The "new guy" in our band

HomeBrewTJ · #1 03-02-2007, 08:51 PM

So, we got a newbie in our band that has never been in a band situation before. He plays a mean classical guitar and he fits our oldschool honkytonk outfit nicely.

I love him to death, but it gets harder each time I have to tell him not to tune out loud before we play or in between songs. I guess it's that I've been playing in one type of band or another for the last 15 years or so, and I guess I know many of the little do's and don'ts, but how do I tell him without sounding cocky or pretentious when it comes to stage manners and all?

I'm trying to be the "mentor" to him, but I've never been in a situation like this before. It seems that everyone I've ever played with has had more or the same amount of experience as I, so it hasn't been an issue til now.

He's definitely not the clueless type that won't ever get it, it's just he's the over-excited, "what do we do now?" type.
Anyway, any suggestions or examples of how you've handled the inexperienced bandmate?

Depth_Charge · #2 03-03-2007, 01:11 AM

Next time you're at practice just casually walk up to him and compliment him on how he is adding to the sound and how much you like having him in the band and how much you look forward to playing today etc.

Then while you're chatting, just casually mention that it's a more professtional practice to tune up silently and it will help him in future as most people don't like to hear musicians tuning up. There's nothing wrong with telling him like it is and you can just casually mention it in conversation. If he's not sure how help him out, you know, lend him your tuner or ask another guitarist etc...

Then just keep chatting about his tone or his gear or what you did that weekend etc etc so the whole thing isn't just a "talk about tuning up" but more like 2 bandmates catching up and talking some shop and one passing some info onto the other, and then of course if he tells you he's feeling nervous or whatever reassure him and give him advice and just make him comfortable to tell you stuff and you'll mentor him fine

m0nst3r · #3 03-03-2007, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomeBrewTJ

So, we got a newbie in our band that has never been in a band situation before. He plays a mean classical guitar and he fits our oldschool honkytonk outfit nicely.

I love him to death, but it gets harder each time I have to tell him not to tune out loud before we play or in between songs. I guess it's that I've been playing in one type of band or another for the last 15 years or so, and I guess I know many of the little do's and don'ts, but how do I tell him without sounding cocky or pretentious when it comes to stage manners and all?

I'm trying to be the "mentor" to him, but I've never been in a situation like this before. It seems that everyone I've ever played with has had more or the same amount of experience as I, so it hasn't been an issue til now.

He's definitely not the clueless type that won't ever get it, it's just he's the over-excited, "what do we do now?" type.
Anyway, any suggestions or examples of how you've handled the inexperienced bandmate?

You should sort of take it easy on him. Classical guitars are notorious for going out of tune, and a lot of the time he can't help it. Even the most professional flamenco and classical guitarists have been known to tune up out loud in the middle of a show.

invader3k · #4 03-03-2007, 08:18 AM

Does he have some kind of silent tuner he can use?

rockwarnick · #5 03-03-2007, 08:29 AM

i dont understand why everyone has such a problem with tuning out loud. i dont mean your entire bass/guitar. i mean a string or two out of tune shouldnt take more than a few seconds. that and my tunnng pegs are so stiff i rarely come out of tune.

eric atkinson · #6 03-03-2007, 08:46 AM

If he takes that much time to tune then he should buy a tuner. Or someone should teach him how to tune by ear.

morf · #7 03-03-2007, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomeBrewTJ

So, we got a newbie in our band that has never been in a band situation before. He plays a mean classical guitar and he fits our oldschool honkytonk outfit nicely.

I love him to death, but it gets harder each time I have to tell him not to tune out loud before we play or in between songs. I guess it's that I've been playing in one type of band or another for the last 15 years or so, and I guess I know many of the little do's and don'ts, but how do I tell him without sounding cocky or pretentious when it comes to stage manners and all?

I'm trying to be the "mentor" to him, but I've never been in a situation like this before. It seems that everyone I've ever played with has had more or the same amount of experience as I, so it hasn't been an issue til now.

He's definitely not the clueless type that won't ever get it, it's just he's the over-excited, "what do we do now?" type.
Anyway, any suggestions or examples of how you've handled the inexperienced bandmate?

I'm exactly the guy you're describing. Only had a couple of bands so far, and in my new band they all have 10-15yrs of music behind them (I have one and a half). I am the over excited "what to we do now" type as well.

Best advice I can give you is: tell him nicely what you need to tell him and explain the reasons. Listen to what he has to say, involve him in the decision making process. Noone wants a mentor. Be respectful to him by showing him you're his equal and nothing more, nothing less.

*smb · #8 03-03-2007, 09:08 AM

Yeah as a newbie to band situations myself it can be very intimidating playing with people with loads of live experience. I'd be very surprised if he wasn't very happy to take your advice, when given in a way that doesn't put him down.

anderbass · #9 03-03-2007, 02:42 PM

If thats the only issue you have with him, count yourself truly blessed.

HomeBrewTJ · #10 03-03-2007, 02:58 PM

Good advice, thanks!

I think it's just something I haven't had to deal with before. We're all so laid back- maybe his energy and excitement will add something for us. I'm sure it will.

To me, one of my biggest pet peeves is tuning out loud onstage between songs. It seems unprofessional, but maybe it's just me.

Thanks again.

morf · #11 03-03-2007, 03:16 PM

It is, and you should tell him that. Explain to him why, but dont act like you're teaching a child. If you do that it'll work out fine.

DirtPoorRobins · #12 03-03-2007, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morf

I'm exactly the guy you're describing. Only had a couple of bands so far, and in my new band they all have 10-15yrs of music behind them (I have one and a half). I am the over excited "what to we do now" type as well.

Best advice I can give you is: tell him nicely what you need to tell him and explain the reasons. Listen to what he has to say, involve him in the decision making process. Noone wants a mentor. Be respectful to him by showing him you're his equal and nothing more, nothing less.

I have to disagree, I think lots of people want mentors. If anyone has anything to say to make me a better musician or look better on stage I always want to hear it. Thats just how I feel though, others may disagree.