supercobra
November 23rd, 2004, 01:22 PM
I recently had a great experience auditioning for a band, and I thought I would offer some pointers for preparing to play with other people for the first time.
In my case, I was auditioning with a Southern Rock band that had been together for about 10 years. They have a 2-guitar lineup, and the 2nd guitar guy had left the band to pursue career opportunities. I found these guys over the internet. In an initial phone conversation, they offered to autition me that very night. I respectfully declined, asking for a set list and some time to polish up- which leads to my first piece of advice:
1) Prepare some material that the other players already play. This shows the other guys that you respect what they do, and are willing to do your part.
When I went to the audition, about a week later, I had learned about 10 of the songs on the list, concentrating on the more difficult and 'important' pieces. I showed up with my guitar rig, which is fairley meager: a Digitech pedal and a Fender combo amp, which I play my Strat through. Although I felt somewhat embarassed when I laid this stuff down next to the other guitar player's Mesa dual rectifier and Marshall 4 x 12, I set about hooking up, tuning and getting ready. I had prepared presets for the sounds I thought I needed.
2) Know your equipment and how to use it. Even though my rig cost thousands less than my counterpart's, I was able to get passable tones, customized for the songs I planned to play. This contributed to my sense of confidence in what I could do.
They let me pick a few tunes, so I played the stuff I learned and knew best. I was careful to play at a reasonable volume, to allow the other guy to do leads. When my turn for leads came up, I was ready to play competently in the proper key (I'm no shredder).
3) Be polite. Because I gave the other players space to work in, they were able to easily see me fitting in musically.
When the opportunity came, I pulled out some covers I have been playing and snging for years. I chose those particular songs because they fit in with what the band was already playing. Although singing was not a primary part of the position I was trying out for, they saw value in what I was able to do.
4) Be yourself.
Anyway, despite the fact that the guys had pre-arranged to withhold judgement until a later time, they offered me the gig that evening. Since that time I have played 4 shows with these guys. I am learnng a lot, and having fun doing it, plus making a little side money.
So, to sum it up, you stand the best chance in an audition if you are trying out for something you want to do and have prepared for, especially if you bring an attitude of respect, both for yourself and others.
In my case, I was auditioning with a Southern Rock band that had been together for about 10 years. They have a 2-guitar lineup, and the 2nd guitar guy had left the band to pursue career opportunities. I found these guys over the internet. In an initial phone conversation, they offered to autition me that very night. I respectfully declined, asking for a set list and some time to polish up- which leads to my first piece of advice:
1) Prepare some material that the other players already play. This shows the other guys that you respect what they do, and are willing to do your part.
When I went to the audition, about a week later, I had learned about 10 of the songs on the list, concentrating on the more difficult and 'important' pieces. I showed up with my guitar rig, which is fairley meager: a Digitech pedal and a Fender combo amp, which I play my Strat through. Although I felt somewhat embarassed when I laid this stuff down next to the other guitar player's Mesa dual rectifier and Marshall 4 x 12, I set about hooking up, tuning and getting ready. I had prepared presets for the sounds I thought I needed.
2) Know your equipment and how to use it. Even though my rig cost thousands less than my counterpart's, I was able to get passable tones, customized for the songs I planned to play. This contributed to my sense of confidence in what I could do.
They let me pick a few tunes, so I played the stuff I learned and knew best. I was careful to play at a reasonable volume, to allow the other guy to do leads. When my turn for leads came up, I was ready to play competently in the proper key (I'm no shredder).
3) Be polite. Because I gave the other players space to work in, they were able to easily see me fitting in musically.
When the opportunity came, I pulled out some covers I have been playing and snging for years. I chose those particular songs because they fit in with what the band was already playing. Although singing was not a primary part of the position I was trying out for, they saw value in what I was able to do.
4) Be yourself.
Anyway, despite the fact that the guys had pre-arranged to withhold judgement until a later time, they offered me the gig that evening. Since that time I have played 4 shows with these guys. I am learnng a lot, and having fun doing it, plus making a little side money.
So, to sum it up, you stand the best chance in an audition if you are trying out for something you want to do and have prepared for, especially if you bring an attitude of respect, both for yourself and others.