|
by Pete Thorn
Let's delve into a completely different
area than usual—one that is vastly more important than
what amp, pedals, or guitar you use, and is arguably even
more important than how well you play! Let's talk about how
personality spells success as a working guitarist.
First Things First
How does one become a successful working
musician? There are obviously a number of factors involved.
I always recommend becoming as proficient on the guitar as
possible. Start a band, learn and write songs, record music,
and perform live—these are all great stepping stones
toward a career playing guitar. Attending a music school like
Berklee or Musicians Institute can be beneficial, and surrounding
yourself with music by moving to a music center like L.A.
or Nashville is a great idea too. But this is truly only half
the picture!
People Skills
I sincerely believe that good people skills are a necessity
if you want a career in music. Being patient, measured, and
generally affable and even-keeled—as well as seeing
the big picture—will serve you well in any career you
choose.
Think about it. Let's assume an artist has
a big tour coming up and is putting together a band and
is given the choice of hiring a solid player who is a great
hang, easy going, and hard working, or hiring a brilliant
player
A) is always late
B) is difficult to work with
C) has a huge ego
D) any combination of the abovelayer who:
I guarantee, almost every time, the solid
player with the balanced personality will win out. On tour,
musicians have to endure cramped quarters like vans, busses,
etc. for long periods of time. You are onstage for a fraction
of your day—the rest is all hang time, basically! So
if someone is difficult, it's no fun at all.
Watch What You Say
Once, I got called in to audition for a big artist. The audition
would happen at noon the next day, and it was already 11:30
p.m. when I received the call. I had to learn five songs—obviously,
it was crunch time! I got little sleep but I pulled it off
and was eventually offered the gig after two callbacks.
At the initial audition, I met the artist's
wife, and in casual conversation, I mentioned that I'd really
had to cram to learn all the songs. In my mind, I'd said nothing
wrong. I'm a real perfectionist, and I was essentially apologizing
for not knowing all the songs 100 percent perfectly. Only
months later did I learn they'd had some reservations about
hiring me because she'd thought I was complaining about the
late notice regarding the audition! The experience taught
me that you have to be careful what you say, and how you say
it. First impressions are so important!
Know Your Place
Being a "working guitarist" can mean so many things.
It might mean you are doing a solo gig once a week at the
local pub, that you do sessions for a big name producer in
L.A. or Nashville, or that you tour as a sideman with an artist.
Each circumstance requires a different approach, but it's
always good to know your job and your place and what is expected
of you. Things will run much smoother!
It's in the moments when we are pushed out
of our comfort zones that we learn new things and progress,
and show a lack of ego and a willingness to be a team player.
If you're doing your first gig at the local
pub, it's a good idea to know how many sets they expect you
to play, how long each set should be, what the appropriate
volume for the venue is, etc. Being conscientious and respectful
about these things will go a long way towards ensuring that
you'll be hired back to play again.
Similarly, if you are a sideman starting rehearsals
for a tour, there are basic guidelines to follow. Arrive early!
Always! If there is a Musical Director (MD) on a gig, it's
his or her job to communicate to the band members a vision
of what will happen musically on a tour. Sometimes the MD
is the artist, sometimes not. They may want your input on
things, and they may not—this is something you have
to feel out, no two situations are the same. If you are asked
to turn down, do it. It's not your show, and you are there
to be supportive of the artist. If you are asked to try something
different musically, even if it's outside your comfort zone,
just try it! You might just learn something, and everyone
will appreciate your effort and your flexible attitude.
If you are called to do a session with a producer,
many of the same rules apply. Show up early, and just generally
be in service of the song, the artist, the producer, and the
music in general. You should be able to ascertain, with a
minimum of fuss, what it is they want from you musically.
Sometimes it's all about bringing "your" thing to
the table, whatever that is. Sometimes it's about copping
the style or sound of another player, or simply accurately
reproducing a part that's on a written page. Or anywhere in
between these extremes! The more comfortable you can be in
these situations, the more you will work.
Once again, if you are asked to try something
different musically than what you are doing currently, just
try it. Don't take it personally, and don't let it stress
you out. Those responses are ego-based. Just go for it as
best you can. It's in the moments when we are pushed out of
our comfort zones that we learn new things and progress, and
show a lack of ego and a willingness to be a team player.
Feel It Out
The last point I'd like to make—and I can't stress this
enough—is to be intuitive. This is such a broad suggestion,
but it's so important in every situation you'll encounter
as a working guitarist. For example, when taking a solo, either
at a gig or a session, know when to play, and when to leave
space. Feel out the situation, listen to what the other players
are playing, and just use your instincts and good taste (and
not your ego). Another example is knowing when to talk, and
when not to talk. If you're on the tour bus and some of your
fellow travelers are sleeping, watching a movie, or reading
books, it might not be the best time to engage in a loud,
raucous conversation or debate with another bandmate. Read
the room, then act appropriately. Everyone will appreciate
it!
Good luck out there, working guitarists!
Pete Thorn is a Los Angeles-based guitarist,
currently touring with Melissa Etheridge. His solo album Guitar
Nerd is now available through cdbaby.com. You can read more
about his career and music at
peterthorn.com.
|
