Last week we showed you the finer points of band rehearsals. This week check out our tips for getting the most out of the rehearsal once you're set up and ready to go.
1. Have a plan. Instincitvely you might not want to organise rehearsal too strictly, but a plan of action is still a good idea.
2. Avoid noodling: practising your instrument is something you do alone. Rehearsals are where you only make a noise together.
3. Take breaks. Suggest the guitarist and singer go off for a half hour, while you and your bass player get your grooves sorted.
4. Can you groove at low volumes? Play it softly, get it tight, then turn up the volume and it will sound fantastic.
5. Try using brushes, Hot Rods or Blasticks for a change - give yourself and everyone else a (noise) break.
6. Once you've agreed a tempo make a note of it using some sort of electronic metronome or drum machine, etc.
7. Keep a note of all tempos for the next rehearsal and cut down on needless arguments.
8. Record rehearsals. by the end of the rehearsal you can completely forget something you played at the beginning...
9. So record everything. When you listen back the next day it will all come flooding back.
10. And you'll immediately recognise the crappy bits that still need a bit of work...
