• From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Topic: Band practice in the (almost) dark....

To emulate a dark stage, we've started band rehearsals with only a few lights on in the next room over. It's not completely dark, but dim lit depending on where you stand. We found out that rehearsal in great lighting wasn't good for gigging. That face melting solo might be even harder when you can't see what you're doing.

What tricks have you used in the past to prepare for gigs?

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
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  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Band practice in the (almost) dark....

I played a gig over the summer that was really dark outside all the lights were behind us.  Solos suffered a bit but riffs and things where not really hard because I sing backup or lead anyway so I've had to practice with the thought I won't be able to look down with my mouth singing in a mic.  So I was forced to play like that.  Solos were fixed by turning sideways to the light.  What was really hard was our sound man couldn't tell who was doing what.  So our solos would be too low for a few seconds and then would sound really loud right before we would stop soloing.   I hate micing amps for that reason.

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  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: Band practice in the (almost) dark....

Making sure my guitar is plugged in is a start...

  • From: Harrison, Arkansas
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 3,155

Re: Band practice in the (almost) dark....

Not having to look down constantly while playing really helps. I've actually found I gig better than I practice. I hate practice. I feel more fluid during a gig.

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

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  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Band practice in the (almost) dark....

I've also found that calling it "rehearsal" keeps band-members from canceling as much.

Practice is what you do on your own.
Rehearsal is what you do with the band.

Just changes the way of thinking a bit.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: Band practice in the (almost) dark....

Book a gig, then you've got a point to work to...you have the pressure on. Practise on your own...'work' with a band.

  • Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Re: Band practice in the (almost) dark....

NPB_EST.1979 wrote:

What tricks have you used in the past to prepare for gigs?

Play gigs.