Prepare well Most rehearsals turn into a farce due to the lack of proper preparation for it . To get started , agree on a time that is convenient for everyone , inform your loved ones that you have a rehearsal and keep the phones away . Set the rehearsal time in such a way that it is comfortable to arrive 20-30 minutes before the start of your group ’ s time .
If you are a vocalist , learn the lyrics well . At the rehearsal point , you should always have printed texts or copies written by hand ( rewrite your own texts a couple of times by hand - and you will almost remember them perfectly ). Try to sing songs in your mind at home , as well as find out technical issues : how well the key , tempo and planned vocal passages suit you . Ideally , even before the rehearsal , determine the appropriate singing pitch , tempo , and all parts .
If you are a drummer , then listen to all the songs again and again : at least in midi , at least in the form of demos , or at least just swiping them in your head . You should be well versed in the structure and tempo of the compositions , outline all the breaks and chips in advance , and ideally work out their playing outside the rehearsal . If it is not possible to play on the kit outside of the rehearsal , then while playing with the band , do not immediately try to complicate the parts - do it gradually so as not to stray yourself and not to knock down your colleagues .
If you are a bass player , then you , like a drummer , must perfectly know the structure and tempo of the composition . At the same time , make your parts not only rhythmic but also “ tasty ”.
If you are a guitarist , then first sort out your most difficult parts . Don ’ t write solos that you can ’ t play perfectly . Rehearse them twice as long and more often than the other parts . It would also be nice to have a printout of the guitar parts with you to rehearsals .
Put the speakers in line Try to postpone all irrelevant conversations , smoke breaks , phone calls and checking the news feed on social networks . At rehearsal , the group should focus on the musical moments and the maximum time should be devoted to playing together . Do not forget that you are not here for the party but for the hard work . Fire the sound up carefully Most musicians come to the rehearsal and start playing the songs right away . We recommend that you devote the first 15-20 minutes to working with sound : adjust the instruments in height , select the harmonious sound settings for each musician in the team , and adjust the position of each person at the rehearsal point and the volume of the sound of his instrument . Map out the settings on your stompboxes / processors / amps that you will later start soundchecking before the performance . This will save you a lot of time .
Start rehearsal with simple things It can be a jam or a joint exercise , a simple cover or a simple song from your band ’ s repertoire . Warm up , hone simple compositions of your own to the “ automatic ”, and then take on more complex compositions . If several attempts to play a difficult moment / song are unsuccessful , then switch to other songs for a while .
End on a positive and active note 20-30 minutes before the end of the rehearsal , play your entire setlist without pauses - as if you were playing it at a concert . That is , do not waste time on conversations , etc . This little active rush will be that little rehearsal stress for your band that will improve your cohesion during live performances .
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