Last update 5/2/2024
We’re going to take a little break from talking directly about the guitar with today’s article and talk about some of the things that can come with learning to play.
Table of contents
One of their main goals for many guitarists is playing in a band. Our intent here is this: There is much more to being in a band than just playing your instrument well.
But how can you get several people with different quirks, goals, and desires to get along and be the best collective musical unit possible? How can you make it where the sum of the parts is greater than that of each member?
Let’s look at the right – and wrong – things to do when being in a band. If you’re already doing the “right” things, then right on!
If you’re one of the bad guys? Well, time will tell if your dream band will turn into a nightmare.
Having an ego
OK – this one DOES have some validity to it – any competent musician worth his salt has to have SOME ego to have the guts to get up in front of an audience to perform. But don’t let it get to the point where you start to alienate and tick off your bandmates.
You may be God’s gift to the world regarding your musical talent, but don’t be a stuck-up jerk to the rest of your team. Even if you are genuinely the “band leader” and the rest of the guys are meant to support you – not having an inflated sense of yourself goes a long way in keeping the team together.
Understanding your role as a band member
Are you a bass player that’s an aspiring vocalist? A very competent rhythm guitarist who is just dying to break out and solo? That’s all well and fine – we all SHOULD have goals to work towards. But at some point, we all have to understand and embrace our limitations and be the best (fill-in-the-blank-here) that we can be within the band situation.
And always remember to try not to lose your sense of humor.
In conclusion
The path to success as a band member is not a sprint but a marathon. It demands patience, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to both individual growth and collective harmony. By embracing the principles of teamwork, open-mindedness, and a genuine love for music.
Trying to push yourself into situations you shouldn’t defeat the team’s effectiveness (your band IS a team, right?)
Glenn Frey from the Eagles said it best:
“A rock band is not a perfect democracy – it’s more like a sports team. No one can do anything without the other guys…but everybody doesn’t get to touch the ball all the time.” (History of the Eagles – Documentary 2013)
