First Audition

[carranoj25]

Hey guys, so I have my first audition for a rock band this Thursday. I am pretty excited/nervous at the same time. The group gave me 8 songs to learn which I am doing my best. I am responsible for rhythm guitar and backup vocals. I am confident. This is my first audition ever for a band. I know I am not as experienced as these guys, but I plan to give it my all. Any tips or help would be greatly appreciated please! Thanks!

[JayinLA]

Hey guys, so I have my first audition for a rock band this Thursday. I am pretty excited/nervous at the same time. The group gave me 8 songs to learn which I am doing my best. I am responsible for rhythm guitar and backup vocals. I am confident. This is my first audition ever for a band. I know I am not as experienced as these guys, but I plan to give it my all. Any tips or help would be greatly appreciated please! Thanks!

 

 

Yup. I have been in your shoes many times. I will say this. Make sure that you are as prepared as possible. Have extra strings, 2 guitars (Preferably), I use small stickies to set my levels for the numbers I will be playing for tone. Keep your warmup simple and stuff you can nail while warming up.

 

1. Tune your guitar with the sound off. It's a major dealbreaker when guys tune thier guitars out loud.

2. Don't play while people are talking. Guys hate when guitar players keep playing when the jam is cut.

3. Don't be a showoff, but try to find the zone.

4. Don't bring any friends/girlfriends to audition. I hate that. Should be a band only environment.

5. Have a few riffs and hooks of your own to show in addition to their existing material.

6. Most importantly. Be cool. Guitar players are dime-a-dozen, bands are looking for someone that they will have to spend alot of time with. Not necissarily the most prolific player thats available. Have a great attitude.

 

Good Luck...and have fun!

[carranoj25]

Thanks man I will be prepared as possible. The audition is only supposed to be a half hour so not much time to screw around. Probably just play a few songs and then get out haha. But Im excited just to play with new people. I have such difficulties finding people to jam with whoa actively get better at their instrument of choice. I am literally just excited to jam!

[quapman]

Picture them in their underwear.

 

 

But seriously. You're already doing what you need to do. Practice your parts, learn them the best you can.

Don't try and be louder than everyone else and just enjoy playing with other players.

There will be other chances. It's not do or die.

Just have fun,,,, and picture them in their underwear.

[kelly campbell]

Best of luck to you I hope you get the gig

[kidblast]

You may be surprised, showing up fully prepared could be something they are not used to seeing if they have been looking for someone for a while.

 

this touches on one of my biggest complaints when working with other people, most of time I get excuses instead someone who's ready to go.

 

Most guys who been playing for a while think they can just wing it, but if you're playing with people who are more or less professionals, winging at an audition can get you sent home real fast no matter how good or experienced you feel you are. If a player can't be prepared for an audition, chances are they wont be prepared EVER.

 

You just keep doing what your doing, and don't worry about making a mistake, they will see right away that you did your homework and that to me, speaks VOLUMES on what kind of band mate you will be and that's what they are trying to sort out in the Audition. Your personal level of Commitment is far more important than anything else you can bring to the table.

 

GOOD LUCK!

[carranoj25]

Thanks guys. I am actually not nervous. I will be as prepared as possible. 8 songs is a lot for me to learn in a week. And i mean really learn. I've been listening to these songs non-stop. But I feel even If I am very prepared, I can still go in there and make a few mistakes just because I don't have the experience of playing in a band. But the reason I want to be in a gigging band is because I know it'll take my playing to new levels. But I am def going to go in there and be myself and give it my all no matter how good I am. I will definitely show the others that my passion surpasses my skills and maybe that will work in my favor!

[swampash]

Passion and reliability go a long way in my book.

 

I'll take an intermediate level player (which is what I am)who always learns what they have to learn, turns up on time and does exactly what is expected of them over a prima donna who may be an exceptional player but doesn't show up on time and doesn't have their homework done.

 

I'm playing with a brand new 5 piece band that I put together for the 1st time tonight. I've met none of them face to face and we've all got 5 songs that we've had to learn and have ready for tonight. I can tell you that I'm nervous. :)

[Karloff]

That's great. Have fun. Cuz that's what it's all about.

[jdgm]

You just keep doing what your doing, and don't worry about making a mistake, they will see right away that you did your homework and that to me, speaks VOLUMES on what kind of band mate you will be and that's what they are trying to sort out in the Audition. Your personal level of Commitment is far more important than anything else you can bring to the table.

 

GOOD LUCK!

This is SO true.....I could tell you a few stories but won't!

 

Thanks guys. I am actually not nervous. I will be as prepared as possible. 8 songs is a lot for me to learn in a week. And i mean really learn. I've been listening to these songs non-stop. But I feel even If I am very prepared, I can still go in there and make a few mistakes just because I don't have the experience of playing in a band. But the reason I want to be in a gigging band is because I know it'll take my playing to new levels. But I am def going to go in there and be myself and give it my all no matter how good I am. I will definitely show the others that my passion surpasses my skills and maybe that will work in my favor!

