How to Start a Rock 'n' Roll Band

Being in a band can be a whole lot of fun. Here are some tips to help you rock even if you've never been in a band before.

Things You'll Need

• Acoustic Guitars
• Bass Guitars
• Drum Sets
• Drumsticks
• Electric Bass
• Electric Guitars
• Electronic Keyboards
• Guitar Amplifiers
• Guitar Cables
• Guitar Picks
• Guitar Slide
• Guitar Straps
• Keyboard Amplifiers
• Musician's Earplugs
• Bass Amplifiers
• Keyboard Stands
• Microphones

Instructions

1. Find a drummer. Everyone plays guitar. Once you locate a good drummer, the band will fall into place. More important, find a drummer with a drum set and a place to play it. An area that tolerates a drum set will usually be a suitable rehearsal space.

2. Find a bassist. Bassists are almost as hard to find as drummers, but once you get a rhythm section into place, things start looking up.

3. Invest in a microphone and keyboard amplifier. When a band first forms, a common problem is that everyone shows up with a guitar and an amplifier, but overlooks the importance of hearing the singer. Purchasing a P.A. system is a daunting task and very expensive. A keyboard amplifier is a cheaper way to make the singer's voice heard.

4. Start with a song that everyone in the band knows and wants to play. It might be helpful to go over the song at a low volume to make sure everyone knows all the parts and chord and time changes. Pick a relatively easy song in an easy key such as G major or D major. Start with no more than three different chords in each song.

5. Practice the song with little or no amplification at the beginning. Concentrate on making the chord changes at the same time.

6. Practice it more. Learn to listen to one another. Keep the same tempo. Stay together.

7. Practice it until the band is playing something that people would want to hear.

8. Showcase your hit to family and friends. Pay attention to their responses.

9. If you get positive feedback, keep on playing together. If you do not get positive feedback, keep on playing together anyway. It takes time to become a great band.

10. Learn some more songs. This is a very gradual process. One well-rehearsed song is better than ten sketchy songs.

Tips & Warnings

• Using foam earplugs is an effective but annoying way to reduce hearing damage. Musician's earplugs are the way to go since they do not muffle sound as foam earplugs do.

• Have fun. If you are not having fun or enjoying the company of the other band members, there is no point in doing it. Be positive and patient with yourself and the others.