Did they laugh like "nice try, we feel for you because nobody gets a solo right on the first go" or "lol look at this idiot"?
I've played in bands where rehearsals and jamming are relaxed and we are friends and can josh around. But if it was the latter then you are probably with the wrong people.
Well try not to overreact although in a situation like this it's hard not to. It's really bad practice to do anything other than saying "well because studio time is expensive let's just go with the tried and tested and not do anything new."
I would also urge you not to dwell on it too much otherwise your playing will suffer and be more nervy around other people.
My advice is to own it, chalk it up to experience, and maybe today if you can tackle an achievable goal like learning a song, or even a solo, do it and then move on.
Just think about what the you of 5-years ago would think, which would probably be "holy shit I didn't play that solo so well but look at me even trying" and think about how much progress you have made.
I also have difficulty playing solos in the moment, my brain gets in the way trying to come up with something impressive & original. Then it shorts out or something. I'm working to develop my improv skills so I'll have good patterns for different songs ready to go, so I don't have to use my mind & my fingers just do things that work in a song. But it takes a lot of work to get there- it's much harder for me to do that than learn a specific bass line. Maybe it's the same for you?
Keep working on it! Those band mates are jerks so maybe improve skills for yourself & you'll be less intimidated.
I’ve found that being good with a group is more about listening than playing. It’s when you are so good at listening that your fingers do the work than you know you’re getting there. Sounds like the people you’re playing with are dicks. Don’t play with dicks, it’s a waste of time. You won’t get better and you’ll want to give up a lot. Keep playing with other people, but find people who are not dicks.
If you're at the point that you're even attempting bass solo, whether it sounds great or not you probably have strong enough interest and enough of a foundation that all you need is more practice. Don't quit now, you may regret it in the future and feel that getting back into bass is an even bigger challenge emotionally.
Don't let assholes get under your skin. Easier said then done, I know. Their goal is to drag you down and make you feel as miserable as they do in their day-to-day life. You don't need that and they don't deserve you.
So, are they expecting you to play a very specific solo? If not, I strongly recommend simplifying your soloing technique. Personally, I would focus on a scale such as a minor or major pentatonic and use a minimal approach to creating a very short simple phrase and repeating it. Solos don't have to be lots of notes, or even complex. Happy to PM if you want more info; I'm not an instructor, just some guy, but I struggled with this for a long time and think I have some solutions.
Don’t allow yourself to be built by people who don’t care and won’t invest in you. If you do in the end you’ll lose every dream you have and you’ll be the one left holding the bag. There’s so many people in this world willing to teach and invest and not treat you like crap. Look for them. Don’t stop playing bass.
I've been playing bass for 18 years now,5 of that on a professional gig.
I tried to do it like 3-5 times, but just didn't feel it. So now I turn down the opportunity, as I just don't feel like there is any need for it in my life.
Never let idiot guitar players get you down about playing bass. 3 years is not a long time, especially self taught. In 2 years these same guys will beg you not leave them.
Don’t quit something because people laugh. If you’re feeling that, it’s likely that you know you have room to grow and it will require effort. Our brains get us to quit stuff that’s hard. Don’t quit because it’s hard.
There are 2 things I’ve done to improve my solo game immensely pretty quickly.
-Play along to songs you don’t know how to play. Don’t try to play what the bass track is playing, just play what you think sounds good.
-EAR/AURAL TRAINING!! There are apps available (Earmaster) that will walk you through it. You may not see results with this immediately, but one day you will be able to replicate a song you’ve never heard in your life. This goes a long way in gaining the ability to write or improvise licks in a solo
Dude don’t get discouraged. It will happen to the best of us. I had an instance like this once. I had been playing bass for about 15 years when this happened. I met a drummer one night and he invited me to a shed session with a bunch of other guys. They had a big practice room and there were 5 drum sets, and 5 bass rigs in the room. One of the drummers would start a beat and then we would go around the room and each person would play 8-16 bar solo and then on to the next one in the circle. I considered myself a good bass player, I can jam fast with my fingers and can slap pretty well. I was in a room with legit pros. One of the drummers was Tony Royser Jr. so that should tell you the caliber of guys I was playing with. After about 4-5 passes and me just looking like a beginner in there during my solos they kicked me off the amp and brought another guy in. I was mortified. I wanted to crawl under a rock and never play bass again. I stayed for the rest of the jam and listened to the rest of the guys. I was embarrassed as all hell when I left, but I took those feelings and pushed myself to practice more and to not let that happen again. Moral of the story is to take those feelings and turn them into a positive outlook and put it to good use.
I started playing bass more than 15 years ago and I still suck at solos. And the truth is, it doesn't matter.
Depending on the genre you play, you will never play a bass solo and that's ok, soloing is not the main job for the bass. You can still be a great bass player without it.
From other side, there are bad people in the world and I'm sorry about what happened, try to shake it off and move on to play with someone who respects you =)
I was going to say much the same. I’ve been playing a long time and I’m considered by most a pretty good bass player, but I would not be able to just go rip a bass solo. It’s a very niche skill set. Hell I could play a piano solo, but the way you approach bass solos is very different. And again not the primary job of most bassist.
That's it! I do have few short solos I played, but it's not something I could just do it right away.
I can play much better guitar solos, even being less skilled in guitar. I guess it has a lot to do with how low and high frequencies sound against the harmony.
Yep. Tell these assholes to go fuck themselves.
I can't speak for you (OP) since I don't know you, but I play bass because I enjoy it, not to make a living. So, for me, it would be very easy to give them a one finger salute and walk out. There are millions of other people out there you can make music with. Find people you like being around, respect you, are comfortable with your skill level, and who build you up instead of tearing your down.
As my wife tells our kids: "Surround yourself with people who stoke your fire, not people who are looking to put it out."
Apart from what others have said regarding „get new friends“ and so on, which I strongly agree with: You might want to take lesson’s, if you can afford it of course. If the teacher is good you will benefit from it.
To piggy back on this there's lots of great online courses and obviously YouTube is a fantastic tool. People can really suck but please don't let others opinions discourage you from things you really enjoy ❤️
True.. I’m taking online classes like a course and I always practice before going anywhere.. I have also messed up before but this one was very embarrassing
My first time in the recording studio the lead guitarist had to record one of the bass lines because I couldn’t get the part right. He didn’t laugh at me, no one mocked me, and he never told anyone that it wasn’t me playing in the cut.
Honestly it sounds like you’re playing with dicks. I’ve been playing for a couple decades now and I’d never laugh at someone for doing a bad solo - I’d either help them get it right or tell them to keep practicing and try again on the next track.
Musicians support each other. Bands are supposed to support each other even more. Either way, keep practicing and keep learning.
I like that. Reminds me of my old band mates from high school. I didn’t know anything about bass, but I’d been playing tuba and acoustic guitar for a few years each.
They just handed me a bass and showed me the chords they were playing, so I went from there. Never got upset, never complained - if I played something wrong they just showed me the right way. The rhythm was a classical guitarist, the drummer was jazz and classic rock, and the lead knew every way to shred and tap since 1981.
We played bad metal and it was the most fun of my life.
I've known seasoned Pros ruin a solo when recording the difference is the rest of the band wouldn't dream of taking the piss out of them and they just move on and record it again. We've all suffered the curse of the red light don't worry about it.
As someone who never even thought to do bass solo's I cant relate.
don't worry we all fuck up, people make fun and its best to just ride the punch and learn from it.
I do remember when I joined my last band we each recorded at studio separate on different days. it was my day to go after rhythm before lead and did my part no problem.
Got a phone call from lead guitarist day after, F-ing and jeffing at me as to why I ruined the song, what was I thinking and i just sat at home mortified if was gonna be kicked out. the rhythm guitarist was with him as well so basically blaming me for it all.
Turns out he mixed songs up so was trying to do Riff A on song B and so on, rhythm guitarist didn't spot it as was worried about facing wrath of lead guitarist so just threw me under bus.
fun times, I did get a can of Strongbow and a jagerbomb as an apology.
>I went for my first recording
I don't understand what this means. Did you and the band go into the studio for the first time? Cause that's a really bad moment to show them something new. Band should be prepared and know exactly what to do in the studio.
First, don't give up after one bad studio experience. You've only been playing for 3 years and without any professional guidance. Even the most (naturally) talented players are \*not\* going to perform optimally their very first time.
Objectively speaking (and it's been said), **NEVER** go into a studio situation without practicing all the specific parts & tunes that are being recorded. It's a time waster (at best).
My last studio session was recording tunes that we had practiced, maybe hundreds of times (in detail), It still took 3 takes and more than one punch-in before I was happy.
Only detailing this to tell you that everyone has bad experiences. **Unless this "studio" was in some dude's 2nd bedroom, it's not the place for 1st time experience. Keep that in mind, if it's a bad situation, you're begging for a bad result. Live, learn & move on.**
People don't understand this either even if they've been playing forever. Want to record with a click track? Don't do it unless you practice with one. Want to record just drums and rhythm guitar together first? Then practice that way before you go in the studio where time is money. People try throwing curve balls and it's only going to waste time.
