[beatnik]

so ive decided its high time i was in a band i feel i need to play with others to take the next steps in improving my playing and writing, ive found a decent local band looking for a guitarist and am auditioning with them tonight ive never played in a group setting before so anyone got any tips for me?

[chilton]

It depends on what level they/you are, and the type of music.

Is it a cover band or do they play original material?
If they're a covers band I'd ask for a list of a couple of songs in advance, including the keys.

If they do their own stuff you need to know what they're into - what they expect of a guitar player. Use a guitar/effects/amp that match their musical visions.

But most of all, see if you can find a musical connection, one that makes you feel you belong in this band. You're auditioning them too. It's not a one way thing.

[Gilpy]

I've been through this a few times. It's very important to know the band's material or at least be fluent in whatever style of music they play. With only one day, that won't be easy for you, but do your best.

You mentioned that you've never played in a band situation. One thing most musicians hate is when somebody comes in, tries to impress, and overplays. Be cool, listen and react to what the others are doing. Be honest and humble and find your moments to shine. Musicians always prefer a good player who is a good guy over a flashy player who is an a**hole

[ReverberatingDream]

I play with large groups of friends on occasion. There is one guy who is one of the most talented, but because he tends to show off and play completely out of style at times (ie. finger tapping during surf tunes?!?) it's a complete turn off.
The best guys listen to what everybody's doing and play what makes that sound better.
(Not that I've ever been in a band but from just jam/group sessions, the above.)
Ie. you can ignore me

[fletch]

Remember that this is a two-way street. While they are auditioning you, it shouldn't be assumed that you will automatically fall over yourself to take the position even if it's offered. Too often musicians feel like being successful at an audition is like winning a competition.
So go in with your eyes open. Ask yourself the following questions:
1) Do I like these people? Bands can be tense at times, you need to like the members
2) Do I like the music that they're playing? You're going to be living that style for the duration - you'd better dig it. (oh, and NEVER go into a band thinking you can change it to suit you.)
3) Are they of a similar skill level to you? Like playing tennis, it's always better to play with someone of your own level or slightly higher. If you're way better than the other band members, you'll hate it, and if you're not even in their league, but somehow manage to fluke the audition, you'll hate being the constant low man on the totem pole.
4) This is a personal thing - no judgements. Don't join a band if the members do anything that is against your own better judgement, ie: If a band member tells jokes you find offensive, if a member pulls out a joint, if there's a Jack Daniels bottle being passed around during the audition. Equally if one or more band members is a proselytising Christian and you are a devout atheist. Band members need to rub happily along with each other.

All that said - good luck with the audition - come back to the forum and tell us how you went!

[ampe]

good luck!
just don't forget they usually want a guy that can play, but a guy they can hang out with as well, since you'll spend quite some time together

[GretschGhost]

Originally Posted by beatnik

so ive decided its high time i was in a band i feel i need to play with others to take the next steps in improving my playing and writing, ive found a decent local band looking for a guitarist and am auditioning with them tonight ive never played in a group setting before so anyone got any tips for me?

Don't show off, don't increase your volume just to be heard over everyone else and just try to play tasty.

Just try to learn what they're playing by playing WITH them not AT them.

My worst experiences in group playing settings are when the guitarist thinks it's all about them. It's not "The Guitarist and His Band". It's "The Band".

[Tony65x55]

If you can't play good, play loud.

Haha, just kidding. Seriously, it has to work for you too, not just them. You've been given some great advice here and I hope it works out for you. Remember that only a part of playing in a band has to do with the music, the rest is about the people. It should be fun.

[fender62custom]

Great advice all round...it pays to be early or on time...fresh strings wouldn't go astray too!!! some practice prior to be warmed up & ready will help as well ...all the best!!!!

[freddyfingers]

In the words of the late Jerry Garcia, to his band before they played in front of the Great Pyramids of Egypt, " Play in tune"! Other than that, don't drink till you have to puke, to get over the nervousness, that goes for drugs as well. other than that, just do what you do best, which hopefully is jamming!

[beatnik]

thanks for all the tips gents just got back went really well had one or two minor issues namely my voxac4tv not being loud enough to deal with the other guitar and drummer but i managed to use a spare the guitarist had which wasnt ideal but at least you could hear what i was playing, got on really well with the band members and i already knew i was into their musical style before i went, picked up there songs pretty quickly considering this is the first time ive played with other musicians session was cut short when the drummers kick pedal broke twice so didnt cover as much as we wanted to but what we did do sounded sweet! they seem keen on getting together again so im pretty excited need a new amp now though but its a definitely a watch this space scenario thanks again for all your comments

[ampe]

glad to hear it went well!

[freddyfingers]

Good luck! Don't loan then money!

[Scottishblue13]

Great stuff! Remember when I first went to play with potential new band 2 years ago. Never played with a band before. Still together and giging now. All have limited ability but great guys and all committed to the band so it works.
You will learn so much more playing with others than playing in the house.

[beatnik]

Originally Posted by ampe

glad to hear it went well!

cheers ampe

Originally Posted by freddyfingers

Good luck! Don't loan then money!

i aint got no money mate so safe on that one cheers for the luck

[beatnik]

Originally Posted by Scottishblue13

Great stuff! Remember when I first went to play with potential new band 2 years ago. Never played with a band before. Still together and giging now. All have limited ability but great guys and all committed to the band so it works.
You will learn so much more playing with others than playing in the house.

this is exactly why i wanted to get in a band i feel to get better i need to be with other musicians

[Roosto]

Be yourself. Oft times it comes down to whether or not you are what the band is looking for, not so much musicianship. That is, if you can already play.

[mr coffee]

Yeah, playing in a band situation can be a real eye-opener when it comes to how loud your amp ~really~ is. I thought I finally had a loud amp....when I had to have it dimed to be heard, I realized I was gonna have to go big.

-m

[cowmoo]

I know so many players who 'need' that big stack, yet play poky little pubs, One thing i believe all band members should adhere to, is only play as loud as the drummer, unmiked, this has applied in cases from pub, club gigs, to stages at biker fests, the PA does the work for you should you need to get louder.
Only 2 weeks ago i went to watch a local band play in front of half a dozen in a small backroom bar, and it was so deafening it was unbearable and no fun!
Anyhoo,Good luck with it and enjoy!

[ReverberatingDream]

Originally Posted by cowmoo

I know so many players who 'need' that big stack, yet play poky little pubs, One thing i believe all band members should adhere to, is only play as loud as the drummer, unmiked, this has applied in cases from pub, club gigs, to stages at biker fests, the PA does the work for you should you need to get louder.
Only 2 weeks ago i went to watch a local band play in front of half a dozen in a small backroom bar, and it was so deafening it was unbearable and no fun!
Anyhoo,Good luck with it and enjoy!

This is the situation EVERY time a live band comes to my little town. They get crammed into a tiny bar full of people only there to drink anyway and then proceed to give the entire place hearing damage. God knows if they were actually playing well, nobody can tell really at those volumes. Any kind of nuance is lost by the buzzing and throbbing in your ears