December 2023 Guitar Newsletter : Learning From Playing in a Cover Band
Playing in a cover band is a true growing experience. Let’s explore the benefits and fun of working with a group of musicians learning songs that topped the charts. Included in this list are bettering one’s ability to understand and memorize songs composed by other people, making use of new apps to speed up that process, creating a repertoire as a group, exploring new sonic possibilities on the guitar and broadening one’s understanding of popular music history. Most folks don’t come out of the womb with a stack of songs ready to go so playing popular songs is a good place to start. I am delighted learning songs that resonate with entire generations around the globe. This time I am going about it with a new perspective and appreciation.
One benefit is all that comes from the hard work it takes to master songs in preparation for a performance. An average song is between 3 and 4 minutes, which means that if you plan to play 2 hours of music, you need to learn between 30 and 40 tunes. That will get your practice routine fired up and sky rocket your playing skills. Each band member will need to prepare on his or her own with the original recording and be ready to go come rehearsal time.
The primary goal is to memorize songs and ideally play them proficiently without the need of sheet music. There are different ways of to go about it, and every musician has their own approach. Beginners and intermediate guitar players will find that sheet music, guitar tabs, song apps or video tutorials are help. I am not opposed to this, but I always encourage students to use their own ears first and utilize whatever music theory they posses. For me, that also aids with the memorization process. For example, The Pretenders’ “Don’t Get Me Wrong” is based on a chord progression in C major and surprisingly ends on an A minor chord. Towards the end of the song I remind myself: “End on the relative minor!”
Verse: C Am7 Dm7 G
I vi7 ii7 V
Ending: C Am7 Dm7 G Am Dm7 G Am
A well-proven method for figuring out songs by ear is to slow down the recording. A fabulous App for this is called Perfect Tempo, and it enables you to take any song from iTunes and easily slow down the tempo. Its layout is extremely simple, accurate and there is no loss of sound quality or change of pitch as you slow down the tune. This is tremendously useful for figuring out tricky parts, guitar solos or passages that are simply too tough at the regular tempo. It is amazing what you notice when hearing music at a slower tempo. It is comparable to the use of a microscope but apply it to the world of sound. I do need to point out that Perfect Tempo only works with iTunes and be sure your operating system is up to par.
Another enjoyable aspect is the fun of picking songs for a growing repertoire. After all, the band should enjoy their selection and pass that vibe on to the audience. Deciding on tunes requires an appreciation for many genres of music and the willingness to take risks. How cool is it to discover a tune that everyone loves, and it is equally entrancing to see what selection each band member brings to the table. Everybody has different favorite songs, and some of them will coincide; others will be dismissed for this or that reason. In order to pick the right songs, it is important to consider what the group is capable of performing. This includes their instrumentation, technical abilities and the vocal range of the singer.
Having said that, it is also rousing to put your own touch on well-known songs especially if it isn’t possible to duplicate the exact sound of the recording. This might involve playing a song in a different key signature, arranging a horn part for the bass player, putting a different rhythmic feel behind it, or experimenting with effect pedals to mimic a pop synthesizer sound. I have had luck with a MXR reverb in combination with a Line 6 Verbzilla and a volume pedal to emulate synth pads. Santa, if you are reading this, please drop off an Electro Harmonix KEY9 down the chimney! ;-)
Apart from sharpening your chops, playing in a cover band is a lesson in music history, and it’s up to you how deep you want to go down that path. Little did I know that “Tulsa Time” was originally written by Don Williams in 1978 and Eric Clapton’s live version became #30 Billboard hit in 1980. “Angel From Montgomery” is a 1971 composition off of John Prine’s first album and both Bonnie Raitt and Susan Tedeschi have added it to their repertoire. I was also surprised to discover that the original “Ain’t Misbehavin’” was recorded way back in 1929 by Fats Waller and “Call It Stormy Monday” in 1947 by T-Bone Walker. On the other hand, the sparkling pop textures from the Pretenders “Brass In Pocket” was recorded in 1979; I would have put money down that the textured lush chorus guitar sounds from Chrissy Hynde and James Honeyman-Scott (1956-1982) were coming from the mid to late 80s.
There is much to gain from playing other people’s music. I hope you take away some of the excitement of growing as a musician in a top 40 band, and I encourage you to participate in such a setting if the opportunity comes around. Performing music that has touched hearts and gets people excited to be on the dance floor is an endless source of learning and fun!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all the best for your musical journey in 2024,
Chris
