Where is Sergio?

So, I've been busy playing a couple of gigs... Here be some piks...


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How do you like playing with a bass player,
a drummer and no other instruments?

If I remember correctly there used to be a 4th musician in the band.
I have only played in a guitar bass drums band once but remember
that I had to make significant adjustments to my playing to do it.
 
Tony M. said:
How do you like playing with a bass player,
a drummer and no other instruments?

If I remember correctly there used to be a 4th musician in the band.
I have only played in a guitar bass drums band once but remember
that I had to make significant adjustments to my playing to do it.
Click to expand...


You are right, there were 5 of us at first. I was mainly the rhythm guy and the other one was the lead player for most songs. Now we got a new bassist and I'm in charge of all the guitar work. I played 6 gigs alone so far and I'm doing fine even considering that am soloing too. I'm not much of a jam master but I am learning fast.

It is hard indeed, with two or more guitars everything sounds fuller and creamier, but you can't always get what you want right? The band is much better and funcional this way and I am doing the best I can. Sometimes I have to add some slight reverb to the amp, to bypass the lack of sustain that strats usually have.

It is especially hard when we have to cover songs that were written for 2 or more guitars, but I blend the rhythm and lead parts and make something of my own, so in the end we all get the applause and drink our beers... We'd sound better with another guy (plus I suck as a guitarist but I'm on the stage doin' my thing), but we're doing "ok" so far.

One thing that has taught me a lot about the dynamics of being the only guitar player in the band was listening and watching Jimi Hendrix's live performances. Most folks don't realize the MONSTER job his bassist does. Jimi had a style that involves many "isolated" licks, he'd mute the guitar between riffs pretty often and the song would sound "empty" or "stammering" if it wasn't for the roaring, solid bassline he had behind his back. Really, every guitarist who wants to venture out there as a lone wolf should study Jimi seriously.

Anyway, my experience is that when you play one of 2 or 3 guitars, the drummer is your best friend. If you are alone out there with a sole guitar, your shotgun rider is the bassist.

P.S. it's an honor to me to chat with you about live playing, Tony! Thanks a lot for the interest!
 
Last edited:
Sérgio said:
You are right, there were 5 of us at first. I was mainly the rhythm guy and the other one was the lead player for most songs. Now we got a new bassist and I'm in charge of all the guitar work. I played 6 gigs alone so far and I'm doing fine even considering that am soloing too. I'm not much of a jam master but I am learning fast.

It is hard indeed, with two or more guitars everything sounds fuller and creamier, but you can't always get what you want right? The band is much better and funcional this way and I am doing the best I can. Sometimes I have to add some slight reverb to the amp, to bypass the lack of sustain that strats usually have.

It is especially hard when we have to cover songs that were written for 2 or more guitars, but I blend the rhythm and lead parts and make something of my own, so in the end we all get the applause and drink our beers... We'd sound better with another guy (plus I suck as a guitarist but I'm on the stage doin' my thing), but we're doing "ok" so far.

One thing that has taught me a lot about the dynamics of being the only guitar player in the band was listening and watching Jimi Hendrix's live performances. Most folks don't realize the MONSTER job his bassist does. Jimi had a style that involves many "isolated" licks, he'd mute the guitar between riffs pretty often and the song would sound "empty" or "stammering" if it wasn't for the roaring, solid bassline he had behind his back. Really, every guitarist who wants to venture out there as a lone wolf should study Jimi seriously.

Anyway, my experience is that when you play one of 2 or 3 guitars, the drummer is your best friend. If you are alone out there with a sole guitar, your shotgun rider is the bassist.

P.S. it's an honor to me to chat with you about live playing, Tony! Thanks a lot for the interest!
Click to expand...

YES!

But you don't mention the insane band politics!!! LOL!!!
 
Let's just say that the other dudes could play circles around me, but being a good player ain't all it takes to make a band work, now is it?

;)
 
Sérgio said:
You are right, there were 5 of us at first. I was mainly the rhythm guy and the other one was the lead player for most songs. Now we got a new bassist and I'm in charge of all the guitar work. I played 6 gigs alone so far and I'm doing fine even considering that am soloing too. I'm not much of a jam master but I am learning fast.

It is hard indeed, with two or more guitars everything sounds fuller and creamier, but you can't always get what you want right? The band is much better and funcional this way and I am doing the best I can. Sometimes I have to add some slight reverb to the amp, to bypass the lack of sustain that strats usually have.

It is especially hard when we have to cover songs that were written for 2 or more guitars, but I blend the rhythm and lead parts and make something of my own, so in the end we all get the applause and drink our beers... We'd sound better with another guy (plus I suck as a guitarist but I'm on the stage doin' my thing), but we're doing "ok" so far.

One thing that has taught me a lot about the dynamics of being the only guitar player in the band was listening and watching Jimi Hendrix's live performances. Most folks don't realize the MONSTER job his bassist does. Jimi had a style that involves many "isolated" licks, he'd mute the guitar between riffs pretty often and the song would sound "empty" or "stammering" if it wasn't for the roaring, solid bassline he had behind his back. Really, every guitarist who wants to venture out there as a lone wolf should study Jimi seriously.

Anyway, my experience is that when you play one of 2 or 3 guitars, the drummer is your best friend. If you are alone out there with a sole guitar, your shotgun rider is the bassist.

P.S. it's an honor to me to chat with you about live playing, Tony! Thanks a lot for the interest!
Click to expand...


@Tony M. I forgot to mention that at first I felt more secure with humbuckers but came to find out that that's irrelevant, I'm currently gigging with SSS strats just as well.
 
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