"Get a used guitar and you could go far if you meet the right people." - Bachman-Turner Overdrive. This guide is intended to give you some advice on how to find and join a music band. Joining a band is fun and can bring you to many great life experiences.
Steps
Step 1. Practice often and be prepared
The first and most important thing you need to do is be ready. Whether you are a singer or play guitar, percussion, bass, or any other instrument, you need to be ready, so that when the time comes to join a band you will be great. Exercise your talent.
Step 2. Take part in every "Open Jam" or "Open Mic Night" you find
The first time, leave the equipment at home and go take a look. Find out how long each musician can stay on stage and if you can talk to other musicians or the band that usually plays there. If you've practiced like you should, people will notice you and other artists will find you.
Step 3. Organize your jam sessions
It is great for breaking the ice and can open many doors for you.
Step 4. Place announcements in local music stores and (if you can) in bars and live music venues, indicating that you are looking for a band
It's okay to simply "Guitarist look for bands" with your phone number, but it's best to write what kind of music you prefer: "Drummer looks for metal band". You can also place an ad in local newspapers or on the internet (the latter free of charge, see the external links).
Step 5. Use the internet to your advantage
There are many online services that can help you find a band. One of the best ways is to post a request on a classifieds site. Don't limit yourself to just one.
Step 6. Invite local musicians to join your band
There aren't many musician-only communities online, so take advantage of it.
Step 7. Ask around the open jams from time to time to find out if any bands are looking for new members
They will have heard you play there and they will know your style, and they will know you as a person. You will have broken the ice without an interview. Eventually a new band will form, or someone will leave an existing band, and they will call you.
Step 8. It is best for a musician to have a public profile to show what he can do
The best way to do this is to simply have a profile on MySpace.
Advice
- Practice, practice, practice! You've been told since your first music lesson, but it's best to repeat it because bands want good musicians, and to be a good musician you have to work on them. Practice not only your favorite riffs and solos - you could impress your relatives with a few lines of "Smoke on the Water" or "Stairway to Heaven", the band will expect a lot more from you.
- Constantly learn new songs. The more songs you know, the less you will have to learn when you join the band. (Ideally, you'll just need to learn the band's original songs.)
- Learn at least two songs a week! This will impress the band!
- Once you join the band, it doesn't hurt to have a few extra strings, percussion, sticks and picks in your bag, even if you play another instrument. As soon as someone else in the band forgets something about these, or if something breaks (like drummer's sticks, and it happens often), you will be their hero.
- While you play, smile and move a bit. They will notice you more if you are somehow animated and not immobile like a stockfish.
- Buy the instrument you play and any other equipment you need to play or record, such as an amplifier, effects pedals, etc. If you are a singer, you should think about buying at least one P. A. four-channel.
- Make a portfolio when you have time. It means that you should record and put on the internet (like Youtube, SoundCloud, MySpace) the covers of the songs you like. This way you build a reputation. Bands looking for new members may contact you if they like your covers. Plus you can show them to the bands you are in talks with to let them know your style and techniques.
Warnings
- If they invite you to watch or jam with a group, don't be late, and don't give up! This could be your big break.
- Don't be an exhibitionist. Nobody cares if you can play guitar with your teeth. It's great what Jimi Hendrix did forty years ago, but nowadays it's just bad taste.
- Don't be rude to other musicians, no matter how good you think you are. A band would rather have a good musician they get along with than a great musician they don't get along with.
- Listen to what others have to say and don't get angry if you don't agree.
