5 TIPS to Make Your Band Sound BETTER | Nathan Larsen Tutorial

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Everyone in a band should want to make their band sound better - but it isn't easy. It requires practice, hard work, and dedication. Making a GREAT band does not come easily and most people in a band will struggle to make their band sound professional but these five things will get you on the right track!
1) Practicing your instrument
2) Less is More
3) Rhythm is Everything
4) Bass & Drums need to lock in
5) Notate your music
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[@BobMarshallBand]

May I add a point? TUNE YOUR FREAKING INSTRUMENTS!!!!

[@dotWayton]

Never

[@esgabis]

imma go ahead and quote hendrix on this one: "i'd rather go to prison than tune my guitar"

[@marcospalacios1241]

some harsh truths there...😆👌

[@ewanmcconnell7494]

Red flag whenever a guitarist uses their phone to tune at a gig/rehearsal. Most important pedal or gadget to have is a reliable bypass tuner.

[@saustindavis]

Being in tune is is the absolute bare minimum a band can do to be professional.

[@tmhensley2209]

Been in a band for nearly 20 years. Finding players you can gel with and work together is golden.

[@soundtricks]

yeah - nothing like it! I guess you have found some of those! have a website to check out your "gel"?

[@ewanmcconnell7494]

Chemistry during and outwith playing Is one of the most important things imo. Anyone listening can tell when the band isn't enjoying themselves and just trying to get through the set fast as possible so they can go get plastered

[@ewanmcconnell7494]

The musicians in the audience pay more attention to the music, general audience will react to the performance and energy you bring to your set. 3% of people in the crowd probably did notice that tiny mistake you made in that second chorus, the rest probably never even heard it.

[@thorstenkoch194]

As a bassist, I sign everything you said. What helps us very much is recording and analysing rehearsals.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

True that man!

[@Jamespendle]

To all those who do not know any music theory. Do not be discouraged by this part. It is absolutely not required in order to write great sounding, successful commercial music. If it sounds great, it is great. Many many famous musicians would not even be able to tell you what key their song is in. It is 100% NOT a high priority, if at all. Other than that, great video.

[@seescojo844]

🎵 Hey, thanks for the info here! One thing I’ve found very important when starting and growing as a band is having a real focus on listening to each other when you’re all playing. This helps bring all the dynamics together - for example, I’ve been guilty of being that guy when jamming that’s super loud on the drums and it washes out the guitar so much they turn up their amp and next thing you know it all sounds stupid loud. Listening in a musical way is just like having a conversation - you listen to what’s being said and then respond and bring up a new idea, and so forth. A good band can hit the vibe of a song/jam AND have relatively low volume. The musicianship, accessibility and appeal to venue owners can really open up what venues you can play AND get invited back in the future (semi-pro places like The Metro in Chicago, The Troubadour in L.A., The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville). Hope this helps! 🎶

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

This is 100% correct. Volume does not equal quality. I had to learn the same thing the hard way. When I started out playing in bands over a decade ago, I was that guy who always wanted to be loudest and dominate, and it turns out that makes us all sound bad. Drums are definitely more important to control because volume is determined not by amp volume but by simply playing harder. Good insight, thanks!

[@GoodWolfWonRocky]

Rule #4 is HUGE!! I had a bass and drummer over and the bass player apso did accoustic guitar and sang. They were a band all by themselves and had played together for years. They were extremely coordinated!! As a guitar player and singer (sorta) it had the effect of instead of being the band like The RockyShow, I was in a band!! They sounded so great together that throwing the guitar parts on top of it made singing much easier. I thought "finally I feel like I'm in a band, I stead of trying to Be the band!!". A huge load lifted off my shoulders. And they felt it too, and were very excited. We started getting that psychic (for lack of better words) communication where you start doing spontaneous stuff none of us had done before. It can only be experienced and very hard to explain in words. Not only playing music spontaneously, but live on stage antics just started happening. Later we would ask each other why you did such and such to make such and such happen? None of us knew, we just did it. It was literally spooky like stepping into alter egos or something like that. It can be way most epic excellent amazing. Thank you for the video and validation.i thought it was just me.... =••

[@Tracks777]

Awesome! Keep it up!

[@willscott5841]

Knowing that your group should be choreographed in timing and instrumental melody is vital. A song is like a drum beat. No matter how simple. Each stick and foot is doing something different, but they’re all in sync and very specific to the rhythm at hand. If ANY of them changes anything throughout the beat, it becomes a different beat. Don’t add spontaneous parts into the song. Watch pro bands. Their live shows are nearly identical from show to show. Each member has a written part to play. Stick to that part and use rehearsal time to learn locking in together

[@michaelwalsh6993]

“If it’s your first time it could be hard” That’s what she said

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

Which one? 😎👊

[@Beckousticstrings]

So well said! Couldn't have been any more clearer! Thank a bunch!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks a bunch!! 😎🙏

[@pilotaudio5411]

Awesome video! Clean, short and informative!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks! Is there another topic you'd like me to cover?

