3-piece

[Mr.Ace]

In a 5 piece band. Drummer does the booking, and I am band manager. Had to turn down 4 800/1000$ shows because of individual scheduling issues. The drummer and I have decided to put together a couple 3 piece groups as to not have to turn down any more gigs.
Already have two shows booked with two different guitar player/singers from other bands. One coming up Dec 4th. Have not rehearsed yet, but the set lists are pretty standard. I have never played in a 3-piece band before. Does anyone have any advice on playing in a 3 person band? Play more whole notes? More muted ghost notes, ect....
Thank you

 

[Zodion]

I was in a 3 piece for a good while and what I've experienced is,

. Make sure to keep the groove going, keep the rhythm but don't be afraid to do leads as long as the guitarist can hold it down.

.if you're playing over driven or distorted guitars, if the guitar has a solo kick on an overdrive pedal to give the feel of the guitar keeping the rhythm.

.you must be extra tight with the playing because mistakes are more noticeable.

. You will have more room to make your own rhythm though but if you're in a cover band, just kick on the overdrive like I said

 

[Odinbass]

This is just my experience, but I found playing with a pick and/or cutting some of the deep low end helped. Otherwise the bassy boom ate up the lone guitar.

 

[bassrich]

Do what Jimi did

 

[Mr.Ace]

This is just my experience, but I found playing with a pick and/or cutting some of the deep low end helped. Otherwise the bassy boom ate up the lone guitar.

I'm terrible with the pic, but I can dial in a tight tone and play at the bridge pickup. This makes sense especially because I know for a fact one of the guitar players has a really Bassy tone. Definitely don't want to much mud.

 

[RustyAxe]

Play what the song calls for ... I know, it sound simplistic, but you'll hear what you need to play. There's more freedom in a trio, and your bass lines can add to the whole. I play in two singer/songwriter duos, and a classic country trio. I love being the rhythm section, with the freedom to "roam". I do classic (ie, old!) country mostly, and the main thing is to be 'there' on the 1 and 3.

 

[Mr.Ace]

Play what the song calls for ... I know, it sound simplistic, but you'll hear what you need to play. There's more freedom in a trio, and your bass lines can add to the whole. I play in two singer/songwriter duos, and a classic country trio. I love being the rhythm section, with the freedom to "roam". I do classic (ie, old!) country mostly, and the main thing is to be 'there' on the 1 and 3.

So it swings?

 

[tfer]

So it swings?

If you want it to swing, empahasize the 2 and 4.

 

[mellowinman]

I play a little busier; I do more chords; I vary things more; study power trios, and let your ears guide you!

 

[RustyAxe]

So it swings?

Depends on the song, doesn't it? In a honkytonk song I might 1-5 the verse and walk the chorus or instrumental. A country waltz is the toughest, IMO, very minimal but each note is important. Some Tex-Mex stuff requires some tasty syncopation. It's all about what the song calls for.

 

[RustyAxe]

If you want it to swing, empahasize the 2 and 4.

Hmmm ... While the music does hit the 2/4 harder the bass is still holding down the beat on the 1/3. If I walk it do hit the 2 with a little more emphasis.

 

[Mr.Ace]

This is some good stuff. Reaffirming Things I've learned over the last few years. Played with a drummer from Texas and we always walked the chorus. Was so cool. I'll definitely listen and do what the song calls for. Also like the idea of more chords. I like 7th triads(so funky) also like hitting the occasional minor and suspended chords. Kind of excited about the whole prospect. Plus the money is going to be killer!

 

[hrodbert696]

The usual advice about serving the song applies, of course. I like playing in a three-piece because it opens up space to play more freely. Not to mention, like you're reacting to, you're more maneuverable taking gigs, fewer schedules to juggle and fewer cuts in the pay. If you're doing a Petty or Skynyrd tune that was original recorded with a six-piece band, you can be more creative about the bass part to fill the spaces that open up. But also be aware of where you want to leave room. For instance, when I was in a classic rock trio, we would play "Gimme Three Steps," and on the chorus the guitarist would drop out entirely and just sing over bass and drums. Went over great, and allowed for dynamics when he would come in on the instrumental sections and choruses. On the other hand, we would do "Mary Jane's Last Dance," and I played a bass line that frankly sounded more like "Dani California." It just filled the space better.

 

[mellowinman]

This is some good stuff. Reaffirming Things I've learned over the last few years. Played with a drummer from Texas and we always walked the chorus. Was so cool. I'll definitely listen and do what the song calls for. Also like the idea of more chords. I like 7th triads(so funky) also like hitting the occasional minor and suspended chords. Kind of excited about the whole prospect. Plus the money is going to be killer!

Consider this: send a stereo signal from the bass, like Ric-O-Sound, where the bass pickup goes to one amp, and the treble pickup goes to an amp with some distortion on it. It's a pain in the ass, but it sure sounds tasty!

 

[Richland123]

I have played in many long term 3 piece bands including my last band of 12 years and my current band. 3 piece is my favorite type of lineup. You should be very tight with the drummer. You have to fill up sonic space during solos without overplaying. You may have to play some guitar lines as well as bass lines. Always keep a solid foundation. Everything you play will be more noticeable; so, make sure you play correct notes (no clunker notes). Concentrate on the dynamics of the songs too. Don't plow through everything with the same volume. Rests are in songs for a purpose as well. Don't feel as if you need to fill up all the spaces. Sometimes, less is more. If you all sing either lead or harmony, the band will sound fuller. Select songs that you can sound good with a 3 piece band; but, don't be afraid to try some things you may not think would be 3 piece songs.

 

[Bodeanly]

Every band I have ever been in, until recently, has been a three piece. Since you and the drummer will remain constant parts of the equation, just fall into the pocket with him and do what you've been doing. There were, maybe, three or four songs where I would use an octave pedal to fatten things up during leads, but my playing style and sound has remained unchanged. Another thing to consider is the genre of music; certain songs just should not be played without a second guitarist, but that is not to say that they cannot.

 

[sharkbait130]

Richland123 nailed it. Can't think of anything to add.

 

[Muttleybass]

I play in a 3 piece, and a 4 with bass, guitar, drums and a singer.

I find myself adding of octaves, holding notes and playing rhythm guitar and keyboard parts. That said, less is more. Complicated is not better. The key is to be solid, as there's no place to hide.

 

[Mr.Ace]

I play in a 3 piece, and a 4 with bass, guitar, drums and a singer.

I find myself adding of octaves, holding notes and playing rhythm guitar and keyboard parts. That said, less is more. Complicated is not better. The key is to be solid, as there's no place to hide.

Maybe I could hide behind behind one of the mains(jk)

 

[Bluzeman90]

Just listen to power trios with and without singers, like Cream, The Who, etc.