr. Devine
Wow Scott. Great video!
I loved the point where you mentioned about throwing the ego out the window. All I can say is that this one is a big one and many musicians are struggling with that as they don't like being corrected especially when it comes to dealing with people who (you're convinced that they) know less than you. I agree, it is tough to face it but the smart thing to do is listen to the director and say 'yes sir' and if you think he's wrong and you'd like to correct him you can do it afterwards.
Anyhow, great lesson, I really enjoyed it! Cheers :)
+Shlomo Bass Ahhh cheers dude! :)
Awesome tips!!!
got my berklee scholarship audition in 5 months, imma start practicing with your advice, thanks for many thing bass beast!
Absolutely great advice.
Very good video, will be a long time until my first audition but will definitely think of these tips!
I'll only answer the second question, since I can't think of any good advice right now. My biggest fear, so to say, is the general 'don't mess that one difficult part up'. However, I've found that any nervousness that I usually have goes away when I start playing, so that's always a plus! :)
I find if I have a song that I am nervous about I will play along with live versions of that song on TH-cam. It makes it more comfortable playing the song in a slightly different mix or vibe since no band can really replicate the exact vibe from the studio produced song. It kinda feels like playing the song with a band already before the audition
I tend to find having a little warm up before I play in front of people helps, even if it's just running through a few scales and arpeggio's, as it helps your mind switch into playing mode, and for me, it gives me a little confidence boost, knowing that I have my technique down, and I don't have to think about it.
You are just the best teacher XD and i really mean it.
Excellent thankyou
Awesome!! I have an important audition next week and this video helps a lot. Thanks Scott, great Scott! :-)
Hey Scott! Thank you so much for this video, was something I was definitely looking out for.
Just to answer your 'Homework question'
1. How do I prepare for auditions- Well I've never been to a band selection type of audition, essentially I join any band and we participate in competitions like talent shows, Battle of bands n stuff like that. Well using reference sheets on stage for such auditions looks very unprofessional and un practiced, one reason being u loose eye contact from the crowd and second it doesn't look like we've practiced well.
2. My biggest fear during audition's- And again not band auditions but mainly for competition is first of all my entire band and most importantly for my drummer to be on time for me to land on my notes and second is when I play really fast songs sometimes my wrist freezes, idk if this has happened to anyone but it does happen to me and I miss out on notes
Funny how i get nervous AF while watching this... Just thinking about going to an Audition makes me tremble :D
Your Tips are really helful though.
I always chart the tunes out also, even if I know them. Helps a whole lot to avoid getting lost, plus when someone else doesn't quite know the tune to be able to point to my chart with credibility and (nicely) say, "Yeah, I charted this one, and I think there's an extra 2 bars of a tag after second verse (or whatever)." Even now, my steady band mates ask ME when there are questions on song form!
I've found a simplified version of the Nashville numbering system is easy to create from a simple template sheet (lines for 8 bars across, repeated down the page). My hand-created charts have chord degrees, sometimes specific signature rhythms needed, and rhythm samples of the style.
Thanks for another phenomenomanomalous video, Scoff & SBL. All of the mentioned I'm vid and commented has occurred in some manner. Last week I was working an originals rehearsal and figured out that the charts supplied were in wrong key on one tune; didn't stop, checked the GuitFiddlers finger patterns and fell right in on following measure (as I knew the progression from practicing). Also be sure that is someone says " We have song 'xxx' o set...."; be sure to identify the artist. I specifically recall (on 3 diff occasions) getting ready to play "Dreams". Being from the Southeastern US (Florida home of much 'Southern Rock'); I was quickly surprised on stage as the drummer counts in the song and We are not performing the popular Molly Hatchet (or Allman Bros original version) of " Dreams", but instead the Fleetwood Mac song "Dreams". Again, I was able to spy the guitarists fretting and follow suit.
Keep up the awesomeness from Leeds!!!
.....Scott.....that was supposed to say Scott....not scoff
I failed sometimes in audition because I knew my weakness was the reading part. One important thing that I'ved miss in your really good video here , is to work as hard as possible on our weakness-points. On week before the audition , we used to really get into the things we're able to do quite well to be able to impress at the audition. But, at one time during the audition , you'll get put in situation where oyu're gonna to do something you me not be good at and at this point the card pyramid may fall apart :)
Excellent Tips.
