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- In an open jam, share solos equally with anybody who wants one. You know that player who takes his 12-bar solo ... and then takes your 12 bars as well?
- Help load and unload the gear. You know that guy who disappears when all the heavy lifting needs to be done, and then shows up after the van is unloaded or reloaded?
- Be on time whenever possible. Of course you're busy—we all are. But when you're habitually late, you send a message to your bandmates that says, “I'm more important than you."
- If the soundman and your bandmates ask you to turn down, turn down. We all want to hear ourselves, but a good mix never comes from a volume war. Learn to compromise or be ostracized.
- Practice your music. Know your parts inside and out before group rehearsals. That way the band can actually focus on the finer details or the big picture together and have more fun in the process.
- Know your role in the band. If you don't know your role, talk about it. Are you a support musician? Are you a band leader? Do you have a say in the creation and selection of the material?
- Help out. Whether it's carrying equipment or promoting the band, always help when it's needed. Depending on your forte and interests outside of music, find a way to contribute to the management of the band.
- Place equal value on each musician. Even if someone is not the lead musician, they are of essential value – everyone contributes to the band's unique sound.
- Keep Your Ego In Check. By nature, us musicians have a tendency to let our egos get the better of us. However, this can be immensely detrimental to the relationships you have with your bandmates.
- Put The Interests Of The Band Before Your Personal Interests. This is essential if you’re looking to make headway in the industry and maintain positive relationships with your bandmates.
- Be Punctual. Turning up late to band-related events without a valid excuse can severely hinder your productivity and ruffle the feathers of your bandmates.
- Be Prepared. Failing to prepare in advance for band-related activities will hinder productivity and irritate your bandmates. Here are a couple of pointers on being prepared
- Practice Your Music
- Know Your Role in The Band
- Help Out
- Place Equal Value on Each Musician
- Be on Time
- Plan in Advance
- Do Social Things Together
- Discuss Style
- Work on Your Stage Presence
- Promote
Know your parts inside and out before group rehearsals. That way the band can actually focus on the finer details or the big picture together and have more fun in the process. If you don’t understand a section of a song, talk about it and make sure to smooth out the kinks sooner rather than later. You don’t want those doubts to linger until it’s to...
If you don’t know your role, talk about it. Are you a support musician? Are you a band leader? Do you have a say in the creation and selection of the material? Or are you supposed to just learn your parts from a chart and do what you’re instructed to do? Once you know this, you’ll be able to make sure that you’re not stepping on any toes, and you’l...
Whether it’s carrying equipment or promoting the band, always help when it’s needed. Depending on your forte and interests outside of music, find a way to contribute to the management of the band. Maybe you’re a good driver and can get the band to gigs, or you love to design and can make the T-shirts and posters. Maybe you have a big social network...
Even if someone is not the lead musician, they are of essential value – everyone contributes to the band’s unique sound. Each instrument has its own details and complexities on which to focus, and each individual deserves respect. Every member should be included in band discussions and practices, and everyone should feel welcome to weigh in with su...
The band members depend on each other to make “it” happen, so be respectful of each other’s time. Don’t be the one to hold everyone up when people are already making sacrifices to make time for the band between their jobs, families and possibly other musical projects. if you’re too flaky, you might just lose your seat in the group.
Schedule rehearsals and gigs in advance. If a show is booked and you’ve committed to it, don’t miss it unless it’s a true emergency. It reflects badly on the whole band if they have to cancel or cannot produce what’s expected. Also, give a heads up if you’re going out of town so that your bandmates know when to book practices and shows, or have amp...
Hanging out together is inevitable if you practice a lot or go on tour together. Whether or not you’re friends outside of the band, try to find times after rehearsal to get food or drinks, or go to a show together for inspiration. Being social creates a bond. A real friendship and understanding of each other shines through in the music. Building a ...
Details make a band unique and stand out. This includes fashion! It’s embarrassing to witness a band where everyone is dressed up except for that one person who rolled out of bed and looks downright slovenly. If you’re going for the “I don’t care” or “grungy” look, that’s fine – just be on the same page as everyone else. Prepare and discuss it in a...
Being a musician usually means that you’re also a performer. This requires stage presence. Enjoy it, and give a little love to the audience. This can be as simple as smiling, or thanking the audience for coming, or even creating choreography. Just make sure that you and your bandmates work together to always give good energy to the audience. This w...
Part of being a good bandmate involves putting effort into not only the music, but also the promotion of it. You’ve done so much work to get to this point, so now it’s time to share it. Invite your friends to shows and put up posters (in appropriate locations). If you’re playing a lot of shows, just send out one list of upcoming gigs so that your f...
#1 – Know your Band’s Vision and Goals. No matter what kind of band you are joining (or thinking of joining) original, cover band, or even school band. You must understand what you want and expect from the band, and have a clear understanding of the band’s visions and goals.
3 days ago · Great! But here’s a plot twist for you: being a great drummer isn’t just about knowing your rudiments or nailing that intricate fill. It’s about being the bandmate everyone wants to hang out with. A good drummer might make the music happen, but a good person keeps the band together, makes rehearsals bearable, and turns gigs into epic nights.
People also ask
What makes a good bandmate?
Do you have commitments outside the band?
Is being in a band a big commitment?
What happens if a band member is unmotivated and uncommitted?
How can I be a good band member?
How do you motivate a bandmate?
One member’s actions affect everyone. Here are 4 simple rules to follow if you’re in a band. Always Come Prepared: Do what is asked of you. If you have parts to learn, practice beforehand. Don’t come in unprepared. Also, be sure to bring all the necessary equipment. If you’re a guitar player, don’t show up without a guitar.
