10 Things Professional Musicians NEVER do (hopefully!)
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- Here's the top 10 things professional musicians NEVER do... avoid these mistakes like the plague!
So in this lesson I wanna outline the 10 things pro bass players NEVER do.
This lesson isn't about scales, chord tones, or musical vocabulary...
It's about all the stuff that's generally not talked about or taught... and in many, many ways is as important, if not more important, than the stuff you're practicing every time you pick up your bass.
I've learned these 10 "DO NOT'S" from both sides of the fence - as someone who is being hired as a bassist, and someone who is hiring other musicians.
So hopefully this lesson is going to save you from making the same 10 mistakes that soooo many amateur musicians seem to make.
As always, see you in the shed...
Scott :)
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Never be late
Never be underprepared
Never be unenthusiastic
Never noodle between songs
Never "practice" at rehearsal
Never bring bad vibes
Never bring unreliable gear
Never say they don't know tunes
Never stuck to a single style/genre
Never disrespect the type of gig hired for
That you for summarizing this 20 minute video! It took him 5 minutes to even start the list!
Peter O'Connor that’s the point of the comment
Falls under "bad vibes", but don't say anything, if you have nothing good to say. IOW Never speak badly of your band mates at the gig. If they screw up, move on and address things later, and privately if possible.
Always play Wipeout.
The 'know a tune' thing is bullshit. Hardly anyone knows every tune or every standard. If you're a lounge musician you are more inclined to learn standards. If you are a band musician you learn the tunes your band practices. Who's going to ask a rock band bassist to play Autumn Leaves? They'll tell you to get the fuck out of here. This also ties into the single 'style-genre' myth. Get some better 'nevers' for those.
The others 'nevers' are pretty solid. But I have played absolutely shitty gigs (where there was literally no one there at some small town fair) but even if the gig is shit you play it and play it well.
Pro players DONT make noise when people are talking during rehearsal!! This kills me and it happens all the time!
yes- it is rude!
Definitely. Also tuning quietly unless you’re tuning to a specific instrument.
Yeah. Pay attention to whatever is being talked about, it's probably relevant!
Tip: Active listening. Being aware and responding to what other musicians are playing!
That's a good one he actually forgot to mention
Cole Jodouin YES!!! A.L. Is key!!!
When I was in music school, "rehearsal at 7" means "the downbeat of the first song is at 7:00:00." The rehearsal start time is not the time when you begin loading in your gear or tuning up. Rehearsal time is when the song begins.
Starts at 5:00
1. Never be late (not showing up early = late)
2. Don't turn up to the gig unprepared (people that hire you WILL remember this)
3. Never show up complacent - being enthusiastic goes a long way
4. Never noodle in-between songs
5. Rehearsals:
- there is a difference between rehearsals and practice.
- when you show up to REHEARSALS, 95% of the work should already be done, with only 5% left to fine-tune.
6. Don't bring bad vibes to an environment - even when things are going wrong. Stay positive, don't bring negativity.
7. Use reliable gear.
8. Have a solid repertoire. Have a lot of songs from various genres memorized and in your tool kit.
9. Don't "pigeon-hole" yourself. Pro musicians are never only fully encased in one genre of music.
10. Play appropriately for the gig you are hired for. Some gigs require different approaches than others.
("How much can I stretch out? How much do I have do stick to the original bass line? Answer always= depends on the gig).
(you're welcome ;D)
Starts on 05:03
Thanks
Thank you
the lord's work, right here ^_^
Skipperino Kripperino
Thanks dude
A professional musician should ALWAYS exercise brevity when checking their gear before a show. Guitar players seem to be guilty of this the most, that is, playing too much and too long when checking their amp/signal/FX/tone before a show. This is especially a big no-no in situations where an audience may be already present (such as on-the-fly checks in shows with multiple acts). Professionals never over play on equipment checks. It's one strum, pluck or hit on every setting you need to audibly check, then adjust and re-check. This should take under a minute unless something is really acting up. After that, do what the FOH sound requests, get your monitoring honed and put the thing back on the stand. No one wants to hear 5 minutes of gratuitous solos out of context, it takes the wind right out of the show.
Sounds like something a bass player would say
He's right though. A lot of guys I work with get up on stage and start mindlessly noodling before the first count off....friggin annoying....
Rem HAHA I wonder why? Could it be that it’s something a lot of guitar players do.
Yeah, I'd add doing shit they won't do during the show, during the soundcheck, like a bassist playing the latest funk exercise he learned or a drummer playing blast beats during sound check... that's arrogant and useless for the sound engineers who are doing the soundcheck.
BassForever44 HAHA right. As a bass player, during a sound check with a guy not familiar with me, I give them a dynamic and sonic range of what they should expect during the show so they can set a proper gain structure, EQ, and light compression if need be. I give them my lightest, my heaviest, a few thumps, a few pops, low notes, high notes (usually BBBB,EEEE,AAAA,DDDD,GGGG) etc. I run a few effects as well so I'll take them though that. After that, I let them tell me what they need from me. If I'm doing my own sound or if we have our own sound guy, I just make sure my signal path is working and I'm coming in right around -6 or so.
