Band Troubles

[Derlinyer]

I'm having some trouble with the bass player section of my band.

My current bass player (Bass A) is a wonderful bass player. She's probably the best I've ever heard. But, she's not very dedicated to the band. Whether it's laziness or what, I don't know. She's also a very good friend of the drummer and I.

The drummer and I have been thinking about replacing her with someone more dedicated. Problem is, only one person can help us.

Bass Player B isn't as good of a friend as Bass Player A, and frankly doesn't even play bass, but just has one (in my old band we had to use him as a replacement when our bass player was on vacation). However, he's a good guy and would love to help us if we needed it, and would probably be more dedicated.

But what exactly do I do? I know I should get rid of people who aren't dedicated, but she's my friend, and she isn't so un-dedicated it hurts the band. She's just not enthusiastic about it. She does what we ask, just doens't but any extra effort into it.
Any suggestions?

[killfile]

Where do you want to go with the band? Do you just want to jam in the garage, do you want to hit the local music scene and play shows, or do you want to go completely pro? Unless the basslines are very easy and simple, if you want to play shows and that you want to stick with A, who has more skill - and hey, she'll do what she's asked, right? Just means you have to put more work in. That's the thing. Will B's lack of skill hurt you, or are the basslines you play so simple that B can manage them? Or do you have time and patience for B to get some skill? It seems you think you'll have more fun with B, so if you're not totally serious, you might want to go with B.

[crazyguy832]

Why not have both? Two bass's in a band... who knows?

</random idea>

[Derlinyer]

We aren't planning to get famous. Pretty much just local scene.
Our basslines aren't too complicated, but two of our songs have really awesome bass solos, which we'd probably have to take out if we went with B.
I think I might stick with A, unless anyone has any other input.

[justignoreme]

tell her she's got talent, she could go far and get her off her *** and do somethin.

[Phototropic]

tell her she's got talent, she could go far and get her off her *** and do somethin.

I agree

[Bon_Scottie]

If you don't plan on taking it seriously, wanting to preform in front of crowds on a regular basis then keep her.

If you are reallu up for it and into the passion of the music, want to perform, want to look good infront of crowds, want to sound good infront of crowds, kick her out.

The second bass player will always get better. I mean, I doubt you are playing huge shows right at this minute.

The second bass player sounds like he/she would put more effort and time into where the band wants to go.

[Aus_rock_god]

Boss me would say: If she doesn't want to put in the hours, tell her to lift her game.

Artist me would say: Bass is an easy instrument to follow a song on, and some of the best bassists I know (me included) don't even bother to learn the song, and just listen to the drums and guitarist carefully, following the song.

If she has the ability to just turn up and jam along, without any noticable ****-ups, keep her.

Ruthless me would say: Kick her.

[Ra']

why dont you try talking to her about it. if she doesnt pick it up and if it bothers you that much go with bassist B. since hes more enthusiastic im sure he will try harder to learn stuff that he cant play as well and eventually become as good as bassist A

[Akira]

You shouldn't even be asking us, when you haven't done the obvious thing.
Tell A she is not dedicated enough, and say that you have a replacement if she does not step it up. If she does, then great, If not, ditch her.

[IdiotAmerica96]

well, the way you explained it made it sound like you were over reacting a bit, and I say keep her, but if it still bugs you, then just keep her, until you find someone whos either just as good, better, or only a lil bit not as good, and replace her with them.

[isojoe420]

Is she HOT?........... Nice rack?..................... Nice ***?

This should be your deciding factor in this situation. :D

[Flamin Bassist]

Is she HOT?........... Nice rack?..................... Nice ***?

This should be your deciding factor in this situation. :D

My thoughts exactly :evil: :p :evil: :p :evil: . in fact, post a pic of her. make sure that she doesn't have the bass on her, or that she has the strap low enough that it doesn't block...well...you know. :naughty:

but sirusly, has anyone ever heard of a bassist that isn't completely commited. all...er, most bassist are freelances.

Anywho, if you would feel bad about dumping your chick bassist, then don't. encourage her to stay. do gigs often, as it normally will psyche up attitudes. And don't forget, we want that pic :thumb: :D

[6 strings, No limits]

I would personally say replace her wif someone more comitted. But im sure that would leave u with a VERY guilty concience. But 2 solve this problame i would still jam wif her and hav a less serious band with her. But hav a more comitted person for your real band. ( if this is total rubbish plz tell m, cos im only 13 and this is ma first post, but dnt say im unmusical!!!!! im grd 6 piano and grd 7 guitar and my band has been asked 2 play for england in junior eurovision, so there!!!)

[joeljjison]

Yes, sometimes its just nice to play with your friends, and not have pressure, to just have jam band. I rehearse in two bands weekly, not including at the saturday music school i go to, or from my secondary school I've just finished at. In one band we do covers and originals, and when doing that focus well. When we jam focus goes out of the window. In the other band its the reverse!

Your bassist may have other things on her mind, may be busy with work, who knows, or she may just be doing you a really good favour. Or maybe she doesn't feel that she has much space in her parts. Sometimes if a player is very good they can very easily feel restricted, or un-challenged.

Having 2 bands is a very diplomatic solution, and lets you continue to enjoy playing with a really good bassplayer, and it sorta keeps your options open.