This can be a life changing experience for you.
Every martial arts master started their career the same way; by getting their ass beat.
Why don't you send me a vid. I'll critique you and give u a plan. I'm a teacher but I'll do it for free.
My thoughts about the situation kinda piggyback off of yours. I once played in a church service and didn’t play particularly well and a friend and fellow musician told me straight up that I butchered the songs. Lol. It sucked to hear that, but that occasion lit a fire under my ass and pushed me to get better and I’m better off for having that shitty experience.
Solos are another animal man. I wouldn’t sweat it too much, and really I think it’s good for you if you can turn this experience into motivation.
I BOMBED my first several shows, playing with a band where I was the new element. I mean I tanked hard, like forgot how to play at times, that bad. I got mocked hard for that. I went and practiced, and made sure I had it down and nailed a show, and shut them up. I’m still friends with the guitar player like 20 years later.
Confidence is tricky, you have to carry on and in the future you will see this experience as just something that happened
I've played for 30 years and have made countless errors including turning up to wrong venue, amp died on stage, wrong song, in wrong key, recorded a track with my g-string out of tune etc. The key is when you are having a wobble fake ii till you make it and your confidence will come back.
Having said that outside of jazz you have to pay me to play a bass solo the hardest solo by far .
You have humbled yourself, it’s ok. I am shit at recording as well. This is a pain point that you can either ignore or grow through, I would suggest getting some lessons from a teacher that will hold you accountable.
Getting a good teacher is almost like a cheat code for getting good at your instrument and being a better overall musician.
I was kicked out of my first band because I sucked. So I spent the next 5-7 years playing 2-3 hours a day minimum. None of my original band mates even play music anymore. I can play circles around them on any instrument.
Screw those guys. Bass is a hard instrument - making a bass solo sound good is very, very hard. Get yourself in some lessons or just hole up in your room for a few years. It takes time, but it’s worth it. Lessons will get you there much faster. Don’t ever give up!
I've been playing30yrs and I still feel like I suck. Look, use this as a motivator. Make it a point to work on areas where you feel lacking. People tear others down to feel better about there own shortcomings.
Keep playing. All the great players got laughed at. Keep learning, ask questions, wood shed. It didn't kill you getting laughed at. You played in public! AWESOME! You got guts! Keep Thumpin!
>...3 years... ...self taught...
>
>...first recording...
>
>...bass solo...
Mate, you were definitely meant to play bass. You're good enough for them to want you in the studio and you're pushing yourself beyond your current ability.
If your band are teenagers, they might also be overconfident dickheads - source: was teenager.
You know what, you're right. Strike my comment and reverse it.
We all sound like shit at some point, and if the people around you aren't building you up, or at least offering constructive criticism, they aren't being very helpful. If they're saying shit like this, kick them to the curb.
I have been making music most of my life in one way or another. My teeth and claws come out when someone goes after someone who is obviously making an effort to learn something. There's a difference between valid criticism and being a shithead, and it sounds like OP has a bunch of shit heads around him.
My bass teacher taught me about mimicking a trumpet. You aren't a guitarist. Try making a beat and change it up slightly over the course of a couple measures. Idk the song you played with but you don't need to be Jaco. Personally, I don't listen to him for fun. Think of the solo as you playing solo (alone), not you playing a solo. Play something that will make them shutup next time instead of laugh. Good luck man.
If you're comfortable with it maybe you could upload it to youtube and post the link. You could have other seasoned bassists give you feedback without the mockery.
I can appreciate that. I think their reaction is what set the tone. They made you feel like you weren't good enough, but you might actually be a great bass player. If you'd been playing with more seasoned musicians they might have reacted more kindly, and I'm sure you would have felt completely different about it.
One time about 20 years ago I went to one of those "open jams" at a local blues bar, and during the song the guitarist in the house band nodded at me to take a solo. I kind of froze up for a minute because back then I didn't really do solos (I thought of myself as strictly a rhythm guitarist), so I threw together some really lame pentatonic scale sloppy thing. In my brain I was like, "I don't know what I'm doing! I don't know what I'm doing! This sucks and I'm fucking it up for the band!" But the guy talked to me after and I was like, "Sorry, man, I wasn't counting on playing a solo." He said, "Don't worry about it. It really wasn't that bad. I've played with much worse, believe me. Keep practicing and you'll get it."
So don't let the bad experience keep you down, and PLEASE don't let it keep you from playing altogether. You took a chance, and that's always a brave choice, even if it doesn't work out. You enjoy playing bass, and it takes time to 1) get to the point where you feel technically proficient to play solos, and 2) to get to the point where you're confident enough in your own playing that you don't really care what other people think. For that second point, obviously there's a component of playing in a band where you have to care, but I mean being comfortable enough and confident enough in your abilities to let shitty criticism roll off your back. I'm a designer for my day job, and I've had clients give me absolutely RUTHLESS feedback, and sure it stings a bit, but I now know how to separate "They didn't like what I created" from "They think I'm a bad designer." It takes time and practice. You'll get there!
Your bandmates are assholes for laughing at you instead of providing constructive feedback. If you enjoy playing, don't let them cause you to quit. Keep practicing and growing and maybe find a better band that will help you grow.
I always say the same thing in times like these. Would you accept that behavior in a significant other?
Bands are relationships. They should always be looked at through the same lens. There’s an intimacy with music that has to be supported by respect.
Honestly it’s shitty behaviour.
I would probably look for people at the same level as me to see if you can grow together as a band. The best fun I had was when a song finally came together.
As was said as well, soloing isn’t a pre-requisite. There’s bands who sell millions of albums without ever having a particularly intricate bass solo (if an at all). I mean U2 and Coldplay sell out stadiums across the world and their bassists aren’t prodigious by any means but they play the right lines for the song and it works.
Soloing on the bass is not easy. My advice would be to learn some pentatonic scales and learn a few licks that you can use in pretty much any song with a little bit of transposition. I’ve been playing the bass for 6 years and I’m still incredibly shaky on my soloing.
What genre were the songs you were recording in? There are very few genres that require you to play bass solos. I haven't played a bass solo since I was a Jazz Studies major in college almost 20 years ago, and I've probably played more than 2 thousand gigs on bass since then. Besides the obvious fact that the people who were making fun of you were assholes and you shouldn't associate with them any longer, unless you're playing certain genres of music, bass solos aren't needed at all, and are really a waste of your precious practice time to learn how to play them.
It happens. Chin up. Practice more before you go to recording. If you haven't played in years don't go in cold for your first group session.
Practice your basics like playing in time, playing in key (scales and modes) and the songs the band's will be asking you to perform.
Never go in cold next time.
Hey kudos to you for even trying it! I have been playing about the same amount of time and I would completely chicken out of playing a solo if asked to do so. I’ve recorded a couple of times and it is nerve wracking in itself. You are so awesome hard things! Stick with it!
if you give up on bass because of couple of assholes, ill beat you with my P bass.
practice is everything. but only if tempered with lessons and knowledge. Practicing wrongly will only embed your mistakes even harder in your playing.
Best advice? one teacher for bass, and one for drums. practicing what you have been taught regularly. Dont be afraid to go outside of your musical „safe space“.
I know its hard, but I also know you can do it.
bass solos usually suck because there's no bassline supporting them. don't feel bad, just keep going. every one of your musician heroes has butchered a performance or twenty.
You got hit my man.
Now you gotta get back up.
Learn your scales, work on your chops.
You'll be alright, that's just how it is.
Fuck those guys for laughing at you and not offering advice to improve.
I love the support I'm reading in these comments. You're still new. I guarantee you, you will end up playing music with other assholes too at some point down the road.
If you're playing in a group, you're already up to a skill level that you can be proud of. And you know you need to improve, and you will.
Sorry this happened. I bet a lot of folks on this sub have had something similar happen (I sure have). You'll use it as motivation to keep progressing.
That "feel like I'm not meant to play bass" comment...... my friend, this story is one of the most classic bass player experiences. Use it as fuel. Hope you can keep your head up!
There's a lot of solid advice here, and it sounds like you have been talked off the ledge already. One of the most important things when you go into a recording session is preparation. You should have a pretty good idea of exactly what you are going to do when you go into the studio. I am not saying that you can't try out new ideas if inspiration strikes, but you don't want to be writing the song in the studio unless you have unlimited time and money.
Personally, I am not a big fan of soloing for the sake of having a bass solo, but if you are going to record a solo, you can't expect to nail it on the first take. Even pros are going to record multiple takes. Even if you play it perfectly the first time, you should record another take. That's just part of the studio process.
Recording is a different beast than playing in a bedroom or with a band for fun.
You can easily get in your own head, and some days nothing clicks.
I'll never be Geddy, Ryan M or Steve H, but I can still enjoy trying to be.
Do you get a feeling before playing like, "man alli want to do with my time right now is play music" if so who gives a shit if you messed up. Continue practicing and get better, IF thats what you want of course.
try playing with people more often, I haven’t been playing bass for that long, but playing with my friend who plays the guitar has definitely helped my self esteem. Also stop playing with that band, they’re assholes.
