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3-piece

#21
Mr.Ace said:
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
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For trio playing I would say use rounds and distortion so you can cop a little more growl and a little bit of rhythm guitar sound. Also a 5 string bass can help so you have a low D and low C. Also play a little more aggressively to get more fret buzz and more overtones to fill out your tone. Sometimes you need more notes and sometimes less notes. Also midi tracks or a keyboard with foot pedals can help. Also the proper song selection will help as well.
 
#22
Ric5 said:
For trio playing I would say use rounds and distortion so you can cop a little more growl and a little bit of rhythm guitar sound. Also a 5 string bass can help so you have a low D and low C. Also play a little more aggressively to get more fret buzz and more overtones to fill out your tone. Sometimes you need more notes and sometimes less notes. Also midi tracks or a keyboard with foot pedals can help. Also the proper song selection will help as well.
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Cool, I've got a 5'r with rounds.
 
#26
I've been in a trio for the last 5 years. For me, it's alternating with the lead player through dynamics. I play more muscular when it feels weak, when I'm establishing the groove, and during times when no lead is present. When someone else plays strong and takes the lead, I try to get behind them for at least a few bars and support them, bring my dynamics down and get regular so the lead player is comfy to get loose for awhile.
 
#27
rufus.K said:
I've been in a trio for the last 5 years. For me, it's alternating with the lead player through dynamics. I play more muscular when it feels weak, when I'm establishing the groove, and during times when no lead is present. When someone else plays strong and takes the lead, I try to get behind them for at least a few bars and support them, bring my dynamics down and get regular so the lead player is comfy to get loose for awhile.
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Yeah, I can dig this approach for sure.
 
#28
sharkbait130 said:
Richland123 nailed it.
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+1.
Was in a 3-piece for about 7 years until a guitar/keyboard guy was added and sometimes we revert to 3-piece if we are double-booked. Did think of some adders.....during guitar solos, where things can really sound "more empty", a barely-audible reverb on your sound can help. Using chords sometimes helps also but your ears will guide you. If you have a way to record 3 piece rehearsals it will help you hear where there may be places needing improvement whether it is less notes, more notes, chords, or other. A Zoom H4N or similar device doesn't lie, I've been using one for every rehearsal and gig since 2006(I'm on my second H4 as the H4N did not seem to record as well as it it mostly on my pedalboard).

PS: Richland123's "Robot Commando" avatar rocks!
 
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#32
Mr.Ace said:
Yeah, I'm thinking the two projects will be quite different.
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In my new project, I'm the bassist and lead singer, with a guitar player who only sings a bit, and a drummer who doesn't sing at all. We are playing covers; power trio blues/rock and stripped down versions of songs from slightly larger bands. Once you rehearse a song, you know if it's a winner.

My other project is me, alternating between 6 and 12 string acoustic, and me on vocals, and me on sound, and me as the business manager. The projects share some of the same artists, but the material sure sounds a lot different between the two.
 
#33
mellowinman said:
In my new project, I'm the bassist and lead singer, with a guitar player who only sings a bit, and a drummer who doesn't sing at all. We are playing covers; power trio blues/rock and stripped down versions of songs from slightly larger bands. Once you rehearse a song, you know if it's a winner.

My other project is me, alternating between 6 and 12 string acoustic, and me on vocals, and me on sound, and me as the business manager. The projects share some of the same artists, but the material sure sounds a lot different between the two.
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Sounds like you got your hands full. But, when you want something done right.
 
#37
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#38
Trios have been my bands of choice for a decade now, I do mostly 60-70's hits & am fortunate enough to work steadily.
As mentioned, use dynamics as much as possible, enjoy the freedom the format allows & always think musical!
The key though, at least in my experience is strong vocals, harmonies & having fun that translates to the audience..
 
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#39
Zodion said:
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.

.you must be extra tight with the playing because mistakes are more noticeable.
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I respectfully disagree with that first statement, because I feel it may contradict the second. Be the bass player and lock in. That is your duty to bass and your duty to the audience!

Perhaps add some flare once in a while, but keep it to a minimum. There's a way to play less and say more.

Disclaimer - I'm a jazz bassist before anything else and my opinion may not exactly match up to your style. Take it or leave it, just play strong. :)
 
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