 

Passion and reliability go a long way in my book.

 

I'll take an intermediate level player (which is what I am)who always learns what they have to learn, turns up on time and does exactly what is expected of them over a prima donna who may be an exceptional player but doesn't show up on time and doesn't have their homework done.

 

I'm playing with a brand new 5 piece band that I put together for the 1st time tonight. I've met none of them face to face and we've all got 5 songs that we've had to learn and have ready for tonight. I can tell you that I'm nervous. :)

 

Very best of luck to both of you!

[thumbup]

[deeman]

Yup. I have been in your shoes many times. I will say this. Make sure that you are as prepared as possible. Have extra strings, 2 guitars (Preferably), I use small stickies to set my levels for the numbers I will be playing for tone. Keep your warmup simple and stuff you can nail while warming up.

 

1. Tune your guitar with the sound off. It's a major dealbreaker when guys tune thier guitars out loud.

2. Don't play while people are talking. Guys hate when guitar players keep playing when the jam is cut.

3. Don't be a showoff, but try to find the zone.

4. Don't bring any friends/girlfriends to audition. I hate that. Should be a band only environment.

5. Have a few riffs and hooks of your own to show in addition to their existing material.

6. Most importantly. Be cool. Guitar players are dime-a-dozen, bands are looking for someone that they will have to spend alot of time with. Not necissarily the most prolific player thats available. Have a great attitude.

 

Good Luck...and have fun!

 

I agree with this 100% especially 2,4 & 6.

 

Good luck my man.

 

It wasn't an audition but our FORMER singer brought some violin chick to a practice unannounced once and that really pissed me off.

['Scales]

Cool man! Have fun, ask questions and go for it on the backing vocals (practice those just in case that's what they want to test) and of course stay off the lead guitarist's grass - if your there for rhythm, play rhythm. ;)

 

Good luck!

[carranoj25]

Here's a question for you all. They chose a couple songs for me to learn that don't really have an identifiable rhythm guitar or backing vocals. Crazy Train for example. That's just Randy on guitar and Ozzy singing. So what do you guys suggest I do? Just double the guitarist and singer?

[L5Larry]

.... Just double the guitarist and singer?

 

NO, absolutely NOT! You need to come up with a unique part, or... don't sing or play anything at all.

 

Here's why:

1. Doubling any part, instrument or voice, makes that part twice as loud in the mix. Sometimes this may be an effect you want, MOST times not.

 

2. Unless you are in perfect pitch (voice), or tuning (guitar) with the other doubled part....AND perfectly timed unison, it will sound like a cluster fkkk.

 

Even in songs where two guitars are chunking the same chords, you should find a different voicing (form) of the chord than the other guitar player is using whenever possible and feasible.

 

I don't know the specific song your asking about but I'll go have a listen on YouTube and maybe have some suggestions.

[carranoj25]

But in regards to an audition, I have no idea how the other guitarist is going to play it so should I try to learn multiple voicings for the guitar sections? Crazy Train is one of the most famous songs by Ozzy

[quapman]

Don't over think it dude.

If you really want to know what you should play just ask them.

Most of my band experience in my youth was with friends. I never 'auditioned' for anything.

Other than one band I was in auditioned for a trip to Vancouver for Expo 86.

It hasn't been until recently in the last few years that I for the first time actually 'auditioned' for

a band. I asked them what they wanted me to learn. I did the best I could. I showed up and played.

Fortunately they were bad enough they let me in. lol. I've done this a couple times now.

 

My point is, it doesn't really matter what part you play now. If you get the gig you will work out

your respective parts at rehearsals. If you really want to know what you should play for the audition.

Ask them.

[carranoj25]

Thanks quapman I really shouldn't over think it. Just go in there and play my best. They could suck as well haha.

[kidblast]

for vocals in Crazy Train you'll need to find/sing a harmony part for the chorus in crazy train (either above or below your lead singers vocal part), this is what backing vocals means, you don't sing the root note, that's already sung by your lead singer.

 

Doing harmonies is a skill level entirely in it's own place in a band and will take some time to work out if you have never done it before.

[stein]

Here's a question for you all. They chose a couple songs for me to learn that don't really have an identifiable rhythm guitar or backing vocals. Crazy Train for example. That's just Randy on guitar and Ozzy singing. So what do you guys suggest I do? Just double the guitarist and singer?

 

 

NO, absolutely NOT! You need to come up with a unique part, or... don't sing or play anything at all.

 

Here's why:

1. Doubling any part, instrument or voice, makes that part twice as loud in the mix. Sometimes this may be an effect you want, MOST times not.

 

2. Unless you are in perfect pitch (voice), or tuning (guitar) with the other doubled part....AND perfectly timed unison, it will sound like a cluster fkkk.