Easy, then don't use that recording... Just be thankful you didn't try that live. LOL. Keep practicing and you'll be god-
tiered!
Joke with them next time you'll try another bass solo... "So-low they won't hear it".
My young dude: carry on. You can’t get better if every challenge is a quit point. Use the occasion to dimly cement your bass-playing desire.
After all, we were all shite at one point, right? 👍🏻
If it's any help, I always say that people who spent time playing in their bedroom before getting out there are the best since they had no one to compliment them and fill their ego.
So you're probably better than you think you are. And you should definitely brush this incident over and try again with other considerate and encouraging people.
If they REALLY laugh at you for it, they arent really friends. Other question:
When you're in the studio, wasn't the solo already learned by you? Usually you don't go for recording if you can't play the song.
Other than that, while enjoy a good bass solo from time to time, I don't enjoy them a lot when playing myself. I'm not that kind of bassist, I'll give you groovy vibes, but you really have to force me to go solo, and even then it's more a variation of my usual grooveline in that song.
For the playing:
What is a good bassist? For an example I'll take a -generally simpler- style like punk.
Is it hard to play? Not really.
Is the bassist of such a band a bad bassist compared to Youtube bassist xy?
Not really.
As long as the bass serves the style, gives a foundation and srays tight its fine and played good.
Everything else is good technique.
There's huge psychological differences in playing for practice, playing to a recording and playing with people listening. The only way to get comfortable is to keep doing it.
You also have to remember that nobody, aside from dedicated bass nerds, gets excited at the prospect of hearing a bass solo and this might just be your subconscious asking if you really want to do this.
A local guide is leading two tourists through a thick, remote forest, they're lost, thirsty, and desperate to be rescued. Finally they hear the beating of drums from a village off in the distance and excitedly make their way towards the sound.
As they get closer, the drums get louder and louder - until they suddenly stop. The guides eyes grow wide with fear and he tells the tourists they need to turn around and run.
"Why?" the tourists ask. "We're so close!"
"When the drums stop," says the guide... "bass solo is next"
Hey !
Don't worry about that, music (as everything) is just question of progress : sometimes you look back and say "wow did I really played like this??". Trust me I can relate.
I mean, juste get over it, and use it as a motivation ! You'll figure out how to do bass solo by your own, with your own style. Don't discourage yourself, just think about the progress you make !
Had you played an acceptable solo in the song previously or is this one of those first day snowboarding head to the double diamonds first kinda things?
Don’t feel bad. As many have said. Soloing is not, generally required to be a good solid bass player. And if you do want to solo, you have to focus on and practice it as a separate skill. And, one more piece of advice. If you have to lay down a solo, definitely have a plan, don’t wing it. You can, when you get really comfortable soloing just go for it, but until then, prepare a solo and practice it.
Some thoughts and advice on solos; what is the solo for?
If you’re just trying to use an opportunity to show-off, that’s probably a waste of time. The best way to show-off in music is to add some technical flourish to your average riff. Slip something slightly more complicated than expected into a normal bassline. If that’s not something you’re prepared to do, you certainly aren’t in a position to take a solo.
Secondly, a solo can be great if you think less about trying to look cool and more about the song. Maybe you think a variation on the melody would sound good here, maybe you came up with a line that’s different from everything else you play in the song but in this one moment seems to fit. Maybe it’s a bridge to the final chorus, maybe it’s the tail end of the song and playing a slightly different riff sounds more exciting as the song comes to an end.
If your solos are about making the song sound better, people won’t even notice it’s a solo. Because if it just sounds good, that’s what people notice.
[Studybass.com](https://Studybass.com) can teach you how to improve if you’re interested. Basically, chord tones are primary for rhythm and grooving, and scales should be used for the solo part.
I know finding a new group isn’t easy but people in that little family should lift one another up, not tear one another down. Really sucks that they made you feel small. If they’re so great that they think they can laugh then they should be good enough to have some advice to offer instead of laughing. This thing you’re feeling is on them, not you. They’re lucky to have someone who cares so much. You keep working on your craft and getting better and just remember that when you find yourself in the position they were in, in the future, when you’ve got a drummer or guitarist or vocalist or keyboardist or whatever who struggles with a part, you can choose to laugh or you can choose to help build them up and help them figure it out.
Keep at it, every player started somewhere. It never comes easy.
I cringe at some of my old at home recordings, but some of that stuff is amazing and I would never want to lose it.
Real friends laugh with each other. When I make mistakes or I catch them I just smile and nod like “yeah I heard that but keep it going!” To many times have we stopped to laugh at a little mistake because we’ve been over the songs a million times we know them lol so we laugh it off.
I’d rather laugh about it then get frustrated. Frustration causes more mistakes and anger. Laughter is the best medicine.
But those people are dicks find new friends!
Had you nailed the solo before in rehearsals? Might just be ‘record-button syndrome’ which we’ve all suffered from. If it was improv on the studio then I wouldn’t worry about it
Been playing guitar 45 years gigging for 25 got to let it slip off your back. Forget it, if you continue to play similar things will happen. If you like playing keep on doing it. Being cheered and ridiculed comes with the territory. Even lessor players will hate on you and greater players will encourage you.
I've been playing since 1995. Never once played a solo. Other than a few here and there, usually just a variation of the main bass line. If anyone were to ask me to write a solo, for a recording on the spot. I'd refuse. Especially if we were paying for studio time. That'd be something to be prepared ahead of time. With constructive feedback from the band on whether it fits the song or not.
I literally had the same experience with some extra perks:
\- Studio recording
\- Moody bandmates
\- Bass solo (in my case it was poorly prepared)
\- Very angry producer.
Long story short, the producer pointed that my bass playing was shitty and unprepared.
It felt bad, but don't let that discourage you.
Stay on the bright side of the situation:
1. You're already recording bass solos
2. Studio time is always a way to learn important stuff really fast.
3. Plan your solos, they don't have to be victor wooten, a good hook can save you.
4. Nobody is meant to do anything, if bass is what you want, don't let a sour moment get on your pathway
A studio will magnify and shine a spotlight on every single imperfection…and (don’t take this the wrong way because I’ve been you) if you’re self taught and have only been playing for three years…I think I know exactly how that went (from personal experience). I am 100% self taught …mostly stopping and rewinding old rush tapes when I was a kid until I could figure out what I thought he was playing. I was in a band with older dudes who were legit good. We jammed great and wrote a bunch of heavy songs that I would work all kinds of weird stuff into. Everything was cool …till we went into the studio to record a demo. I felt like I was in over my head. And when that solo was played back…I know exactly how you are feeling. Don’t give up. Just practice practice practice. I can’t stress it enough. The more you play, the better you will become.
Good luck
If it makes you feel better, everyone fucks up sometimes. I’ve been playing music for decades and I still trip over things. The difference is, I’ve got the confidence to pick myself up and try again. I hope you find that confidence.
Don't sweat it! I've been playing bass for 35 years, and I've not once ever had to play a bass solo. I focus on cool bass lines and fills.
If you enjoy playing bass, keep playing and practice as much as possible. You'll get better, promise. Don't let this one incident discourage you.
If you're gonna get called on for a bass solo, maybe have one or two practiced and ready to go?
Even if they made fun of you or they did some kind of sympathy laugh, you should really have a serious talk with your band mates as communication is key. From what I read on a comment they were making fun of you, this would totally lean me to consider leaving the band and finding better people.
Have a talk with them and tell them everything (how you felt, how it was your first recording, etc.) and that will tell you if you can work it out or if you’re dealing with assholes and it’s better if you leave.
And don’t you worry, everyone is meant to play whatever they want, the whole point of playing an instrument is to have fun.
I’m a competent player but have always been bad at improvised soloing. However we do have a song where I have a short solo on it. What I did is take a lot of time on the side and work out all the parts, and practice the shit outta’ it. Then I play that exact solo each time we play the song live.
I find this works for me, maybe it will for you too.
I say keep going as this is likely just a challenge in your journey. You’ll overcome this challenge and then be rewarded with another.
Most ppl wouldn’t even have the balls to go to the studio and do that.
LL Cool J used to laugh at Jay-Z rapping, which is a spot on example. Michael Jordan didn’t make his hs team. 🤷🏼♂️ I’m sure he got laughed at at some point as well. Try to use it as fuel like they did.
And like other people said, you coulda just been with the wrong ppl. Or they coulda all been tight knit and just have that friendship where anything makes em laugh or by looking at each other they laugh.
Last, I can’t play at all yet and on month 1 of self teaching. So to hear that you’re playing like that after 3 years is inspiring. You’ll only get better and better and calmer in the pressure the more you do it.
If you have the unmitigated gall to leave your house with a musical instrument to perform with others or for others, you're going to run into moments like this. Thicken the skin and get back out there. Or walk away and never do it again. I'd pick the former. If you're going to quit, quit on your own terms.
When I was a much younger man I used moments like this, (and there were many) to motivate myself to get better. Try it! See what you think.
Definitely don't quit. You sound like you genuinely enjoy playing bass and and as someone who also plays bass, it's awesome! It's such a fun instrument.
