David's Tip of the Day: I'm lost... what do I do now? Part 10 (Full Prep List)

Let's now bring all of the elements together that we've discussed...

For newer players to the bandstand we know that their highest probability of success is in memorizing a song and performing it to their best ability. The challenge is that they're playing a non-dynamic element (a memorized solo that does not change) into a dynamic situation (the band is responding to you, but you not to them). The other challenge is in keeping track of each chorus and hoping your memory doesn't fail you.

Follow these steps in preparation for performance:

1) Practice until you can play the entire song well with the original recording. Always include your opening speech to the band and any hand signals involved for breaks and the ending.

2) Make a chart that only shows the first couple notes for the first lick of each chorus. When performing your piece, you'll visualize these first notes to help you play each chorus in their proper order.

3) Use a jam track to practice playing your memorized song to.

4) Use other jam tracks that are not perfect for the song, but are close enough. This variance in tempo and feel will help to prepare you for how different it will sound on the bandstand.

5) Practice messing up and being able to get back in without panicking, Improvise in the middle of a chorus and then focusing on getting back in when the next chorus rolls around with the proper lick for that chorus.

6) Do a per-performance in front of friends and family with a jam track and you amp at a low volume (standing of course, just like in performance).

7) If you're lost and unable to get back into your memorized solo, look to another musician to solo. When they're done, either continue on with the chorus you left off on, or go to the last chorus of the song and end it.