Playing in a Band
A successful group is not just a mixture of good musicians. You will need to be aware of the many other factors involved in order to avoid the pitfalls that cause many groups to disband within a very short time. The following ideas should increase your awareness of the problems facing a group, and how to avoid them.
- Group Direction
Before forming a group, you should talk with prospective musicians about their aims for the group. You may decide to form what is called a "60/40" group; the type that plays at cabarets, dances and hotels. This type of group plays a selection of old pop standards (approximately 60%) and "Top 40" tunes (40%). 60/40 groups can be assured of a steady income, although recognition will not go beyond the local playing scene.
A different aim for the group may be to play mainly original material in the eventual hope of cutting a record and going on tours. Groups of this type generally do not make much money until they have become well known.
If you are forming a new group you may find it beneficial to play a 60/40 style to gain experience and money to invest in top quality equipment.
Decide on the number of musicians, the type of instruments and the basic style of music before forming the group. - Music Choice
The style of music you play must be one that is enjoyed by all group members (note just a majority vote). Listen to other bands playing their various different styles and take particular note of the audience reaction in order to gauge the appeal of each style. Once you have decided on a style, aim specifically towards the section of people who enjoy that type of music. This will immediately decrease the number of possible venues for you to play at; but remember that you cannot please everyone and you should therefore aim to play to the type of people whom you will please. - The Group Structure
A group can be divided into 2 basic sections; a "rhythm section" and a "lead section". The instruments of the rhythm section include drums, bass (which lay down the basic beat), and rhythm guitar (which "fills-out" the basic beat). These instruments must co-ordinate to provide the background rhythm; the "tightness" of the group will depend on it.
The lead section usually consists of lead guitar, vocals and keyboards (which may be used as either a lead or rhythm instrument). The lead instrument acts as a separate voice from the vocals and "leads" in and out of each section or verse of a song (such as an introduction or a "lead break"). All instruments must work as a team, in order to provide a combined group sound. - Rehearsals
In a serious group you will spend more time rehearsing than doing anything else, so it is important to be properly organized. As far as possible, each session should have an objective which you should strive to achieve. Remember that the performance of a song involves not only the music, but also sound balance and stage presentation. These facets should be practiced as part of the rehearsal.
As well as group rehearsal, you should practice individually. Concentrate particularly on the harder sections of your songs, so that it will be easier to play them when working with the group. It is far more beneficial and time saving for each member to attend group practice with full knowledge of his part.
The underlying theme of all these topics is one of group unity, both on and off the stage. This is essential if the group is to survive together as an effective musical unit.
Class Sessions
1- INTRODUCTION
2- First String Notes
3- Second String Notes
4- LESSON THREE
5- 12 Bar Blues
6- Third String Notes
7- Eighth Note Rhythms
8- A Major Chord
9- 12 Bar Blues and Seventh Chords
10- Minor Chords
11- Fourth String Notes
12- Fifth String Notes
13- F Major Chord
14- Rests
15- Sixth String Notes
16- Eighth Notes
17- B Minor Chord
18- Sharps
19- Flats
20- Silent Strums and Continuous Rhythm
21- Dotted Quarter Notes
22- Suspended Chords
23- More on Bass Note Rhythm Patterns
24- The Major Scale
25- The G Major Scale
26- The F Major Scale
27- The Eighth Rest
28- Alternative Chord Shapes
29- Rock Chords
30- Eighth Note Triplet Rhythms
31- More About Arpeggios
32- Minor Keys and Scales
33- Relative Keys
34- The Six Eight Time Signature
35- The Eighth Note Triplet
36- Sixteenth Notes
37- Sixteenth Note Rhythms
38- Major Seventh Chords
39- Minor Seventh Chords
40- D Sixth Chord
41- Cut Common Time
42- Tuning
43- Notes in the Open Position
44- Chord Charts
45- Transposing
46- Playing in a Band
47- Chord Formula Chart
48- Glossary of Musical Terms
49- Other Titles by Koala Music Publications
50- Right Hand Support
51- The C Major Chord
52- The Octave
53- The Lead-In
54- Note Summary
55- Three Four Time Rhythm Patterns
56- The Tie
57- Note Summary
58- Turnaround Progressions
59- The Common Time Signature
60- Open Position Notes
61- Alternate Picking
62- First and Second Endings
63- Silent Strum Symbols
64- Alternate Bass Note Picking
65- The Key Of C Major
66- Key Signatures
67- Syncopation
68- Major Sixth Chords
69- A Rock Chord Shapes
70- Arpeggio playing
71- Minor Arpeggios
72- The Natural Minor Scale
73- Slash Chords
74- Shuffle Rhythm
75- Tempo Markings
76- Supplementary Songs
77- Tuning Hints
78- Sharps and Flats
79- Song List
80- The Capo
81- Altered Chords
82- Approach to Practice
83- Pick Technique
84- The Seventh Chord
85- Slide Finger
86- Bass Note Rhythm Pattern
87- Note Summary
88- Alternative Chord Fingerings
89- Duets
90- Rhythm Variations
91- D Rock Chord Shapes
92- Combining Strumming and Arpeggio Patterns
93- Augmented and Diminished Chords
94- The Harmonic Minor Scale
95- Swing Rhythms
96- Electronic Tuners
97- Notes on the Guitar Fretboard
98- Sheet Music
99- Scale Tone Chords
100- Electronic Tuner
101- Chord Progressions
102- E Rock Chord Shapes
103- The Melodic Minor Scale
104- The Chromatic Scale
105- Scale Tone Chord Extensions
106- Acoustic Guitars
107- Pivot Finger
108- Learning all the Keys
109- Electric Guitars
110- Rhythm Patterns
111- Key Signatures
112- Amplifiers
113- Open Chord Shapes
114- Scales
115- Strings
116- Natural Notes
117- Seating
118- The Chromatic Scale
119- Standing
120- The A Chromatic Scale
121- Right Hand and Arm Using the Pick
122- The Major Scale
123- Right Arm Position
124- Minor Keys
125- How to Read Music
126- Tablature
127- The Rudiments of Music
128- Note Values
129- Count, Pick and Fingering Symbols
130- Chord Diagrams
131- Left Hand Fingering
132- Rhythm Symbols