[BENharperROX]

Well. I tried out for my first band tonight as a rhythm guitarist and vocalist. First time trying out, first time playing with a full band. Can't say it went terrible, but it definitely didnt go great. They were more of a rock band to my "in my room by myself acoustic playing." It was def different playing with a band and i think i could learn how to, but obviously they aren't looking for that. Kinda bummed cause I wanted to play with someone besides myself, but now I can say I tried out for a band.

[Stratrat]

Hang in there, Ben - having the courage to try out is commendable! Sounds like the band just wasn't the right fit. Keep on trying and don't get discouraged.

[BENharperROX]

Well it was a church band so atleast they were nice about it haha but still ya know. and boy was a sweating like crazy!!! AHHHHHH

[CanuckTodd]

Hey Ben,
I've heard you play and sing. The band made the mistake if they didn't pick you up. And I think you will soon be in a position to make your own band. Pick people with talent, but those that you get along with, and you'll be well on your way. This was only the first step of you viewing yourself as a musician, which you are. Just one without his own band -- yet.

[Dewy]

Yeah, you gotta focus on what you can do... and gather like minded musicians. Be sure to check your local music store to seek out others looking for musicians or just interested in your kind of music.

VERY IMPORTANT, while you will always have to make some compromises when working with other musicians, do not compromise your musical tastes. What you like will always sound better coming out of you than something you force.

I tell aspiring musicians here to solidify their "style", learn "Lists" of songs they enjoy playing, THEN when you gather with like minded musicians, the music will simply flow out of you... with the sweat.

[Ben_Sir_Amos]

I have to disagree with Dewy here. Compromise all you can.

Eh? No, that's not what I mean - but I do think that you should be very open minded and make sure you play with as wide a range of people as possible. Play with Reggae bands, play with Jazz bands, play in duos, stand in with orchestras and brass bands, wail with the cats in the alleyways and howl with the dogs at the moon, play in heavy metal bands, play in blues combos, play with the church organist, accompany the choir, play in saloon bar bands, play in honky tonks (whatever they are?!!). Play at every jam session. Play at all open mic sessions and offer to accompany each and every other participant. Around here people can apply for government grants to enable kids to do ensemble work in addition to their regular lessons. It is that important to your development as a musician. It is really important that you get used to playing with other people - but I don't think that it is too important who those other people are - better musicians will make you feel more satisfied but you can learn from playing with beginners too.

And after you've done all that, I don't think you will fail any auditions, ever. Everyone will want you to stand on stage beside you. That's the time when you can say "No compromise".

So don't let this first try-out put you off. It's just the first of many experiences and it's very valuable. Now get out there and find someone else to try out with.

[Dewy]

I agree with pretty much all of that. Expand your horizons, play open mics and expose yourself (figuratively). No disagreement here.

And as I have recalled after viewing asking musicians for directions is bound to get you lost everytime hehe. Only thing that really matters is your journey. Not the destination, nor the vehicle.

All of the "advice" you get here should be taken with a grain of salt, and bearing in mind we are all individuals suffering from delusions of individualism. While we're all similar, no single path will lead us where we want to go, nor will our destination remain absolute. I started out wanting to play like Roy Clark, veered off towards Randy Rhoades, and am now just trying not to suck.

Amazing how the more you know, the more you realize you have to learn.

[Ben_Sir_Amos]

Originally Posted by Dewy

I started out wanting to play like Roy Clark, veered off towards Randy Rhoades, and am now just trying not to suck.

I haven't been down that road exactly - but my route is not far away and must run parallel.

And it's just as bad with singing. I wanted to sound like Paul Rogers and ended up sounding like Elvis Costello. Currently just trying not to suck.

[Dewy]

I guess I meant to say I started off wanting to play like Roy Clark, changed my goal to wanting to play and sound like Randy Rhoades... now I just want to sound good... little bit of everything I know and like makes up my sound and style. And now I just try to make it all sound good, not SRV exactly, but when I play Pride & Joy I try to evoke the same "Feeling", not the same licks or specific progression of notes.

For the guy feeling like he "Failed" his first audition, its not a failure to realize your not ready or not the "right guy" for a certain group. The failure would be in forcing a fit where it didn't belong, or dropping into a project your not ready for.

Keep the dream alive, and practice, exhibit (open mic) and network in your local musician's community. Trust me... if Neil Young can make a go of it, anyone can.