question about playing with others

[CP]

I have a friend who just moved near me. He has a home studio where he writes, records, and plays. He wants me to come over and jam with him. However, I don't feel too comfortable with it because I don't want to embarass myself. I feel I need more practice. As a keyboard player (he plays the guitar) what is the most important thing I need to work on to play with others outside of timing. Is it chords?

 

If you have any ideas, I will greatly appreciate it. I think playing with someone will make my playing better. However, I feel I need to work on some things.

 

Thanks.

[coyote]

practice just comping chords to 10 of your fave easy songs. then go play 'em, and have fun!

[Slowly]

You are such a lucky dog. I wish I had someone I knew that was close with all that stuff to jam with. Just let them know what your limitations are and just have some fun. Kcbass

[Dave Pierce]

The best thing to do is forget your worries about being embarrassed and just have fun. If your friend has fun too, then great!....you now have a jamming partner. If not, well, you tried.

 

Never be afraid to:

 

* Admit what you don't know

* Complement what others do well

* Ask questions

 

--Dave

[Addix Metzatricity]

A clip from the newest Bass Player mag really sums it up.

"...Playing with people who are better than you really gets your playing on point".

 

I think it's one of the best things you can do for yourself.

[bearded yeti]

I agree completely.

 

--------------------

"A closed ass gathers no mouth"

[cg1155]

I went to a jam session with another keyboard player in the not too distant past. He was a lot better than me but that didn't get in the way of the fun. Instead of worrying that I wasn't up to it, I just had him show me some cool stuff he did and it became kind of a neat learning time - fun for all around. You can even learn from a guitar player! Have him show you the cool scales he uses etc. Don't sweat it - it's a learning experience, just be sure to return the favor sometime.

 

Casey

[coyote]

If everyone's only playing w/ people better than themselves, is anyone playing with anyone else?

 

someone's got to be the one willing to play with someone worse than themselves....

 

Originally posted by BassGuy21:

A clip from the newest Bass Player mag really sums it up.

"...Playing with people who are better than you really gets your playing on point".

 

I think it's one of the best things you can do for yourself.

[Addix Metzatricity]

Playing with someone that's not quite on your level, but is openly willing to learn will help you relearn a lot of things you thought you had forgotten.

 

Anyone who's ever taught will know this. Both parties benefit.

[Analogaddict]

I agree completely with BassGuy21. Playing with somebody that´s not quite at your level can also be a humbling experience, and a reminder that you´ve been there, too. It´s also a good opportunity to see the new stuff that is coming; I work with a gospel choir for youths, and all the fifteen-, and sixteen-year-olds all want to play like Alicia Keys and Vanessa Carlton. I was lucky enough to start playing piano in the midst of the grunge era, when everybody wore flannel shirts and played guitar. Back then there were not too many keyboard players my age, but this batch of teenagers are really something different; there´ll be stiff competition in a couple of years...

 

/J nas

[Superbobus]

Timing? Yes. Chords? I would say voicings. Repertoire? Definitely. But telling yourself it's gonna be embarrassing isn't gonna do your playing good. Just go up there, have a coffee or some beers and tell him how you feel about the situation. Probably he will just laugh and tell you there's nothing to worry about. He who never tries will keep on being virgin.

I remember this funny story about a guy I wanted to jam with. He's also a piano player and plays really fabulous stuff, the most rhythmically complicated shit. I wanted to ask every question I could think of and then he comes to me asking: "How do I play the blues?"

 

Soulstars

[george costanza]

As partially touched on already by others, I think there are two main benefits in playing with others that outweigh any trepidations you might have:

(1)the development of "feel"---most musical performances aren't (& need not be) perfect.

(2)the musical play that comes from interacting with another & their ideas/approach.

 

Remember: music is made into a static art, sometimes, but it's really about human spirit.

[Addix Metzatricity]

Originally posted by george costanza:

Remember: music is made into a static art, sometimes, but it's really about human spirit.

Very, very beautifully put.

 

That, I think, is all to often forgotten.

 

Mostly by me.

[BP3]

If his studio has a drum kit and you have the desire, ask him if you can mess around with the drums sometime. I learned more about rhythm and gained more skill applying that to keys by playing drums than by all the key pratice I've ever done. Time on the drums will also help you tons when it comes to sequencing drums.

 

As far as who's better, don't worry about it. He isn't. Everyone has their thing they do well. Exploring the things you don't do so well (yet) is the best adventure in music. I always love being a bit over my head in a playing situation. You sure won't get worse for trying, so have fun (most of all) and explore.