Guitarists Noodling?

[tZer]

I don't mind noodling at rehersal if nothing better is going on. I recently got a new distortion pedal and I was trying to dial it in but every time I did anything both the drummer and guitarist started noodling. I had it dialed in for my practice amp. I kept asking them to be quiet for a few minutes, but that lasted about 10 seconds. Eventually I just gave up and was pretty annoyed the rest of rehersal because now I had to try to dial it in during songs. It took the entire session before I even got close.

People should be able to give you a little peace to make some quick adjustments in rehearsal, within reason. But this is the sort of thing you should work out at home, IMO. Expecting the band to put things on hold because you don't know how to dial in your gear is not a good use of rehearsal time.

Wait for a break and use that time to work out technical difficulties.

 

[PlungerModerno]

I played with a guy that would wait until we were all on the stage, with the lights on, then start screwing around with his effects. Of course, he made all kinds of noise trying to get the tone he wanted. Then the drummer would start noodling around.

So, I talked it over with these guys. We got on the stage, kept the lights off, and were quiet. Then, 1, 2, 3, 4, hit the lights, and start the first song. Much more professional.

Noodling at gigs or at rehearsal is not professional. Screw around on your own time; not mine.

Nothing better than a band that hits the ground running, and keeps the groove coming. If the band want the crowd to go for it... the worst thing they can do is stop for 2 - 5 minutes between each song. It's like starting from scratch each time (kinda).

Gotta love the bands who's idea of banter is "1-2-3-4". Banter is OK too, for a bit. Depends on the night.

 

[YuppyPunk]

People should be able to give you a little peace to make some quick adjustments in rehearsal, within reason. But this is the sort of thing you should work out at home, IMO. Expecting the band to put things on hold because you don't know how to dial in your gear is not a good use of rehearsal time.

Wait for a break and use that time to work out technical difficulties.

As stated, I had worked it out at home, but effects sound different through different amps and I leave by main amp at the reharsal space. Also, we were just getting settled and I wanted to dial it in before we got started. I fact, they were chatting and I told them that I was going to work on get it set before we got started, but they followed me down and proceeded to noodle. I don't think they knew they were making it difficult for me, but they also weren't aware even though I asked for time.

 

[DBCrocky]

All this talk reminds me of the many bands I've played with that had these problems, but it more reminds of the band I have been playing with for the last seven years that DOESN'T have these problems.

Everyone in the (originals) band would give each other time before practice to noodle while setting there gear. Then, once practice was underway, everyone would use the time when we were not playing to discuss parts and arrange. Everyone would stay clued into the discussions so we could suggest trying things, and then try them, and then discuss whether we liked it or not.

This thread has reminded me to really appreciate that.

 

[tZer]

As stated, I had worked it out at home, but effects sound different through different amps and I leave by main amp at the reharsal space. Also, we were just getting settled and I wanted to dial it in before we got started. I fact, they were chatting and I told them that I was going to work on get it set before we got started, but they followed me down and proceeded to noodle. I don't think they knew they were making it difficult for me, but they also were aware that they were even though I asked for time.

Sorry, man. I was riding my high horse about rehearsal protocol.

FTR, I agreed with you that they should give you a reasonable amount of time to work out technical issues and that the fact that they didn't was rude.

I agree 100% that their noodling after you asked for a little silence was very rude. A couple minutes is not a lot to ask and they should have been able to give it to you.

I am using an hard-nosed perspective about rehearsal time and the importance of putting he band's needs first. Personal gear issues are secondary to the band's rehearsal time. You should either show up early to work things out or use break time - or take the gear home and work on it if it requires more.

Sorry for being jerky about it.

All this talk reminds me of the many bands I've played with that had these problems, but it more reminds of the band I have been playing with for the last seven years that DOESN'T have these problems.

Everyone in the (originals) band would give each other time before practice to noodle while setting there gear. Then, once practice was underway, everyone would use the time when we were not playing to discuss parts and arrange. Everyone would stay clued into the discussions so we could suggest trying things, and then try them, and then discuss whether we liked it or not.

This thread has reminded me to really appreciate that.

Exactly!

One of the biggest misconceptions about band protocol is thinking that the world revolves around the individuals. So many players have no clue what it means to be professional or use the fact that the band is a basement band to detach from tried and true practices that result in polished, professional shows.

When you have a room full of mature musicians who all get it, things are super nice. When only one or two members embrace the pro mindset, you end up with a lot of whining and complaining about nonsense and a lot of hurt feelings over things that shouldn't even hit the radar.

 

[jive1]

Jive, the post I was replying to was talking about noodling WITHIN a song, not between songs.

I am firmly against noodling BETWEEN songs, even in the jam band context.

There is the occasion when you have to adjust your settings and need to noodle a bit to get your sound right. But incessant noodling either at practice or a gig in unacceptable, as most of us agree.

I agree with you, but it doesn't mean that I haven't seen it done. For some reason in that scene, you see it more often. I've seen noodling in between songs from the Dead to the local jam band. Maybe it's because they saw Jerry do a tease for Dark Star back in 19XX, but regardless it can be annoying if it's done without purpose or taste.

 

[DBCrocky]

I agree with you, but it doesn't mean that I haven't seen it done. For some reason in that scene, you see it more often. I've seen noodling in between songs from the Dead to the local jam band. Maybe it's because they saw Jerry do a tease for Dark Star back in 19XX, but regardless it can be annoying if it's done without purpose or taste.

Absolutely, jam bands can be some of the worst for noodling in between songs live, and taking 3 minutes to start the next tune.

The Dead took noodling to it's most horrendous extreme, a set part of the show called Space where all non-drum instruments noodled for about 8-10 minutes. Space was followed by drums, which was essentially the same thing for the two drummers. I hated Space/Drums.

