I play the electric guitar and have been playing for 4 years now. I've signed up to audition to be in a band, but I need to play a practice piece for them to judge me and rate me amongst the others who have auditioned. What piece do you think would be great to play to show off what I know? I'd love to hear your opinions on great guitar songs. Thank you!
2007-01-24 13:33:35 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
The most important question you need to ask yourself is what kind of music they play (or intend to play if they don't play already). If they play Billy Joel covers, whipping out a metal song as an audition piece isn't going to score any points whatsoever. I'd honestly ask them what they expect.
If they're an established band, they probably need someone who can play something already written, so you may not score points doing your own stuff... if you have something already, you can throw it in there, but you're probably going to have to rely on covers.
That said, avoid cliches because you're probably going to fall flat. Trying to play "Eruption" may just turn off any Van Halen fans because only a handful of people can play it properly. "Stairway to Heaven", apart from being too long, might just make people groan. "Smoke on the Water" would make them ill.
Classic rock has a bunch of good, balanced material from which to choose. As much as I dislike his music for the most part, Eric Clapton has a bunch of decent guitar songs with good riffs - "Cocaine" has a great, recognizable riff and throws some decent basic playing in as well. "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones is another one that demonstrates versatility. "Pinball Wizard" by the Who is also a good demo as it demonstrates solid rhythm playing along with some catchy right hand stuff. If you really want to show off, try "Every Breath You Take" by the Police. The fingering on that song looks impressive when you play it. Likewise, "Message in a Bottle" is another one that looks and sounds cool.
Another great one to use would be "This Charming Man" by the Smiths... bag on their vocalist all you want, but Johnny Marr is an amazing guitarist. If you can figure out how to play that guitar line with a pick, you'll know you're getting somewhere as a guitarist. Likewise, if you can figure out any of Nick Drake's stuff or play "Grace" by Jeff Buckley, you'll score some points.
If they are a metal/hard rock band, most of the classic rock stuff will do; however, you may need to whip out "One" by Metallica (for the blend of intricate and chunky stuff). "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne is also a good metal demo.
For punk rock, "I Wanna Be Sedated" by the Ramones, "Pretty Vacant" or "God Save the Queen" by the Sex Pistols, "Waiting Room" or "Facet Squared" by Fugazi, or "Thorn In My Side" by Quicksand.
The main thing to remember is that you're playing for musicians, not just music fans. You need to be able to play more than just a good riff... most of the song is rhythm playing and being able to keep up with the rest of the band. Being able to showboat is all well and good, but if you can't lock in with the song, you're not going to last. Make it clear to them that you can handle both chores. Good luck!
2007-01-24 23:59:43 · answer #1 · answered by Jerry Hayes 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rock N Roll All Night- Kiss All The Small Things- Blink 182 Black Magic Women- Santana Beat It- Michael Jackson [guitar solo]
2016-03-29 01:08:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2014-09-15 14:25:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you can play "Master of Puppets" or "Ride the Lightning" by Metallica you can play anything. They will be more than impressed by either of these tracks.
Other good tracks would be "Cowboys From Hell" by Pantera, "Cat Scratch Fever" by Ted Nugent or "Crazy Train" by Ozzy.
2007-01-24 13:45:46 · answer #4 · answered by Jonny 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not trying to be a smartass by any means, but unless it's a cover band you should play your own song (or instrumental piece).
Show 'em what YOU can bring to the table. Good luck!
2007-01-24 13:46:10 · answer #5 · answered by splitlevelmind 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Try something by Dragonforce. They have some wicked guitarists. Or something by Metallica or maybe even avenged sevenfold. or what about Pantera?
2007-01-24 14:37:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