When I'm learning material I beat it into my brain before I even attempt to play it.
I chart the different parts and practice, practice, practice.
On another note.....
Whats even worse than the songs being in a different key is when the band doesn't even know the songs close to the recorded material. One audition I showed up for I was 15 mins early, got the guy out of bed, The house smelled like weed (not that I care but geez, new guy coming over!), They forgot to tell me the Singer wasn't coming and he didn't even know they were thinking of replacing the bass player. Heck, the singer was the reason I was there. I was there an hour before we played anything, they had to set up the pa, load some gear in etc..... I knew the songs better than them and they were gigging. They told me I had the position and I told them I had other auditions I was doing and I'd let them know. I'm far from a great bass player but I don't suck and I take pride in what I do. BTW.... You have a awesome tone.
Thanks Scott, I will definitely use this in the future!
+Bumble Doctor Cheers for coming along and hanging out man :)
I would find interesting a video that explains how to audition a musician, get comfortable and make the focus on his mistakes in order to move it forward . But also explain that he is not capable of performing the proposed function . Thanks for the tips!
Scott, I make a lists of accessories that I need to bring. I always forget something is cords, cables, tuner, tools and that is for gigs, rehearsals as well
When I think about being nervous before auditioning, I tend to think about memorizing. How being nervous lacks your ability to memorize tunes you're going to perform. If you have done your homework, you know what you're going to play. So what matters? It's all mental. It's like that you don't have to worry too much about memorizing if you just be able to control your mind. So, I focus on that. "Just control your mind, and it will be okay."
My obstacles in auditioning : (1) having to play the songs and not knowing what key they will be in, (2) being asked to solo, and (3) having to audition with the drummer being the only other musician to play the song with.
I have learned (the hard way) that the most important part of an audition is the sound check. Not kidding. It's all about 1st impressions.
I live in Nashville and auditioned (and failed) a lot... until one day there was a huge audition for this country girl. I played my whole notes, pretending to tune my bass. Then it was the violinist turn, and he played this incredibly beautiful, technical 15 second piece for his sound check. Everybody reacted.
Even though I played their songs near perfect throughout the audition....He got the gig.... I did not.
From then on I always have a little ditty hard wired into my muscle memory... and I have even used Scott's Bass Lesson licks. I get the gig every time now.
Be humble... but show them what your made of.
great and helpful!
What helps to me in preparing for an audition is to listen to the music I'am about to play and also to practice little pieces of each song to at the end play the whole song together. Something else that helps a lot is to watch (youtube) different musicians playing the same song.
What truly afraids me of an audition is to be asked a questiuon from the music director and don't know what to answer.
1. I think getting all of the information necessary from the band leader helps me to prepare. Not being afraid to ask for something that you may need i.e. MP3's, lead sheets, Key signatures.
2. I am most afraid of losing a really good opportunity by playing to a standard that doesn't show credit to my actual capabilities. Performance = Potential - Interference.
this guy is a Gem
definately listen to the tracks a million times. conciously or not. it will give you the right intuition to fall on your feet when you get lost. if your eyes can't find the right place on the chart your ears will guide you.
I would like to add a couple things. Before the audition, ask if there are any "quirks" or changes they play to any audition songs they give you. I learned the first audition song they gave me DNO (Dead Nuts On) to the recording. We broke out playing it at the audition only to find out they changed the key and no one told me. My confidence issues, already get me REALLY nervous at most anything and I was nearly soiling my drawers thinking WTH? This sound like crap right out of the gate. Luckily, they're pretty laid back guys and it was a pretty laid back audition. Despite being really nervous beforehand, and feeling worse by the moment, they joked about it with me and that broke the ice so to speak. We replayed it and it went much better, along with several other tunes (most of which weren't "audition" tunes, just "Hey, do you know this one?") and it became more like a fun jam together rather than an audition.
And, if possible, find something to break the ice. In that 30 minutes or so you're there before the audition, setting up or warming up, or whatever, try to talk with the band. Find something in common about which you can just banter. It doesn't have to be music or maybe something about what you saw in your band "research". Something you saw on the band social media or a connection with work or whatever. The guitarist at the above audition is also in an AC/DC trib band and I'm a big AC/DC fan so we BSed about that. Anything to try to tame an already tense situation a bit.
