MLOG魔法時代の部落格

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I googled and find information about this topic is still lacking. I wrote this long time ago before Mage. I think it still serve as a valuable information for all the bands out there. Happy rehearsing.

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After a little search in the net about effective band practice, I find there is a lot of stuff that’s left out. I don’t get it, with so many experienced musicians out there, it shouldn’t be so “surface”. Other than the common point like practice schedule, punctuality, choosing songs and song arrangement, I will list another 7 point that I think is important in getting the most out of a band rehearsal session.

1. Metronome.

The 1^st most important issue is the timing and tempo, it’s the whole essence. Drummer would have to listen to a metronome all time during practice, better if all members in the band could listen too. That way, the band would play more comfortably and enjoyable, without hasting, messy and doubt (in my experience, most rock drummer can’t resist to play faster than actual tempo.) During the live and gig though, my advise however is NOT listen to metronome at all, let loose and enjoy the fruits you all have worked hard for, a little tempo swing is good emotion expression. Drummer trying to go back to the click after he played off beat is the worst situation that can happen in a live performance.

2. Rehearsal room.

A suitable practice room is always hard to come by. To achieve sound balance between all the instruments, the room shouldn’t be too small, or else the drum would be too close to all the other instruments, which triggers the bassist to level up his volume, after that, the guitarist’s turn to play loud too, inevitably, the vocal would have to scream his lungs out just to be heard, as for other instruments like the violin, flute, percussion etc… sorry no room left for you, you mind as well silent. Big practice room with monitors for each player is advisable. Either way try everything you can to avoid loudness competition.

3. Make it perfect at home.

Is your playing clean and steady? Did you make mistake every time at the chorus part? It’s an obvious fact that if you can’t perfect your licks and lines at home, you certainly won’t be able to in a live situation. When the band comes in, the tempo is different, the sound is different, the tone of the amp is different, and you can only expect more error. Band rehearsal is the time where you find your spot in-syncing with the band, with your individual tone and position in the masterpiece, NOT practicing. It’s a “just push play” situation when playing with band most of the time, so be absolutely ready before you arrive at rehearsal. No point practicing yourself there with all others standing there looking at you.

4.Tone tweaking & sound balance.

A lot of rock players are not listening to others, some of them not even listening to themselves, they just play. That’s hell of noise. If you’re not a noise band, I assume you want to play some enjoyable music, so make your sound enjoyable first. For drummer, tempo, tone and volume is the groove, there are a lot of times you have to control the dynamic and the spot while hitting the drum skin in various section of the song. Bass should sound steady and in one with drums. Guitars have to tweak tones quite often to get the sweet spot. Did your solo sound convincing? Should you turn down the volume while others are solo-ing? Wouldn’t it be best if I totally silent this section because it will only worsen the music? Should you make sure your overdrive sound good in itself before going in with the band? One rule apply too all, if you can hear yourself well, turn down your volume to leave room for others, and to leave room for your ears to hear others. Don’t just play. Listen, tweak, and enjoy.

5. Play part by part.

Sometime we know we’re not enjoying what we play, that part of the song is just wrong but we don’t know exactly why. Maybe is the tone, maybe it’s the arrangement, there’s a lot of possibility. Stop, go back, and play them part by part, say the intro, over and over again then proceed to the verse. Don’t let it go. Catch them and fix it.

6. Someone to monitor practice.

No point to bring along your girlfriend or boyfriend if you know they’re gonna feel bored. Amaze them in real show instead. What we need is an experienced player who can really pay attention monitoring our rehearsal session, who can give valuable advise and keep us focus on the pace and big picture. He or she will tell us where went wrong, which song needs more drill, let us know did we not bring out the intensity of the song, and inform us the improvements that needs to be done. All these in a third person aspect. Great if he doesn’t mind holding the video camera.

7. Last, vocal is the king.

I’ll choose drummer if you let me but let’s face the fact that vocals always stand more front than drummer on the stage. In every situation, vocal can’t escape the spotlight, so are his singing, hence do everything you can to make sure he can do a good job. Example of these rules is: Don’t overloud him, don’t play keys that are not suitable for him to sing, and don’t rush his improvements. Vocal tone takes the longest time to improve among all instruments.

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That’s it. OK, you might ask: “Wow, nice article! Is Mage having their rehearsal like that?”
My answer is: “No, we broke every rule.” -_-”

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Moon.