Before you say "practice more" please read on, it's not that simple !

As alluded to above, the solution to this might seem blatantly obvious, but my own efforts in this direction so far have gone unrewarded. I have been trying to get a band together and get a few songs down (the latter is my main focus at this point). If people like my stuff, I was planning to get a bit more serious about the band thing later.

I am in a curious situation because I have actually composed 4 songs which I think are OK but can't actually play them myself ! More importantly, can't play them with other people. I have studied music on and off in various forms over the years, so simple composition is not that challenging. My problem bizarrely is that I have had very minimal experience playing with others (almost none). (A couple of years ago, I tried to play all the instruments myself and record it, with a friend's help, for a radio station, but couldn't pull it off because I wasn't sure how all the parts sounded together and struggled to keep up with the other parts when playing myself).

I have no problem devoting myself to music if needed, it's more a question of where to devote one's time. I am thinking more how I structure practice, what specific activities would be the most helpful and how I usefully involve other people to bring the best out in my songs ?

(I checked out this thread http://www.surfguitar101.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1833&highlight=practise+practice but it seems more about individuals practicing, rather than with others).

P.S. Before some kind souls suggest they'll get together with me for a jam and check my songs out (which is a very kind offer !), I live in Asia where I'm an English teacher

So, you'll have to give me your best suggestions here !

Any ideas ?

Pineapple Geoff

Hey Geoff,

I am in a similar circumstance. I am a teacher, and I am finishing up my master's degree. I practice now and then, but when my Master's is complete, I am going to totally dedicate my free time to the guitar. To what end I don't know. I have written songs, but I used to be a rock/folk strummer and have been in bands. But, I could always perform independently. But, surf guitar needs at least bass and drums. It would be great to perfom someday as a surf guitarist, for local shows. I wonder how difficult it would be to put something like that together. As far as practice goes. I read on this site about practicing with a metronome, and I am practicing with that or a drum machine, and I think that will help me transition to a band. But, I would love to hear more advice from some of the veteren players.
Kevin

I agree with Danny, a multitracker is a MUST for any musican serious about writing songs. I'd go so far as saying that once you got a reasonable guitar and a reverberyish amp, a multitracker is a better next investment choice then whichever pickup upgrade, better guitar/amp etc. the not knowing how parts sound together is solved, then, but it workks the other way too - I have enough musical knowledge and background to write parts that I KNOW will sound good without hearing them, BUT it's always according to the rules, safe and easy, and it gets boring. for me, putting a part on a multitracker and just playing along and trying stuff out and improvising is where it can get adventourous and creativity comes in. also a great way to work on lead parts, just playing around the notes and adding bits and pieces. PLUS, even if you have a drummer and bassist, I find it's usually a waste of valuable practice time to keep explaining what you want them to do, and then when they finally get it, decide to ditch the part. (of course, this only applies when you are the sole writer, if you're the kind of band where someone comes witha rough idea and everybody fills in their part, that's great too.)
and really if need be even a sub $100 tape 4tracker will do, tho a digital 8tracker is more fun, a better investment and will yield better results.

as for 'being able to play together', really, the only way to learn that is by experience, just play together. You need to learn to constantly listen and focus on the onther bandmembers, or you loose eachother without even noticing. Ive found though that that is largely a matter of band playing experience, and being on top of your instrument and part. usually when we start with a song, everybody is gazing at his fretboard/sticks and concentrating on his own thing and it's a mess, but when a song is in the muscle memory after a few rounds, and people have the song structure and their part down, they have free mind left over to focus on the rest of the band and it becomes a lot tighter.

WR

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Too much theory, not enough practice !

A strange scenario I agree.

Second (third?) the vote for multitracking. With a minimal hardware investment, don;t forget your PC or Mac is an option. You'll have to get an A/D interface, but then recording is snap. I bought Behringer UCA-202 for $24.95 and was shocked at how good it is for quickie stuff; but I have to plug it into my cheapo desktop mixer. If you want to plug in directly, this little M-Audio gizmo is $99.00. And it has a mic preamp as well. It will also allow qualify as a device that allows you to run ProTools at a later date if you so desire.

If you have a PC, try Audacity or Kristal Sound Engine for multiracking; they are both free. And Leaf Drums is a great little shareware drum program, I've found. Then there are the TONS of free VST plugins. And Macs are bundled with Garage Band, right?

SSIV

DannySnyder
Lastly, get a bass. The most important thing about bass on surf songs for me is to not do too much. I often will record a bass track first time out, and realize that there's about 2000 more notes than needed and it becomes a big mess. Surf bass usually sticks to ones and fives, with the occasional transition thrown in. You have to be talented and experienced to try to do more, but go ahead and try it yourself,you'll see.

Hey Danny, you talked about the importance of the bass line. Can you think of a couple of songs that are a good example of surf bass ? "ones and fives" etc etc (or maybe someone else can ?)

Tanks

PG

PG, almost every surf song follows that rule, no need to point out examples. However, pick up some Satan's Pilgrims and you'll get the idea. It's harder to find examples of the opposite - complicated bass lines. Your 3 piece bands will be more likely, Slacktone comes to mind immediately. If you play with a rhythm guitar than the bass has to keep it simple. I'm sure most drummers appreciate that anyway.

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF