The Newbie needs advice!

[fiddlequeen07]

I'm looking for some expert advice from my fellow Dio fans.

As some of you may know, I like to consider myself a guitarist. I've only been playing seriously for about 3 years now (2.5 of those have been while taking formal lessons), but I've been involved in music for over 18 years (piano and violin before guitar).

Anyway, I've never played in a band, mainly because I'm pretty shy about playing guitar for an audience. I'm not bad; actually, I'm pretty decent considering the relatively short time I've been playing. In fact, I teach guitar lessons from my house. I know my theory well...have a good understanding of scales/modes/chord progressions, etc.

Recently, I found out that there will be auditions for a chance to open for a blues pro coming here in the near future. I'm thinking it's going to be a jam track thing where you improv over it.

Anyone have any suggestions on ways to make great solos? I get the theory and all, but are there any ways you have found to just make it awesome? Also, I'd like to know what it's really like to be in a band...any suggestions for me on how to get that started?
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"You'll never make me be like you. I'm Master of the Moon!"

[Rhonda Ross]

Why don't you go onto Facebook and ask Rudy... I'm sure he'll be glad to help a fellow DIO fan.
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http://www.save-a-life.org/

[fiddlequeen07]

Actually a pretty good idea, Rhonda...I hadn't thought of it. Do you think it would annoy him at all for an amateur to be asking for professional tips? He probably gets tired of it. But no doubt he's a nice guy. I'll see if he replies.
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"You'll never make me be like you. I'm Master of the Moon!"

[Rainbowinthdrk]

Being in a band is like raising a bipolar 3 year old with ADHD, paranoia, anxiety, fear of commitment, Messiah complex, narcolepsy, and multiple personality disorder...

It is always a challenge, but everything great was created in chaos..

Be prepared to make friends, lose friends, and hear some pretty amazing crap made up about you at some time..

Don't let that discourage you, I am being honest because when it is good, it is DAMN GOOD...

As for soloing, play what you feel.. Get on some backing tracks, record what you are doing, then listen to it 2 or 3 days later. It is ok to honor your influences, but be yourself....
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http://ladyrock.informe.com/

[Rhonda Ross]

[Zombre]

[fiddlequeen07]

Thanks for the tips, Zombre! I've been doing lots of jamming with backing tracks lately, and I've noticed lots of improvement. My next step will be to record and critique my own work--scary thought.
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"You'll never make me be like you. I'm Master of the Moon!"

[Rainbowinthdrk]

If you do that, do not listen to it for at least 3 days, it is easy to get frustrated and then feel it is worse than it really is...

Try this site for BT's......

http://www.guitarbt.com/
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http://ladyrock.informe.com/

[fiddlequeen07]

Great site for backing tracks...and free, too...that is awesome. Thanks!

So how about the band-formation thing? I would like to get in the scene somehow. Obviously, I'm not looking to gig just yet but I haven't worked with other musicians in this type of thing before (school orchestra and private piano recitals hardly count)

Any suggestions on that front? Best way to get a group together? What should I look for in potential "bandmates"?
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"You'll never make me be like you. I'm Master of the Moon!"

[ryuhi2]

In the bands I sang for in the past, It all started with friends, and friends of friends, that sort of thing...

My very first band started with me, and my best friend that played guitar. We started off just goofing off at his house, he'd play riffs and I'd do vocals along with him. Then another friend took up the bass and started jamming with us. And then from there, the bass player knew a drummer.....after what started as goofing off, a year later we were a full group and put out an EP in the Chicago area.

My personal advice....Start off with people that you know that may play insturments. If you don't know anyone, find a local club or bar that might have "open mic nights", where you can go and play and meet other local musicians.
Also, in the day of "social networking", record yourself, upload it, and get it out there with myspace and facebook, advertise yourself as an aspiring musician searching to become part of a group/band.
As far as people that are "right" for you. Not all of the members have to enjoy the same music or groups. My first drummer was a fan of country music, but he joined us just to put his skills to use....he remained with us for 5 years playing Metal.
I think the main key is just getting to know others with the same aspirations as you, thats why i think the local clubs/bars where musicians hang out is a good start. The more people you know, the more people those same people know....
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Give me a choice between pleasure and pain.........I choose PAIN!!!

[alitivity]

You can also try, www.bandmix.com look for people in your area who are looking for guitarists, or to start a band. I used an older (now gone) site, when I met Bryan L Johnson, and we ended up writing and recording over thirty songs, www.diskfaktoryjams.com/aldiamondphillips

www.aldiamondphillips.com/Aleon


I checked and you definitely have some people in your area.
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Check out Al Diamond Phillips/Nevermet on the web
http://www.reverbnation.com/nevermet

[fiddlequeen07]

Thanks for all your tips. I really appreciate the advice!

I'll let all of you know when I finally grow a pair and get something going!
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"You'll never make me be like you. I'm Master of the Moon!"

[Rainbowinthdrk]

[fiddlequeen07]

[GUITARGOD]