* Remember, not everyone can be the lead guitarist. But it's important that everyone can be heard.
* Before you do anything else, make sure that every body in the band agrees on the type of music you want to play. Have everybody start by writing down a list of 20 songs that they really like, that represent what THEY would like to do in a band. If you don't have good overlap in style, change members. Do NOT put a band together just from people who are your friends. That won't make anybody happy.
* Practice a lot with low volume, or no amps on at all. Learn the songs FIRST.
* Don't stop at covering songs. After you get used to performing, write your own songs. This can be very simple. On your guitar or piano start thinking of chords or licks you like. Then use lyrics (lyrics don't have to be written by the singer, any good lyrics can be used in a song). Put your lyrics and songs together and make parts for each member of the band that accent how you feel the song should sound. If you can get enough songs about different types of topics that all sound a little different, then you are ready to really be a band.
* For added soundproofing, raise your amplifiers off the floor. An amp placed on a chair will not transmit bass frequencies to your neighbors as much as an amp placed on the floor.
* Rehearsals run more smoothly, and are more productive and fun if band members review the songs on their own before getting together.
* If you hit a trouble spot in a song, don't just ignore it. Discuss what's wrong and how to fix it. This often means playing just that portion of the song a few times until it improves. It's very rewarding to see the progress you'll make.
* Look at each other while you play. The non-verbal communication that occurs helps you to have a tighter sound, and helps ensure that everyone is on the same page. This is especially important at the endings of songs where non-verbal cues can help you end the song cleanly, rather than just letting it fall apart.
* Need a band name? Math and science terms usually make good names - Planck's Constant, The Fibonacci Sequence, etc. Also names that don't really make sense are cool too-Infernal snow, Anti INFO, Diving for Betty. Some sayings are cool-Lame suggestion, No Soliciting, Anti Parking. Or just look around and look for inspiration like "Legal Notepad" or "1960 Exercise Bike." If in doubt, just find the nearest book, go to page 56, second paragraph, line 3, words 5, 6, and 7. That will be your band name. Another method is to go to an online encyclopedia and search a random article and scroll through, at any time in the article stop close your eyes and point at a word select a few words around it, less than 5 words total and that can be a good name.
* You're gonna need to promote yourself. Start by taking pictures with your band in various settings/environments. Staring menacingly, walking down an alley, standing in front of a brick wall, or looking off into the distance.
* Some simple well-known songs that are a good to learn first are Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes, Someday by the Strokes, and any Styx, Aerosmith, AC/DC or Green Day song. Then someday you might be able toplay the real hard songs that take a lot of hard work. These are the kind of songs thatblow the crowds' minds like Jimi did. You will want to cover songs that your audience will be familiar with.
* After you have about five covers, start writing your own music. It will be tricky at first but is definitely worth it!
* If you don't have a P.A. system, consider plugging the mic into a bass amp.
* You can find some good equipment deals at eBay.
* Many music stores can set you up with a starter kit at a very reasonable price or recommend you good quality equipment.
* If some of the band members are in school (high school or college), see if there are any ways to promote your band at your school. For example, a high school talent show is a great way to get people to see your band.
* Talk to your school, college, whatever's music department about using their practice rooms. Often these will be free and have a PA and drumkit.
* It's a good idea to have an outside source come in and listen to you and your band play the song so they can offer suggestions. If you're having problems, sometimes a person listening can identify it more easily than the people who are playing it over and over.
* Try not to have a closed mind about playing different types of music. If you like rock n' roll and another person in your band likes emo, then be willing to at least listen to the song. If it's clearly not what the band is looking for, then find some good reasons (like "It might be a little bit too complicated").
* It might be a good idea to put a small pillow in the bass drum while practicing - it reduces the sound level so the neighbors won't complain.
* Know that you belong in your band. Know that you are able and skilled enough to learn and play the songs that your band chooses to play. Every one of your band memnbers is going to be confident, sometimes more than you're comfortable with, but that's the reason they're going to be successful. Be confident with them, learn and practice your role more than you think that you should, and maybe more. It may seem like a job, and shit.. what if if really becomes yours? Work at it, it's worth it.
* This is the most important tip, a drummer is the hardest band member to find. Make sure that your drummer is dependable and has the required equipment and skills needed for your songs. If you can't find a reliable drummer, try a drum machine.
No comments:
Post a Comment