How to Start a Band

Just started learning the guitar, bass, drums or any other musical instrument? Then you’ve made a wise decision! Making music is a ton of fun, and it only gets better when you play in a band. If you can’t find a band that plays your style, then you can always start your own using the tips we’re about to share.

What Do You Want to Play?

Starting a band is not only pretty simple, but playing in one is genuinely one of the most rewarding things you could ever do as a human being. First off however, it’s important to figure out what kind of music you want to make. Secondly, you need to decide if you want to play covers or write your own songs, or a mix of both. Legendary bands like the Beatles, Van Halen and Metallica all started out as a cover band. To ease into things, you can always pick up a songbook of your favourite artist or band and gain immediate access to the notes, chords and lyrics of existing songs.

Finding Like-Minded Musicians

If you’re currently taking music lessons, then it can be a good idea to ask your teacher if they know of any other students who are looking to play in a band. If there’s a venue in your town or an active music scene, then it’s also worth checking it out to get in touch with like-minded musicians. You wouldn’t be the first band of relative strangers who start a band together! Of course, you can always go online. There are countless websites and forums where you can let the world at large know that you’re looking for willing musicians. Be sure to include some basic information, like which kind of musicians you need, what stylistic direction you want to go in, where you’re from, how old you are and how much experience you have. This will increase your chances of finding a good match.

The Rehearsal Space

While some acoustic bands might be able to get away with setting up in someone’s garage or basement for their weekly rehearsals, you’re most likely going to need a dedicated rehearsal space where you’re free to turn up the volume (don’t forget to use earplugs). There are rehearsal rooms that you can rent that come complete with a backline, so a vocal PA system, a basic drum kit and one or two amplifiers. Sometimes, there’s even a keyboard amp available. In this case, all you need to bring is your instrument and some connection cables. The drummer will need to bring their own sticks, cymbals, snare and kick pedal. If everyone prefers to use their own gear instead, then you just need to make sure that everyone’s kit sounds good together before you can start putting in the work that playing in a band requires, which is more than worth it.

See Also

» Does a Good Musician Make a Good Band Mate?
» Cover Band Not Copy Band: How to Gain a Following
» How To Enhance The Dynamics Of Your Music

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