Tips for playing with others?

[Archaic]

Hi Everyone,

I wasn't sure where to post this, since it's not 100% specific to worship I thought i'd throw it in here instead. For the last couple months I've been taking part in some guitar workshops that are being held by a local church here (not my home church, not that it's terribly relevant) and it's been a great deal of fun. Being one of the more advanced players there, some of the guys who normally play on the worship teams along with one of the music pastors at this church has invited me to hang out after our session this week and jam with them. This would be my first time playing with anyone other than my wife, and I'm completely terrified by the idea. Anyone have any tips and/or useful advice to offer to help put my mind at ease?

[LesStrat]

1. Listen.
2. Complement the playing of the group by applying #1. "Fit" > skill
3. Enjoy.

Too often players feel the need to demonstrate their technical skills. I have minimal skill, but good musicianship. I listen to what the others are doing and then do something different to add to the overall sound.

[MadHatter]

+1, I think Les covered most of it...

[scooteraz]

Let me add one more thing. Treat it as just a fun jam; don't be afraid to take your turns at the lead. If you fail miserably, just smile and say, "I meant it to sound that way; it is an experimental jazz-Wagnerian-metal fusion thing." and have a good laugh. Really, just have fun with it. They want you to be there, so take a big breath, say a little prayer, and have some fun. Enjoy the fellowship.

[Strat-tastic]

and don't forget to drool over your solos rofl

[jrc]

and don't forget to drool over your solos rofl

rofl :clap:


I think the fact that it concerns you enough to ask is a good indicator you're head/heart are in the right place.

Have a blast - it will make you a better player, too.

But the drool thing is key ... just so you know rofl.

[Archaic]

So my wife and I ended up hanging out for awhile after the session to jam, and I learned a few things:

A) I need to play with a metronome, A LOT. My rhythm wanders, badly if i don't really focus.

B) I need to not care about making mistakes, because I end up not really playing all that much otherwise.

C) I'm not completely horrible, but I don't have the skills of someone who has been playing for 40 years, because I haven't been, and I should be gentler to myself.

D) I can play in front of other people, even if it's only 5 people, without completely embarassing myself.

It was great fun just messing with some 12 bar and trading licks, and I really need to do it more often. There's no lie to everyone saying the best way to get better at guitar quickly is to play with others.

[LesStrat]

If I worried about mistakes, I'd NEVER play.

[jrc]

If I worried about mistakes, I'd NEVER play.

For true ... me too neither!

[scooteraz]

I never make mistakes, I intend the additional tension from that dissonance....no, really!
rofl

[Archaic]

That wasn't a mistake, it was a ... uh.... Cm7add9#11#13

[LesStrat]

Aside: the most important instrument is you EARS. We have the hardest time teaching this to the younger musicians at church...especially classically trained pianists.

We do mostly guitar driven tunes. They play piano throughout on the keys.

[jrc]

Archaic - how's it going? Have you been playing?