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How do you start a blues band?

#22
Well.... you could start right off with originals, provided the players actually understand I-IV-V, turnarounds, etc... But it's not too hard to figure out the basics. Try getting a basic blues vamp going, and keep playing (hours, if necessary) until everyone falls into the groove. Then try putting some melody/lyrics over it. You don't get better at something by not doing it.

However, that is jamming. Not the most efficient way to get from point A to B.

If you want to learn by playing others' work and/or have recognizable songs in your repertoire, then forgo the jamming, and stick to a strict diet of learning songs, say, 3 or 4 at a time. Everyone has to practice at home, and come to rehearse ready to play nice with others.

EDIT: oh yeah - three guitars.... You can jam with three guitarists, but good luck playing actual songs. VERY few bands can get away with three leads. Best to pair down some. That's a different thread, though...
 
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#23
Frankjohnson said:
In all seriousness -
If you really want to play some blues, it would help to know some blues.

Follow with listen to some blues.
Add in like minded people, weed out those that don't want to be involved.
Find some seasoned like minded people, and see what they are doing, and where they are going.
Meet more like minded people, and see if you can jam with them, and see what they are doing, and where they are going.

it builds, it doesn't happen overnight.
I run a weekly blues jam and we have a different host band each week. We have great comrade and try to support players of all ages and all levels of playing.
sometimes, we have a pro level jam or at least groupings and also these same guys play with beginner and intermediate players.

for anyone who says blues jams are lame, or BS - Bite me.
Here is an example of a piece of a good night - if this helps the OP
its just a jam so don't critique too hard.

If it doesn't show here - I will fix it after work tonight.
Click to expand...

That was great. exactly where I hope to get us too.
 
#29
Slinger said:
Anyone is capable of attempting the blues. To play it even half properly you first have to love the blues.
Click to expand...

BS. I hate the blues and I can play the hell out of it. I've turned down offers to be in more blues bands than I can count on both hands.
I was in the house band for a weekly blues jam for 6 months and it was the most tedious gig I've ever had.
Of course, that was due mostly to the no talent wankers who showed up to play the only 4 songs they knew. But still. It's mind numbingly easy to play blues bass.
 
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#30
lz4005 said:
Unless you're all 16 anyone who can't play 12 bar blues in their sleep isn't ready to be in a band. Plus the whole thing is a no-go without a drummer.

If I wanted to start a blues band I'd start going to some of the half dozen or so blues jams at local bars near me and chat up people who seem like good players. Drummers first, then singers. Blues guitar players are a dime a dozen.
Click to expand...
The only thing I can add to that is ... actually that says it all! :thumbsup:

If someone can't play a blues progression, they should stay home and practice until they can.
 
#31
Before you can play the blues you have to:

-have lost at least one wife or girlfriend
-have drunk all your whiskey
-lose all your money gambling
-travel with a six-shooter or knife in your boot
-work low-paying jobs for a jerk boss

Country music has similar requirements. :D
 
#32
OP, if you live near Boise I suggest that you check out the Boise Blues Society (boiseblues.org). It looks like they have a Blues Jam on the second Sunday of every month. I have been a member of the Central Virginia Blues Society for a little over two years and it has been a blast. If you like the Blues, support the Blues by joining your local Blues Society.
 
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#33
lz4005 said:
BS. I hate the blues and I can play the hell out of it. I've turned down offers to be in more blues bands than I can count on both hands.
I was in the house band for a weekly blues jam for 6 months and it was the most tedious gig I've ever had.
Of course, that was due mostly to the no talent wankers who showed up to play the only 4 songs they knew. But still. It's mind numbingly easy to play blues bass.
Click to expand...

Anyone can play the blues.
Few can play the blues WELL.

I haven't heard you.
 
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#34
hrodbert696 said:
band. There's going to be a learning curve. "Let's do originals" here is clearly code for "I can't handle learning a song."
Click to expand...
Exactly. I remember in college in my jazz combo we were required each to arrange a chart. The bassist at the time (I only did brass then) couldn't handle my Afro-Latin groove and tried to pass off his bossa feel as a "collaboration." The coach was the bass teacher and didn't let him get away with not learning a tumbao.
 
#37
Man alive, guys...can't believe nobody clicked to the obvious answer!

You just started off
Some of the guys lack talent
You wanna play well and do originals

You clearly need to sell your souls to the devil. You may wanna have a little more on the table to sweeten the deal, I hear he's got a surplus since metal music became popular :smug:;)
 

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