How To Start A Rock Band

Need to know How To Start A Rock Band? Here is the information you need on how to start a rock band.

A rock band is fun – it also shows you are ready to make your first big commitment as a musician! It is the vehicle that helps get your music across to the people. The members of your band must all share the same focus, the same vision, and be willing to make the same efforts and sacrifices toward succeeding.

You can form a band with a drummer, a guitarist, a bass player, a singer, and a piano player. But you can call any combination of musicians a band. You will need a place to play. Some of the greatest bands started out in the garage.

To start a rock band, you need not spend a fortune on gear. Get a guitar and learn the three basic chords if you don’t already know them. Everyone starts with G C D or A, E, D. If you learn a few more chords, you can play practically anything.

Gear

You can get a good deal on an electric guitar and amp from ebay or any music store that can set you up with a reasonably priced starter kit. At least one microphone with a stand is necessary. The mic can be plugged into a bass amp if you don't have a P.A. system.

Getting band members

There are lots of new players out there dying for people to play with. The first and easiest way to look for new band mates is to place a free ad in a local magazine, fanzine, or newspaper. Most towns have a paper that has club listings of area live performances. Use your local school or college bulletin board, let people know you play and you will be surprised how many other people play too. Make sure that all of the members in your band are approximately the same age. Someone too young or too old might have different interests.

Make a song list and practice!

A good way to build a great beginning repertoire is to have each player pick five songs to start with. Pick songs with easy basic formats. Learn the chords and words to those songs. You can find the lyrics and chords to almost all your favorite songs on the web. Have printouts of the chords and lyrics ready. Look at each other while you play. The non-verbal communication helps you to have a tighter sound, and helps ensure that everyone is on the same page. This is especially important at the endings of songs where non-verbal cues can help you end the song cleanly.

Getting your act together

Pick a name for your band that matches your image and style. Gather your band mates and their equipment in your practice room and run through your five songs.

The Gig

After your band has rehearsed for several months and learned enough songs, you might want to perform in front of an audience. Contact a live venue, a fair, or a local park and invite the promoter to hear your band. Have a press kit ready including a photo of your band, demo tape or CD, band description, and contact information.

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