Hello again all you Rock and Roll hero’s, have you gotten together with the group yet and discussed the previous two articles in this series? If you haven’t go back and check out the Music connection under categories and read them please before continuing with this article.
In part 2 we explored the concept of using video to share songs with band mates,so they could practice in comfort at home in front of their computer. The possibility of finding a good quality video of your favorite band is good and if you’re lucky with the camera angles and a good video director, you can actually see the artist performing the original chords and licks,thereby giving you an edge with learning the material. If every band member would watch these videos including drummers,bassists and vocalists you would be greatly surprised in what you can learn. Remember: Pigheaded determination while learning and practicing.
Alright, you’re in the garage and jamming together too a new song everyone has listened to at home and maybe even watched a video or two about it, when someone stops and says ” Aw man I can’t play that part like that guy plays it,we can’t do this.” Well just cool down there a minute cowboy,nobody ever said we had to cover the song the exact same way the original band did. Hey I’ve got great idea we all can agree upon…” let’s all agree to perform the song at about 80% orginal,that way it is an attainable and reachable goal for us.” If everyone agrees and the songs are not super complicated and you all are average or above players you’ve got it made. Remember to dedicate time to practice…..GOT IT?
O.K. now you’ve got the flow of the song ,the bass and drummer are in perfect time,the rhythm guitar is hitting all the right chords and your lead guitarist has all the licks down pat to about 80% and you’re saying to yourselves, this sounds really good,I think our audience would appreciate that rendition and we’re all happy with the song..except we have forgotten to address the Vocal portion of the cover tune in this article. If you guys are fortunate enough to have a “good” vocalist, then please work with them and cater to their needs such as transposing chordal structure by playing the song in a different key and being crisp and clear with your timing and breaks and tone and especially your volume. These fore mentioned items will be addressed in future articles.
For those of you whom do not have a “good or even a decent vocalist”…..TRY TO FIND ONE FAST. Just partially joking there. I offer little advice to bands that lack a decent singer other than have this person dedicate time to their own practice at home. Be honest with them and make sure they understand the importance of at least being an adequate vocalist,then you can take it from there in any direction you want…..hopefully for the good!
Please you people, go have a band meeting next week and discuss this theory along with the direction of the group. Pick songs that you know the other band members would like and would be easy to cover without lacking some interesting parts. You can tweak parts and make minor adjustments without disturbing the overall attempt. Just agree to the 80% rule and you’ll be fine. Please visit www.newtechboomers.com for all your musicial needs.
Enjoy yourselves,
Bill