General Music Chat

That's the question I hear from my gf. She thinks I should just play in one. I'm playing guitar in the Farleys (punk rock) and another new band (metal), and I'm playing bass in Impact50 (classic rock) and a new blues band. They all rehearse just once a week and are totally different styles so why not? Sort of like hedging your bet.

What happens when they all start gigging? How do you prioritize and keep everyone happy, including yourself? I play in one band, that's enough for me.

I tend to be in agreement with Bob.
I mean sure, if you can juggle four bands why not. However there is a much greater risk of schedule conflict. SeeCrips latest post as example.
I can imagine your gf's point of view is more likley how much of your time it takes away from her.
If I am wrong on this point, she is not your average female by a long shot.

One band is all I can handle with all my other commitments. And i make sacrifices for that to be a reality.
I could not even imagine another commitment in my life right now, uugh!

I'm in two bands. and do collaborations at open mics, and also offer myself as fill-in for paying gigs to other bands...

Sure, it takes time away from the wife life.. but doesn't absence make the heart grow fonder? Pffft!

The gf didn't specifically say that the bands were taking time from her, although that is implied. She believes that you should just focus on one band at a time, that you can't dedicate your energy to four bands. However, each of these bands only wants to rehearse once a week and gig once a month. That's four rehearsals and four gigs per month on average. And certainly I would prioritize the bands in case of a scheduling conflict. What's good about three of the bands is that they're all good friends of mine whom I've known for years; the other one is a Craig's List band.

On a side note, playing bass in two bands at once has really accelerated my abilities. Being a guitar player I still play "lead bass" but not as much, I'm learning all of the walking bass scales, etc.

Off to rehearse!

I tried for a while to be in a couple of bands. In the Memphis music community most active players are in 2-3 bands. I thought it was just a Memphis thing.

But for me I just decided monthes ago to committ to one and do the best with it that I can.

Im glad someone can handle more than one.

Good Luck Jimmy

I'm in two (Though one's just solo project stuff), and just auditioned for a third today, and I think it went really well.

I am in four bands now, but I have them very well organized so dates don't overlap. I have one gig every Saturday night with a guitarist, one group in Salem that I play keys and write music for. One in Portland that I just do vocals and write for, and one in Eugene that I just sing back up. So far everything is smooth sailing.

Yes it can be done, excellent organizational skills are required. But I am sore from moving equipment around all weekend! I also have to watch the tunnel carpal in my left wrist, it flairs up from playing too much.

Yes it can be done, excellent organizational skills are required. But I am sore from moving equipment around all weekend! I also have to watch the tunnel carpal in my left wrist, it flairs up from playing too much.

Take a B complex vitamin every day, and wear a wrist brace when you sleep at night (best to have one fitted at a medical supply shop), they only cost about $35 for a good fitted one.

I've been doing that for several months, and it's helped enormously with the left side "arm/hand falling asleep" issue and the fatigue when playing.

It's not the end-all solution, but it helps a lot.

On a side note, I tried to play Losfer Words (Iron Maiden) the other night to a backing track, and just couldn't do it. My hand got so fatigued, I couldn't keep up with the tempo For those who don't know, the guitar line in that song has lot of very fast and precise picking with the right hand, apparently the CT in my right has gotten worse. Even though my skills on guitar have improved dramatically over the last two years, I'm becoming increasingly limited in some specific areas.

Guess I gotta dual-wield braces from now on...

Thanks for the advice, I think I'll check into that. I also need to work out more with the dumbells and strengthen my forearms.

I been running a chainsaw all day. That will do it!

For some reason typing on a keyboard doesn't build up your arms much or else I'd look like Popeye.

Damn, Jessica! 4 bands, huh? You are quite the busy lil bee!

Most I ever juggled at one time was 4, but then I got kicked outta one for missing one rehearsal...& these days I'm not in one that has all the members needed...& that's just pissing me off!

I guess it's time to start going out looking at the open mics again. Gawd that's dreary work, sometimes!

Damn, Jessica! 4 bands, huh? You are quite the busy lil bee!

Most I ever juggled at one time was 4, but then I got kicked outta one for missing one rehearsal...& these days I'm not in one that has all the members needed...& that's just pissing me off!

I guess it's time to start going out looking at the open mics again. Gawd that's dreary work, sometimes!

Kicked for missing one rehearsal? That's harsh and maybe over the top.