Me and my band are auditioning three new guitarists, and we aren't too sure how to go about it. Any suggestions/ideas on the best way of doing this succesfully?
2007-10-07 09:16:28 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music ➔ Other - Music
I'd invite them over seperately as well so you can see how well each individual gets along with the rest of your band.
Introduce everyone and have your band start playing something new: keep it very freeform and jamming-themed do NOT play covers or your own songs yet. You want to see how well the guitarist plays on his or her own, not how well he or she learned to read tabs. Afterwards play some of your originals and see how well they follow along.
Sometimes you'll meet someone who may not be the best guitarist but who will have a lot of potential and that instant chemistry... that's more of what you should be looking for. A lot of nervousness is inevitable for most when trying on a new band, so depending on how old you are, I don't think a couple shots or beers would hurt, either. Good luck!
2007-10-07 09:29:42 · answer #1 · answered by Kayo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do some pre-screening by talking to them or chatting on e-mail (but it sounds like you have already done that).
Next, tell them what songs you play (if they are covers) or send them a recording (if they are originals). And give them a chance to practice them up. (the 'sink or swim' approach seems a bit harsh for me)
Invite each of them (on separate occassions) to join your rehearsal. Ask them to play along but also give them a chance to play whatever they play (either original or cover tunes)
At the end of the rehearsal, talk it over with your bandmates (after the new guy has gone) and weigh the pros and cons. In my mind personality is as much a factor as playing skill but there has to be a balance of both.
Last year when we were looking for guitarists for my band, we never could find the right fit so we just carried on as a trio (and I played a little guitar along with my usual bass). It worked out pretty well but I still would have liked a real lead guitarist.
But you 'can't always get what you waaant...'
Good luck.
2007-10-07 09:19:47 · answer #2 · answered by megalomaniac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
U need to have them play random stuff for you.Different kinds of music and see if they habe the fingers movin' the right way in the different styles.
2007-10-07 09:19:44 · answer #3 · answered by ragmold 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First have a chat and a drink to try and relax them and you....next, play them some of your music and ask them to give you a little demo of there own playing....if you dont like their style then leave it at that...if you do then you jam together.
2007-10-07 09:19:46 · answer #4 · answered by Daisyhill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
let them play
the best sounding one gets the job
2007-10-07 09:19:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them to play a few tunes.
2007-10-07 09:19:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get them to play a tune or two.
2007-10-07 09:19:19 · answer #7 · answered by jeanimus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Play your usual sets and have him or her join in if they can't Oh well
2007-10-07 09:22:35 · answer #8 · answered by frank 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get them to perform in front of a audience
2007-10-07 09:21:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
let him play with the strings of your heart ....
2007-10-07 09:22:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