Playing in a Music Band

1. Being a team player Playing in a music band, is about playing together, getting along and having some fun (getting paid a little isn’t bad either). Being a great musician is awesome, but unless you are a Jimmy Page and in constant demand, then it's really more important, when playing in a music band, to know how to work with a group of people and get along, be able to trade idea’s and have fun. Some musicians are the fussy type and just always want it their way, making your life miserable and playing in the music band a little more difficult. Working with a good team can be real good and very rewarding. When you pull off that awesome gig together and then reflect after the show, it’s a feeling that always gets to me. The team effort from everyone is what makes playing in a music band rewarding. 2. Practice Practice is time consuming but very rewarding. If you want to get the feeling, practice!! With the internet and all the magazines today, there are numerous ways to learn new things. Online programs are one of the best learning tools in my mind, because you can learn and watch on your own time whenever you want. Magazines are packed with all kinds of playing tips and also cheap guitars today are very playable and an excellent value. It does not cost a lot of cash to get started playing in a music band. “So belly up to the bar”, as they say, and get that first guitar and an online lesson program and get started today. So practice, practice, practice, if you aren’t making mistakes you’re not learning. 3. The people and place Associating with people outside your band is very important. Get to know your bartenders because if they like you, they can be a big promoter of yours, the owners (the ones with the cash) and your patrons and followers (the ones that are there to watch you). Always try to find out what kind of bar or establishment it is, so when you go in there to play classic rock that they are not expecting country. At your breaks, talk to the people, and treat them as friends. Your normal patrons will notice not only your music but also your demeanor and the way you socialize with them. It is great to get that reward of your audience liking your music but when you hear that they also think you are a really nice bunch of guys, then you can say that playing in a music band is really worth it. When playing in a music band, there is a few things to consider: 1. Your stage presence (begins at the start of the gig whether you look like a bunch of amateurs or you look like you know what you are doing). 2. Playing with feeling (you know when you have it and know when you don’t). Even an easy song played with feeling will sound awesome when you’re all together. 3. Association with the crowd (do not snub your audience, talk to them, they are the ones that will come back to see you the next time). 4. The music itself (how it sounds, your song selection, how you play together (that team thing). 5. Stay in your comfort zone (if a song is not ready to play out, don’t play it and risk the band’s reputation) and if someone requests a song that you do not know, then be honest and tell them. Playing in a music band is about giving. I think the guideline above is a great start for any band that is looking to enhance their performance. If you really enjoy the music you play, you will find getting the feeling of playing together gets easier all the time, and when the feeling is there your stage presence will follow. Stay in your comfort zone. check out http://www.playbasseasy.com/ for all your music needs