Band Rehearsal - Do you really need the singer?

[megadan]

Even instrumentals have a melody it differs from a band with a singer in that an instrument plays the melody as opposed to the singer "playing" the melody with their voice.

Exactly. In my case there are usually at least 2 or 3 different melodies happening (between bass, 2 guitars, and synth) ay any given time, so we can usually practice without any one member (except the drummer) and still be able to work things out.

In fact, practicing without different members can be helpful as it can shift the focus to different parts at different times, and help someone realize that a part that works in one context (with another guitar, for example) might not fit with the drums, or the synth.

 

[megadan]

can you drive a car without tires...yes, but...

Hmm, perhaps more accurately... can you drive a car without your talking GPS? Yes, of course you can, and you should be able to. Otherwise when your GPS turns you left into a lake, well....

 

[cnltb]

It will help to have the singer there as they usually complain about something the band has decided during a rehearsal which they did not attend.
So, having the singer there will save time.
They get the same pay at gigs too, so why not put in the same time.

Section rehearsals are of course a different matter

 

[Atomik Rooster]

You need the singer present to rehearse her songs so that you can get a feel as to how you're accompanying her.

Without the vocal, you have no lead line to support, so you're guessing at the accompaniment.

Good point, and that goes for any other piece of the band. A band thrives on synergy. Not sure why the vocalist is singled out in this thread. I look for cues wherever I can get them in case my mind strays for a second or two. It happens.