Another couple of things I experienced myself in my younger days; 1. Do not over play no matter how good you are. Just keep it solid and tasteful, no band leader is impressed by lightning chops except perhaps in a solo spot....having said that 2. Do not out- play the band leader (even in a solo spot), and take attention away from them. It is their gig, not yours! They employed you to support them, not usurp them. After the gig they want the audience to be talking about them mostly, not the bassist. TLDR: Solo bass gigs are for stretching out, band gigs are for solid supporting roles. Play accordingly.
I saw a kid shredding like nuts on a gig backing Chuck Berry. He needed better parents.
My tips no more than one bottle of Jack Daniels before a gig and allways check theres nobody below the hotel window before you throw the tv out.
not really I dont drink or watch tv lol
Good suggestion. Be Sober!
Caveat: When working stiffs for hire become rock deities, as was the case of LZ, all of these pointers go straight out the window (along with the TV).
😅
In this day and age, be reachable. It is inexcusable when I work with musicians that they don't respond to either emails, messages on social media, or text messages when a gig is coming up. Even worse when they aren't responsive the day of the gig. This is really modern business in general, but to me it's the equivalent of not showing up early for the gig. You add stress when I hire you to play the gig and I can't reach you.
Totally agreed. It's the same principle as "be on time/early". Do not do anything that will stress out the person you're accountable to. I've had countless times of people being unresponsive near rehearsal time and it drives me mad.
I most often call or email another player pretty fast in that case. I've been called too in that kind of situation, went to rehearsal and 10 minutes into rehearsing the other guy also showed up (he was late also) : The bandleader simply stated: You did not respond, and now you show up late, so my conclusion is: You don't really want to work with me and this band, and you obviously don't need these gigs, period. I played like 10 very well payed gigs with that band. I know the other bass player, he is one of those guys who's always complaining that he's got no jobs, no work..
This is a big one. Encounter it a lot, with a lot of players. Days and days of no response or confirmation of times, etc. I think it gets reinforced by the fact that a like of things in the music industry come together at the last minute (like festivals that aren’t even ready day of... happens a lot) but to my mind that’s even more reason for the players, the people going onstage and supporting them, to be a cohesive well oiled team the minute they walk through the doors
a pro musician must have an updated passport, otherwise he could miss a tour for example!
I’m an enthusiastic amateur who deps in a lot of different situations in my area. I think everything you’ve said is correct, and a lot can be summed up in this commandment: “Thou shalt not be a dick”. I’m nowhere near being the best player in my area but the gigs I’ve got have largely been because I make a huge effort to get on with the people I’m playing with and don’t make too many mistakes.
Another small but important point when depping is to help out packing down band’s the PA etc. at the end of the gig. So many times I’ve been told ‘the last guy we had dep for us just packed up his gear, took his money and b*ggered off at the end of the gig. Thanks for helping out’. This sort of basic courtesy goes a long way.
You are just so right! Nothing more annoying than lazy b####s.
This is new good data
I must say that nearly all of your suggestions could be applied to any other work, or life in general
it´s like that everywhere true
Exactly. The 'not being late, in fact being early' thing needs to be grasped quickly by anyone expecting to keep a job. I know this from bitter experience :)
Like having spare strings and a tuner in the office? :D
It's because they're generic as hell
Lord Isern OF COURSE!!!
TIP extra: Hi Scott! Another tip for the pro bassist is don’t be afraid to ask questions and try to get any gig related materials you can from the booking agent/band manager, et. al.
When I book a gig, I give the hired gun as much of the following information as I can. Sure, some of this sounds like common sense, but I can’t tell you how frustrating it is trying to gather this info sometimes...
1.) Date, setup by time, actual gig start time, any load in information, e.g. where to park, where to load in, elevators?, etc. 2.) Set list !!!!!!!!!!! And/or expected genres3.) If applicable, contracts / contract info4.) Instrumentation 5.) If applicable, sheet music
🎵💃🏻🕺🎵☮️💟~Rock on, brother
P. S. Whomever has the larger skull is the baldest 🤔
Yeah I like these kinds of videos! Do more!
11. DO NOT ASSUME that you can use another band's gear. ALWAYS ASK. I always let people use my rig, but one time the band opening for us treated my amp like crap, they put beers all over it (just because it is a flat surface doesn't mean it's your table), they stood on it. Like, c'mon. Be a grownup.
Jackson Wright Music I feel you bro
Oh mate, totally. I had some guy from the next band pick up and use my beloved £1500-odd Status Energy bass just because I left it on stage and he fancied it over his crappy whatever-it-was. The cheek!
Yeah, I only share my rig with close friends for this reason. If a band unexpectedly shows up assuming they can use someone else's gear, they don't play.
It happened to me years ago, when I was in the opening act, and the main act's bass player blew my speaker. I sold my amp and now let the production company/venue provide one, but last year I played a small low budget gig, we only had a 5min line check before our set, and on stage was a crappy Laney bass amp, I plugged in and played the set, but the amp was horrible. After our set, I complained about the amp to a guy back stage who I figured was also a bassist, only to find out its his personal amp that he brought to the gig for himself. I felt like such an Idiot!! haha, lesson learnt, AGAIN!! haha
Deon Knipe wow no way that happened 😂😂 he must’ve felt bad too lol
Pro players always have their instrument in tune. Has Chet Atkins used to say "Tune up boys - it bothers me"
I'm a piano tuner and I'm in amateur bands and holy crap every out of tune string is like an air raid siren
Absolutely, but why was 'they' typed instead of 'their' ?
typo
Guitarists: be In Tune without bringing the gig to a halt. Tune on mute while the front person is talking. Or have your guitar set up so it does not so startle need to be tuned
@@oldgoat381 my old piano teacher thought to save some money by learning to tune his own pianos. Like you, it drove him crazy. He had to deliberately unlearn that skill.