 

Even in songs where two guitars are chunking the same chords, you should find a different voicing (form) of the chord than the other guitar player is using whenever possible and feasible.

 

I don't know the specific song your asking about but I'll go have a listen on YouTube and maybe have some suggestions.

Couple more thoughts to add (good advice from L5LARRY):

 

For something relatively simple like "Crazy Train", its a good idea to learn the whole song. Learning the whole song is a good starting point for everything, gives an appreciation, and gives some ideas.

 

When doubling guitar parts, in particular "heavy" chord/rock type stuff, it's good to just hit the main parts and let the other guitar fill accents. A good clue where those "spots" would be are what the drummer hits. That adds power and keeps it clean, which is what EVERYONE in the band wants to hear.

 

Also, keep in mind, if you are the "rhythm" player and doing cover songs, that means in the recorded part with leads, that's likely going to be all you for that rhythm part. Learn it well, and be ready on the volume control.

 

A little word on volume (can't believe with all the good advice, no one has brought it up). It's a real good idea to maintain some kind of control of it at all times. No one likes you too loud or too soft. Guitar players have a tendency to get too loud, especially when two guitarist are involved. Many think the mix is them, and the rest of the band, and we all like to hear ourselves as well as everyone else. It's not 50% you and 50% the rest of the band. That SEEMS natural, which is why guitar players tend to keep turning up over the other. That's what NOT to do. If you are playing a doubled part or what everyone is playing and you can't make yourself out in the mix but you can definitely hear it when you stop, that's likely a perfect mix. Be part of the machine.

 

Lastly for mow, if you haven't played with a band before or others, when you practice, pay particular attention to the timing. Play along with a recording and DON'T FALL BEHIND it. When you get with the band, don't concentrate on hitting every note, make sure your timing is there. Biggest difference between playing by yourself and playing with others, is the band won't wait for you, and don't be surprised if they SEEM like they are playing too fast.

[carranoj25]

Wow, this is all great information. Thanks so much. It is all very exciting. I think this is all stuff I can easily learn over time. Tomorrow will be a great learning experience regardless of the outcome. I will let you guys know how it goes, but I am not expecting much. Definitely expecting a lesson or two learned.Hard work always pays off in some way. One question I have is should I get a long cable so I can stand farther away from the amp? I assume at louder volume levels I will probably get some intense feedback. The guys have not yet told me what amp I will be using, but I will be bringing my Boss Overdrive pedal.

[stein]

Wow, this is all great information. Thanks so much. It is all very exciting. I think this is all stuff I can easily learn over time. Tomorrow will be a great learning experience regardless of the outcome. I will let you guys know how it goes, but I am not expecting much. Definitely expecting a lesson or two learned.Hard work always pays off in some way. One question I have is should I get a long cable so I can stand farther away from the amp? I assume at louder volume levels I will probably get some intense feedback. The guys have not yet told me what amp I will be using, but I will be bringing my Boss Overdrive pedal.

Lol...who says they have an amp for you?

 

Another good learning experience. Equipment is important, part of being prepared. Doesn't mean you have to bring everything just in case, but it IS important to ask what you will need and what they will have.

 

EVERYONE makes the mistake, or rather has made the mistake, of not having something vital to the gig or rehearsal. And it's usually a real bummer.

 

If they haven't told you, you should call them and ask. If they are a gigging band, they are in the habit of such questions.

[kidblast]

I'd be bringing a rig of some sort.. assumptions can leave you high and dry.

 

(hint: better to have it, and not need it, than to need it an not have it)

 

you're not dragging a marshall stack around with you are you?

 

if you got a basic combo and a small pedal board, (or array of pedals), I'd pack em along

[quapman]

Not to mention having something you know how to tweak.

[JayinLA]

I'd be bringing a rig of some sort.. assumptions can leave you high and dry.

 

(hint: better to have it, and not need it, than to need it an not have it)

 

you're not dragging a marshall stack around with you are you?

 

if you got a basic combo and a small pedal board, (or array of pedals), I'd pack em along

 

That's funny man. I remember back not too long ago, when you weren't considered a guitar player unless you at bare minimum had a half stack, a rack effects system and you're own P.A. (I mean how else are you gonna play Kiss cover tunes to a bar with 15 people? Duh!)

 

So I remember carrying these rediculous boxes of **** around with me everywhere. Kinda explains the tenitis I have now.

[kidblast]

That's funny man. I remember back not too long ago, when you weren't considered a guitar player unless you at bare minimum had a half stack, a rack effects system and you're own P.A. (I mean how else are you gonna play Kiss cover tunes to a bar with 15 people? Duh!)

 

So I remember carrying these rediculous boxes of **** around with me everywhere. Kinda explains the tenitis I have now.

 

Funny and painfully true all at the same time...