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How to Join a Band
Bachman-Turner Overdrive said, "Get a second-hand guitar and chances are you'll go far if you get in with the right bunch of fellows." This guide gives some suggestions on how to find and join a band. The rest is up to you!
Steps
Own your instrument and any other equipment you will need when performing or recording, such as an amplifier, effects pedals, etc. If you are a lead vocalist, you should consider buying at least a four channel P.A. system.
Practice, practice, practice! You've heard it ever since your first music lesson, but it bears repeating because bands want good musicians, and being a good musician takes work. Be sure to practice more than just your favorite riffs or solos too - you might impress your nephew with the first few bars of "Smoke on the Water" or "Stairway to Heaven," but your band will expect a lot more out of you.
Attend any "Open Jam" or "Open Mic Night" you can find. For your first time there, leave the gear at home and scope it out. Find out how much stage time each musician gets, and whether you can sit in with other musicians or the house band. Become a regular, and get to know the other regulars.
Put up flyers in the local guitar/drum shops, record stores, and (if they let you) bars/clubs that have live entertainment, indicating that you're looking for a band. Simply "Guitar Player seeks Band" with your phone number can work, but including your preferred style of music is even better: "Drummer Looking for Metal Band," etc. You can also post an ad in the local paper and
Internet classifieds (the latter usually being free; see external links).
Ask around from time to time at the open jams to see if anyone is looking for band members. By now they've heard you play and know your style, and they've gotten to know you as a person. You've broken the ice without having to audition. Eventually a new band will form, or someone will leave an existing band, and you'll get a call. Congratulations!
Tips
When you play, smile and move around a bit. You'll be noticed more by being somewhat animated than if you're stiff as a board.
After joining a new band, it doesn't hurt to keep spare strings, batteries, and guitar picks in your gig bag, even if you're not the guitarist. The first time your guitarist forgets one of these items (and it will happen a LOT), you'll be a hero.
Learn new songs constantly. The more songs you know, the less you'll have to learn when joining a new band. (Ideally, you'll only have to learn the band's original music.)
Warnings
Don't be a showoff. Nobody cares that you can play your guitar with your teeth, or behind your neck. It was impressive when Jimi did it forty years ago, but now it's just tacky.
Don't be rude to other musicians, no matter how good you think you are. A band would rather have a good musician they can get along with than a great musician that they can't.
If you're invited to sit in or jam with a band, don't be late, and don't blow it off! This could be your big chance.
Steps
Own your instrument and any other equipment you will need when performing or recording, such as an amplifier, effects pedals, etc. If you are a lead vocalist, you should consider buying at least a four channel P.A. system.
Practice, practice, practice! You've heard it ever since your first music lesson, but it bears repeating because bands want good musicians, and being a good musician takes work. Be sure to practice more than just your favorite riffs or solos too - you might impress your nephew with the first few bars of "Smoke on the Water" or "Stairway to Heaven," but your band will expect a lot more out of you.
Attend any "Open Jam" or "Open Mic Night" you can find. For your first time there, leave the gear at home and scope it out. Find out how much stage time each musician gets, and whether you can sit in with other musicians or the house band. Become a regular, and get to know the other regulars.
Put up flyers in the local guitar/drum shops, record stores, and (if they let you) bars/clubs that have live entertainment, indicating that you're looking for a band. Simply "Guitar Player seeks Band" with your phone number can work, but including your preferred style of music is even better: "Drummer Looking for Metal Band," etc. You can also post an ad in the local paper and
Internet classifieds (the latter usually being free; see external links).
Ask around from time to time at the open jams to see if anyone is looking for band members. By now they've heard you play and know your style, and they've gotten to know you as a person. You've broken the ice without having to audition. Eventually a new band will form, or someone will leave an existing band, and you'll get a call. Congratulations!
Tips
When you play, smile and move around a bit. You'll be noticed more by being somewhat animated than if you're stiff as a board.
After joining a new band, it doesn't hurt to keep spare strings, batteries, and guitar picks in your gig bag, even if you're not the guitarist. The first time your guitarist forgets one of these items (and it will happen a LOT), you'll be a hero.
Learn new songs constantly. The more songs you know, the less you'll have to learn when joining a new band. (Ideally, you'll only have to learn the band's original music.)
Warnings
Don't be a showoff. Nobody cares that you can play your guitar with your teeth, or behind your neck. It was impressive when Jimi did it forty years ago, but now it's just tacky.
Don't be rude to other musicians, no matter how good you think you are. A band would rather have a good musician they can get along with than a great musician that they can't.
If you're invited to sit in or jam with a band, don't be late, and don't blow it off! This could be your big chance.