Scott, this is brilliant. And to reinforce #1, my father is a retired musician/music educator and he brought us up with a saying; “to be early is to be on time... to be on time is to be late... and to be late is unacceptable.” I’ve found that to be good advice for musicians *and* non-musicians. Keep up the great work!
My own pro tips? Here are a few:
1: Always bring a mechanical pencil. An orange high-lighter is good, too.
2: If you're sight-reading charts, use the moments before downbeat to scope out the roadmap - repeats, DS/DC/Coda, etc. Circles and arrows!
3: Always ask before plugging into someone else's amp and make sure it's on standby or ducked first.
4: (From Tommy Tedesco) If you can't play it, DON'T play it. That written out 16th-note 2-bar riff with accidentals at letter [E] could cause a train wreck if you don't nail it, so lay out until you have it under your fingers. Chances are, someone else has the same notes.
This video came in really timely. I've been pro for 7 months now, and haven't played with too many other professionals as the music scene where I live is still mostly made up of part-time musicians who are doing this as a passion project.
But just last night, I played my most demanding professional gig, and despite having prepared well (or so I thought, even without rehearsals), many things went wrong on my part and I got scolded on the bandstand by the guy who called me. On hindsight, I feel fortunate; I just experienced what "getting fucked on the gig" felt like :D
And as it turns out, my perception of being well-prepared still falls short of what's expected of me professionally.
If I were to share my #1 rule from this renewed perspective, it will be to not only not come underprepared, but to come to the gig OVERprepared. And like you said Scott, doing so will put my hirer's mind at ease.
Of course scolding 'on stand' is just as much UN-pro as not being prepared, it ups the pressure and you probably already knew what was going wrong, increasing your nerves can only make things worse and reduce your ability to deal with hiccups.
deeply dissapointed (sp) It's gonna happen at some point, and if you get too unnerved and can't deal effectively with hiccups or pressure, you won't get a callback. Grow a skin, consider the possibility that the reaming was deserved under the circumstances, and try to up your game; your phone is more likely to ring then. It's true what they say about pretty much everything- it isn't all about you and your hurt feelings.
Haha yes, I agree. What you perceive of that situation though, depends on your attitude. I suppose that's what people mean when they say "be humble" - it's to not take that scolding and negative feedback as an attack on ourselves, but rather to see the constructive message behind that feedback.
This is so true. I feel like my skin's grown thicker after that one gig. In fact, I've learnt to love music even more.
My last show, the sound guy couldn't get my mic working, but gave me the thumbs up anyway.
I couldn't get him to adjust the monitors so that I could hear our vocalist, and my guitar was too loud in my monitor. Another problem he isn't was fine, but couldn't change.
Then halfway through our next to last song, he finds my mic and blasts the room, so he cuts out my guitar.
The last song we just backed away from the mics and finished acoustically.
In the past when things like this has happened, I thought I was being sabotaged. Instances like doing an entire set, only to find out after words that I had no vocals, and no one could hear any singing.
Now I'm coming to understand that the sound guys don't always know how to operate the mix boards.
I feel like a pro since I've had clips in my gig bag, to hold sheet music when I play outdoors.
.;)
In a musical we had a pro trumpet player that was hired. He was supposed to come to 2 rehearsals (only the 2 dress rehearsal). He called at the last minute to say "My parts are not hard, I master them. I'll fit in, so I don't need those rehearsal". We didn't have much choice so we trusted him. He didn't understand some timming details linked with the acting parts and simply failed at doing a proper job on the first performance. He was so full of himself... I think he learned modesty that day... He was still paid. But as a pro : "nevert turn down a rehearsal because you're "too good" to rehearse" or "never think too highly of yourself"
I hate when musicians claim their parts are easy and are excempt from turning up to rehearsals. Would you agree that rehearsals aren't just about practise the set together, it is also about finding chemistry with the other musicians, and that's important
When you get hired, you get hired to do the job the musical director would do if they had the time. Play what they want, the way they want it played. P.S. this attitude also works for any job you are hired to do.Still don't get it? Watch Armageddon where Harry chews out A.J. for going with his hunch, at the beginning of the move. And if all you get to play are tied whole notes for a chorale, make then the most beautiful tied whole notes anyone has ever heard.
Yep! 👏😎👍 ... as a bandleader and collaborator.
Pros also never play/noodle on stage after they are all setup, ready for a concert/booking. Be ready and save it for the performance.