My biggest issue is confidence, or the lack thereof. I have to get out of the mindset that I'm not good enough, I'm the worst bassist they've ever heard, and they're going to laugh me out of the audition. While that has possibly been the case at times, it could also be the total opposite. I guess this goes to the "thick skin" point you make.
God, I love that bass.
A1. I either learn the track by ear or through youtube clips! But then just playing along for an hour or 2 a day to get it etched in your brain! Note sequences and song structure! 'The' best preparation for an audition by far!
A2. Not being able to communicate myself very well?? I can be socially awkward at times especially if I'm nervous! This for me is the toughest thing when going to auditions! And in life I guess?!
Really good advice. I have been for a few auditions in the past and one of things I would like to know is..... At what point do you put your own "bits" on the song and when do you copy note for note? Quite obviously if there is a riff then there is not much leeway, but as a fellow bass player your advice would be good.
+David Chapman It depends David. I try and get a feel for what they want and if I feel they're liking the vibe I'm putting out i'll go for it - but if I feel they feel at all uncomfortable I'll reign in back in and just play what's written etc. :)
all very good advice. definitely the sign of a well rounded guy. but I have a question. why the glove on your fingerings hand? is it a sound thing? or perhaps just grip??
Great session, Scott. Can you do a similar session tailored for auditions required by music colleges that require them as part of the application process? Many of the tips in this video are equally applicable to the college auditions, while some aren't. And there are probably other tips that would be uniquely applicable only for these types of auditions.
I really want to hear a couple of those auditioning stories... Scott?
+Johan Hald one specific one is burnt into my soul, lol... I auditioned for a notoriously aggressive musical director only a few months after I'd started playing the bass... the audition went terribly simply due to my lack of experience, he yelled at me for around 20 minutes, and then I got the gig as they could't get anyone else in time - I then spent 7 months working with him 7 nights a week (with only 1 day off in that 7 months)... it was a heavy 7 months, but at the end of it he'd got me into shape. Tough love, lol! ;)
Scott Devine Thanks for the great answer! As a matter of fact, i'm looking forward to get a gig like the one you experienced :) I realize it must've been tough, but i am imagining it to be no less than motivating. Like you stated yourself; "in the end of it he'd got me into shape."
This is what i want!
Thanks again :-)
My biggest fear is when I turn up and they didn't think to tell me all the songs are in a different key from the original tracks.
omg yes that shit.
omg yes that shit.
I learned the hard way to ask before.
I’ve only been playing bass for a year so I’m not trying to be a try hard but does it matter on bass really? I mean unless it’s really out there or chords it shouldn’t be the big a deal? I normally learn a song in a couple of keys just in case the vocals are wanting a friendlier key I would say I struggle a lot more with good clean tone and having that mind sync with the drummer than I ever did going up or down keys
I always ask beforehand due to bad experiences
I thought about this video for a day and I wonder something: You put an emphasis on being very well prepared but I argue if in fact it is good to know the songs but more important to know the style, type of playing that you might be expected to play for the audition more broadly. In other word, can you be to specifically prepared but failed by lacking feel, articulation and style to be required.. especially if you are nervous and to prepared and focus on knowing the songs to much. just a thought.
Now I've read some of the good comments here and it seems it's the fear conquering that is top of the list.
I just had my first audition and i was really nerves before i got there because they are a good band and better than the people i was used to play with. I had two of their own songs to practice and i had nothing to guide me and just 3 days to figure it out on ear. My strategy was to keep it as simple as possible. So that i would make no mistakes. In the intro i found some cool notes that were not on their recording and i knew that they would hear it. I did what i did and i saw a smile at the singer (band leader) and from that moment i just forget that it was an audition and i acted like i was just playing new songs with my friends. I played all the songs they had wile i just had practiced 2 songs. Tho i listened to the recordings at home and jammed on the tracks, i had just focust on what they had asked. I don't know jet if they would take me because they go on holiday first and than have one more bass player doing audition. But i have seen them smile so i feel that i have a big chance. I hope so much i will get it because it is hard where i life to find practice space and a drummer. They have both. I also really liked their songs, i would follow them even if they will not take me.
