It's amazing to me how much gets accomplished in some band rehearsals, and yet so little in others. As I said last week, sometimes you walk out with 3 or 4 new songs ready to go. Other times, all you've got to show for an afternoon's work is a bunch of empty bottles.
I tried to identify the traits of productive band practice for this week's article. This is what I came up with:
I tried to identify the traits of productive band practice for this week's article. This is what I came up with:
Why Are We All Here?
Seems like a simple question, but one that doesn't get asked enough. For me, if you're getting the band together with your instruments, then you're likely going to do one of these activities:
- Learn some new songs
- Go over material that you need to brush up on
- Jam, with no particular goals in mind
If you're wanting to just jam and come up with ideas for songs, then the structure is likely no structure at all. The only suggestion I would give you there is make sure that some kind of recorder is running. I can't tell you how many times someone played a brilliant lick, only to not remember it 2 minutes later. Don't let those "flashes of genius" get away from you.
How Does That Go Again?
If you've been together for any length of time, you've likely amassed a catalog of songs that exceeds the number of tunes you play on a typical gig. If there's something you haven't played in a while, then it's probably a good idea to go over it in rehearsal to make sure everyone remembers the changes.
This is where writing your set list for a show early can be a big help. You've got a good idea on what you're going to be playing, and what you haven't touched in a while.
If it's something you haven't touched in a while, play the entire song through at least once. Stop if someone stumbles and work the part out right there. It's the simple songs that are the ones that will trip you up. I remember one show where I nailed the vocal and solo to Burnin' For You by Blue Oyster Cult, only to trip up on Louie Louie later that evening.
It Would Be Cool If We Did....
Ahhh, new tunes. The life blood of any band (unless you're an established classic rock band on the state fair circuit...then who cares). For me, one of the most exciting aspects of playing live is trying new material out in front of an audience for the first time. You know pretty quick what works and what doesn't.
I can't preach this mantra enough, because it's been a major source of frustration for me in some bands.
"Learn your parts on your time, not the band's"Rehearsal should be for putting the arrangement together and working out harmonies. Failing to do your homework and then showing up unprepared sends the message that you don't respect your bandmate's time. Sure, things happen and schedules change. But, at least have the courtesy to let the rest of the group know that you're not going to be ready.
More than once I've pulled all-nighters to learn songs for a rehearsal (because I'm not going to be "that guy"), only to walk in find out one of the band members "...sorta listened to the song on the way to practice." Really? Look up "lame a$$" in the dictionary...I'm pretty sure that's one of the definitions.
It Still Should Be Fun
You know that "jam" thing I talked about earlier? That's how we'll start a lot of rehearsals in one of my bands. You know...you're setting up your stuff and tuning up, and just start playing a riff. Most of the time, the rest of the band will jump in. It's a great way to check everything out, make sure everyone can hear what they need, and loosen up before getting to work.
Stay On Target
If you're working on new or established material...just work on that! Breaking off into a song that's completely outside of the band's format just because you like it is funny...for about 3 seconds. If you're not playing the material you care for, then reconsider where you're at. Life is too short to be playing stuff you don't like (unless you're getting an obscene amount of money for it).
Wait To Be Called On...
If a couple of band members are discussing a part, that's not your cue to start noodling on your instrument. If you want to work a part out on your own, turn your instrument down. Guitarists (and I'm guilty as well) tend to be the worst offenders. Trust me...it's OK for 30 seconds to pass without sound coming from your amp....the Earth's rotation won't be altered for a lack of your sonic presence.
Take Care Of Business
Before you break for the night, make sure everyone knows the next events for the band. This would include things like:
- When is the next time you're rehearsing
- What are the next songs we're working on
- If there's a gig coming up, what time and where do you meet
Follow up with an email...especially if there's been some consumption of adult beverages.
And That's A Wrap
When you're done, if you're rehearsing at a band member's garage or house, take the time to pick up your trash. If furniture got moved to accommodate practice, help move it back. If you drank somebody else's beer, bring a six-pack to share next time.
If you're at a rehearsal studio, you definitely need to pick up. Some places will charge you extra if they have to clean up after you. Leave the room trashed, and there's not much motivation to rent time to you again.
If you're renting a lock out or warehouse space, take the time every now and then to all get together and just clean it up. When I used to practice at a storage unit, we would take everything out every couple of months and take a leaf blower to the place. Personally, I work better in a somewhat clean environment. I'm not talking operating room sterile here, but if the floor is so sticky from spilled beer that my boot comes off...it's time to clean.
This is how I approach a rehearsal...and while it works for me and the bands I'm associated with it will vary with the dynamic in different groups. If you and your ensemble are happy with the results that you're getting from your rehearsal time, then whatever you're doing is working for you.
This is how I approach a rehearsal...and while it works for me and the bands I'm associated with it will vary with the dynamic in different groups. If you and your ensemble are happy with the results that you're getting from your rehearsal time, then whatever you're doing is working for you.
Next week, I'm going to get back on the technical track. We used to have a saying in Buzzfuel...."It's not a Buzzfuel gig until something breaks". I thought I would go over some system level troubleshooting techniques that you can use at a show. These won't require an advanced degree or any specialized equipment. A flash light, a spare cable, and of course duct tape is usually all you need.
Until then, keep the meters out of the red.
Ken
Ken Carver has been a musician and performer since the early 70's, and involved with live music production since the mid 70's. He worked for 15 years as a broadcast engineer, building numerous studios and transmitter sites around Texas. He's also worked in Critical Care Communications for the medical industry, R&D for an automated lighting manufacturer, and owned Project Lighting & Sound in the 80's. He currently heads up an R&D Hardware Technician Team at National Instruments in Austin, and still performs on the weekends in the Central Texas area. You can reach Ken at itsjustlogistics@gmail.com
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