Great advice Scott! I've managed to incorporate all of what you covered in this video. I recently got asked back to fill for a last minute gig when the bass player got sick. When we were done with the sound check the lead singer told me that the last gig I played with them was the most fun he'd had at a gig ever. Why? Besides being prepared, using the appropriate tone, volume and style I came with abundant enthusiasm and encouragement -- assuring the band that "it's okay-we're going to sound great." At the last gig everyone was a little uptight because they were also breaking in new drummer who was nervous. After the first tune I gave him a look that said "great job...right in the pocket" which carried through set. By the second song everyone was relaxed and having a good time. Here are my additional tips: Have an OPEN MIND. I'm subbing for a band with players half my age and playing songs that i don't normally listen to. I look at this as an opportunity to expand my horizons. One of the members who I know well said he appreciated my experience and input. My response was "thanks but it's a two-way street. I already know what I know and am equally interested to LEARN how you approach the music, especially new stuff." One more related to style and approach -- always show respect for the native player of the particular style your band is playing. On the last gig they were doing old rock and roll -- Elvis, Buddy Holly -- sure the bass parts are simply HOWEVER they require the same attention to detail and feel as complex challenging parts. Yes... there IS an art to playing a country bass or old rock and roll bass part with correct feel. I'm NOT the best player at these styles but I strive to improve on the feel and I think it gets noticed. Finally -- REMEMBER THAT YOUR JOB IS TO SUPPORT THE BAND AND TO DO YOUR BEST TO MAKE THE SINGERS/SOLOISTS SOUND GOOD.
#11 Bring a pencil...maybe 2...and use it! Not a pen...don't you dare write in my music with a pen!
I posted this to my band group chat. The one thing that happens at our practices that absolutely drives me nuts is the noodling around between songs. They waste a lot of time "jamming". I'm not there to jam, I'm there so we can get the arrangements down so we do look like pro's when we go out and gig.
Yes please make more of this kind of videos and it would be nice to see a similar videos for bass players or musicians in general that wand to teach bass or whatever
Greetings from greece scott🤘
I really enjoyed this video, start to finish, complete w. your adorable kids and lots of good information and it was all really fun to watch.
having a backup bass amp in the car. i started in the 1970s with a 100W Marshall tube amp and sometimes the high voltage fuse blew
We had a thing (not really a gig), where the bass was supposed to have a PA to plug into. Every other note he played was silence. Massive frustration.
Thankfully he had his amp in the car. Saved the day!
If you're able, don't even trust that the venue's gear is going to work!
Number 4 doesn't apply to drummers though does it? Every drummer I've played with is a nightmare when it comes to "noodling".
Can confirm^^ You just want to discuss something with the guitarist/singer but you can't, because the drummer won't stop practicing his drum rolls or paradiddles ;)
Chris Dakers jesus do they ever shut up. I resorted to fully cranking my big muff and playing my E string needless to say his his whities turned brown. BEFORE HE STARTED PLAYING AGAIN!!!!
All musicians can do that.
Chris Dakers It extra special applies to drummers.
It also applies to slap players as well, which are the shred equivalent of guitar players in most cases.
I love these, and if I could add a #11,
once you’ve agreed to do a gig, you give it 100%, but before you agree, ask questions and make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into regarding time, pay, and amount of prep needed.
A great idea introducing your family .... & your SBL crew on camera. Gives the clips a personal appeal to each viewer. The explanation of the 10 tips was excellent. Top stuff!
Great list. This is also true of any business endeavor. It is called personal responsibility and respecting others' time. Unfortunately it has become rare in society and common among non-pro musicians.
Rehearsals! I'm so glad you brought that up. Nothing drives me up the wall like someone who learns the song WHILE were supposed to be rehearsing it.
I'd also say that good pros can do basic maintenance for their gear. It's not hard to set the intonation on a guitar after a string change! Contact spray is cheap, too.
Rehearsals & practice are 2 different things, aren't they. I would learn &
practice alone so the whole band could rehearse what was learned later.
I was the guy who had to figure out & learn tunes, write them down &
pass it on to the others. Another guy was the "booking agent".
We had a drummer who was obsessed with twirling sticks. He was
always attempting it at rehearsals & never mastered it, so we had to
accept his insanity & can his ass. Too bad as he was smart & was
once a good drummer. Emphasis on WAS in both cases!!!
nearly 500k! way to go scott!
This overall clip is brilliant. It's engrossing even to non-bass players. The tips you give apply to all musos in general. Great stuff Scott. Look forward to seeing SBL at the upcoming Bass Show
Pro players don’t act condescending for being more knowledgeable. *cough cough jazz improv sessions*
Stop going to the wrong sessions.
Hell yes! I hate those dudes. I'm a fairly acceptable player and there was this one guy telling me I was a half tone off at times. I mean first of all EVERYONE would hear that and second if it was while throwing in random fills, it happens that there is an chromatic note here and there.. like come on it's an open stage improv session. Don't get your butt in a twist.
Man, this is the reason why, after 14+ years of playing bass I've never dared getting on stage on a jam session. In my country, especially while I was studying jazz fundamentals like 9 years ago, you could see the pro guys doing faces and berating people who clammed during jam sessions... it was such an ugly sight that I got scared off from trying to participate in the whole thing.
You tryna get vibed, bro? Do you even know the licc, bro?
hey scott, got a question about repertoire: where can I find a list of songs that are recommended and commonly played at gigs? I'm trying to build a solid repertoire but there are little to non resources about it for modern players!!!
p.s. I play guitar but I guess the list should be the same for most instruments
Beyond the Record real book dude.