One tip for the list would be don't hang around when you've done your bit, pack up, say thanks and hope they call you back. Its much more professional than lurking around like you need new friends!
Something I do before is drink a lot of caffeine, for some reason it calms my nerves a lot. And I'm always nervous when it's my first time playing anything, always have been. The thing I'm most afraid of would have to be not connecting with the drummer or meeting a bad attitude in the band. Also there have been multiple times I've forgotten music and have had to wing it, sometimes that works out better than having it with you.
+Miles Spurgeon Better than drying lot's of whisky! ;)
Can you explain the relation between the sound of the bass guitar and the material it is made of?
If you have made a video about it can you post the link as a comment?
I don't audition, only record but still I can say that half of my ability disappears when the recording is on. I can only guess but I think that my focus gets split up, 50% awareness of playing and 50% on the fact it is recording. Got that result in earlier audition= you might be musical but you have to be able to show it. Multiple recordings indicate that just doing it isn't enough, I'm doing it with a wrong mindset. So I'm one of those who shine during practice so how to improve that?
Thanks for that nice video. Funny how lucky i am that i've done many of those things intuinionally. :)
What is the name of your Bass Amp that you are playing out of . The Tone Sounds so Clean .
Best way to prepare is to listen a lot to the songs, and write down the lyrics and arrangements. Then you can figure out how to play that G and D... And learn the nashville notation system!
Do you have any videos posted on teachers? Because I want to take some formal training, but I don't know what a good teacher looks like. And I don't want to waste my money on some guy/gal who isn't worth the time of day. Any help would be appreciated
4 things I would add to the preparation:
1 practise uncomfortably:
turn on tons of winter clothes and play the songs
play them blind or with a strobe or anyway bad lights
sit on a really uncomfortably chair
turn other music or noise on
play them without to hear yourselfe
play them in the wind or standing an a shower cubicle
lean with your head aggainst a wall and play as good as you can
- dont hurt yourselfe ;)
Its easy to disturb a musician when you put him out of is "comfortably zone" ;)
You can prepare for that.
2 recording:
as you told to play to the recording - I recommend: dont forget the opposite and play to the click. When I am playing with the recording it allways grooves from somewhere. But that has maybe nothing to do with me - its a trap
And that all has to be recorded. If you listen to your own playing when you are not busy you take the point of view of the jury ;)
3 practise auditioning:
Auditions can be practised! Its easy: call your friends "hey I have a really important audition, can you help me just hear me playing my stuff? Come thuresday to the reahearsalrool in Grnftbl Street. Be there 12:45 pm. I begin at 13:15 pm"
The secret is that your friend-jury sit maybe in the rehearsal room when you arrive 12:55 pm. Let them wait ON YOU. You stay outside, wait wait wait. The waiting without being crazy is the hardest part to learn. You start at 13:17pm! Enter the room in your auditionclothes, chats will be stopped automatically, everyone will be looking at you - take your base and (if you ar not used to it) see how just a audition infront of your friends can shake your bones. Its really important to DONT welcome your friends, dont see them, dont talk with them before you have played on that day. And additional tip: if you let them wait, sitting on their chairs for more than 15 minutes - they will be pissed enough to give you a really great experience dealing tough situations. Let them be pissed and learn about yourself what you can show then...
4 What should I know about the band?
My bass teacher told me a story about an audition for the bass part in a band of a Gold Record winner. The players had to be weared in "band style". The jury wanted to see what style has that baseman. No chance without three piece suit and good shoes. There is a difference between a musical/orchesta job where you sitting behind a music stand and a band which is gonna try to set arses on fire right?
So my bass-audition results faced the situation that 9 of 10 players are really good:
a) The bassist with the matching style gets the job!
b) The bassist with the car gets the job!
c) The bassist who can sing gets the job!
+MrFastel Epic list Man! :)
while recording I try to focus on what I do. mastering my breathing and standing with the bass helps me
learn the song inside out and if they change the key
If you're auditioning for a band, try to learn the names of the band members before getting there or as quickly as possible.
heya Scott, shortly after an audition I was asked to learn 16 songs within four weeks for a gig. Now is that too much or maybe even a compliment because I was in in a second?