On the flip side, (pro) jam bands are the best at doing cool multi-song transitions. Especially for the more modern jam bands, you get a lot of songs running into each other without stopping, seperated by improv jams. A lot of these bands may only stop once or twice in an hour set, so a little noodling/rest/banter is more easily tolerated.

 

[jive1]

The Dead took noodling to it's most horrendous extreme, a set part of the show called Space where all non-drum instruments noodled for about 8-10 minutes. Space was followed by drums, which was essentially the same thing for the two drummers. I hated Space/Drums.

I'm with you there. I think for guys who have been to alot of shows looked at space/drums as sort of an intermission where you took a break from dancing/spinning/whatever. I personally never cared for it after a few times, but once in a while there would be a cool motif in there that would catch my attention.

On the flip side, (pro) jam bands are the best at doing cool multi-song transitions. Especially for the more modern jam bands, you get a lot of songs running into each other without stopping, seperated by improv jams. A lot of these bands may only stop once or twice in an hour set, so a little noodling/rest/banter is more easily tolerated.

I agree with you there. One of the best shows I have ever seen was Panic's NYE show where they did 3 sets, a total of about 5 hours, and very little noodling or banter. Just lots of great jams, one after the other.

 

[DBCrocky]

I agree with you there. One of the best shows I have ever seen was Panic's NYE show where they did 3 sets, a total of about 5 hours, and very little noodling or banter. Just lots of great jams, one after the other.

Do you remember which year?

Instead of noodling, Panic is good at creating these little improve soundscapes between songs, and the next song kinda rises out of them.

 

[jive1]

Do you remember which year?

Instead of noodling, Panic is good at creating these little improve soundscapes between songs, and the next song kinda rises out of them.

Yup, it was this year at Bobcat Arena. I like the way Jimmy Herring 'noodles'. I've seen him with Leftover Salmon, the Aquarium Rescue Unit, and Merle Saunders. And he does a great job of segueing into the next song, as opposed to just some random noodling.

It was an extra special treat for me, because between family, job, business, and gigging, it's been a long time since I got to enjoy a road show like this with old friends.

 

[denhou1974]

Imagine having a drummer that noodles.

Imagine having a drummer that noodles and plays along to the house music before we start.

Imagine having a drummer AND a guitarist that play along to the house music before we start.

I lasted about 2 gigs in that band. Never again.

 

[DBCrocky]

Yup, it was this year at Bobcat Arena. I like the way Jimmy Herring 'noodles'. I've seen him with Leftover Salmon, the Aquarium Rescue Unit, and Merle Saunders. And he does a great job of segueing into the next song, as opposed to just some random noodling.

It was an extra special treat for me, because between family, job, business, and gigging, it's been a long time since I got to enjoy a road show like this with old friends.

That encore looks like it was sick: Disco > Surprise Valley > Pilgrims > Surprise Valley > Climb To Safety

 

[jtl1380]

I walked over to a guitar player's pedal board during rehearsal one night when he wouldn't stop noodling and just turned his volume pedal down for him. I got a really dirty look, but I'm pretty sure it got the point across. He didn't do it again for a while, but unfortunately it seems like it's in the DNA of guitar players that it's ok to noodle.

 

[jive1]

That encore looks like it was sick: Disco > Surprise Valley > Pilgrims > Surprise Valley > Climb To Safety

The whole show was sick, but the encore was a special treat in and of itself.

That was 'noodling' done in a very good way that served the song, and created anticipation for the next one. It wasn't self indulgent, non-musical, out of boredom, or time wasting. It added to the show, and those jams in between songs and changes in dynamics made that encore just killer.

For those not familiar with Widepread Panic, those 4 songs made for a killer hour-long encore.

 

[.BumeStik.]

I have ALWAYS had the Drummers that noodle WAY MORE than any Guitar player. Trying to talk between songs at practices is Always fun when your drummer has a sudden bout of "Drummers Tourettes". I started making a pile of cans to throw at the drummer during practice.

 

[Balog]

I walked over to a guitar player's pedal board during rehearsal one night when he wouldn't stop noodling and just turned his volume pedal down for him. I got a really dirty look, but I'm pretty sure it got the point across. He didn't do it again for a while, but unfortunately it seems like it's in the DNA of guitar players that it's ok to noodle.

In my (admittedly limited) experience as a sound engineer, it's a matter of professional vs amateur/volunteer more than instrument based.

 

[jive1]

In my (admittedly limited) experience as a sound engineer, it's a matter of professional vs amateur/volunteer more than instrument based.

I have seen every instrument noodle at one time or another. Almost all of it is annoying.

But, I do believe in warming up. However, the stage is not the place to do it unless it's a soundcheck.

 

[DBCrocky]

The whole show was sick, but the encore was a special treat in and of itself.

That was 'noodling' done in a very good way that served the song, and created anticipation for the next one. It wasn't self indulgent, non-musical, out of boredom, or time wasting. It added to the show, and those jams in between songs and changes in dynamics made that encore just killer.

For those not familiar with Widepread Panic, those 4 songs made for a killer hour-long encore.

For anyone that wants to give it a listen, there are links here:

[This invalid link has been removed]

You can stream or download a free audience recording, or you can purchase Panic's soundboard recording.

Jive, I don't see you in the audience photo

 

[DBCrocky]

Back to the subject at hand: I think it's an experience thing. At some point you graduate from listening to yourself to listening to the entire band as a unit.

 

[Stumbo]

Buy a 1000 watt amp and a couple of 151566's and turn it up during rehearsal for your own noodling.

Should shut the guy up.

Don't forget your ear plugs.