In this lesson, we are going to learn what you must know before playing in a band. Playing with a group of friends can be a lot of fun and very educational. That is, you have to master some fundamental principles on your own first. Let's take a look at a few.
Learn to play in time
One of the main guitar fundamentals that you must learn before trying to play with a band is timing!! You must learn to develop proper timing!
I can’t begin to tell you how many guitar players I’ve come across over the years who know their chords, scales, how to strum, arpeggiate, etc, but don’t have good timing.
This is a fundamental skill that all musicians need to work on. Especially if they are going to play with others. Even if you’re going to take your guitar over to a friend's house to jam for fun. You can know the chords, but if you can’t switch them in the proper timing sequence, you’ll be off, and you’ll throw the other person off.
Know your tools of the trade
You must know your tools! This means the inner workings of your guitar, amp, pedals, cables, etc. When you're having problems with your sound at band practice, and you will, it will be your responsibility to take care of it. No one knows your equipment like you do, so take the time to get to know it.
Make sure your in tune, make sure your sound is clean (no buzzing from stomp boxes) and no signal cut outs from broken cables, because not only does this effect your sound, but the overall sound of the band.
Learn songs
If you want to play with others, (a band or just a single person) it is best to work on learning songs. And the best way to develop your timing in this area is to play with the recording of the song.
When you practice with the song, you accomplish a few things:
You develop timing because it forces you to keep up with the tempo instead of playing at your own pace.
You learn where you need to be in a group ensemble. Each instrument has its place in the “machine,” so to speak. You learn how to listen to the other instruments. This is where people lack; just playing songs by themselves without recording.
You must develop discipline
You develop discipline as it takes work to get through a whole song. Even if it’s a short one, like 3 minutes.
You get a sense of accomplishment if you can make it all the way through without crashing or stopping. Very much like going through a maze and getting to the other side.
You build self-confidence while having fun learning. Which is the most important aspect of playing an instrument. These are things that can be learned by playing along with the recording. And what’s great about it is you can learn them all at the same time. Killing many birds with one stone. So to speak.
Develop the ability to work in a group
This is a very important one. Once again, I can't tell you how many times I've come across axe-wielding musicians who can't work with others. They're good at what they do, but they have not developed the ability to play in a group. That's why it's called a band. Because it's a group.
This is understandable, though, as most musicians need to spend countless hours perfecting the craft of playing their instrument well, and this takes hours and hours of alone time with the instrument. So this does make sense. But, even so, you must be able to work with others to be successful playing in a band. So be sure to work on this.
Be on time
I cannot emphasize how important this is!! I can't tell you how many musicians cannot seem to understand the concept of being on time. Not just musicians but people in general. What is up with these people? They are great at what they do when they're there, it's getting them there that is the issue.
If you play in a band, or multiple ones as I have done over the years, I'm sure you'll come across this: "I can make it, but I need a ride!" Do not, and I repeat, do not be like this. These kinds of musicians just waste your time. Make sure you show up on time, ready to work. Get there a few minutes early if you can.
Have fun
Make sure to have fun. You must have fun, or else why go through all the work? Believe me, when you start playing in bands, you'll see the amount of work it is. You see people play on stage and you think, "Wow, that looks like fun", and it is, but behind it all is a lot of hard work.
Decide if you play rhythm or lead guitar
Decide if you're going to play rhythm or lead guitar, and, no matter which, always be working on getting better at it. If you play rhythm guitar, keep getting better at it. If you need help, check out my book, which I authored and self-published: Learn To Play Rhythm Guitar. It will show you everything you need to know in an easy to learn, step-by-step method.
If you're working on lead guitar and need help in this area, be sure to check out my book I authored and
self-published: Learn To Play Lead Guitar. Again, an easy to learn step-by-step method that will have you playing awesome guitar solos in no time.
Study and practice daily
No matter what you're working on, rhythm lead, theory, or a little bit of all three, just keep working at getting better. Remember, learning to play the guitar is a lifelong study and can be a fun journey to be on. So don't let up.
If one band doesn't work out, search for a new one. But always be mindful of these principles discussed here in this lesson. Always keep them in mind and work on them daily, and I guarantee that when an opportunity comes around, you will be ready. Good luck, and like I said, have fun.
Additional help available
If you feel that you need help for anything that has to do with your guitar playing, I highly recommend you do. Find someone in your local area to help you. A private instructor of some kind, and if that's not available, look me up. We can get online or do lessons in person.
I can help you with your chords, scales, strumming, etc. In addition to what is taught in this lesson. So contact me if need be. This will give you the best chance at accomplishing playing in a band if you need it. Just contact me through my website at DwaynesGuitarLessons to set up a time to talk.
Best of luck, and until our next lesson, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