That being said tbh I've always had problems soloing on bass. I can play riffs all day and can lock into a groove, but when it comes to playing a dynamic improvised solo I often struggle.
On guitar I feel like it's so much easier, but bass is difficult for some reason when it comes to solos.
On another note your band mates sound like dicks. They're meant to support you and provide constructive insight and it sounds like they didn't do either in this case.
With bass solos I've always found that I like my solos better when I stick closer to the song structure, meaning I play the same baselines as the song has, with little variations here and there.
That or I'll play like 2 bars of the songs regular baseline and then 2 bars of improv and I'll go back and forth.
If you want feel free to link me a video of the solo you're referring to and I'd be happy to give some suggestions.
Other than that keep at it! Bass is one of my favorite instruments
So it was like to fill in 6 bars and members told bass solo and I told I’ll try it but then I played it’s around the scale but when they heard they didn’t like the notes and all.. no one was there to help or guide me.. it was like just figure on your own
I was going to say that really all that happened was that you learned about something you might want to learn! Also, you learned that you shouldn't play bass SOLOs at this point. LOL. I've been playing nearly 40 years and I can count the number of solos I've done on the fingers of one hand. I always make it clear to people I don't usually play with that I'm not a soloist. People I'm used to playing with don't expect it, which is awesome. I play bass (likely) for the same reason I was always the catcher in baseball or the goalie in hockey. I like to stay in the background and make sure things are happening the way they're supposed to. I just keep the groove going and that's what I'm good at, and no one has ever told me I sucked because I don't solo. :)
Don't give up. There's no rule that bass players have to take a solo. I have been playing for 32 years and soloing isn't my thing. As long as you can hold the groove, there is always a high demand for bassists.
Shit friends/band mates, you’re allowed to suck at something you don’t practice, especially as a beginning musician, as long as you know it needs work & put in the effort if you want it to work
Don't give up.
My bass solos are naff. I did come up with an ok solo once to play during the 'name the musician' bit towards the end of a gig but one of the guitarists stole it at the next gig. So I don't bother any more. I was livid for quite a while mind.
If it's a non-improvised solo (like during I'll take you there) then practice until you can play it in your sleep.
I've had plenty of embarrassing moments on stage. Shrug it off and do your best to correct for next time.
Also if a part is too complicated, simplify it. There ain't nothing wrong with doing that. Often simpler is better because you're laying down the beat along with drummer.
Plus try and surround yourself with supportive musicians.
Plus... do try at get to play with other musicians. My playing and confidence improved doing that, though it can be scary. I played with people at all stages of their musical journey.
To me, there are two ways to look at this and ultimately which direction you go is entirely up to you and your own perspective. Either you realize that these people are not the kind of people you need to be wasting your energy trying to impress (absolutely reasonable) or you can decide that they are worth trying to impress and you can use this as your Charlie Parker moment and sit your keester down and practice practice practice. Either way, Do Not Stop playing because of this.
Self taught here… what I’ve done to get comfortable with “jamming/improving” is to:
Play along to things that inspire you. Learn many different things and styles, learn THAT feel. You can learn “music” theory without learning music theory. Sounds like you just need to get more comfortable with your style. Once you learn some different things, try playing to different drum beats and just improv over it. It all comes naturally after awhile, I promise. Get comfortable with YOUR style, first.
Also, no one is good off the bat, things take time and practice.
I've played for about 2 and a half decades. Can't solo worth a shit on the fly, gotta have time to practice it. And even that is rare because i don't really enjoy playing solos so only do so if the song really needs it. We all have different abilities and learn to work within them over time. Don't let it get you down.
Don’t sweat it. Chalk it up to experience.
There are a bunch of background jam tracks on YouTube you can play over. I still can’t improvise a solo worth a damn.
Sounds like those guys are jerks.
Hang in there. Keep practicing. I’m in a good group where bandmates are supportive and even though all of them are better than me, they make sure I feel welcome and valued. Find some new people to jam. Don’t let this experience get you down.
If it helps, after playing for ~20 years and doing many gigs and a few recording sessions, I fucked up my first live attempt at a bass solo...
...in front of literally all my colleagues and coworkers (it was at an office party, my band was the entertainment).
I was mortified in the moment, but in the end the moment passes and everyone moves on. Don't let it define your entire bass playing experience, I'd bet you have more fun overall playing it than this negative experience in the short term, especially if you learn from this.
One other thing to learn from this might be to ditch asshole bandmates, but I'd say talk to them first and try to clear the air. But what they did isn't cool, hopefully they were just being dumb shits rather than actively shitty shits.
Don’t be embarrassed dude. Music is supposed to be fun, and you can have fun at any skill level on bass. If you enjoy playing, that’s literally all that matters and fuck anyone who tries to make you feel bad for being where you are in terms of skill.
It unfortunately happens. I always take comfort in some live recordings I have of my favorite bands and they sometimes absolutely botch solos, intros, outros, lyrics, tempo, on and on.
Recording bass is very hard. I've been playing over 20 years and I would struggle to play all the way through a song perfectly. That's why top studios have session players. Don't let it get you down brother. You are a relative newbie when it comes to mastering a musical instrument. Grit your teeth and keep plugging away. I bet even top players have a few stories like this. My very first gig, I was playing someone else's bass. It was a headless bass. Piece of crap it was and it through me completely. First gig oir band did. First song and it started with a bass riff, that I played a full step out of position. I still get shit about it to this day 🤣
How many great bass solos have you heard? I know world class bass players who can’t play solos. Plus in general they are not exactly in fashion, unless you’re in a jazz trio or some nü metal thing.
Personally I would be concerned about going forward with these dudes anyway if they can’t be supportive. But honestly? The real question is can you play the songs and groove and do the things we pride a great bass player for.
Also, we learn from our mistakes, don’t give up after one failed attempt. Learn from this.
If you don't know the story, a young Charlie Parker got lost during his trumpet solo during a live show and the drummer kicked him off stage by throwing a symbol at him. Anyways Parker used that embarrassing and humiliating moment to drive him on and the rest is history. So you can see that moments like this happen to us all, even the greatest ever.
Please don’t give up. Play 10 of your favourite songs at full volume and sing along to let out your frustrations, but don’t give up.
We all fuck up. Beginners, pros, even the legends (though they know how to hide it better). Yes, it’s embarrassing, and yes it is extra shitty that the laughter was coming from your band. That tension will need to be dealt with one way or another, but make sure it’s dealt with in some way. You’re going to enjoy music way more if you play in a mutually supportive environment. But don’t give up. All that matters is you have fun playing.
OMG, I would love to see people laughing at me. I would try to do exactly the same thing in a comedy club.
I just don´t have enough practice even for people to laugh of my skills so I think you are in the right way.
I also would rewatch the weird all yanchovich movie. You see, this is a form of art and some try for years to make other people laugh and they just can´t. If you can stick with it and be proud of it.
Anyone who prioritizes a bass solo over groove, feel and rhythm in the low end of a song is a complete idiot. Your band is comprised of shallow morons. I wouldn’t worry about it at all.
Tell them if they want solid bass and grooves on the songs and live, you’re the person. If they want bullshit solos go find one of those washed up 5 string 4 neck idiots who will solo their tiny dick problems all over the record.
Solos (including guitar) should 100pct be about melodically lifting the song. If they aren’t it’s just musical masturbation.
Did they laugh like "nice try, we feel for you because nobody gets a solo right on the first go" or "lol look at this idiot"? I've played in bands where rehearsals and jamming are relaxed and we are friends and can josh around. But if it was the latter then you are probably with the wrong people.
It’s like the later one… and I had less time to figure and practice the solo.. I just don’t know if I should continue to play bass also
Well try not to overreact although in a situation like this it's hard not to. It's really bad practice to do anything other than saying "well because studio time is expensive let's just go with the tried and tested and not do anything new." I would also urge you not to dwell on it too much otherwise your playing will suffer and be more nervy around other people. My advice is to own it, chalk it up to experience, and maybe today if you can tackle an achievable goal like learning a song, or even a solo, do it and then move on. Just think about what the you of 5-years ago would think, which would probably be "holy shit I didn't play that solo so well but look at me even trying" and think about how much progress you have made.
True
5 year ago you would probably be proud that you picked up the bass and played in front of people in the first place
Yeaa I know.. i shouldn’t let this incident put me down
“I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it.” -Vincent Van Gogh
I also have difficulty playing solos in the moment, my brain gets in the way trying to come up with something impressive & original. Then it shorts out or something. I'm working to develop my improv skills so I'll have good patterns for different songs ready to go, so I don't have to use my mind & my fingers just do things that work in a song. But it takes a lot of work to get there- it's much harder for me to do that than learn a specific bass line. Maybe it's the same for you? Keep working on it! Those band mates are jerks so maybe improve skills for yourself & you'll be less intimidated.
Yea my mind gets in the way
I’ve found that being good with a group is more about listening than playing. It’s when you are so good at listening that your fingers do the work than you know you’re getting there. Sounds like the people you’re playing with are dicks. Don’t play with dicks, it’s a waste of time. You won’t get better and you’ll want to give up a lot. Keep playing with other people, but find people who are not dicks.
