My friend and I play together, and we have a virtual band's worth of instruments between us. I play box, guitar and bodhran, and he plays mandolin, fiddle bouzouki and banjo.
When we play duet sets, or one-person-on-rhythm-and-one-person-on-melody sets, it all works out fine. However, recently we realized that we'd like to introduce a little more variety (i,e, different instruments in the same sets). This proves easier said than done, however. Everything that we can come up with includes a lot more unaccompanied soloing than I'd like.
Getting another band member is right out, because we are both difficult personality types and we haven't found anyone who will suit.
I (that is, we) could use suggestions on how to change instruments during tunes with minimal soloing. Any suggestions?
A whistle or hamonica in the top pocket is your best bet. Boxes and banjos don't lend themselves to quick changes, unless you build a double neck.
However I'm a big fan of bands who study juggling and simultaneously throw instruments to each other during a tune, picking up without missing while hammering out the beat by clog-dancing.
You don't see that sort of thing these days.
However I'm a big fan of bands who study juggling and simultaneously throw instruments to each other during a tune, picking up without missing while hammering out the beat by clog-dancing.
You don't see that sort of thing these days.
You could do two things.... Switch instruments during tunes or, something I am trying to master (which does involve electronics, so this is ruled out by most people) which is looping. You can add different layers, etc. You might lay down the guitar rythm on the looping station and then you both would be free to play along and/or solo. You could do many combinations of this as well. It takes some time to get used to, and you have to be open minded, but it might be worth a shot at least to try.
irishfiddler has the rights of it and with midi systems you can use as many as you like at the same time as long as playing miked. depends on personal philosophy about using electronics in ITM
I would tackle this musically - rather than as an 'instrument changing' problem.
Even with 'large bands' (of any genre) I always like to hear a wide range of dynamics used for musical expression - with passages consisting of perhaps a solo instrument played quietly - or possibly just a simply tapped out rythym.
Much more interesting than having everything played by everyone all of the time.
Rather than worrying about the acrobatics of quick changes of instruments - how about first considering arrangements that create more dynamic interest , - that also happen to give the possibility of instrument changes.
Also you say you play - 'one on rhythm, one on melody'. Why not max the possibilities? - fit in sections where maybe you both play rhythm - or melody / counter melody.
Hey Zazzaliss,
Is this a real band in Cincinnati and where do you play?
I also am in a band here in Cincinnati and we thought there was only one or two other Irish bands in the city. I'd love to hear you play sometime.
James
reduce the "rhythm" instrument to a repetitive drone note (or notes), while a voice carries on over these drone note
do this through a verse, with a voice and simplified single instrument, then modulate to a new key as the second instrument comes in into an instrumental
Is copo suggesting that the only kind of acceptable music is either public performance or open participation?? Surely it's better for a group that's going to be performing to practice together first, otherwise lacklustre performances await. Which damages our ability as a traditional music community to convince others that, like all musical communities, there are some highly skilled musicians out there and we want to be taken seriously. Every band, be they playing for dancing or listening, needs time to practice together in order to sound professional. *Rant Over*
Zazzaliss, if you're in a gigging duo, I think it's normal for each musician to do a solo set, so if you might just want to enjoy playing the solo bits in the set. However, instruments like the box are able to play two parts at once which can be used, or writing chord fills for the instrument left "in" (best not to over-use that though). Tune-bridges using motivic developement also work, counter melodies based on the chords of the previous tune, playing the the old tune as the same key as the new one etc etc.
But bear in mind that when you're changing an instrument, the audience will look (&listen) at the person changing, not the person playing.
2-person band
2-person band
Hey.... I need a little advice.
My friend and I play together, and we have a virtual band's worth of instruments between us. I play box, guitar and bodhran, and he plays mandolin, fiddle bouzouki and banjo.
When we play duet sets, or one-person-on-rhythm-and-one-person-on-melody sets, it all works out fine. However, recently we realized that we'd like to introduce a little more variety (i,e, different instruments in the same sets). This proves easier said than done, however. Everything that we can come up with includes a lot more unaccompanied soloing than I'd like.
Getting another band member is right out, because we are both difficult personality types and we haven't found anyone who will suit.
I (that is, we) could use suggestions on how to change instruments during tunes with minimal soloing. Any suggestions?