Real book is great for jazz, but I'd say that its great to think of some iconic songs from each decade (early-mid 1900s onwards) and learn them - it's always good to know the kind of songs you can imagine a wedding party wanting to hear as a starting point - Brown Eyed Girl, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Mr Brightside, Baker Street, I'm a Believer - think iconic songs!
Yeah well that "real book dude"-tip never really helped me out. The real book has got hundreds of tunes, you dont need to know them all. You can find out what is commonly played in your area by going to jam sessions and just ask someone there. My friends usually play like all of me, blue bossa, all blues, chameleon, the chicken, mack the knife, watermelon man, take five, girl from ipanema, fly me to the moon, blue monk, cantaloupe island... definately some of the most famous/overplayed tunes are all of me, fly me to the moon and autumn leaves. you pretty much must know them.
Also look up setlists of some more or less professional cover bands and find out what they play. I guess they should know ;) It also helps to listen to the radio and pick up some songs which are either very popular right now or have been played for ages.
Ask your parents/family what they would like to hear at a birthdayparty or wedding (and then perform some of them as a gift when time has come ;) )
Google local wedding bands, cover bands, etc. Watch their videos or check their mp3s. Most the time they will have a song list on their website. Copy a few lists and compare. Find which songs show up on every list.
yeah!!!!! that's a smart move! didn't think about that
Yes, please, more of this kind of stuff, Scott. Thanks!
Great Teacher, Great Family and Great Bassist. Just inspired a Professional drummer to take up Bass as Second Instrument. Greets from Germany. 2019.. Year of The Bass!
Uh Oh. 8. - I am severely lacking on the repertoire. Back to the shed. :)
I kind of wish he would go explore specifics of that. Like how in the world are you going to know what they consider classic lines?
That's bullshit. You don't need to learn every single tune unless that's how you make your money (as a street or lounge musician where you get requests...typically as a soloist). Get a fake book if you think that's the direction you want to go. Band musicians typically don't need to know California Gurls by Katy Perry.
I used to think that, then I just said "fuck it" and just started learning very specific stuff, and almost never covers, but rhythms, bit of harmony here, bit of bass composition there, and other stuff. Learning top 40 songs works only if you are a street or a lounge musician, of for impressing girls during parties. I think its more productive to get a single song and dissect it, not just memorizing it. Only then I think that learning repertoire is useful.
So what specific stuff aside from your bass comp, rhythm, and harmony. I'm not going to lie, i've been a tab boy for a detrimental amount of time so i'm trying to move away from it. I feel like learning stuff verbatim could be helpful because after a certain point you recognise licks and phrases, also gets your technique up because spending some time learning like jaco or wooten or JPJ or joe dart would get you better at fills.
Played a gig not too long ago where an amp was being provided for me, I requested one with an FX loop as they said any kind could be provided, but oi story short the amp didn't had an FX loop this meant I had to completely change my board set up in order to play the gig, so my advice is NEVER rely on anyone else too much, you're responsible for yourself and need to be able to work around problems that will be thrown at you
Love this. Noodling is one of my pet peeves. I'm going to write these down on a poster in my studio where I teach and pass this information along. Awesome.
Thank you for the perspective. All of these are great reminders no matter how long you've been playing.
Reminds me of what Alice Cooper said about the musicians he plays with. He said that, basically, of all the guitar players out there, there are thousands out there that can play well enough to be at the level he wants for his band. But he also needs them to have stage presence, the "look", too. And that slims it down to a few hundred. Then, since they will be stuck together for months at a time during touring and recording, he needs to be able to like them well enough to want to be around them for extended periods of time. And that slims it down to 2 or 3 guitar players, and that's how he chooses who plays in his band.
Sounds about right. Pieces of shit can't get along with most people. Sad but true.
I always loved the saying the army had, if you are only 10 minutes early you're late.
I always got up at 7:27, dressed, pissed, ate & showed up at work
promptly at 7:59:55, give or take a second for 30 years! HAHAHA
@A Dude with a decent point Except when you are a horn player and are on time all the time, and 80% of the time you are the 1st one there.... Infuriating!!
Man, so right. I have encountered every single point on this list at one point or another... so frustrating when people can't be professional.
This is great stuff Scott, thanks for sharing
#11: Your band is a BUSINESS. It should be treated as such as far as ethics, professionalism, attire, etc. The more half-assed things are (drinking at the gig, bringing people with you to private gigs, driving the clientele out of the room with your sound checks, etc.) the more you will NOT be asked back.
Treat it as a business meaning "hold up your end", "be professional", "come dressed for the job", "do you homework", "be presentable", "don't get wasted at the gig", etc. I obviously don't mean, go to the gig with your head down and treating it like a job you hate. Not the same thing and not the point I was making.
Job, business, oh, no. Dressed for the job, omg. The only things than matters are: love your instrument and music, work more, enjoy yourself and make a good music. When I say "work" I don't mean "job". It shouldn't be treated as "regular job", otherwise you will start to hate your "job", there's nothing creative or enjoyable in "job" approach. How you gonna be enthusiastic if you just... start another workday, ok. I don't mean, you should drink at the gig, I'm talking about how you treat your activity. Shitty job way or creative music-is-life way. Nobody likes too strict and boring asses, who "came to the job".
