A band is a group of musicians which play together and write songs together. There are many different bands in the world today but it seems no matter how many more are introduced we still have time for them. When starting a band there are many different factors to consider. To help you get started we have prepared a brief guide.

One of the most important things when starting a band is choosing instruments and who to play them. Some bands prefer a more traditional simple sound while others prefer to use less traditional instruments to make a new kind of sound. Here are the main components which make up a traditional band.

• The guitar can be used to create a variety of effects. Riffs and melodies can be created to make a strong driving force for your music. Different effects can be used and can be easily included in live performances by using effects units and peddles. Some bands may have one guitarist while others may have two or three. Deciding how many you have will change the emphasis on different elements of the music and help you to define your sound.
• Bass is another element which can be used effectively to complement other parts of your sound. Some bands place a strong emphasis on the bass to add a contrasting nature to light melodies and riffs. Some bands may not use a bass for all their songs or for none at all. Bass can be provided with a bass guitar or keyboard.
• Drums are an essential part of all rock bands. Your drummer needs to have good timing as other members of your band will often use them as the lead to put their instruments too. Different beats can be used to establish different moods in your music and can become the key to winning crowds over.

It is easy for anybody to start a band and start creating and rehearsing music together. The beginning stages of a band are often the most fun where people get an opportunity to air their creative input. However for a band to survive and continue to make music you need to be innovative and original to give your fans something new.

As there are so many bands at the moment one of the key ways to get noticed is by being different. Most bands will have a similar number of members usually four or five which will play similar instruments that compliment each other building up the individual layers which come together to form the sound of the band.

Some bands may rely on a novelty image to get themselves noticed. This may pay off as long as you have good music which relates to the image of the band. This is how many bands become established by creating a cult following which can relate to the image, sound and message of their band.

Once you have created your sound and have written and practised some songs for performing you should start to find somewhere to showcase your work. Some bands will assign members or find a manger to help them find venues and nights to perform at. Once you start performing live you can get your music heard by increasingly more people. If you receive a warm reception you may become noticed and approached to record or tour supporting another band.