by John Gorbe

Created on: October 16, 2009   Last Updated: October 28, 2011

A couple months ago I received a phone call from a keyboard friend of mine who I haven't talked to in a while. It was nice to hear from him, as we were able to catch up on things. As we were having our conversation he mentioned that the guitarist in his band was leaving and they were holding auditions for a new guitarist. I told him I'd be interested in auditioning if they didn't already have a guitarist in mind. One thing led to another and yes, I'm in the band. All I did was show up and rehearse some songs with them and I was offered the job on the spot! How did I do it? Well, I think there are a few key concepts that need to be remembered when walking into an audition:

1. Be prepared

2. Have a good sound

3. Be early

4. Act professional

Be prepared

This is might seem obvious, but if you're in competition with other players, you need to really know the tunes you're auditioning with; well enough to add your own touch to them.

My audition involved transcribing a song on the spot. They played the song through twice and my job was to pick up as much as I could. We played the song immediately after. Ear-training and transcription might also be of help to you.

You also want to remember some basics that will keep you in top shape during the audition such as: a tuner, extra strings, extra instrument cables and a pencil. You also might want to bring a coffee or water to keep yourself refreshed.

Have a good sound

Again, an obvious point but sometimes overlooked. You can be so focused on getting the songs memorized and just right that you forget about the subtle nuances of your sound!

When I auditioned, I knew my playing was fine but I really knew I was doing something right when the vocalist complimented me on my sound. Now, it's difficult to get a sound that works well for a variety of situations even when you think you have that sound you don't. This time I felt very confident about my sound.

So, what did my sound consist of? I used a Minarik Lotus Guitar (double humbucker chambered body style), a Fender Blues Junior tube amplifier and a pedal board that consisted of separate pedals for distortion, delay and chorus. That's it! I find these pedals to be the most essential to cover a variety of music.

Something else to think about Don't play too loud! Guitarists are notorious for playing too loud. You want to mix yourself and blend with the band. This is an ensemble not a guitar-fest with a supporting cast. If you need to be louder let them tell you. DO NOT make them tell you to turn down.

Be early

You certainly don't want to make a bad impression by showing up late to your audition. That will not go over well at all! Be about 10-15 minutes early. This way you have time to meet the band and set up your gear. You may also find that they'll want to conduct a very informal interview as you set up.

Act professional

This includes what you wear to the audition. A lot of this depends on the type of band however, for most situations you can't go wrong with nice jeans, something a little nicer than a t-shirt and shoes or sneakers. What you don't want to do is show up in sweats or ripped jeans and a t-shirt with some offensive logo on it! I like to wear dockers, casual shoes and a shirt I would go to work in.

Language and communication plays a part here too. You don't want to play a song down and criticize the drummer afterward for missing a break or the bassist for being too busy during your solo!

Leave the 4-letter words at the curb too. You don't want to appear rude or too forward. This leaves a negative first impression of you as a human being.

Finally, just enjoy yourself. Let yourself relax as much as possible and if you follow these tips you should have a successful audition!

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