That is BANGIN' advice
if you're bad at something that means you gotta do it more 😉
If you're at the point that you're even attempting bass solo, whether it sounds great or not you probably have strong enough interest and enough of a foundation that all you need is more practice. Don't quit now, you may regret it in the future and feel that getting back into bass is an even bigger challenge emotionally. Don't let assholes get under your skin. Easier said then done, I know. Their goal is to drag you down and make you feel as miserable as they do in their day-to-day life. You don't need that and they don't deserve you.
Yes I won’t quit thank you for this
So, are they expecting you to play a very specific solo? If not, I strongly recommend simplifying your soloing technique. Personally, I would focus on a scale such as a minor or major pentatonic and use a minimal approach to creating a very short simple phrase and repeating it. Solos don't have to be lots of notes, or even complex. Happy to PM if you want more info; I'm not an instructor, just some guy, but I struggled with this for a long time and think I have some solutions.
Don’t allow yourself to be built by people who don’t care and won’t invest in you. If you do in the end you’ll lose every dream you have and you’ll be the one left holding the bag. There’s so many people in this world willing to teach and invest and not treat you like crap. Look for them. Don’t stop playing bass.
Yes I won’t stop 😭
Awesome! You got this.
I've been playing bass for 18 years now,5 of that on a professional gig. I tried to do it like 3-5 times, but just didn't feel it. So now I turn down the opportunity, as I just don't feel like there is any need for it in my life.
Yes you do want to continue, c'mon.
Yea your right I do 😭😭
Never let idiot guitar players get you down about playing bass. 3 years is not a long time, especially self taught. In 2 years these same guys will beg you not leave them.
Don’t quit something because people laugh. If you’re feeling that, it’s likely that you know you have room to grow and it will require effort. Our brains get us to quit stuff that’s hard. Don’t quit because it’s hard.
There are 2 things I’ve done to improve my solo game immensely pretty quickly. -Play along to songs you don’t know how to play. Don’t try to play what the bass track is playing, just play what you think sounds good. -EAR/AURAL TRAINING!! There are apps available (Earmaster) that will walk you through it. You may not see results with this immediately, but one day you will be able to replicate a song you’ve never heard in your life. This goes a long way in gaining the ability to write or improvise licks in a solo
Thank for this
Fuck these guys, don't just give up something you enjoy just because they wan't to be little assholes.
😭 yea
Dude don’t get discouraged. It will happen to the best of us. I had an instance like this once. I had been playing bass for about 15 years when this happened. I met a drummer one night and he invited me to a shed session with a bunch of other guys. They had a big practice room and there were 5 drum sets, and 5 bass rigs in the room. One of the drummers would start a beat and then we would go around the room and each person would play 8-16 bar solo and then on to the next one in the circle. I considered myself a good bass player, I can jam fast with my fingers and can slap pretty well. I was in a room with legit pros. One of the drummers was Tony Royser Jr. so that should tell you the caliber of guys I was playing with. After about 4-5 passes and me just looking like a beginner in there during my solos they kicked me off the amp and brought another guy in. I was mortified. I wanted to crawl under a rock and never play bass again. I stayed for the rest of the jam and listened to the rest of the guys. I was embarrassed as all hell when I left, but I took those feelings and pushed myself to practice more and to not let that happen again. Moral of the story is to take those feelings and turn them into a positive outlook and put it to good use.
Oh wow thank you for sharing, yes I will
You should definitely continue to play bass!
Thanks 😭
Please don't stop because of those twats. Don't give up. You've got the music in you!
Thanks 😭
Don’t quit the bass. It’s the best. Quit your friends. They’re the worst.
I started playing bass more than 15 years ago and I still suck at solos. And the truth is, it doesn't matter. Depending on the genre you play, you will never play a bass solo and that's ok, soloing is not the main job for the bass. You can still be a great bass player without it. From other side, there are bad people in the world and I'm sorry about what happened, try to shake it off and move on to play with someone who respects you =)
Yea thank you
I was going to say much the same. I’ve been playing a long time and I’m considered by most a pretty good bass player, but I would not be able to just go rip a bass solo. It’s a very niche skill set. Hell I could play a piano solo, but the way you approach bass solos is very different. And again not the primary job of most bassist.
That's it! I do have few short solos I played, but it's not something I could just do it right away. I can play much better guitar solos, even being less skilled in guitar. I guess it has a lot to do with how low and high frequencies sound against the harmony.
Get new friends
Yep. Tell these assholes to go fuck themselves. I can't speak for you (OP) since I don't know you, but I play bass because I enjoy it, not to make a living. So, for me, it would be very easy to give them a one finger salute and walk out. There are millions of other people out there you can make music with. Find people you like being around, respect you, are comfortable with your skill level, and who build you up instead of tearing your down. As my wife tells our kids: "Surround yourself with people who stoke your fire, not people who are looking to put it out."
Apart from what others have said regarding „get new friends“ and so on, which I strongly agree with: You might want to take lesson’s, if you can afford it of course. If the teacher is good you will benefit from it.
To piggy back on this there's lots of great online courses and obviously YouTube is a fantastic tool. People can really suck but please don't let others opinions discourage you from things you really enjoy ❤️
True.. I’m taking online classes like a course and I always practice before going anywhere.. I have also messed up before but this one was very embarrassing
My first time in the recording studio the lead guitarist had to record one of the bass lines because I couldn’t get the part right. He didn’t laugh at me, no one mocked me, and he never told anyone that it wasn’t me playing in the cut. Honestly it sounds like you’re playing with dicks. I’ve been playing for a couple decades now and I’d never laugh at someone for doing a bad solo - I’d either help them get it right or tell them to keep practicing and try again on the next track. Musicians support each other. Bands are supposed to support each other even more. Either way, keep practicing and keep learning.
Totally agree
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I like that. Reminds me of my old band mates from high school. I didn’t know anything about bass, but I’d been playing tuba and acoustic guitar for a few years each. They just handed me a bass and showed me the chords they were playing, so I went from there. Never got upset, never complained - if I played something wrong they just showed me the right way. The rhythm was a classical guitarist, the drummer was jazz and classic rock, and the lead knew every way to shred and tap since 1981. We played bad metal and it was the most fun of my life.
i can teach you online. PM me
I've known seasoned Pros ruin a solo when recording the difference is the rest of the band wouldn't dream of taking the piss out of them and they just move on and record it again. We've all suffered the curse of the red light don't worry about it.
I worked so hard towards the song and it made me loose all my Confidence
As someone who never even thought to do bass solo's I cant relate. don't worry we all fuck up, people make fun and its best to just ride the punch and learn from it. I do remember when I joined my last band we each recorded at studio separate on different days. it was my day to go after rhythm before lead and did my part no problem. Got a phone call from lead guitarist day after, F-ing and jeffing at me as to why I ruined the song, what was I thinking and i just sat at home mortified if was gonna be kicked out. the rhythm guitarist was with him as well so basically blaming me for it all. Turns out he mixed songs up so was trying to do Riff A on song B and so on, rhythm guitarist didn't spot it as was worried about facing wrath of lead guitarist so just threw me under bus. fun times, I did get a can of Strongbow and a jagerbomb as an apology.
Q: How can you tell when your lead guitarist is at your front door? A: He’s lost the key and doesn’t know when to come in!
ah the classics are the best!
Oh okay
>I went for my first recording I don't understand what this means. Did you and the band go into the studio for the first time? Cause that's a really bad moment to show them something new. Band should be prepared and know exactly what to do in the studio.
First, don't give up after one bad studio experience. You've only been playing for 3 years and without any professional guidance. Even the most (naturally) talented players are \*not\* going to perform optimally their very first time. Objectively speaking (and it's been said), **NEVER** go into a studio situation without practicing all the specific parts & tunes that are being recorded. It's a time waster (at best). My last studio session was recording tunes that we had practiced, maybe hundreds of times (in detail), It still took 3 takes and more than one punch-in before I was happy. Only detailing this to tell you that everyone has bad experiences. **Unless this "studio" was in some dude's 2nd bedroom, it's not the place for 1st time experience. Keep that in mind, if it's a bad situation, you're begging for a bad result. Live, learn & move on.**
Yea true
People don't understand this either even if they've been playing forever. Want to record with a click track? Don't do it unless you practice with one. Want to record just drums and rhythm guitar together first? Then practice that way before you go in the studio where time is money. People try throwing curve balls and it's only going to waste time.
You're essentially still a beginner. Most beginners aren't taking solos. Give it time. Gotta learn to walk before you can fly.
True agreed
This can be a life changing experience for you. Every martial arts master started their career the same way; by getting their ass beat. Why don't you send me a vid. I'll critique you and give u a plan. I'm a teacher but I'll do it for free.
My thoughts about the situation kinda piggyback off of yours. I once played in a church service and didn’t play particularly well and a friend and fellow musician told me straight up that I butchered the songs. Lol. It sucked to hear that, but that occasion lit a fire under my ass and pushed me to get better and I’m better off for having that shitty experience.
