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Trio
- Thread starter MultiScaleMale
- Start date
I used to play in a seven-piece band. I replaced a didgeridoo player who literally could only play one note per song. That was easy and fun. We opened most shows with a song where I just plucked an open string for five minutes straight.
Smaller bands are OK as long as you aren't the only one who learns the songs properly, and you don't have to play all the signature synth or sax or piano parts on bass.
Smaller bands are OK as long as you aren't the only one who learns the songs properly, and you don't have to play all the signature synth or sax or piano parts on bass.
They're called Power Trios for a reason.... Now you know why.
Most of the bands I have played in have been either trios or quartets in which the fouth member was jast a vocalist.
Both of the bands I am in now are trios, I simply prefer that format.
Both of the bands I am in now are trios, I simply prefer that format.
I just joined my first trio and honestly didn't know what to expect (we haven't even had our first practice yet). But after reading this thread I'm even more excited!
My favorite lineup is 3 piece. Makes me play harder. I have had many 3 piece bands; including my last band and my current band. However, everybody also sang in those bands.
I'm working on getting a trio started now. The best bands I have been in were trios or the classic quartet with a single guitar. It's rare that I've worked with a band with two (or more) guitarists that actually work together and not step on each other's toes, musically or otherwise.
I'm not a fan of them. But there's a thing for being a tasty rhythm guitarist too. Couldn't find one so I became one. I say I'm a guitarist who plays guitar like a bass player. I just find trios limited for a lot of songs. Herd a 3 piece the other day do Mary Jane's last dance without the signature melody part because they were a 3 piece. Just sounded wrong.
And please stop with the "if rush can". So you can sing, play bass with one hand, and keys with the other?
And please stop with the "if rush can". So you can sing, play bass with one hand, and keys with the other?
Rush didn't spring up over night playing "Tom Sawyer" or "Xanadu", they do have 4 studio albums without keyboards.
In college I was in a jam band as a trio. Bass drums and keyboards. It was pretty cool as the keys player had 4 keyboards and could play 2 at once.
Now I am in a power trio with guitar, drum, bass.
Love trios. The freedom is nice.
Now I am in a power trio with guitar, drum, bass.
Love trios. The freedom is nice.
+1
If you are in a trio, you need to get away from the mindset that you have to play it exactly like the original. Just make it sound good. I played in a trio that did a lot of Motown. The people packing the dance floor didn't seem to mind what was missing.
If you're talking about records you only need 1 person, as trent reznor proved 25 years ago.
jive1
Commercial User
IME, the bass and drums can carry the weight of the song and structure if done right. I've played guitar in trios, and there were times where I just dropped out to grab a quick drink or something like that and the song still moved. Sometimes, I liked it so much I just dropped out longer than I should have. People don't dance to guitar solos or licks, they dance to grooves.
You may be surprised at how recognizable a song is with just the drums and bass, and how some songs are not recognizable at all without the drums and bass.
jive1
Commercial User
Actually, Geddy plays the keys with both hands and the bass parts with foot pedals.
But for us mortals, sequences work just fine.
so they're prerecorded bass parts? Didn't know that. I'm not a huge rush fan but I have a lot of respect for them. I understand their rabid fanbase. But to use recordings live just isn't the same and knocks them down a notch for me. When you see Aerosmith you can see a 6th member on stage. When you see Green Day you can see a 4th member. If you nee them that's ok. I want to see live music. Notice I said see.
Yes, he did, though that wasn't my point, my point was that Rush was a pure trio for some time, even in a live setting. Keyboards came later. If you want to talk records, McCartney recorded his first solo album all by himself long before Reznor.
jive1
Commercial User
No, like I said, Geddy plays the keys with both hands, and plays the bass lines using a Taurus pedal which is similar to the foot pedals on an organ. He is playing the bass lines with his feet.
But if a mere mortal like me were to pull that off, I'd use sequenced tracks. Nowadays, you'd be surprised at how often sequences are used in live shows.
yeah, not a bad 3 piece cover. (*the behind-the-head guitar solo was surprising!)