# Posted on August 13th 2006 by Zazzaliss
Re: 2-person band
might be simpler to work on those "difficult personality types" its hard enough to talk during sets let alone changing instruments!
i guess if you need to it sounds effective to come in on the second time through the tune - giving you a chance to put down and pick up an instrument
# Posted on August 13th 2006 by geoffmc
Re: 2-person band
A whistle or hamonica in the top pocket is your best bet. Boxes and banjos don't lend themselves to quick changes, unless you build a double neck.
However I'm a big fan of bands who study juggling and simultaneously throw instruments to each other during a tune, picking up without missing while hammering out the beat by clog-dancing.
You don't see that sort of thing these days.
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by Bren
Bren ; that is feckin' priceless!
However I'm a big fan of bands who study juggling and simultaneously throw instruments to each other during a tune, picking up without missing while hammering out the beat by clog-dancing.
You don't see that sort of thing these days.
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by Dubliner14
Re: 2-person band
You could do two things.... Switch instruments during tunes or, something I am trying to master (which does involve electronics, so this is ruled out by most people) which is looping. You can add different layers, etc. You might lay down the guitar rythm on the looping station and then you both would be free to play along and/or solo. You could do many combinations of this as well. It takes some time to get used to, and you have to be open minded, but it might be worth a shot at least to try.
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by irishfiddler
Re: 2-person band
irishfiddler has the rights of it and with midi systems you can use as many as you like at the same time as long as playing miked. depends on personal philosophy about using electronics in ITM
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by newfie percussionist
Re: 2-person band
You need two smiling helpful blonde ladies to stand by attentively and exchange instruments for you at a signal.
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by oldstrings
Re: 2-person band
Oldstrings, I could just use two smiling helpful blonde ladies. Period.
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by Zazzaliss
Re: 2-person band
I would tackle this musically - rather than as an 'instrument changing' problem.
Even with 'large bands' (of any genre) I always like to hear a wide range of dynamics used for musical expression - with passages consisting of perhaps a solo instrument played quietly - or possibly just a simply tapped out rythym.
Much more interesting than having everything played by everyone all of the time.
Rather than worrying about the acrobatics of quick changes of instruments - how about first considering arrangements that create more dynamic interest , - that also happen to give the possibility of instrument changes.
Also you say you play - 'one on rhythm, one on melody'. Why not max the possibilities? - fit in sections where maybe you both play rhythm - or melody / counter melody.
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by Col Arco
Re: 2-person band
I use a boss rc20xl loop station and feed in the rythym guitar and bodhran on a loop and play mandolin on top this way the fiddler can join in to
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by Ripthecalico
Re: 2-person band
Hey Zazzaliss,
Is this a real band in Cincinnati and where do you play?
I also am in a band here in Cincinnati and we thought there was only one or two other Irish bands in the city. I'd love to hear you play sometime.
James
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by jimipiper
Re: 2-person band
Well, we don't actually gig. Yet.
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by Zazzaliss
Re: 2-person band
You don't gig or welcome other musicians. Ironic that you're requesting info on a site called The Session.
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by copo24
Re: 2-person band
do this by using dynamics
reduce the "rhythm" instrument to a repetitive drone note (or notes), while a voice carries on over these drone note
do this through a verse, with a voice and simplified single instrument, then modulate to a new key as the second instrument comes in into an instrumental
# Posted on August 15th 2006 by sandy mackay
Re: 2-person band
Is copo suggesting that the only kind of acceptable music is either public performance or open participation?? Surely it's better for a group that's going to be performing to practice together first, otherwise lacklustre performances await. Which damages our ability as a traditional music community to convince others that, like all musical communities, there are some highly skilled musicians out there and we want to be taken seriously. Every band, be they playing for dancing or listening, needs time to practice together in order to sound professional. *Rant Over*
Zazzaliss, if you're in a gigging duo, I think it's normal for each musician to do a solo set, so if you might just want to enjoy playing the solo bits in the set. However, instruments like the box are able to play two parts at once which can be used, or writing chord fills for the instrument left "in" (best not to over-use that though). Tune-bridges using motivic developement also work, counter melodies based on the chords of the previous tune, playing the the old tune as the same key as the new one etc etc.
But bear in mind that when you're changing an instrument, the audience will look (&listen) at the person changing, not the person playing.
# Posted on August 15th 2006 by Andy V