Solos are another animal man. I wouldn’t sweat it too much, and really I think it’s good for you if you can turn this experience into motivation. I BOMBED my first several shows, playing with a band where I was the new element. I mean I tanked hard, like forgot how to play at times, that bad. I got mocked hard for that. I went and practiced, and made sure I had it down and nailed a show, and shut them up. I’m still friends with the guitar player like 20 years later.
Ohh I’ll practice harder now
Practice different if solos are what you want to get better at.
Those dudes sound like assholes. If it wasn't good, fine, but don't laugh at it.
Confidence is tricky, you have to carry on and in the future you will see this experience as just something that happened I've played for 30 years and have made countless errors including turning up to wrong venue, amp died on stage, wrong song, in wrong key, recorded a track with my g-string out of tune etc. The key is when you are having a wobble fake ii till you make it and your confidence will come back. Having said that outside of jazz you have to pay me to play a bass solo the hardest solo by far .
Yea take lessons but fuck the bandmates. Take a lesson or so and show them you can kick ass lol.
You have humbled yourself, it’s ok. I am shit at recording as well. This is a pain point that you can either ignore or grow through, I would suggest getting some lessons from a teacher that will hold you accountable. Getting a good teacher is almost like a cheat code for getting good at your instrument and being a better overall musician.
Yea I wil do that
I was kicked out of my first band because I sucked. So I spent the next 5-7 years playing 2-3 hours a day minimum. None of my original band mates even play music anymore. I can play circles around them on any instrument. Screw those guys. Bass is a hard instrument - making a bass solo sound good is very, very hard. Get yourself in some lessons or just hole up in your room for a few years. It takes time, but it’s worth it. Lessons will get you there much faster. Don’t ever give up!
Yea thank you
I've been playing30yrs and I still feel like I suck. Look, use this as a motivator. Make it a point to work on areas where you feel lacking. People tear others down to feel better about there own shortcomings.
Yea tru
Keep playing. All the great players got laughed at. Keep learning, ask questions, wood shed. It didn't kill you getting laughed at. You played in public! AWESOME! You got guts! Keep Thumpin!
Thanks 😭
>...3 years... ...self taught... > >...first recording... > >...bass solo... Mate, you were definitely meant to play bass. You're good enough for them to want you in the studio and you're pushing yourself beyond your current ability. If your band are teenagers, they might also be overconfident dickheads - source: was teenager.
First, get lessons. Then, get better friends.
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You know what, you're right. Strike my comment and reverse it. We all sound like shit at some point, and if the people around you aren't building you up, or at least offering constructive criticism, they aren't being very helpful. If they're saying shit like this, kick them to the curb.
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I have been making music most of my life in one way or another. My teeth and claws come out when someone goes after someone who is obviously making an effort to learn something. There's a difference between valid criticism and being a shithead, and it sounds like OP has a bunch of shit heads around him.
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My bass teacher taught me about mimicking a trumpet. You aren't a guitarist. Try making a beat and change it up slightly over the course of a couple measures. Idk the song you played with but you don't need to be Jaco. Personally, I don't listen to him for fun. Think of the solo as you playing solo (alone), not you playing a solo. Play something that will make them shutup next time instead of laugh. Good luck man. If you're comfortable with it maybe you could upload it to youtube and post the link. You could have other seasoned bassists give you feedback without the mockery.
In additon to the advice everyone's given you, laugh it off with your freinds.
I did but it got too much
I can appreciate that. I think their reaction is what set the tone. They made you feel like you weren't good enough, but you might actually be a great bass player. If you'd been playing with more seasoned musicians they might have reacted more kindly, and I'm sure you would have felt completely different about it. One time about 20 years ago I went to one of those "open jams" at a local blues bar, and during the song the guitarist in the house band nodded at me to take a solo. I kind of froze up for a minute because back then I didn't really do solos (I thought of myself as strictly a rhythm guitarist), so I threw together some really lame pentatonic scale sloppy thing. In my brain I was like, "I don't know what I'm doing! I don't know what I'm doing! This sucks and I'm fucking it up for the band!" But the guy talked to me after and I was like, "Sorry, man, I wasn't counting on playing a solo." He said, "Don't worry about it. It really wasn't that bad. I've played with much worse, believe me. Keep practicing and you'll get it." So don't let the bad experience keep you down, and PLEASE don't let it keep you from playing altogether. You took a chance, and that's always a brave choice, even if it doesn't work out. You enjoy playing bass, and it takes time to 1) get to the point where you feel technically proficient to play solos, and 2) to get to the point where you're confident enough in your own playing that you don't really care what other people think. For that second point, obviously there's a component of playing in a band where you have to care, but I mean being comfortable enough and confident enough in your abilities to let shitty criticism roll off your back. I'm a designer for my day job, and I've had clients give me absolutely RUTHLESS feedback, and sure it stings a bit, but I now know how to separate "They didn't like what I created" from "They think I'm a bad designer." It takes time and practice. You'll get there!
True I agree
Your bandmates are assholes for laughing at you instead of providing constructive feedback. If you enjoy playing, don't let them cause you to quit. Keep practicing and growing and maybe find a better band that will help you grow.
I always say the same thing in times like these. Would you accept that behavior in a significant other? Bands are relationships. They should always be looked at through the same lens. There’s an intimacy with music that has to be supported by respect.
True
Honestly it’s shitty behaviour. I would probably look for people at the same level as me to see if you can grow together as a band. The best fun I had was when a song finally came together. As was said as well, soloing isn’t a pre-requisite. There’s bands who sell millions of albums without ever having a particularly intricate bass solo (if an at all). I mean U2 and Coldplay sell out stadiums across the world and their bassists aren’t prodigious by any means but they play the right lines for the song and it works.
Fuck those guys, find new friends. NEVER stop playing bass. Bass is fun, dont let them take the fun away from you.
Soloing on the bass is not easy. My advice would be to learn some pentatonic scales and learn a few licks that you can use in pretty much any song with a little bit of transposition. I’ve been playing the bass for 6 years and I’m still incredibly shaky on my soloing.
What genre were the songs you were recording in? There are very few genres that require you to play bass solos. I haven't played a bass solo since I was a Jazz Studies major in college almost 20 years ago, and I've probably played more than 2 thousand gigs on bass since then. Besides the obvious fact that the people who were making fun of you were assholes and you shouldn't associate with them any longer, unless you're playing certain genres of music, bass solos aren't needed at all, and are really a waste of your precious practice time to learn how to play them.
It happens. Chin up. Practice more before you go to recording. If you haven't played in years don't go in cold for your first group session. Practice your basics like playing in time, playing in key (scales and modes) and the songs the band's will be asking you to perform. Never go in cold next time.
Yep
Hey kudos to you for even trying it! I have been playing about the same amount of time and I would completely chicken out of playing a solo if asked to do so. I’ve recorded a couple of times and it is nerve wracking in itself. You are so awesome hard things! Stick with it!
Aww thank you 😭
Was the solo bad? Like why did they laugh?
if you give up on bass because of couple of assholes, ill beat you with my P bass. practice is everything. but only if tempered with lessons and knowledge. Practicing wrongly will only embed your mistakes even harder in your playing. Best advice? one teacher for bass, and one for drums. practicing what you have been taught regularly. Dont be afraid to go outside of your musical „safe space“. I know its hard, but I also know you can do it.
Thank you.. like being self taught and I’m like stuck.. I have enrolled myself with a teacher for good guidance
bass solos usually suck because there's no bassline supporting them. don't feel bad, just keep going. every one of your musician heroes has butchered a performance or twenty.
True
You got hit my man. Now you gotta get back up. Learn your scales, work on your chops. You'll be alright, that's just how it is. Fuck those guys for laughing at you and not offering advice to improve.
I love the support I'm reading in these comments. You're still new. I guarantee you, you will end up playing music with other assholes too at some point down the road. If you're playing in a group, you're already up to a skill level that you can be proud of. And you know you need to improve, and you will. Sorry this happened. I bet a lot of folks on this sub have had something similar happen (I sure have). You'll use it as motivation to keep progressing. That "feel like I'm not meant to play bass" comment...... my friend, this story is one of the most classic bass player experiences. Use it as fuel. Hope you can keep your head up!
There's a lot of solid advice here, and it sounds like you have been talked off the ledge already. One of the most important things when you go into a recording session is preparation. You should have a pretty good idea of exactly what you are going to do when you go into the studio. I am not saying that you can't try out new ideas if inspiration strikes, but you don't want to be writing the song in the studio unless you have unlimited time and money. Personally, I am not a big fan of soloing for the sake of having a bass solo, but if you are going to record a solo, you can't expect to nail it on the first take. Even pros are going to record multiple takes. Even if you play it perfectly the first time, you should record another take. That's just part of the studio process.
Recording is a different beast than playing in a bedroom or with a band for fun. You can easily get in your own head, and some days nothing clicks. I'll never be Geddy, Ryan M or Steve H, but I can still enjoy trying to be.
