How to be a better musician? (part 1)
Aug 6, 2003 Music Articles
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How to be a Better Musician
Tip 1. Humble & Don’t Be Stupid
Every band wants a member with good attitude who will play their parts correctly no matter it’s a heavy duty guitar solo or just a tiny percussion instrument. Always be sincere and humble with your members, it doesn’t matter how good you are, arrogant and ignorant members always get the boot! I always remind myself this as I have seen many fine guitar players booted out from their bands.
Tip 2. On Time
Since I started my first band in 1993, I have noticed one of the main reasons for members to get sacked is “LATE”! Punctuality is extremely important. Some average bands are well-welcomed by pubs and discos because of their reliability and commitment to being on time is exceptional. Remember, if a member from a 5-piece-band is late for 10 minutes, that member would have wasted everyone’s 10 minutes, thus totaling 40 minutes! In addition, studio rental does not come cheap, right?
Tip 3. Hang Out With Other Musicians
The more you publicise yourself, the higher the opportunity to get contacts and gigs or to be hired. You have to be seen and heard often. How can anyone recommend you if they never see you play or don’t know who you are? Befriend other musicians, know them, get together with them, have a drink, a game, be friendly and liked by others, present yourself to other musicians with a good and eternal first impression.
Tip 4. Dumb and Dumber
When you are jemming, whether live or in the studio, do not play in your own world, you should listen and interact with other band members you are playing with, play as a whole, not a solo guitar hero, do not play too loud when someone else is soloing, don’t be a dumb fool to play aloud thinking you can impress the whole band by overshadowing them. I have seen many bands which have a very outstanding guitarist or vocalist, but too bad they were in their own world and instead of lifting the band, the band gone one-sided heavy.
Tip 5. The Faster the Better?
Many musicians especially guitarist have the mentality of “the faster I play, the more people will think how good I am”. This is a BIG mistake and you may end up playing meaningless crappy stuff on your guitar. I often asked my guitar student, “what is your definition of a good guitarist?” Majority of them answered the fastest guitarist is the best, as they are inimitable by other guitarist. Well, can anyone copy the tone of Eric Johnson, make the guitar screams like Steve Vai does, or make your guitar sing like Stevie Ray’s? The bottom line is if you are playing fast without purpose, then you will kill the song, even worse, you will lose your fine touch on the fret board and maybe playing without any feel at all. A sweet note can make a song comes alive. So, delete the above phrase from your mind now.
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