Alexander Zabolotskii "Professional Musician" means you make money from music, as your job or profession. To get gigs you can't act in an unprofessional way, and in order to make a decent amount of money you generally have to treat it as a job at all times APART from the actual performance. By all means let your hair down during the performance, but for goodness sake keep organised for everything else.
Faeces Dismemberment I think, we are talking about different things. Btw, I'm agreed with all advices from the video, I'm agreed with you IF you talking about your qualities as a musician and a mercenary. But, i prefer not to call this "job" because of very shitty reputation and emotional meaning of word "job". Words we use bring some special approach in out job: I saw people, who became arrogant, boring and strict because of this approach. Do they play well? Haha, no, they just "doing business", with minimum effort. When I say "make it your life, not job" I mean "be the entertainer, creative person, not just mediocre boring office plankton". My dad is professional photographer - he has an office and this is his job. But also, this is his life, he is never treat this as "just job"
EXACTLY.
Don't be a volume hog!
Too right - point your amp at your ears instead of your knees. Lean it against a wall, prop it up with an instrument case, get an amp stand, whatever you have to do to save others' ears (or internal organs, in the case of bass).
Oh man - the bassist I played with in a band for a year was awesome, but we ALWAYS had to tell him to turn down. When he produced our album, we had to tell him to turn the bass down there too. Bass players: turn down. Please. I want to hear your lines, I don't want them shaking my bowels the whole time.
Welcome to our neck of the woods!! I grew up in Queens and Brooklyn - my first 20 formative years just a minute from that Maurice Avenue sign on the highway in the video - If you can navigate JFK and get to Brooklyn without a slight nervous breakdown from chaos and traffic you've got my nod. Great editing on the travel portion. Thanks for the video!
Love the video. This knowledge can be applied to many things on and off the stage. Thanks for posting. I a beginner on the bass.
For rehearsals and sound checks - pro musicians stay focused and don’t get distracted by, for example, checking their phone or texting while they should be ready for what’s next.
Hey Scott! Pro Player behaviour: If you play something wrong/make a mistake... -Don´t show it on stage. Learn to get back after mistakes. No matter if it´s a rehearsal or a gig! ;)
The biggest bass mistake I saw on stage was from the mighty Tony Levin, playing with Peter Gabriel. He started playing but no sound came. Quick as a flash, he switched over to the keyboard to keep going.
Great video...thx for sharing some intimate moments of your life and most of all, thx for sharing your knowledge. I can only agree with you, being an amateur musician, with every word you said. Cheers.
Thank you Scott! This was sooo helpful!!
I think a Pro Player should be able to work around problems.I had an experience at a gig, where something wasn't going right with my pedals, which was a bummer, but we figured it out and i performed the gig using only my tuner and compressor. There was a problem with my patch cables, so instead of letting my ego get the better of me, i just removed everything from my rig, so the gig would happen. It sucks when you can't use your pedals, but at the end of the day, playing is more important haha. :)
Yeah i like having basses which are both active and passive, it makes life so much easier. I did the same thing, but had to ask my guitar player haha
Right on. Fooling around with gear that won't do what you want is a clear sign that you're unprepared, and calling attention to it will always come off as pathetic- "Look at me, I'm having problems. Focus on that instead of the music I'm supposed to be playing right now." It's a surefire way to get callbacks. :)
"I think a Pro Player should be able to work around problems." That pretty much is the key. I can only add that a Pro Anybody should be able to do that.
I've been doing my own music for 15 years, and got into professional playing about 3 years ago. I had to work around my technical limitations a lot of the time to get the job done. I'm in the process of learning a bunch of stuff regarding pretty much everything: harmony, groove, different things attached to different genres... Knowing where you are and how to get where you want is another trait that a Pro must have in order to be successful.
A very wise man!
the balder is the better bassist
Michael Brecker syndrome
I shaved my head. I didn’t get better.
I shaved my wife’s head, she wouldn’t stop kicking me long enough to see if she could even play...
it only works for guys named Scott
She is clearly not committed to her art.
Are you saying Vic Wooten has actually been wearing a wig all these years?
Fantastic tips! Home run Scott!
Even for players that may still have to hold down their day jobs and are just gigging nights and weekends! Guys please don't waste valuable practice time trying to learn you part, know your part before you ever even get to the practice! Practice is the gelling of the vibe of the tune, establishing the common groove and making it solid, putting the finishing touches on the final arrangement.
Bass players specifically, remember to play just what the SONG/TUNE needs, always think in terms of making the tune work.
Great advice. Most of these tips can be applied to being a professional in any field of work in general.
Something I witnessed myself don't show up to rehearsal, practise or a gig drunk and or high. All jokes aside, if your busy puking off In a corner somewhere then you aren't playing.
aka, you are not in the Replacements (or, insert countless other infamous f-ups)
Hi Scott-
Two "thou shalt nots" to add to this-
Never correct your colleagues unless you're the musical director. It goes along with the "don't create drama" thing, but I've seen well-meaning musicians step WAAAAY out of line and get themselves fired like that.
Also- and I learned this the hard way- unless you're scripted to talk to the audience, that vocal mic is for singing only. I got too comfortable with the band I was filling in with, and lost a really good gig for not keeping my mouth shut and just playing bass.
