Chances are, if you want to learn to play guitar it is because you have fantasized about playing live, probably in front of thousands of adoring fans. So how do you go from learning songs in your bedroom to playing Carnegie Hall? Well, as the saying goes: practice, practice, practice! That aside, here are some ideas to get you rolling towards that goal.
Suicidal Tendencies Setlist
First: you need a set-list. The easiest way to do this is to make a list of songs that you would like to play, which means learning some “covers”. (Covers are other people’s songs) This is a good start for a bunch of reasons. One: the music is already written, so all you have to do is learn it, which is plenty of work in itself.
Two: most people don’t know enough about music to know whether or not they like you; if you play songs they know, and they like those songs, they will probably like your band.
Three: when looking for other band members, it will be easy for them to decide if they like what you are doing.
Four: when trying to book a gig, it will be easy for bookers/club-owners to know if they like what you are about.
Five: at the small-time level, cover-bands usually make more money than original bands.
If you are an artiste and feel that playing covers is beneath you, that is fine, but now you have to write at least one set’s worth of material. If you can do this by yourself, great! If you need to collaborate with other people to write, you will have to find those people. Then you will have to negotiate arrangements with others, listen to the bass-player tell you that your awesome guitar hook doesn’t work, etc.
This is fine as well, but again, it will take time. Regardless of what material you are going to use, you need to come up with a set, which means 45 minutes of music. If you work out gimmicks and other amusing things to fluff up 30 minutes of music that’s ok, just have a plan.
Now you have to find your band. This presents two options: you can either look for an existing band that requires your talent (be a side-man) or you can start combing the classifieds for musicians with like interests.
The best source I have found for this is craigslist.org. If this site isn’t happening in your town, you should put up signs at music stores, approach people at record stores who are looking at music you like, schmooze at live shows… Basically, you just have to put yourself out there and not be shy!
Ok. So now you have your set-list and you’ve assembled your band. Now you have to start rehearsing. The best situation for this is finding a place where you can leave all your gear set up. This is often difficult because it is usually somewhat expensive. Another option is to go to an hourly rehearsal place; if you live in a city, there is probably at least one of these in town.
If neither of these options pan out, you can try to sound-proof a garage or room. Old carpet is a great insulator, but you are probably going to piss off your neighbors, regardless of how much “sound” you manage to contain. Whatever you do, you and your buddies are going to need to figure out a way to regularly (at least once a week) get together and jam.
Book that gig!
Now you have a band, a set-list and place to rehearse on a regular basis. It’s time to light that fire under your ass!
This means booking a gig. To do this, you will need to write a bio, take a picture of your band, and record a “demo” (the bio should be brief and to the point, no more than two paragraphs). These three items together are what will compile your “press kit”; of course, these days most people are abondoning this “old school” method of promotion, and instead using social sites, such as Facebook and Myspace to promote their bands. Focus on your strong points. The picture should capture the emotion of what your band is about: if you all like to drink beer, put it in the picture. If you are all cat enthusiasts, well…
The demo is the most demanding item. You will have to either pay someone to record you or figure out how to do it yourself. Obviously, a recording studio is the best way to do this, but it is also somewhat expensive. If you can’t afford this, rent some recording equipment and mics and do it yourself. If this seems intimidating, set up a boom box and give it your best shot.
As a rule, the better your recording sounds, the better the gigs you will get. However you do it, these three steps are necessary towards gigging in the “real” world. If this seems too daunting a task, find a friend who’s having a party and talk them into letting you play, or throw one yourself, or if you are still in school, play an assembly or talent show. However you do it, book that gig! The reason for this is simple: it creates a deadline. If you are like me, you will never get anything done without one.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 0 comments… add one now }