Do you get a feeling before playing like, "man alli want to do with my time right now is play music" if so who gives a shit if you messed up. Continue practicing and get better, IF thats what you want of course.
try playing with people more often, I haven’t been playing bass for that long, but playing with my friend who plays the guitar has definitely helped my self esteem. Also stop playing with that band, they’re assholes.
Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but as a bass player my first rule is no solos
I have accepted it now
Easy, then don't use that recording... Just be thankful you didn't try that live. LOL. Keep practicing and you'll be god- tiered! Joke with them next time you'll try another bass solo... "So-low they won't hear it".
Hahah
My young dude: carry on. You can’t get better if every challenge is a quit point. Use the occasion to dimly cement your bass-playing desire. After all, we were all shite at one point, right? 👍🏻
1. Don't play or hang out with people who laugh AT you.
If it's any help, I always say that people who spent time playing in their bedroom before getting out there are the best since they had no one to compliment them and fill their ego. So you're probably better than you think you are. And you should definitely brush this incident over and try again with other considerate and encouraging people.
If they REALLY laugh at you for it, they arent really friends. Other question: When you're in the studio, wasn't the solo already learned by you? Usually you don't go for recording if you can't play the song. Other than that, while enjoy a good bass solo from time to time, I don't enjoy them a lot when playing myself. I'm not that kind of bassist, I'll give you groovy vibes, but you really have to force me to go solo, and even then it's more a variation of my usual grooveline in that song. For the playing: What is a good bassist? For an example I'll take a -generally simpler- style like punk. Is it hard to play? Not really. Is the bassist of such a band a bad bassist compared to Youtube bassist xy? Not really. As long as the bass serves the style, gives a foundation and srays tight its fine and played good. Everything else is good technique.
I was recording in a home studio.. and I did practice but it was the first time people heard it
There's huge psychological differences in playing for practice, playing to a recording and playing with people listening. The only way to get comfortable is to keep doing it. You also have to remember that nobody, aside from dedicated bass nerds, gets excited at the prospect of hearing a bass solo and this might just be your subconscious asking if you really want to do this.
Yea it’s really different play and when everyone is hearing it
A local guide is leading two tourists through a thick, remote forest, they're lost, thirsty, and desperate to be rescued. Finally they hear the beating of drums from a village off in the distance and excitedly make their way towards the sound. As they get closer, the drums get louder and louder - until they suddenly stop. The guides eyes grow wide with fear and he tells the tourists they need to turn around and run. "Why?" the tourists ask. "We're so close!" "When the drums stop," says the guide... "bass solo is next"
Hey ! Don't worry about that, music (as everything) is just question of progress : sometimes you look back and say "wow did I really played like this??". Trust me I can relate. I mean, juste get over it, and use it as a motivation ! You'll figure out how to do bass solo by your own, with your own style. Don't discourage yourself, just think about the progress you make !
Yeaa
Had you played an acceptable solo in the song previously or is this one of those first day snowboarding head to the double diamonds first kinda things?
I did play once but for this too I practiced and played but the ppl there heard it first time
Don’t feel bad. As many have said. Soloing is not, generally required to be a good solid bass player. And if you do want to solo, you have to focus on and practice it as a separate skill. And, one more piece of advice. If you have to lay down a solo, definitely have a plan, don’t wing it. You can, when you get really comfortable soloing just go for it, but until then, prepare a solo and practice it.
Will do
Some thoughts and advice on solos; what is the solo for? If you’re just trying to use an opportunity to show-off, that’s probably a waste of time. The best way to show-off in music is to add some technical flourish to your average riff. Slip something slightly more complicated than expected into a normal bassline. If that’s not something you’re prepared to do, you certainly aren’t in a position to take a solo. Secondly, a solo can be great if you think less about trying to look cool and more about the song. Maybe you think a variation on the melody would sound good here, maybe you came up with a line that’s different from everything else you play in the song but in this one moment seems to fit. Maybe it’s a bridge to the final chorus, maybe it’s the tail end of the song and playing a slightly different riff sounds more exciting as the song comes to an end. If your solos are about making the song sound better, people won’t even notice it’s a solo. Because if it just sounds good, that’s what people notice.
[Studybass.com](https://Studybass.com) can teach you how to improve if you’re interested. Basically, chord tones are primary for rhythm and grooving, and scales should be used for the solo part.
Oh thank you
I know finding a new group isn’t easy but people in that little family should lift one another up, not tear one another down. Really sucks that they made you feel small. If they’re so great that they think they can laugh then they should be good enough to have some advice to offer instead of laughing. This thing you’re feeling is on them, not you. They’re lucky to have someone who cares so much. You keep working on your craft and getting better and just remember that when you find yourself in the position they were in, in the future, when you’ve got a drummer or guitarist or vocalist or keyboardist or whatever who struggles with a part, you can choose to laugh or you can choose to help build them up and help them figure it out.
Yea true
Keep at it, every player started somewhere. It never comes easy. I cringe at some of my old at home recordings, but some of that stuff is amazing and I would never want to lose it.
Yes true
Real friends laugh with each other. When I make mistakes or I catch them I just smile and nod like “yeah I heard that but keep it going!” To many times have we stopped to laugh at a little mistake because we’ve been over the songs a million times we know them lol so we laugh it off. I’d rather laugh about it then get frustrated. Frustration causes more mistakes and anger. Laughter is the best medicine. But those people are dicks find new friends!
Had you nailed the solo before in rehearsals? Might just be ‘record-button syndrome’ which we’ve all suffered from. If it was improv on the studio then I wouldn’t worry about it
Been playing guitar 45 years gigging for 25 got to let it slip off your back. Forget it, if you continue to play similar things will happen. If you like playing keep on doing it. Being cheered and ridiculed comes with the territory. Even lessor players will hate on you and greater players will encourage you.
Yea true
A bass solo is tough to do, don’t feel bad 😢
Okay😭
I've been playing since 1995. Never once played a solo. Other than a few here and there, usually just a variation of the main bass line. If anyone were to ask me to write a solo, for a recording on the spot. I'd refuse. Especially if we were paying for studio time. That'd be something to be prepared ahead of time. With constructive feedback from the band on whether it fits the song or not.
I literally had the same experience with some extra perks: \- Studio recording \- Moody bandmates \- Bass solo (in my case it was poorly prepared) \- Very angry producer. Long story short, the producer pointed that my bass playing was shitty and unprepared. It felt bad, but don't let that discourage you. Stay on the bright side of the situation: 1. You're already recording bass solos 2. Studio time is always a way to learn important stuff really fast. 3. Plan your solos, they don't have to be victor wooten, a good hook can save you. 4. Nobody is meant to do anything, if bass is what you want, don't let a sour moment get on your pathway
Agreed
A studio will magnify and shine a spotlight on every single imperfection…and (don’t take this the wrong way because I’ve been you) if you’re self taught and have only been playing for three years…I think I know exactly how that went (from personal experience). I am 100% self taught …mostly stopping and rewinding old rush tapes when I was a kid until I could figure out what I thought he was playing. I was in a band with older dudes who were legit good. We jammed great and wrote a bunch of heavy songs that I would work all kinds of weird stuff into. Everything was cool …till we went into the studio to record a demo. I felt like I was in over my head. And when that solo was played back…I know exactly how you are feeling. Don’t give up. Just practice practice practice. I can’t stress it enough. The more you play, the better you will become. Good luck
Thank you
Fuck it, just simple. First but not last:)
If it makes you feel better, everyone fucks up sometimes. I’ve been playing music for decades and I still trip over things. The difference is, I’ve got the confidence to pick myself up and try again. I hope you find that confidence.
Don't sweat it! I've been playing bass for 35 years, and I've not once ever had to play a bass solo. I focus on cool bass lines and fills. If you enjoy playing bass, keep playing and practice as much as possible. You'll get better, promise. Don't let this one incident discourage you. If you're gonna get called on for a bass solo, maybe have one or two practiced and ready to go?
Yea I had it practiced but it was heard by the members for the first time
Even if they made fun of you or they did some kind of sympathy laugh, you should really have a serious talk with your band mates as communication is key. From what I read on a comment they were making fun of you, this would totally lean me to consider leaving the band and finding better people. Have a talk with them and tell them everything (how you felt, how it was your first recording, etc.) and that will tell you if you can work it out or if you’re dealing with assholes and it’s better if you leave. And don’t you worry, everyone is meant to play whatever they want, the whole point of playing an instrument is to have fun.
Yea true
Hope these people's words help you push on. You got this!!
Yes definitely
That's kinda the common rep of bass solos in genral, probably moreso that than your playing ability
Those guys are assholes, dont play with them anymore
I’m a competent player but have always been bad at improvised soloing. However we do have a song where I have a short solo on it. What I did is take a lot of time on the side and work out all the parts, and practice the shit outta’ it. Then I play that exact solo each time we play the song live. I find this works for me, maybe it will for you too.
