I listened to "The Unbelievable Truth" yesterday and one truth mentioned was that none of the members of Arctic Monkeys knew how to play an instrument when they started their band.
Just fyi
this post was submitted on 10 Mar 2025
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When I imagine myself being happy with a bandmate during a show, I imagine these habits:
-know the songs' chords, hits, pushes, etc
-silently tune between songs
-have awareness of when the singer is singing
-smile
None of that requires a lot of skill. And when I think about it, I didn't do any of those things when I first joined a band, so you're probably already as qualified as I was.
I'd say go for it if you get the chance. Playing with other people is a game changer in your music journey. Then it's not only focusing on your playing but also on what the others are playing, following the tempo, the dynamics...
Any suggestions on where to find a band to join?
Good enough is relative. Musicians of any skill level should be welcoming to jam together. If you're made to feel inadequate that's their own shortcoming, not yours. Joining a band should be a matter of finding other musicians in a similar place to you in their journey. Being in a band doesn't ever have to mean playing concerts in front of people, either. If you feel that playing with other people is the next step in your journey, then it is.
Makes sense. I guess a jam would be a good place to find bandmates as well? We have a few jams in my town, but they're very audience heavy. I feel a bit intimidated to go and play in front of so many people.
I'd imagine playing in a new setting will always feel intimidating. You don't have to push yourself into a solo spotlight on day 1. You can just chill and play rhythm chords in the background, for example.
Unless you're trying to get into some kind of crazy prog/jazz band, ability is less important than attitude. If you put in effort, listen to feedback, and wrangle your ego a little you'll do fine. And if everyone's a jerk, that's not the band for you.
edit: also, set up fast and help the drummer haul their shit in
How shite is the band? If its shite enough, you're good enough lol.
Seriously tho, find you a jam situation if you can. For instance, bluegrass is a genre with a strong jam tradition. In my area there are public bluegrass jams where you can basically hang out and play rhythm, learn the tunes and watch other players. Usually there are enough people that there's always someone else to watch on guitar. Bluegrass leads are heinously difficult but rhythm playing isn't bad.
Some other folk genres that have jams: Irish, 'old time', gypsy jazz, regular jazz, blues, choro, cajun. Maybe there's something in your area.
I had been playing for 15 years or so before I joined a band. The trick is to not aim too high, make music that is a bit (but not too much) below your skill level. That way you are able to get the hang of songs relatively easy, which boosts your confidence. From there on you can keep growing.
Playing in a band will make you a better musician. Most musicians' first couple bands suck so don't worry too much if you aren't any good at first. Just focus on having fun and improving. Find some people near your skill level and enjoy
Any suggestions for where to find people near my skill level to play with? For reference, I'm in my late 20s.
It's tough. BandMix is trying to be the solution to this but its pretty terrible. Any sort of local social media may have postings looking for bandmates. Or you can try to meet people at shows or music stores. You'd be surpried how many people still use Craigslist
Trust me, you're good enough. Somewhere out there, there's a drummer who isn't sure if they're good enough, and a bass player, singer, etc. Find some like-minded musicians and see where it takes you. I'm not suggesting going thru craigslist and replying to everyone looking for "experienced shredder" or whatever, but there are people out there in the same situation you are.
There should be bands for any niveau, you can play in a band once you master about 3 chords imo :D Heavily depends on the band, so you have to find one that's right for you. Happy searching!
Smells like teen spirit is basically 4 power chords.
So if you do it right you really don't need to now much haha.