+coco ecol Dude that's only 4 songs a week! You should be able to learn 16 songs in a week. Dunno what more to tell you
hey scott when i slap with the 'thumbs down' method kinda like flea, i could hit E strings very powerfully but when i try to hit A strings, the E string gets in the way so when i try to slap the A string, my thumb hits both strings, creating a bad sound. is there way to fix this without slapping with a 'thumbs up' method like victor wooten
Do you do a sight reading course?
Hey Scott! Just wondering what brand of gloves do you use? I would like to know because I've noticed that for a very hard fretting notes. I don't know if it is medical, but I feel that using gloves has improved my control of fretting technique. Also, when I take off the gloves I can play better than I did before I started using the gloves. Great stuff on this chanel, by the way and I can't wait for you to get back to me about your take on it. Thanks, bud.
I'm a Christian bass player I write my own music/songwriter I guess I just want to know where do I go to audition for other professional or good musicians
Hey Scott, what are some good prepared pieces? Thanks.
Auditioning for a music school in SEPTEMBER and I'm already nervous
+Scott's bass lessons what bass guitar is that you have in the video
What songs would you recommend me to audition to a military band? And by the way love your videos
Raining blood by slayer
This will be my first audition and it's tomorrow, my greatest fear is am just a beginner and I don't even know how to start or end it, and there is no particular song that is been given to work on, and people that is coming too for the audition they are very good more then me, am just scared for this audition, I don't wether to go or not. Pls I need help
Do you have any tips for school auditions? I started playing about a month and a half ago and I'm auditioning next spring for a music school here in Spain and I'm a bit nervous about it. I'm 21 so I'm not really a child, learning it quite slow at my age haha
I don't really have to know a lot, I'm preparing one or two songs, practicing a lot with my scales and trying to learn the notes on the fretboard. But I have no musical training whatsoever and sometimes it gets very frustrating when I don't understand a concept that is labeled as 'basic'.
+Kiki Contreras I think there's a lot to be said for just been suuuuper well prepared - and really enthusiastic. It sounds like you're doing all the right things Kiki, so I say just keep on doing them! :)
will someone please tell me what bass he has in this video
ohh yeah
+Safouan Souai Pow! :)
Thank you! I was asked to learn 40 songs for the practice.. for a bar band. I said how about 5 a week. HE said I was unprofessional... we have day jobs and kids ..... that band never happened.
40 songs? I bet the singer asked you that. Those fuckers dont have any idea. . .
Next band I'm going to be the singer! But no it was the evil guitar player that already knew most of the stuff... I'm in another band where we never learn the songs, just go out and play them...
Can someone tell me what bass is that?
I was prepared on the first audition and then they called me to come the second time as their outgoing bass player got sick that time and they gave me songs impromptu which I've heard on the radio but haven't learned yet. It was a bit of a mess because they wanted to do a reggae version of it.
Hello Scott, biggest fear = admonishment by members for screwing up. Best prep tip = know the tunes...know at least three tunes really well. Postpone if you don't know the tunes.
Also, don't suggest to play a tune YOU know well but they don't. This could piss off the egocentric musician who wrote the their tunes.
What does he mean by charts? If anyone could send me a link of an example that would be great.
+MUD=_- The song/tune chords etc,written out on paper or lap top.You can find chord charts for most songs on line.
Mack T Ohhhhh, sorry. I was tired while watching this. Haha, I was just using chord charts at a gig I just played
I make sure i eat before I go 😂
I get pretty offended when people scream "You're never going to get famous stop playing"
Like that's my only reason for playing it as if I dont enjoy playing.
Us musicians need to build a wall
The number one way to prepare for auditions? Go to a lot of auditions. You eventually figure out that it's not that big of a deal. Not unlike job interviews.
why do you hav a glov on
He has some sort of nerve disorder and the glove helps calm it. He explains it in a different video
+Dan Tyler ok thaks
Biggest fear: the band doesn't actually play it like you learned it. Yowza. (Having a chart/map makes a good starting point to adjust on the fly.)
One of my biggest fears is having my mind go blank.