What Should I Expect?

[Scooch]

My drummer move to a different city so I decided to start looking for bands to join, I emailed 4 different bands and I have my first audition this sunday. I'd describe the band as grunge rock and was wondering how I should prepare for the audition. I'm scared that they will try to get me to transcribe their old song by ear on the spot which I'm absolutely terrible at. But other than that what normally takes place at this audition jams?

[Moon Flavor]

My drummer move to a different city so I decided to start looking for bands to join, I emailed 4 different bands and I have my first audition this sunday. I'd describe the band as grunge rock and was wondering how I should prepare for the audition. I'm scared that they will try to get me to transcribe their old song by ear on the spot which I'm absolutely terrible at. But other than that what normally takes place at this audition jams?

You may not have to transcribe it by ear, but there's a good chance they'll give you the chords/key and have you jam it with them the best you can. So...uhhh....at least know the notes on the fretboard and stuff.

I've never really auditioned for a band, so I'm not really sure.

[EADG]

I wouldn't worry about it, someone else will probably show/tell you how to play it just because it's faster for most people.


By the way, how serious is this audition? If it's just a friendly jam.. no offence but I think you're overreacting.

[o b s]

if you go in nervous you'll screw up, relax

[EADG]

if you go in nervous you'll screw up, relax


Good advice.



In the first instruction book I ever got, in the first section it said "If you are tense, your music will sound tense."

[Scooch]

It's not that serious, just getting some anxiety because it's the first time I've played infront of anyone who wasn't my friend.

[king of suede]

well, me personaly (if i were additioning someone) would strat out just have the guy noodle around for a little, then a small jam, and then we play one of our songs, and see how well he follows along

IMO someone who can follow along well and learn quickley, has some good potential

thats just some of the things to expect, i'm guessing most people would say "do a solo" when really mostly you can just noodle to make 'em happy
haha (i've barely ever heard anyone use the term noodle)

and dito to the relax thing, i mean if it's not the serious, whtas the problem? just go in and do what you love to do, thats all there is to it

super(to post below)... yeah man, i do the same thing, my switch is between my big toe and middle toe on my left foot. where's your's? i thought i was the only one?

[naut]

if you go in nervous you'll screw up, relax

"DAMN I'M NERVOUS!!! WHY OH WHY CAN'T I RELAX?!"

"ohhh"

*flips toggle switch*

/relaxed

k...

[herrly]

Grunge audition...piece of cake. When I auditioned for my grunge band, the guys just did a quick run thru of their stuff and I watched the guitarist, I played what he played until I felt comfortable then I started adding my own stuff. Listen to some Local H, Melvins and Mudhoney to get into grunge.

[EADG]

I watched the guitarist, I played what he played until I felt comfortable then I started adding my own stuff.



Don't be afraid to do this. It's probably what they're going to expect you to do.

[mastrrbasser]

when i auditioned for the current band i'm in, i just went to a rehearsal, we jammed for a while, then they showed me all of their songs. They just kind of threw them all at me in a manner that wasn't intimidating or demanding, and I jammed out on them.

[madthumbs]

just relax, i recently auditioned for a band and got in on the spot. However i was sent some music before hand... just take it as it comes, make sure you dont go against what the feel of the band is, and just jam like you would with ur mates.

[Criss Frantic]

"DAMN I'M NERVOUS!!! WHY OH WHY CAN'T I RELAX?!"

"ohhh"

*flips toggle switch*

/relaxed

k...

123...it's hard to just turn off nerves.

Just go in and be "yourself" musically, don't try anything you're not comfortable with just to be flashy, ask them what they want out of you as a bass player.

[Scooch]

Thanks guys great suggestions, I got an email back and it basically said do what you do and you'll be fine. Thanks a lot took a lot of pressure off me so I'll just work on my stamina tomorrow to make sure I can play a few hours straight without getting fatigued. = )

[Radiobass81]

When we audition guitarist, we just ask him to play our songs, see if he has played/created any music within our style, if he/she has a car (VERY important :p), etc.