[@yanafayuk4983]

Wow thanks Nathan! Your pointers and advise/comments are really helpful to someone who's a rookie to the band scene. You did an awesome job of explaining everything in a clean, concise, and informatively interesting way. Keep up the good work!

[@soundtricks]

Have you started the band yet? Any band website or similar to check up on your progress? Have fun starting - its the best of times 😁

[@WSRWSRWSRWSR]

Thanks Nathan. I will do all these changes now pronto venito

[@engagethethreat5757]

loved this video ,, you rock Nathan,, !!!!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks a bunch!

[@JacobABeal]

Good stuff bro!

[@maxieboy1232]

I play bass and my brother plays drums, so we practice a lot

[@stephendoyle618]

My brother, a life long drummer, finally talked me into playing bass. Holy crap is it fun. Something about that sibling connection makes it super easy to be locked in.

[@maxieboy1232]

@@stephendoyle618 exactly, we always play so we are so tight and when the guitarist comes over we just fall right into place since we do it so often

[@mawortman72]

Love this!

[@zachel3ment415]

Needed this 🙏

[@ryz8]

This was a great video thanks Nathan 🤙🏻

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Love it! Thanks!

[@geoffreypiccolina7142]

I love this vid. I just keep watching. You could easily knock Tony Robbins of his pedestal, AND offer something super creative. Great work.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Wow! Thanks so much! That's very meaningful. Sorry for such a late response, I took a pretty long break from YT and am just now getting back into the swing. Any other topics you'd like for me to make a video on? Cheers!

[@astrolabellc7195]

Wow! 🤘

[@dareyes3366]

great tips!

amazing

[@linepenciloffice4007]

Teamwork

[@izzydubmusic]

playing live w/ a metronome is also a great option.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

For sure!

[@Theslavedrivers]

That's always put me off - Now we just try to make sure that the bass and drums are in 'sympathy' with one another ...

[@raffifouneart6783]

THANK YOU !

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Heck yeah, man!

[@jasoncabral8732]

Had me at practice

[@thomasmccann8008]

4:36 thank you! As a bass player I often feel unappreciated and people often compare bass to guitar and because it has two less strings it must be easier and they don’t realize that Bass is most relatable to drums because it’s the foundation and rock (pun intended) of the band

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Super late response (SORRY!) but - thanks for the comment and YES bass is so important for that reason. Take care!

[@chronicmasterbaiter5467]

Yes, bass is compared to guitar becuse they look and sound almost the same. Bass=guitar with lower strings. And as a bass player in a band(and classical guitar player on my own) I can comfirm that it is MUCH easier to play bass than guitar. But also yes, even tho guitar and bass are similar, I agree that bass works more like drums in a band.

[@dylanagoblin9298]

For anyone who learns by ear, if you make a song solo the parts for each person as well as showing it as a whole, that way they can hear it clearer if your production isn't very good. Just started a band and we mostly learn by ear as well as just saying what to play-it might not be as efficient as notating but I find just hearing the part solo and together helps me learn things much quicker.

[@soundtricks]

great video! appreciate the "style" you bring. Very clean, to the point and easy to watch. Thank you!

[@crystaljames3132]

Thank you.. practice and rehearsal is NOT the same. We do not come together to practice. 🤦‍♀️ I don’t know how many times to say it.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Yep! Bands would be a lot better if they did it

[@SepulvedaBoulevard]

I got a vintage wind-up metronome to practice with and was surprised to find how much fun it was to lock in with it when practicing. Best advice ever!😀

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Awesome! I've also found practicing with a metronome is really fun, because it becomes a challenge. Outlook is everything - do you want to enjoy practicing to make yourself better the right way or practice the lazy way and see no improvement? Thanks for sharing your success!

[@doublekickrat]

Do you have a site for your band. I'm interested to hear what kind of music you play.

[@vieel220]

who is the need to be most dominant sound instrument in a band? can you pls make a video about this, thank you.

[@eulernc]

What do you think about MIDI notation?

[@ugafootball247]

Amen about less is more

[@austinc2997]

5 TIPS to Make Your Camera in Focus

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Touche

[@CamoHorizon]

Lmfao

[@diegoambrosio9121]

Hey, Nathan! Great tips! I wonder about tip 4 regarding duos, a configuration of rock band without bass. How would tip 4 apply to that configuration of rock band? Thanks

[@bebrageren2587]

If someone is playing keys or guitar in a band without a bassist they should probably use an equalizer or tone switch to get a sound that gives some more low end. (On a guitar you should also probably use the neck pickup but it depends on the sound that you want the most yourself) Hope i could help

[@craigcotter7476]

Number 2 is one that very few seem to get. Bass players who play bass lines almost like a guitar solo and tread on every ones else's toes. Drummers who try to do super technical, clever shit every bar, yet can't even keep time. I'm not even going to mention guitarists.

