How to Find a Bassist

Every rock, blues and jazz band needs a bass player in its ranks. They are just indispensable for holding down the structure of the music. Here's how to find him or her.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Music Magazines
• Bass Player Magazine

1. Place an ad in the music/musicians wanted section of your local paper.

2. Read the ad section of any music magazine, particularly "Bass Player." Place an ad in the musicians wanted section of the magazine.

3. Go to jam sessions in which musicians get together to play and exchange notes.

4. Listen to different bassists and approach them after the gig. Ask them whether you can call them at a convenient time.

5. Pay attention to the bass player's skills! Are they on the same musical level as you? If not, it might not be a good match!

6. Go to your local music stores and tell those working there that you are looking for a bassist. They might just know the right person for you!

7. Draw or print a 8-inch-by-12-inch poster to advertise your need for a bass player. Don't forget your name and phone number!

8. Scan the bulletin boards in music stores for bass players looking for bands.

9. Tack your poster or card with your name and phone number on boards in the "Seeking" section. Ask the store owners or managers first if it's OK.

10. Read the announcements in the music departments of music schools and colleges. Put up your poster there, but ask permission first.

11. Surf to the Musicians Websearch Classifieds Web site (see musicians-classifieds.com) and find a bass player in your area. With all the resources at your disposal, you will find at least one match.

on 11/22/2005 Bass players are VERY hard to find! If you're any good at guitar, you can always teach a bass player. Beginning bass is very easy, and usually people won't notice a bass part unless it's really good (or really bad). Just start them out with easy bass parts and expand them as they grow as a player and musician.