Does anyone play keyboard for a band?

BrianW · 05-16-2001, 05:37 PM

I am looking for some tips if any of you guys have one. My band is a rock band and we are going to be EXTREMELY versetile. We have a keyboardist/backup guitar, me (guitar/lead vocals), a violinist/bass player, and a drummer. If you have anything to give me that I can tell our keyboardist I would appreciate it! Thanks!

Peace,
Brian

Bri-Guy · 05-16-2001, 06:07 PM

Hey Man,
Just tell him to keep it simple. If not your sound will get all muddle and unless that is the sound you want, it won't work out.

Nate · 05-17-2001, 06:58 AM

Yes..... simple is good........ after all, the lyrics should be easily heard and understood (especially if you're playing Christian music, you weren't clear on that.........????) Lots of really really complex music just detracts from the song. In rock music.... the most used sounds are probably B-3's (organs.... especially ones with rotary speaker simulation), Rhodes's (Electric pianos..... especially nice warm sounding ones), and pianos. Piano and Rhodes' playing techniques are very similar...... mostly he should be keeping a basic rhythm going..... especially if you play lead guitar (Not strumming, or rhythm.... but soloing and riffs). Have him work with "locking in" with the bass player and drummer. For the B-3 playing.... this is a lot more like the lead guitar's solo's and riffs....... play some little catchy melodic phrase now and then.... add some percussive bounciness..... and above all................. DON'T USE THE SUSTAIN PEDAL!!!! He probably already knows this... but organs have no sustain pedal..... his foot should be on a volume pedal instead.

Look for some books too..... here's an interesting sounding one http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ex/sh...443?pid=940164 I don't own that one, and have never even seen it.... but it looks pretty useful. I have one called something like "Learn Rock Keyboard from the Masters" or something...... it's pretty good. Hope this helps.

nate95366 · 05-17-2001, 10:46 AM

Though I'm a guitarist at heart, I'm the keyboardist/leader on the praise team at my church right now. We're blessed with another keyboardist/vocalist who steps in on the keys when she isn't leading vocals, freeing me up to play rhythm guitar (my favorite).
Like what's been said: SIMPLE is the best. I'd also recommend, especially for keyboardists who also pick up a guitar or bass now and again, that practice with a metronome is really good for developing the skill of "locking in" with the bassist and drummer...

Nate · 05-18-2001, 12:05 PM

Nate said.....

"I'd also recommend, especially for keyboardists who also pick up a guitar or bass now and again, that practice with a metronome is really good for developing the skill of "locking in" with the bassist and drummer..."

Practice with a drum machine is even better!!! That might be an interesting thing to look into......... if that part of his playing seems to be a problem. And besides, drum machines are just fun to mess around with!