Who is the rhythm section?

I don't know about you guys, but one of the more difficult parts of being in a band for me has been determining who is going to get the rhythm and who is going to get the more harmonious 'part' at a given time.

It's between me and the bass player--after all, there's no one else. Sometimes he wants to be Jack Bruce and get all crazy with power chords, riffs, etc. And other times I want to be like Flea and just step all into his sonic terrain. So, coordinating who does what at what time is always tough.

Like, I mean, if you come up with a really cool E7 vamp over a particular part, but your singer is singing stuff that a more fleshed out and extended chord would compliment well--it looks like you have to just port your cool vamp over to the bassist. Sometimes I get attached to little ditties, as I think we all do.

Anyone else ever have this problem/situation?

I know what you are saying. My only advice is SERVE THE SONG. Playing isn't (or shouldn't be) about you, its about you making music with others. Each band member must have this attitude or IMO it will not last. What makes the song better? Keep this question in mind and have the balls to answer yourself truthfully.

Simple is always best

Originally Posted by: da_ardvarkI know what you are saying. My only advice is SERVE THE SONG. Playing isn't (or shouldn't be) about you, its about you making music with others. Each band member must have this attitude or IMO it will not last. What makes the song better? Keep this question in mind and have the balls to answer yourself truthfully.

Well....not so much about the egos and whatnot. I was just asking if anyone else had heard the bass player play something and been like 'hey! I should play that on guitar! Gimme!' and vice versa.

Originally Posted by: PlatonicShredWell....not so much about the egos and whatnot. I was just asking if anyone else had heard the bass player play something and been like 'hey! I should play that on guitar! Gimme!' and vice versa.

ummm... yeah, that would be an ego thing. Unless of course you mean that the song would be better served by switching the parts, then it's the right thing to do and it's still an ego issue because the other guy has to have the balls to give up the cool part and not get all in a huff about it.

double them... go for that HEAVY tone :D

I definitely agree with serving the song. If something doesn't fit, don't play it. Always look for a way to benefit the song first. It might be boring to play certain parts but you'll forget all about it when you're up on stage watching people singing along and grooving to your tunes.

yeah, I agree... do what's best for the song.
Just remember that about 99% of the people in the audience are mostly tone deaf and won't notice anyways and all they want is a good show. So don't agonize over it too much.

Originally Posted by: schmangeyeah, I agree... do what's best for the song.
Just remember that about 99% of the people in the audience are mostly tone deaf and won't notice anyways and all they want is a good show. So don't agonize over it too much.

Couldn't agree more :D

Song first for sure!