General Music Chat

hey everyone. i'm a 19 year old lead/rhythm guitar player looking to start a band, but i'm new to this site...and to the band-making experience.
i'm sure there are quite a few veterans out there, so i was wondering if anyone has any tips or words of wisdom for me? i've been trying to start a band for years, and can never seem to pull it together.




(in case anyone was wondering, i'm into old heavy metal. ozzy, metallica, megadeth, judas preist, that kind of stuff)

Welcome. I'd suggest looking through the threads in General and the "Tour" forums. Some nice tips there. Something quick: check out the venues, open mics and guitar centres around area. And watch out for ads in all of these places. And let your back up be Myspace, this site, etc..

Welcome to the wonderful world of music. Forming a band is difficult. The best thing to start with is yourself. Become the best guitar player you possibly can. You mentioned some of your influences. It's good to learn as much from them as possible but ALSO force yourself to learn other artists, even other genres of music. Force your hands to go places on the neck they are not used to. Learn as many different chords as possible. There's a bunch of really good lead players who can't play rhythm worth a crap in my opinion. If you become a really adept rhythm player you're going to be one step ahead of most guitarists, and it'll make you a more desirable band member. As far as forming bands, once you become an established guitarist you're going to find it easier to get into bands. Go to jam sessions near you (if there are any) and dazzle the crowd. Post your playing on a bunch of different websites. Soon people will be contacting YOU IF YOU CAN REALLY PLAY WELL. Stay off hard drugs and alcohol. There's nothing worse in my opinion than playing with a stoned band member (taint happening again). And don't knock up any chick. I've seen a few incredible musicians get forced into marriage and their music careers ended by a little too much whoopee. Good luck...

Wow Bob, dont hold back brother tell us who you really feel.
Listen up shrapp. The fisherman is dead on right. Tricks are, you are most likely not going to just stumble into the right group of players like I did.
I was damned lucky, blessed, or both and it took me three years to pull a band together.
Mind altering substance and real musical talent dont mix well.
Musicians on here almost to the man, even those whom like a little herbus now and again, or cold one practice and play straight.
It,s got to be about the music or your screwed.
good luck!

Bob hinted at looking into other genres, but I'd take it a little farther. Your preferred music is just not bringing in the ppl these days, for the most part. Bar owners & other venues are shying away from it, for that very reason.

Try your hand at some classic rock, or even mod rock. Learn the material. (Like I don't! ) Chances are you'll meet up with more ppl that play, & you can slip some of your preferred music into a song list to see if they're working for the band, once you have one.

It's tough that you're too young to go to bars & meet ppl at open mics. You might wanna check out some of the scenes at churches & coffee houses until you get old enough to go to the bars to meet ppl. In the meantime, keep at it in here & CL & places like that.

Best of luck to you...(of course, you may want to change your nic if you're going to check out the church music scene...LOL..."666" indeed!)

hey a Mainer!
he can't be all that bad.

wow, thx guys. i really appreciate the advise. i don't have anything posted here yet, but i am definitely a good guitar player. my rhythm is dead-on, my lead is pretty strong but not enough that i should play lead in every song.
i have been playing guitar since i was 8, and writing music since i was 13. granted the songs i wrote back then really sucked, but i honestly believe i have more than enough skill to pull my weight. as for drugs...a little ganja every now and then never hurt anyone. am i right? that's about it for me.
i am old enough to get into bars, it's 18 to get in (over here at least). so i could perform if i get a band together. i got all the gear, and i have a damn good sound for the style i play.
i think my only problem will be attracting people. my music is very similar to the 80's style metal/thrash, but with a little bit of a modern twist. i've even been known to throw a couple classical themed riffs in there
once again, thx guys! i need all the info i can get.
post if you got more!