auditioning members

[ding_man]

I did a search and found a lot of threads on auditioning for bands, but not many on how to audition.

A drummer and I are auditioning guitarists for a trio bar band we are starting. Looks like we have 4 guys auditioning so far from craigslist.

How many songs is reasonable? What are some tips? I want it to be laid back, but also do get business done!

I was thinking around 2-3 songs:
Interstate Love Song - STP This is not a cake song. I think it'll seperate the men from the boys. Its not extremely difficult, but some of the chords are not as common and the licks are a little tricky. Obviously, its not really really hard, but I think it'll help me see talent. Also if they can sing this one it'd be cool.

Jenny 867-5309 - This is just a standard cover band song obviously. I'd just like to see how the guys approach it.

And maybe one more song. I also figured if they wanted to show off their soloing skills (if any) that we can just play a blues in A or E or something.

Any advice or tips?

[Kimpini]

I would do an inteview before you jam with them to see what the people are like, no use wasting the time if whoever you are auditioning is a jerk.

[StyleOverShow]

The third song might be something that they like to play, and you will have to learn. Meets them half way, and lets them show off their talents on a familiar piece.

-richard

[ding_man]

Originally Posted by Kimpini

I would do an inteview before you jam with them to see what the people are like, no use wasting the time if whoever you are auditioning is a jerk.

Good advice. I did do that though. Telephone interview.

[jaywa]

Originally Posted by ding_man

I was thinking around 2-3 songs:
Interstate Love Song - STP This is not a cake song. I think it'll seperate the men from the boys. Its not extremely difficult, but some of the chords are not as common and the licks are a little tricky. Obviously, its not really really hard, but I think it'll help me see talent. Also if they can sing this one it'd be cool.

Jenny 867-5309 - This is just a standard cover band song obviously. I'd just like to see how the guys approach it.

These are both good selections. Especially the STP one. I would also recommend you learn (and have them do) "Drift Away". Even if your band doesn't play it. Why? To see if they can nail the signature intro riff, and #2 to see if they can lay back enough on a mellow song or if they're uncomfortable with space and need to fill every gap (red flag).

On "Jenny", just be aware the studio version has like 3 or 4 guitar parts going at some points so if you're playing it 3-piece there's no way it will sound as full as the record. The guitarist is going to have to decide which part is most important to play at various points of the song and that will give you some good insights into his musical sensitivities and instincts which are a ton more important than chops per se.

Good luck!

[ding_man]

Originally Posted by jaywa

These are both good selections. Especially the STP one. I would also recommend you learn (and have them do) "Drift Away". Even if your band doesn't play it. Why? To see if they can nail the signature intro riff, and #2 to see if they can lay back enough on a mellow song or if they're uncomfortable with space and need to fill every gap (red flag).

On "Jenny", just be aware the studio version has like 3 or 4 guitar parts going at some points so if you're playing it 3-piece there's no way it will sound as full as the record. The guitarist is going to have to decide which part is most important to play at various points of the song and that will give you some good insights into his musical sensitivities and instincts which are a ton more important than chops per se.

Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestion I might think of that or maybe another mellow song. Also you are very right about jenny. In my taste I would hope they just play the chords and maybe the licks between vocal lines that are in some of the parts. None of that palm muted riff business in the second verse! haha.

[jmattbassplaya]

Originally Posted by ding_man

I did a search and found a lot of threads on auditioning for bands, but not many on how to audition.

A drummer and I are auditioning guitarists for a trio bar band we are starting. Looks like we have 4 guys auditioning so far from craigslist.

How many songs is reasonable? What are some tips? I want it to be laid back, but also do get business done!

I was thinking around 2-3 songs:
Interstate Love Song - STP This is not a cake song. I think it'll seperate the men from the boys. Its not extremely difficult, but some of the chords are not as common and the licks are a little tricky. Obviously, its not really really hard, but I think it'll help me see talent. Also if they can sing this one it'd be cool.

Jenny 867-5309 - This is just a standard cover band song obviously. I'd just like to see how the guys approach it.

And maybe one more song. I also figured if they wanted to show off their soloing skills (if any) that we can just play a blues in A or E or something.

Any advice or tips?

A few tips:

1. Be friendly and easy to access. People can get nervous when they audition so it`s best to try to make it as easy and nice for them as possible. This will allow them to play at their real level and it will also make you seem like a more attractive band. Remember, they are auditioning you too.

