Opinions wanted, what's the most significant part in a band?

[Dann 1 Burk]

I would have a difficult time deciding wether or not i am a guitarist or a vocalist first so i would have to say that it would all depend on what you like the most.
personally i am looking at neither. i concentrate more on the vocal melody rather then the words but also the intensity of the singers voice. the same thign for the guitar, although they all come together to make the final sound

[acoustic]

the part were every body gets along

acoustic

[DT Chris]

Originally Posted by .tom

"what's the most significant part in a band?"

1) groupies. if you dont have them, chances are very good ur band sux.

2) groupies. if you dont have them, it leaves an opening for a gurlfriend to ruin the band.

3) groupies. the more there are, better the chances that the drummer wont screw the guitar player's gurlfriend -thus preserving the longevity of the band.

He he, wheeeee!

[Superstition]

There is no most important part of a band. i'm not saying that someone is as likely to lead a band playing drums as if they were playing guitar, but no instrument is necessary. Vocals are not necessary. Rhythm Guitar and Lead Guitar can be one or the other if necessary. Bass . . . okay, I can't picture a band without a bass player. The necessity of a drummer depends on the genre. Keyboard players are not necessary.

You get people to play whatever instruments you think would sound the best in certain songs.

[acoustic]

Opinions wanted, what's the most significant part in a band?

I have to stay with what
a band must git along I am not a spring chicken I have seen alot of realy good bands
fall with in and it dont matter what the cause was the facts are they are not a band now
ok if you were talking about a song like what is the most important insturment
in a song that a band plays who the hell realy knows

ITs art its all good
acoustic

[thesilentdrummer]

Originally Posted by Superstition

Bass . . . okay, I can't picture a band without a bass player.

Ever heard of the White Stripes??? No bass, but they don't have a problem being good and/or famous. Just something to think about...

Bass is definately important. Guitars/keyboards for the melody are important. Drums are important. Vocals are important. Percussion and guitars and whatever else adds embellishment and interest to songs are important. I don't know how to rank overall importance. I guess whatever is necessary to make an awesome song. I mean, there are some pretty kick ass songs that are guitar and vocals only. Then you have massive orchestras that make awesome songs. I am gonna have to say I don't know.

[pdalmolin]

The song itself is the most important thing in a band...

[lumpy]

Three piece rock bands (guitar / bass / drums) have always been my bread and butter for various reasons.

First, I have a peculiar taste in music. So, finding even two other people that share my weirdness is top priority. Luckily I hooked up with a guitarist when I was still in high school and we continue to keep the faith, which is also key to reason two on Lump's Wheel of Musical Prowlness.

Second, I play (drums) very, very loose. Not sloppy mind you, just not with metronome precision. So, being able to lock in with my fellow musicians without it sounding like a train wreck is a close second.

The sum of the parts is always greater than the individual. Especially in a three piece combo. There is a lot of space to fill and plenty of opportunity to fill it, you gotta know when to let 'er rip and when to take a back seat. You gotta have confidence, no ego, a good ear, and faith in your bandmates abilities.

Ever notice that the solo records never sell for shit?

In my experience, getting along is overrated. I have been in bands where we literally punched each other out and threw instruments, drumsticks (one famous incident almost took a rhythm guitarists head off with a 7A, but went through the wall instead which we promtly framed) during practice and shows. Sometimes that tension works to the band's advantage and is expressed in the music. Look at The Who or The Kinks. They fucking hated each others' guts but were great bands!

So I guess my answer would be that whatever works for you is the most significant part.

BTW, it always helps to be on the same drug.

Lump

[Strangedogs]

Originally Posted by pdalmolin

The song itself is the most important thing in a band...

bingo! that's it.

[Superstition]

Originally Posted by thesilentdrummer

Ever heard of the White Stripes??? No bass, but they don't have a problem being good and/or famous. Just something to think about...

Don't know much about them, but come to think of it the doors, too.

But I was thinking too literally. The real part that I think a band needs is a shared willingness and passion for the art. A friend of mine plays piano, and I wanted him to join the band, but somehow, he just wanted to be a racecar driver. I shouldn't have forced him to try out. Don't make that same mistake-MAKE SURE YOU DIDN'T BEG AND PLEAD FOR THE MEMBERS TO ATTEND PRACTICE SESSIONS. IF YOU DO, THEY WILL BE STUBBORN AND UNCOOPERATIVE THE ENTIRE TIME, AND WHEN IT REALLY COMES DOWN TO IT, YOU DON'T WANT THEM AROUND THE OTHER BAND MEMBERS.