Counting off every single song

[Robdrone]

In my band, if a song starts with drums or guitar by itself then there is no count. If we all start together it's usually four high hat hits and we roll. We do have one song in 6/8 timing, but when we start that instead of counting off six, we've found three will suffice. We don't have any tunes where we count off verbally.

 

[edpal]

You were married to Mr. Ed?

Scout's Honor - that man was never married to me! Mr.Ed is what my friend's call me. Saaaaaaay Wilbur!

 

[edpal]

I think that is a little lame if actually for EVERY song. As a sometimes lead singer I think part of the problem is that not enough musicians practice thinking about the speed of the singing. Sing a bar or two in your head and the rhythm and speed will come to you. My band trusts me to start off a few and it works good but I think the drummer is slightly un-nerved by it. A bigger pet peeve of mine is ending songs with extended fill, drum rolls,etc. Every song can't be a rock classic - an occasional fade or abrupt ending is much more pro. imo.

Tip - if drummer has trouble syncing because you started the song, ask them to hit some kind of alternate sound/percussion instrument to obscure their drop-in. I bought our drummer a vibra-slap and he hits it right as I make a little run down after soloing the first two bars - perfect.

 

[GlennW]

vibra-slap

That sounds like a sex toy.

 

[edpal]

That sounds like a sex toy.

It sounds sort of like a rattle-snake.

Vibrate or slap? - I pick one and press onward.

 

[maxiegrant]

I won't mention the name of the band but there is an internationally known band that did a live recording on which they start one song with the drummer yelling out the count. The only problem is that the drummer also starts the song by himself with no other members of the band playing for at least the first 10 seconds, so counting it in is pointless.

Well, obviously, the thing is to count it in with great emphasis and fanfare.