Guitar Technician Training
Guitar technicians are the ultimate rock 'n' roll team players. Unseen by fans, guitar technicians begin as entry-level roadies, musicians and instrument collectors who learn their roles through dues-paying, and practical experience. Aspiring technicians develop those qualities with local and regional bands. Getting on a topflight band's crew requires high-level troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of music's technical side. Those who limit themselves to restringing and retuning get less work in this highly competitive industry.
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Entry-Level Opportunities
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Many technicians start off as musicians, or begin with an entry-level opening through a related job in the industry. For example, Nickelback bass technician David "Shuu" Guidsh learned the trade by helping his friends while he was still in high school, according to information posted on the Roadie.net website. He moved on to local touring bands. Building on that experience, Guidsh worked his way up the ranks with better-known heavy rock acts like Biohazard, Coal Chamber and Fear Factor.
Knowledge of Guitars
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Guitar technicians must thoroughly understand the amplifiers, guitars and other stringed instruments they may have to tune or repair. Dixie Chicks technician Keith Pilkington began learning those skills in 1990 at Gibson Guitars' Nashville outlet, according to the StateUniversity.com. Pilkington is also renowned for his knowledge of banjos, dobros, fiddles and mandolins, which he learned during a three-year stint as a technician for country star Alan Jackson. Such versatility can significantly boost visibility and job opportunities.
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Landing Better Gigs
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Landing long-term work with top bands is difficult without a referral or a relationship with a band member. Guitar technician Kris "Dude" Dawson's situation exemplifies this rule, according to an interview posted on Roadie.net. Dawson's friendship with Nickelback drummer Ryan Peake allowed him set up equipment for the band's show, followed by a Canadian tour. When his job got too big to handle alone, Dawson's brother, Timmy, joined as an additional guitar technician in 2002.
Problem-Solving Abilities
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Once they work with a big band, technicians must develop a precise mindset. When Adi Vines toured with British heavy rockers The Darkness, his daily chores included looking after 26 guitars, which had to be constantly retuned and restringed, "Performing Musician" reported in December 2007. An ability to solve problems under pressure is also essential. By developing a process of elimination, technicians can function more effectively when things go wrong, says Status Quo guitar technician, Lloyd Gilbert, in an August 2008 "Performing Musician" interview.
Realities of Touring
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Unlike their nine-to-five counterparts, guitar technicians must adapt to long, brutal schedules for which there is no overtime clause. A typical tour day for Pilkington starts at 10 a.m., with the only breaks occurring for lunch, and an hour of pre-show relaxation. Otherwise, 18-hour days tend to be the norm, requiring a great degree of self-motivation to handle them. In such environments, learning faster ways of doing basic instrument repairs offers the best possible grounding, reports StateUniversity.com.
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References
- "Performing Musician"; Adi Vines, Guitar Tech; Matt Frost; December 2007
- "Performing Musician": Lloyd Gilbert: Status Quo's Guitar Tech; Matt Frost; August 2008
- Roadie.net; On the Road With Nickelback's Guitar Techs and Drum Techs
- StateUniversity.com; Keith Pilkington, Stringed Instrument Technician
Resources
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