Your First Audition

As you’ve pumped in endless hours of hard work, learned many of your favorite songs, and even written some of your own material, it’s time to elevate you to the next step of your development.  After all, the reason you wanted to learn to play the guitar is to quite simply join a big rich rock band.  Here’s what you need to know before heading out the door:

Pack your gear.  You should have all of the following items neatly organized so you could find them in the dark with you at all times when you travel:  (2) electric guitars, 1 acoustic guitar, spare electric and acoustic strings, needle nose pliers, your cap, a TON of pics, two cables, your amp, extension chord, a rough demo of your materials with your name and phone number on it, and a business card.

Practice.  You will want to have your entire set memorized and sounding naturally.  They will also ask you to improvise or start jamming with them.  Be prepared to jump in on almost any type of music.

Research.  Check Google for the band you are auditioning for.  Make sure to dress similar to your new buddies.  (Example: It’s no longer cool to rock the Flock of Seagulls Hair Cut and a Michael Jackson glove).  Learn what kinds of music they are into and learn as many as these songs and riffs as you can.  They will likely prefer to stay in their comfort zone so get ready to roll with the punches.

You have 30 seconds to nail it.  The sad fact of the matter is that they will likely make up their minds halfway through your initial riff.  Make a darn good first impression and play your best stuff first.  If you save it for last, you may walk out the door regretting you didn’t lay it out on the line.

Show up sober.  Arriving under the influence of any substance will effect your ability to put your best performance forward.  Feel free to knock back a cold one after you claim your prize.

Relax.  Take deep breaths as you leave the house, pull up to the rehearsal spot, knock on the door, and plug in your guitar.

Have fun.  Keep in mind that you are auditioning for a group of regular people just like you.  They have been searching hard for a dire need to fix a problem with their band and are desperately hoping you are the answer.  Treat them like your friends and family and you will reap the rewards.