Thanks for all you do!
Thanks for this vid Scott. We're currently recruiting band members and this helps especially the ones about bringing good energy.
I greatly appreciate some insight on the ways to "behave" in a common environment, to me it is just where it clicks, the whole point of it, when you can transpose it in real life and everything turns into practice. Thank you very much Scott.
Pro-players never badmouth other players...
Bernard J Fortin Ginger Baker on being rude about the great John Bonham proves this to be untrue. Whether he really believes his own flannel we may never know.
Just heard Buddy Rich rip Glenn Campbell....
prd004 I can not stand Buddy Rich. Sure he knows drums but his bus speeches about other musicians leave me cold. For any drummers who think this is sacrilege he also said rock drummers couldn't play and matched grip meant you couldn't play well. Changed your mind now?
unless they're Metallica
0:21 min that wink :D
I love the "setting the scene" bits before we get to the nuts of it. We buy into the person, not the information. Scott, I love your vids mate, you are doing a stunning job. Ive already run out of data this month cos im watching your stuff in the van on my commute!
As an MD I love hearing: "I have been SOOO busy and haven't really looked at the vocal part" and you're standing there with the job of band, arrangement, event etc. and expected to swallow that THEY are the busy ones.
You didn't mention dress attire. It should definitely be #11.
I agree, definitely dependent on the type of gig!
Yes, I always bring an extra sock.
Marcel Dewit RHCP reference, nice!
Shorts. Bad. I don't care if it's hot.
My best friend is a Black Metal guitarist and at their band's first gig he performed in shorts and dirty oxford shoes with white socks. :D
I work in the local theatre scene and I'm never short of parts. Why? Scott sums it up. The very most important thing was told me by an experienced actor. BE ON TIME! He summed it up with the following:
1) If you are early, you are on time.
2) If you are on time, you are late.
3) If you are late, you are fired.
Be on time, have good attitude, listen and to the best of your abilities, do what the director says. You'll get more gigs than more talented prima donas.
Sooo... if you are early, you are fired? Seems legit :D
Thanks, I appreciate the tips! Our band has issues with almost all of the points mentioned here. I'm going to share this video with them.👍
As a fulltime bass player, I can totally agree with these points. Great advice! 👍
Pro bass players don't slag off other bass players. (Actually, I reckon that goes for pro anything)
Don't get romantically involved with the band leader's girlfriend. (Don't ask me how I know).
LOL! ;)
lol
What I teach my kids....is to watch and learn from the success, and the mistakes of others. This video has great advice to that point. I wish I had this video back in 1987, I learned all that the hard way. Thanks for posting.
Excellent video!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Dress appropriately, look good
in regard to no.7, just because you paid half of what the other guy paid for his instrument doesn't mean it isn't reliable, cheap doesn't necessarily mean unreliable.
I really don't think he said inexpensive gear was a no-go. Or that a bargain/good deal was not professional. I think he is mainly talking to an audience of would be gig-sters that want to improve their gig-ability. If there is something on the list that you(WE) fall short on, tighten up! If not, congratulations...you are obviously on your way to your next gig and we're wasting time.
wow , good stuff Scott, Im recently a worship leader and this wil help me solidify my team and cut down on all the what if's comments. Also help us take it to the next level !!! thanks
Great clip. Love the behind the scenes stuff ....
Agree with all the points Scott, BUT I think that showing your kids having fun or yourself walking down the corridor for many, many minutes in basically EVERY VIDEO before you start the actual lesson is an equivalent of being late and/or noodling... Unprofessional and not respecting otbers' time. I believe you treat your lessons (which are great) in a professional way, so shouldn't you practice what you preach? I mean start the lesson, be prepared ang get straight to the point? I dont't mean to be harsh, but please consider it. Cheers!
to be honest, I don't mind a few seconds of "free vlogging", it makes everything more human.
that said, 5+ minutes is too much, way too much
if only there was a way to move a video in time with little effort. hmmmmmm
I'd say, just put it at the end. He's a cool dude, and if I want to take a peak at his life I will, but at this specific moment I'm looking bass info.
God I hate beating around the bush, stalling & not getting to the point!!!
You know, there's plenty of tight wads out there that think they have it all on lock, and their attitudes come across as as such. I'm a true family guy, and I appreciate sharing those moments with others who share the same enthusiasm about "family." I'm a retired Army guy that have been around the globe several times, and, been places most people have no idea even exist, but, i must admit that I do enjoy the little travel tidbits. I don't think I would have become a member if it was just another classroom environment. Additionally, if I thought it was over the top, I probably wouldn't have wasted any time commenting...I would have already been on my fav.
Never been full pro....been semi pro for....well ever... couldn't agree more with the comments here. The biggest one for me ... turning up to rehearsal not knowing the parts ... "yeah what the hell...I'm happy to pay for the rehearsal room while you f**k about trying to work out parts you could have done at home....while i sit quietly in the corner until you get it right....no..no...you carry on....I have nothing better to do with my time or money......" arrrrrrghhh....
sorry...think you found my trigger......lol... .. oh and if you want to get stoned or pissed do it on your own time....... blimey got more to say than I thought...hahaha....and dont ev
en get me started on noodling.....
