I used to be in a classic rock cover trio. Due to some conflict I left the band. It has almost been 1 year since I have played or jammed with anyone.
Since then I have had my share of unsuccessful attemps at joining a band. People around here sure like to talk about it but no-one ever makes things happen. I keep seeing an ad pop up on the local classifieds. every so often for over a year. It sounds like a middle of the road bar/wedding band, mostly catering to the crowd. You know, some country and classic rock. I felt when I quit my other band I felt I would get involved in something more creative (originals) or something more genre specific (blues or reggae), but I really want to play with a band. Some of the tunes may not be my thing but I really need to play with other musicians. I am not trying to sound arrogant but I think if I jam with them they will give me the gig.
What would you guys do? Hold out for what you want to play or give it a go and try something you've done before?

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I'd go for it. You are not getting any exposure or band practice sitting around the house playing at home. You may even get an offer or two from other musicians who may catch one of your gigs. Worth it to me unless the band mates are horrible musicians. Good luck!

This is a common crossroad with many musicians. The question is....

Are you ok waiting, maybe forever, to find "the perfect" band, and in the meantime sit on your butt at home, or do you want to use your musical talent to play with a real band, get a ton of exposure in the meantime, maybe meet new musicians along the way, and make some money playing new songs?

I know a lot of musician friends that would happily snub their nose at anything "beneath" them to play, and at the same time are lonely as hell playing by themselves on the couch, or in basements. Me, I want to play, and whatever I play, I play the hell out of and "make" it cool. I play because I love music, in all its forms, and I love to learn new songs and play with people. I don't play to make political statements or for "integrity". Fun is fun to me.

I've never faced this quandary for myself (I am a fairly new player). That being said I agree with the previous posters...it could be a good time to gain experience, contacts, etc. Obviously check out the band first a bit but other than that who knows...a lot of times you find something special when you're least looking for it...you could have the time of your life or at least a stepping stone to your perfect band.

Good luck!

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"There is more to life than increasing its speed." Mahatma Gandhi

Owner of:
-2008 American Standard Strat in Candy Cola Red
-Vibro-Champ XD
-Fender CD-60 Acoustic (Sunburst)

No matter if you stay with them or move on to another band, you will learn 'things' and not just musically. The more experience that you have dealing with different personalities, the better it will be for you in the long run. Good luck!!!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Yoda,
I agree with Hop and Dgonz. Get out there and play. The more exposure the more other musicians will recognize your name and talent. (dubious in my case) Eventually you will land a gig with others who think like you and off you go. In the mean time you get to put some walking around money in your pocket. Just make sure you leave enough time in your schedule to walk around with it.

Go give it a shot, I would. You`ll get to meet new people, do great things, and Just as Mike said, Learn new things. Alot of fun, just go with an open mind.

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My Baby, 2008 Standard American Jazz Bass

I always said the most I learned about playing live, I learned from my lowest gig. I backed up a lounge singer that played very good rtythum guitar on as Gibson jazz box. He had the worlds most horrible set list. If you tried to make a joke list of songs you would refuse to play, you would come close. He had an excellent voice and like I said, played well, so he was popular in the bars. Anyway, he asked me to sit in and it went over. He started paying me to show up. We did not rehearse, and he would not tell me the name of the song or the key. I figured everything out on my own without being able to see his hand and see the chords.

It taught me loads. By the time he got to the lead break, I could do a solo and not hit a clinker on the first take. I kept it simple. After I got used to his songs, I went a little farther afield.

Take the gig.

+1, especially if there's easy $$$ to be made!

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You dig?

Go for it. That band may be wanting to do something more creative as well and just needs you to make it happen. You may find the writing/playing partner of your dreams and have the most fulfilling playing experience of your life.....or it might suck, but either way it'll be fun to jam!
Good luck!

Give it a shot, you never know you may be what they need to turn things around. After your in bring up the idea of doing original songs. As long as your playing thats all that counts. And if something more fitting to your style comes along later, Do what you think is best for you and tha band.

I dont have to tell you that playing live is like playing ten times at home. Go out there and shake off the cobwebs of not gigging for a year.And if something else pops up you will be sharp and slip right in.Besides it is way more fun playing with other guys and playing live than noodling at home.

Yoda! Sounds like you'll be gigging again soon. after some time with the new band show 'em a song or two that you have and maybe they'll record your music (with a band you have your studio musicians when you need them). Have fun Bro!

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

Go for it. Who say's you can't belong to more than one band anyway.

Check this out. Back in the 70's my uncle was going to hook me up with a working, popular country band. I wasn't into country so I took a pass being the all wise 16 year old, know it all, I'm not selling out hard rock kid that I was. Remember back then the music was just plain hard rock, wasn't classic yet. I could have pulled down $200 every Saturday night, but noooooooooo I was sitting around practicing with a band that only played out twice in 2 years.

Moral of the story? Just go for it. It's all music. I jam with old guys, young guys, good players and not so good players. It's all fun.

Your perfect band might even come out of people you jam with once in a while. Open mic nights are a good place to meet players with similar styles too. Have fun.