by If you’ve been diligently practicing for any amount of time, eventually, you’ll probably want to get out and play with real people. It’s only natural.
These might start out as casual jam sessions with some buddies or they might be something more ‘formal’…
An actual gig!
Playing music in public for other people is probably one of the most rewarding aspects of being a bass player. I still remember my first ‘real’ gig – it was playing rock covers at a total dive bar.
We didn’t make much money, but it was incredible fun. (If I’m being honest, we probably didn’t sound very good) Not only did I have a great time doing it, but so did my band mates, and even a few of the people there as well.
Since that very first gig, I’ve played hundreds – maybe even thousands of different gigs. Some were very high-profile playing for audiences in the thousands. Some were total flops where the audience simply didn’t exist.
Over the last 12+ years of doing all kinds of different gigs, I’ve learned a ton. But one of the most counter-intuitive lessons I’ve learned is that just being a good bass player isn’t enough if you want to work and gig.
In today’s video, I’m going to share with you some of the ‘secret’ skills that are essential if you’re looking to be a gigging bass player. Not only will you learn about 4 common gigging scenarios, but you’ll also learn the hidden skills that you need for each of them.
Check out the lesson here:
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Are these skills the only things you need to get and keep gigs? No – there are plenty more. But these hidden skills are the ones that many people miss, but have a huge impact.
Of course, if your basic skills aren’t up to scratch yet, that might be a sign that you’re not ready to gig yet. If that’s the case, then I’d recommend you try leveling up your skills using my Beginner’s Starter Pack. It’s a collection of some of my best resources for beginners.
In it, you’ll learn the 3 core areas that will make the biggest impact on your playing, plus the order to learn everything in. It’s 100% free, so just fill out the form above and I’ll send it straight to your email address. You can get started in under 2 minutes.
As always, if you have any questions, just leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help out.
Good luck with the lesson and happy gigging!
Cheers,
Thank you , I’m playing with some friends, not ready yet to play for people, still learning my notes on the fret, I plenty buy ear, I love music, and can’t wait to play in front of a crowd.thank you for the encouragement, I’m not shy in any form, I’m 58 year’s old was a drummer in school, I just love the bass, I was a half way guitar player,moved to the bass never looked back, my goal is in six months or less to learn my knots on the neck, so I’m in the right note,my rethum is good I’m told. I plan on playing with some one befor 2019 is over, God bless and thank you.
I’m just now learning to play.I
Thanks!! Love your videos!