New band - but maybe issues?

[itstooloudMike]

Well, after not gigging with a band for 25 years, I auditioned for a lead guitar slot a couple days ago. Seemed like a good fit from their posting. These three guys all sing well, and play bass, rhythm guitar, and drums. They’re all retired (like me), and play 60s and 70s rock. My thinking was, how can this not be a good fit. They have been working together for about a year, and have developed a set list of about 30 songs. But at the audition rehearsal I noticed that on many of their songs, they aren’t playing the correct chords. These are songs I know pretty well. A couple of times, I mentioned that they were playing the song unlike the original, and showed them the correct chord progression. But they didn’t seem open to “re-learn” their song list, and just wanted me to adapt to their way. I’m struggling with this concept. I hate playing something wrong. Some songs it wouldn’t make much difference, but others just sound bad the way they are playing them. What should I do? Just learn their “adjusted” versions, try to get them to change, or pass on the band entirely. I may never find another band of guys my age who still want to perform. I’m really torn about this. Need advice.

 

[Short on cash]

Pass

 

[schmee]

I think it "depends" on what chords etc they are using. The key being: Do the chords fit? or not fit?
If they fit, I can understand it. 4 guys relearning songs they have down when you are trying to get things up and running just slows the whole project down. However, the whole thing has to work. Ditto for certain breaks in songs etc.

I've run into this with a bassist for a while now... it's interesting because, prior ....I forgot entirely we do some things different! I'll tell him to listen to the "so and so" version, only to discover we do the breaks, or a chord, like another "so and so" version in one part of the song. So it's a hybrid song.

There are a few songs I prefer to play a different chord that fits in a spot or two and I like better. I guess you can call that "your arrangement". But then ...I'm a bit of an oddball and often hate playing songs exactly like the most popular version released was done.

 

[buster poser]

Echoes of Teletail's experience. Did he tell you the chords were "fancy" when you explained them?

Seriously, I'd pass. Nothing wrong with wanting to relax and have fun, but I can't abide playing the wrong chords. Maybe if you're doing some reharmonization thing, but this sounds like laziness/willful ignorance.

 

[Wildcard_35]

Sounds weird. Were they playing it a different key? Or were they just trying to bring you into their group hallucination?

 

[unfamous]

Run away.....

 

[beyer160]

There are only three reasons to be in a band: making money, having fun, or learning something. Unless you get at least one of the three, move on. Sounds to me like you're striking out on all three, but that's your call.

 

[Controller]

When I lead, I take suggestions but i decide. When i sit in or back up i make suggestions but the leader decides. Maybe you can have more input when new songs are added.

 

[Timbresmith1]

Well, after not gigging with a band for 25 years, I auditioned for a lead guitar slot a couple days ago. Seemed like a good fit from their posting. These three guys all sing well, and play bass, rhythm guitar, and drums. They’re all retired (like me), and play 60s and 70s rock. My thinking was, how can this not be a good fit. They have been working together for about a year, and have developed a set list of about 30 songs. But at the audition rehearsal I noticed that on many of their songs, they aren’t playing the correct chords. These are songs I know pretty well. A couple of times, I mentioned that they were playing the song unlike the original, and showed them the correct chord progression. But they didn’t seem open to “re-learn” their song list, and just wanted me to adapt to their way. I’m struggling with this concept. I hate playing something wrong. Some songs it wouldn’t make much difference, but others just sound bad the way they are playing them. What should I do? Just learn their “adjusted” versions, try to get them to change, or pass on the band entirely. I may never find another band of guys my age who still want to perform. I’m really torn about this. Need advice.

Record a rehearsal and show them what it sounds like. Then ask them to play exactly one song your way. Record that and see if it floats. If not? Accept it or get gone.

 

[itstooloudMike]

Sounds weird. Were they playing it a different key? Or were they just trying to bring you into their group hallucination?

Some tunes were in a different key, and I suspect they were just transposed incorrectly. But others were in the original key, but with some wrong or added chords. The songs weren’t made easier, as in laziness. Just different for no reason that I could understand. I some cases, it altered the melody and timing of the original song. Made it kinda hard for me to solo in some cases.

 

[Peegoo]

"Maybe issues?" You know.

You tried. You asked the question and didn't like the answer.

I think you may be confused by the fact that you like the concept of the band and their material, but when practically applied, it's a train wreck.

I view this sort of thing in the same manner I feel when I see a beautiful woman: yeah, she sure is sweet looking, but somewhere there is at least one guy that's had it up to here with her.

Pass.

 

[Buell]

The biggest question is, are you having fun? While I understand the issue of playing the song wrong, does it really matter? I mean, do you plan on going on tour and playing to arenas? If it was me, as long as I enjoy it, it's all good. Once it stop being fun, I'm out.

 

[Swirling Snow]

Seems like a lack of craftmanship on their part, so no, not a good fit.

Question is, are you willing to adapt/accept for the fun of playing?

Though, I can't believe you can't find other players in Knoxville.

 

[Strat Jacket]

Is it an issue of difficulty, as in they can't play the proper chords for physical reasons, maybe? If not, I would probably pass rather than learning the chords "wrong". Especially if you are showing them the right way and they are being obstinate about NOT learning them.

 

[ChicknPickn]

MAYBE issues?

Bands = The dysfunctional families we choose.

 

[2HBStrat]

Well, after not gigging with a band for 25 years, I auditioned for a lead guitar slot a couple days ago. Seemed like a good fit from their posting. These three guys all sing well, and play bass, rhythm guitar, and drums. They’re all retired (like me), and play 60s and 70s rock. My thinking was, how can this not be a good fit. They have been working together for about a year, and have developed a set list of about 30 songs. But at the audition rehearsal I noticed that on many of their songs, they aren’t playing the correct chords. These are songs I know pretty well. A couple of times, I mentioned that they were playing the song unlike the original, and showed them the correct chord progression. But they didn’t seem open to “re-learn” their song list, and just wanted me to adapt to their way. I’m struggling with this concept. I hate playing something wrong. Some songs it wouldn’t make much difference, but others just sound bad the way they are playing them. What should I do? Just learn their “adjusted” versions, try to get them to change, or pass on the band entirely. I may never find another band of guys my age who still want to perform. I’m really torn about this. Need advice.

Yeah this would bother me a lot, for two reasons. One, if they weren't good enough as musicians to learn the song right, and two, if they are incapable or unwilling to play the song right when the correct chords are presented to them. Doing a cover song "your way" with your own arrangement is one thing but doing it half-a$$ed because you're incapable or unwilling to play it right is quite another.

Good Luck.

 

[teletail]

Maybe you could post examples. If they are playing C7 instead of C9, I could probably live with that; if they are playing a completely different chord, that’s a negatory.

My last band, the other guitar player played through the stops on Joan Jett’s I hate Myself for Loving You, even though I mentioned it a couple of times. I knew I’d be leaving so I didn’t make a big deal out of it, but that completely ruined the song for me.

 

[THX1123]

That's a tough one. Do the songs sound good, otherwise?

If it was me I'd either:

1. Be honest and state that unless the differences between their arrangements and the actual compositions are rectified you aren't comfortable
2. Walk away amicably and wish them luck

 

[radiocaster]

It depends what you mean by "bad". If you mean too different from the original or horrible sounding if it was in a song you never heard before.

 

[telequacktastic]

Bands are just like any other job - you either deal with it or quit.

Also, bands are just like any other job in that it's easier to get a new job if you already have a job. If these dudes are playing live music it might be a way for you to meet some new friends and find some other people to play with.