2. I`d add another song or two, and I would add something a bit harder than what you`ve mentioned. Interstate Love Song is a cake walk, honestly. It has some weird chords, but it`s not a song you should consider your "talent scout". I`d put down a Rush song like Limelight. If you want to stick to STP however, may I suggest Trippin on a Hole in a Paper Heart. GREAT bassline, too!

3. When you`re deciding on which player to choose a few things have to be noted. Can they transport themselves? Do they drink/do drugs? Can they play at the level and even a little beyond what you require? What is their social, family, and work life like? Can they do what you need them to do? And perhaps most important of all - can you see yourself enjoying a beer with them and hanging out?

Anyways that`s all I got for now. Best of luck!

[ding_man]

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

Interstate Love Song is a cake walk, honestly. It has some weird chords, but it`s not a song you should consider your "talent scout".

Yeah you're probably right I kinda exaggerated a bit. I think if a guy comes in with the correct verse chords then they probably know what they are doing though.

[tycobb73]

Depends on what type of band. We do everything from Chuck Berry to Megadeth. We're also gigging and the song list is established. We ask them to learn 5 songs from various genres. This ensures that they haven't played a few of the songs, that they will do their homeowrk, that they really want to do this, and that they can get up to speed quickly. The songs are at different talent levels. The easiest we'll throw at somone will be some Hole. The hardest would be Sweet Child O Mine. That is one of the few solos I feel you need almost note for note and will take a long time to learn.

We always ask them to come see us before they audition and if we think we're going to offer someone the job the whole band meets at a restaurant for some hang time then make the offer to him there.

[jaywa]

Originally Posted by ding_man

Thanks for the suggestion I might think of that or maybe another mellow song. Also you are very right about jenny. In my taste I would hope they just play the chords and maybe the licks between vocal lines that are in some of the parts. None of that palm muted riff business in the second verse! haha.

Also on "Jenny", make sure they play the right chords in the bridge. I have heard bar bands mutiliate the bridge of that song beyond belief.

[Downlowd]

Originally Posted by jaywa

Also on "Jenny", make sure they play the right chords in the bridge. I have heard bar bands mutiliate the bridge of that song beyond belief.

Amen

[ding_man]

Originally Posted by jaywa

Also on "Jenny", make sure they play the right chords in the bridge. I have heard bar bands mutiliate the bridge of that song beyond belief.

Yeah I've heard a lot of people play D instead of the Db. Haha.. if I'm actually wrong you guys are gonna butcher me I think I'm right though

[ding_man]

We're gonna have auditions in a week. Is that not enough time? I think I'll stick to about two songs probably.

[jaywa]

Originally Posted by ding_man

Yeah I've heard a lot of people play D instead of the Db. Haha.. if I'm actually wrong you guys are gonna butcher me I think I'm right though

It's Db. Oh lord how wretched that would sound going to D.

[tycobb73]

Originally Posted by jaywa

Also on "Jenny", make sure they play the right chords in the bridge. I have heard bar bands mutiliate the bridge of that song beyond belief.

How the hell can you miss that? It's not a passing chord. They stay on it for a while.

[two fingers]

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

3. When you`re deciding on which player to choose a few things have to be noted. Can they transport themselves? Do they drink/do drugs? Can they play at the level and even a little beyond what you require? What is their social, family, and work life like? Can they do what you need them to do? And perhaps most important of all - can you see yourself enjoying a beer with them and hanging out?

I think questions like this are every bit as important as talent level. If you find a SMOKIN guitar player, and he has no car, or a pregnant wife and a pregnant girfriend with four other kids floating around, or he always cranks it to 11, or he only owns one guitar and one cable....all red flags to me.

On the other hand, if you find a "good enough" guitar player... He has a car with less than a quarter million miles on it...his wife/girl friend supports his music....he has a spare EVERYTHING....his volume levels are OK.....friendly and otherwisw stable......that's my guy.


Good luck!

[two fingers]

Originally Posted by tycobb73

How the hell can you miss that? It's not a passing chord. They stay on it for a while.

You would be surprised at what passes for a live band these days.

[Stumbo]

You might want to check out the following links:
Advertising for new member(s)
~Auditioning
Finding a new band
1 For new band
2
1 A new member
2
3 Red flag stories
4 Story

Check out the links in my sig. for more good TB info.

Good luck!