Practice at home, then rehearse! Works really well!
Scott, I'd like to say that this kind of topic has indeed extreme value... Please, if you are able to make more of this, provide it to us!! Talk more about the qualities of a professional, and, even better, what kinds of attitudes help to make our bands more professional, in a context in which we are not exactly being hired by someone, but working with a group of musicians who aspire to reach a new level. ;)
This was so incredibly helpful. I’m trying out for bands now so I’ll be using these tips
right all these top 10 points is in the perfect world. The reality is a completly different story. So here's the REAL world about pro musicians. And it's VERY simple. Pro Musicians do not join your project or play on your song or go on your tour because they love your music. They do it because they need the money it pays. To them it's just another job, like working in an officer every day. it's not something you love but it gives food on the table and pays the bills.
First: please forgive me for my poor english...that been said... It's a very sad point of view indeed, a "funkmaster" shouldn't be that sad... Let me tell you, funkbro, that certanly exist people like you described, I met some too BUT, please, don't generalize. Like many people I pay my bills doing things for other peolple, including playing music but I do love music and like many people I do love play music, I do love doing it with other human beings and addressing it to other human beings and, most of the times, people love it and that's a very juicy part of my/our life/lives. I did all the "ten mistakes" and many others, sometimes I've been bad, my behaviour was bad, my words were bad, my glances were bad but, later, I always analyzed what was going on and what was going wrong and corrected it, many times I apologyzed, many times I put myself out of the game permanently... but it wasn't solely a matter of "just getting those damn' bucks and go home" (although many times was that...). There's a lot of people feeling the way I do. How do I know it? I played and I still play with them and it's fortyfive years now that I do it. Greetings from Italy.
I try to always enjoy playing music, even when it's professionally.
I have a "Triangle of gigs" that I refer to when thinking about taking a gig. On the three points there are factors which will decide whether or not I take a gig. I must have 2/3! Point 1 is Money, which is obviously important. Point two is "cool people" because let's be honest it's fun to play a gig with people you get along with or vibe with. The third is "Great music." I can justify playing a gig if it's great music with cool people but little money because I play music because it makes me live on the inside. I can justify a gig if there's money and interesting music but I don't know anyone on the gig. Finally if it's just bleh music but there's a lot of money I'm hoping my bandmates are at least not total jerks. Oh yeah, in the centre of this "triangle" you just write RESPECT in big letters cause if there's no respect for/from the musicians, YOU DON'T DO THE GIG.
I completely agree with this, especially the last part.
#11- if you're a professional online instructor, check your caption spelling...
But an apostrophe means "beware of oncoming S!" :)
Seriously, I've seen flyers that made me think, "he/she might be an amazing guitar teacher, or handyman, or whatever, but I am NOT hiring them to do my signs or resumes!"
(That's quite separate from the issue of most closed captions on RUclips being very rough auto-generated text.)
Like sign's or resume's? Maybe those guy's are "disorientated"!
You noticed the brilliant captions too. eh? I can't keep up
reading them & deciphering them too!
This is the best video ever...!
I've had all these things happen to me...
They should show this to kids in school...
And it's not only about musicians......
Brilliant episode. Thanks so much Scott.
Metallica does noodle between songs :D
real pro players, DON"T show up to the gig drunk! Alcoholic's should"nt be allowed in this industry!
Someone who is drunk or stoned is a liability to your band that person will embarrass you and put you out of work.
Recently picked up an awesome guitar player trained in the UCO jazz program( better than north Texas btw) played multiple cruise ships, multiple large acts including Keith urban and several studio sets. He fell down on stage at a bar gig three times one night, the third time he broke his own amplifier. ( it was a nice badcat amp too). That was embarrassing as hell and the bar owner refused to pay him. She gathered us around, payed us our cut and then took his share and split it between the 4 of us left. Then she had the bouncer take him and put him in a cab that he had to pay for. I have played with many that where higher than the moon on pot who played extremely well but lay off the booze and don’t do drugs!
That used to be me, and I totally agree!
You are blessed with a beautiful family. Thanks for the lessons... and #5 is the legit truth...
Great advice! Applicable to EVERY gig. Always Devine Wisdom! Thanks Scott.
Nice..BUT.. you take far too long to get on with the topic.
Sorry Scott, your lessons used to be on point, but now click bait central and so much padding. It's slowly turning into reality TV. I wish you the best, but you've lost me.
Practice amps. They're at home. For practice.
Go into the gig knowing the parts, or at most some questions on "finer points."
Nailed it on practice vs rehearsal.
Great knowledge content for any bass player, no matter what level of player...Especially being on time and being prepared for the gig.
You probably hear this all the time Scott, but, you are a genuinely nice block and a great bass player with an awesome family connection! Blessed is the word I'm looking for - just awesome! You great role model you.
Scott, this type of video is a big help every so often - thank you ! My suggestion: Pro musicians NEVER argue on stage or at a gig ! Highly unprofessional !
This is a great video, not only for professional musicians, but for professionals in any field of work. 👍🏾
Hey Scott, yeah man thanks for sharing this info. I'm hardly a leader nor have I played any paid gigs but I really appreciate these insights into -- well your world I guess. This is definitely something I needed to know so feel free to share more boss.