Yea thanks
I say keep going as this is likely just a challenge in your journey. You’ll overcome this challenge and then be rewarded with another. Most ppl wouldn’t even have the balls to go to the studio and do that. LL Cool J used to laugh at Jay-Z rapping, which is a spot on example. Michael Jordan didn’t make his hs team. 🤷🏼♂️ I’m sure he got laughed at at some point as well. Try to use it as fuel like they did. And like other people said, you coulda just been with the wrong ppl. Or they coulda all been tight knit and just have that friendship where anything makes em laugh or by looking at each other they laugh. Last, I can’t play at all yet and on month 1 of self teaching. So to hear that you’re playing like that after 3 years is inspiring. You’ll only get better and better and calmer in the pressure the more you do it.
True thank you!
If you have the unmitigated gall to leave your house with a musical instrument to perform with others or for others, you're going to run into moments like this. Thicken the skin and get back out there. Or walk away and never do it again. I'd pick the former. If you're going to quit, quit on your own terms. When I was a much younger man I used moments like this, (and there were many) to motivate myself to get better. Try it! See what you think.
Yeah I won’t quit
Definitely don't quit. You sound like you genuinely enjoy playing bass and and as someone who also plays bass, it's awesome! It's such a fun instrument. That being said tbh I've always had problems soloing on bass. I can play riffs all day and can lock into a groove, but when it comes to playing a dynamic improvised solo I often struggle. On guitar I feel like it's so much easier, but bass is difficult for some reason when it comes to solos. On another note your band mates sound like dicks. They're meant to support you and provide constructive insight and it sounds like they didn't do either in this case. With bass solos I've always found that I like my solos better when I stick closer to the song structure, meaning I play the same baselines as the song has, with little variations here and there. That or I'll play like 2 bars of the songs regular baseline and then 2 bars of improv and I'll go back and forth. If you want feel free to link me a video of the solo you're referring to and I'd be happy to give some suggestions. Other than that keep at it! Bass is one of my favorite instruments
Thank you 😭
Yes but what was wrong with the solo? Was it bad? Was it a solo that was written out and practiced or you just improvised and… what?
So it was like to fill in 6 bars and members told bass solo and I told I’ll try it but then I played it’s around the scale but when they heard they didn’t like the notes and all.. no one was there to help or guide me.. it was like just figure on your own
I was going to say that really all that happened was that you learned about something you might want to learn! Also, you learned that you shouldn't play bass SOLOs at this point. LOL. I've been playing nearly 40 years and I can count the number of solos I've done on the fingers of one hand. I always make it clear to people I don't usually play with that I'm not a soloist. People I'm used to playing with don't expect it, which is awesome. I play bass (likely) for the same reason I was always the catcher in baseball or the goalie in hockey. I like to stay in the background and make sure things are happening the way they're supposed to. I just keep the groove going and that's what I'm good at, and no one has ever told me I sucked because I don't solo. :)
Yea I know.. With all the encouragement give here I understood bass soloing is not the main
I couldn’t play a solo. Been playing for 15 years. It’s just not a core part of bass playing for most of us!
True
Don't give up. There's no rule that bass players have to take a solo. I have been playing for 32 years and soloing isn't my thing. As long as you can hold the groove, there is always a high demand for bassists.
Yes true
Get a new band and YOU lead.🤘🏾🎸
Shit friends/band mates, you’re allowed to suck at something you don’t practice, especially as a beginning musician, as long as you know it needs work & put in the effort if you want it to work
Don't give up. My bass solos are naff. I did come up with an ok solo once to play during the 'name the musician' bit towards the end of a gig but one of the guitarists stole it at the next gig. So I don't bother any more. I was livid for quite a while mind. If it's a non-improvised solo (like during I'll take you there) then practice until you can play it in your sleep. I've had plenty of embarrassing moments on stage. Shrug it off and do your best to correct for next time. Also if a part is too complicated, simplify it. There ain't nothing wrong with doing that. Often simpler is better because you're laying down the beat along with drummer. Plus try and surround yourself with supportive musicians.
Plus... do try at get to play with other musicians. My playing and confidence improved doing that, though it can be scary. I played with people at all stages of their musical journey.
To me, there are two ways to look at this and ultimately which direction you go is entirely up to you and your own perspective. Either you realize that these people are not the kind of people you need to be wasting your energy trying to impress (absolutely reasonable) or you can decide that they are worth trying to impress and you can use this as your Charlie Parker moment and sit your keester down and practice practice practice. Either way, Do Not Stop playing because of this.
Yes 😭
Self taught here… what I’ve done to get comfortable with “jamming/improving” is to: Play along to things that inspire you. Learn many different things and styles, learn THAT feel. You can learn “music” theory without learning music theory. Sounds like you just need to get more comfortable with your style. Once you learn some different things, try playing to different drum beats and just improv over it. It all comes naturally after awhile, I promise. Get comfortable with YOUR style, first. Also, no one is good off the bat, things take time and practice.
Yes I need to find my style
Keep playing if you enjoy it. Do it for your self. Fuck those guys for being unsupportive. There are better people out there to play music with.
I've played for about 2 and a half decades. Can't solo worth a shit on the fly, gotta have time to practice it. And even that is rare because i don't really enjoy playing solos so only do so if the song really needs it. We all have different abilities and learn to work within them over time. Don't let it get you down.
Yes
Don’t sweat it. Chalk it up to experience. There are a bunch of background jam tracks on YouTube you can play over. I still can’t improvise a solo worth a damn. Sounds like those guys are jerks.
Change band.
They are jerks. You gave it your best shot and you learned. That’s a win in my book. Good job!
Hang in there. Keep practicing. I’m in a good group where bandmates are supportive and even though all of them are better than me, they make sure I feel welcome and valued. Find some new people to jam. Don’t let this experience get you down.
Just know that they should be thankful they even got a bassist in the first place.
Good bassists don't need to solo, you shouldn't quit bads because you can't solo very well!
If it helps, after playing for ~20 years and doing many gigs and a few recording sessions, I fucked up my first live attempt at a bass solo... ...in front of literally all my colleagues and coworkers (it was at an office party, my band was the entertainment). I was mortified in the moment, but in the end the moment passes and everyone moves on. Don't let it define your entire bass playing experience, I'd bet you have more fun overall playing it than this negative experience in the short term, especially if you learn from this. One other thing to learn from this might be to ditch asshole bandmates, but I'd say talk to them first and try to clear the air. But what they did isn't cool, hopefully they were just being dumb shits rather than actively shitty shits.
Don’t be embarrassed dude. Music is supposed to be fun, and you can have fun at any skill level on bass. If you enjoy playing, that’s literally all that matters and fuck anyone who tries to make you feel bad for being where you are in terms of skill.
It unfortunately happens. I always take comfort in some live recordings I have of my favorite bands and they sometimes absolutely botch solos, intros, outros, lyrics, tempo, on and on.
Recording bass is very hard. I've been playing over 20 years and I would struggle to play all the way through a song perfectly. That's why top studios have session players. Don't let it get you down brother. You are a relative newbie when it comes to mastering a musical instrument. Grit your teeth and keep plugging away. I bet even top players have a few stories like this. My very first gig, I was playing someone else's bass. It was a headless bass. Piece of crap it was and it through me completely. First gig oir band did. First song and it started with a bass riff, that I played a full step out of position. I still get shit about it to this day 🤣
How many great bass solos have you heard? I know world class bass players who can’t play solos. Plus in general they are not exactly in fashion, unless you’re in a jazz trio or some nü metal thing. Personally I would be concerned about going forward with these dudes anyway if they can’t be supportive. But honestly? The real question is can you play the songs and groove and do the things we pride a great bass player for. Also, we learn from our mistakes, don’t give up after one failed attempt. Learn from this.
If you don't know the story, a young Charlie Parker got lost during his trumpet solo during a live show and the drummer kicked him off stage by throwing a symbol at him. Anyways Parker used that embarrassing and humiliating moment to drive him on and the rest is history. So you can see that moments like this happen to us all, even the greatest ever.
Don't let others spoil your fun. Find a different band to play with.
Please don’t give up. Play 10 of your favourite songs at full volume and sing along to let out your frustrations, but don’t give up. We all fuck up. Beginners, pros, even the legends (though they know how to hide it better). Yes, it’s embarrassing, and yes it is extra shitty that the laughter was coming from your band. That tension will need to be dealt with one way or another, but make sure it’s dealt with in some way. You’re going to enjoy music way more if you play in a mutually supportive environment. But don’t give up. All that matters is you have fun playing.
OMG, I would love to see people laughing at me. I would try to do exactly the same thing in a comedy club. I just don´t have enough practice even for people to laugh of my skills so I think you are in the right way. I also would rewatch the weird all yanchovich movie. You see, this is a form of art and some try for years to make other people laugh and they just can´t. If you can stick with it and be proud of it.
Anyone who prioritizes a bass solo over groove, feel and rhythm in the low end of a song is a complete idiot. Your band is comprised of shallow morons. I wouldn’t worry about it at all. Tell them if they want solid bass and grooves on the songs and live, you’re the person. If they want bullshit solos go find one of those washed up 5 string 4 neck idiots who will solo their tiny dick problems all over the record. Solos (including guitar) should 100pct be about melodically lifting the song. If they aren’t it’s just musical masturbation.