Playing Bass for a gig, what did I get myself into?

[hasserl]

My first instrument is guitar, but I've played bass for a long time now, mostly just blues and blues rock stuff. I try to play at least a set or two at the blues jams I host, or the ones I go to. At some jams I'm fine with just playing bass when the place is packed with guitar players. It gets me more playing time while all the guitar players sit around waiting for their turn to play 3 songs.

So one of the regulars at my jams asked me to sit in with his classic rock/oldies band for an upcoming gig that their bass player can't make. I agreed to do it, and he sent me the set list, and now I'm going over it and I realize there is a lot more to this than I anticipated. Playing blues jams is pretty easy, I know most tunes that are called out, and if I don't just give me the key and the style/tempo, and we'll make it work. Just work the groove, baby. But now I've got to play songs I may have heard a zillion times, but I've never played, and some of them the bas is very prominent, like Drift Away from Dobie Gray. Not too difficult, I've already gone over it and figured out the bass lines. But that's just one song out of four sets I've got to get down. The gig is this Saturday night, I'm going to practice with the band leader Tuesday night then full band rehearsal on Thursday night, gig on Saturday. Damn, I've got a lot of ground to cover in a short time, kind of worried that I'm gonna suck, and I hate to suck.

Also worried about the finger tips on my right hand. A couple of sets at a blues jam is not bad, but a full night of playing and I'm bound to get some blisters. I'm thinking I'll pretreat them with Crazy Glue before the gig, and take a pick along with me that I can go to if the fingers give out early.

[BarneyFife]

I'd make a cheat sheet with all the changes.

Your fingers are definitely going to wear out. Maybe consider playing and the thumping songs with the pick and the slower, softer songs with your fingers. Of course you will have to eq the amp a bit when changing.

Just don't budge and hit the beginnings and endings.

I'm sure it will be a challenge but I bet you'll have a lot of fun.

[vic6120]

I played bass for 40 years. You are the only person who is even going to notice that you are not playing the songs exactly like the originals.

[derekd]

Originally Posted by vic6120

I played bass for 40 years. You are the only person who is even going to notice that you are not playing the songs exactly like the originals.

It is this kind of wisdom that makes TGP so good.

[Tone_Terrific]

Do bring a pick.
Be glad that you don't have to learn all the guitar bits, note for note, to carry the tunes, too. The pay seems to be the same no matter how many notes you have to play.

[frankencat]

^ +100. Relax, enjoy, be a bass player for a change

[FenderBigot]

Make sure you learn the signature licks for the songs that have standout parts... as Vic already noted, nobody will know if you're playing the bassline right as long as you're hitting the beat and changes correctly. When in doubt, use a pick and do the Adam Clayton type bassline... just keep with the drummer and you'll be fine.

[Derek Q]

Playing bass for a gig, what did I get myself into?

Ummm...

Perpetual employment?

[arthur rotfeld]

I have picks on hand to deal with long gigs. I know that I can't hang with the fingertips for more than two hours.

[RickC]

To add to a previous post, there are probably a few signature parts or lines that you may want to nail. For example, the little bass break in Brown Eyed Girl. +1 on making yourself a cheat sheet with changes, and add some sort of reminder about the signature parts as well. Also any weird bridges and transitions. I have a bunch of "charts" that I keep for pickup gigs; they don't look like normal charts, just changes and any other special little reminders as noted above.

Then just relax and groove. The biggest danger you'll face is getting addicted to it!

[Jon C]

Dunlop (?) Wedgie rubber picks are one of my bass secrets --- finger tone while you still use a pick.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll do OK.

[Guitar Dave T]

I went through the same thing. Was a guitar player in the 70's, but by the end of the decade, there was such a shortage of bass players in my area that it seemed only natural, so I became the bassist for rock, rock/fusion band.

By the 80's, back into guitar, but picked up some rock dates on bass.

My advice is this, just sit down with the recordings and learn the friggin' songs. You'll spend as much time as the gig over a couple nights, but the confidence you'll have on stage will be well worth it.

Also, to save your fingertips, thumb-slap the hard-downbeat stuff.

As far as learning songs note-for-note goes, like the previous posters said, just capture the basic feel and only learn the main hooks note-for-note. Use your better judgement.

And worry more about playing in the pocket than the fancy stuff. Like RickC says, just relax and groove.

[dets1]

it's only four strings for cryin' out loud! how hard can it be? even bass players can do it.

i'm sure you'll be fine. as someone else stated, bring a pick for those parts your fingers ain't gonna get to. have fun and good luck!

[therhodeo]

Don't assume that your left hand is ready for bass either. And I hate to say it as a former bass player theres nothing I love to see more than good guitarist flounder on bass. What can I say.

[The Golden Boy]

Originally Posted by FenderBigot

Make sure you learn the signature licks for the songs that have standout parts... as Vic already noted, nobody will know if you're playing the bassline right as long as you're hitting the beat and changes correctly. When in doubt, use a pick and do the Adam Clayton type bassline... just keep with the drummer and you'll be fine.

Exactly.

Don't be afraid to "dumb down" the parts- play it safe- use your "safe notes"

Depending on your time- at least get as familiar with the songs as you can- I don't mean learn them- 'know' them. If it's "oldies" you probably know the songs and all the words... That's invaluable. Even if you don't know the specifics of the line or lick or run- "knowing" and experience should allow you to fake through. God knows I've been doing it for 20 years.

If you're uncomfortable playing with your fingers- use a pick. Don't let other people determine how you're going to play. If the pick sound is too bright and present- pull down the tone knob on the bass or even on the amp and pick closer to the neck.

Compressors can be your friend.

Don't stand out, don't be inaudible- you can fill stuff out just by pumping the root.

Try to listen to everything going on and fit yourself in there where you feel you belong.

Watch the drummer's kick foot.


As far as your fingers go...

I'm lazy, I don't pick my fingers up on the left hand- I get blisters if I play a lot. Still. Try to remember to pick up your fingers and don't drag and slide.

As far as your picking/plucking hand- use 2 or 3 fingers, let the amp do the 'heavy lifting.' If you feel your fingertips getting hot or getting tired, roll off the tone and use the pick.

Keep the super glue as a backup.


Have fun!