[@jannatinkarlen8702]

i think it is better to arrange the song together, it adds more spice. so music notation isn't really needed, unless if you want your idea 100% implemented such as if you want your session player play your arrangement correctly and efectively

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Totally depends on the ability of the individual members, too, and how the band is structured. I don't have a band that I work with regularly. I write my own music and bring in musicians to play in the studio and/or live. Also, something to consider is that there is no reason you can't notate and make adjustments WITH the members of the group, too. That's normally what happens with the music I write. I'll bring a lead sheet that has melodic lines beyond just the melody of the song - sometimes I'll include a rhythmic chart (for the bassist and drummer), and if necessary, I'll write out some TAB for the guitarist if I have a specific line I want them to play. At the end of the day - these are suggestions. Take it or leave it! Thanks!

[@larryallen1093]

Tune your guitars and bass together. Start playing together, stay playing together, stop playing together.

[@itwasntus1073]

EQ ? what is that ?

[@tozjesoir7190]

How many music scenes die young just because they didn't thought these all were important?

[@donedu3198]

I have got to tell my city about this video...

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thank you!

[@leftsideupfan5489]

As an alternative to notating, is recording it on logic, garbage band, etc good too?

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Yeah! This video is pretty dated now but I'd update it to add making a recording and sticking with it too

[@Pinkybum]

I would say notating the music is going to be a step too far for most bands. But, the alternative is to create demo arrangements. This so easy these days with PC's and DAWs so readily available. Just get the basic rhythm down with drums and bass and get the arrangement ironed out use it as a discussion point as to where you want to go with it. When someone comes up with something during practice just add it to the arrangement.

[@random_laugh_vlogs]

wait... you mean i actually have to practice?! YEAH! lol i think that is so funny lmao

[@nwk1902]

i have a question...how can i use metronome in a reahersal...i mean i have a band of 5 ppl how can we listen all together the same metronome??

[@CrossFret]

Just connect it to a PA? It's unconventional though, since the drummer is the only one who needs to use a metronome to keep the beat on time. But I guess you can make use of it as a band. Let us know how it goes if you try it!

[@RogerioValgode]

Love every tip. But #4 to me must be the foundation of every band. Otherwise, find something better to invest your time.

[@arbogast4950]

If you don't sound bad, you're not practicing, you're performing.

[@brysonmorlan6789]

6:39 What about tab? Tab works well too

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Yep! I know I didn't mention that but that definitely falls under any kind of notation. Lead sheets, piano scores, TAB, Rhythm Charts, etc. Those are all examples of music written out. The main point is anything to make it so you're not having to reteach parts each rehearsal and make it easier to memorize and lock in. Thanks for clarifying!

[@philipe7937]

Great advice. I’m in a new band and it sounds terrible because everyone wants to be the loudest, no one tries to learn the songs before rehearsal. It is disheartening.

[@soundtricks]

yeah, make me louder is always the first (easiest) thing to do. But never forget to have tons of fun with your band members too!! All the best for the start!

[@josephinecaruana4387]

I'm a bass player in a band We introduced a keyboard player wife of the singer The keyboard is so loud I cannot hear my bass it has become a fight for my soundsound She is telling me keyboards has to be loud for dynamic perposes She soloing I have turned off my volume because I have lost myself no one noticed Any tips I tried to tell them put keys and drum guitar to leval so there all the same volume put the bass slightly higher didn't go down well changed my guitar changed my amp my guitar has been set up and with new strings can't do anymore Fighting keys and drums both are friends singer doesn't have a clue where anyone lies in the band won't Di me She is definitely playing the same bass notes as me I almost gave up the band because of it I been in the band 6 years myself and the singer started the band Then we introduced the drummer 2 years ago the keys were brought in You can feel the control she has over her husband I have put my guitar down she's been that loud and walked away while in song I got looks off the drummer as if it is my fault I told him he needs to play with feathers to see how he would do I'm playing but sound's like I'm deaf to the bass Stressful Any tips to where instruments lay over the top of one another Sorry for asking I thought bass was vital We have recorded ourselves I play back and someof the songs you can't see me I am a lot shorter you can't hear me looks like they are playing with no bass player I'm voided even though I am there and playing Is there anything on line that could guid us as a band that is all I want to be a band Thank you

[@mao_zhu_xi]

My personal tip: play with volume sett as low as possible to hear all thr mistakes (trust me it is way more important than you thnik)

[@Mysecretnote]

Nah, that last part i wouldnt advice. Not every musician can or needs to read music. I cant at all, its super hard for me

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Of course you dont NEED to - my point is that it helps with cohesiveness and if you DID read music, you'd probably be able to learn music much faster. I said in the video that if you've already got a system that works, then use it. But there is absolutely no question, in my mind, that being able to read music makes for better overall musicianship. I understand that's not something everyone agrees with - it seems you don't - and that's ok. It's my opinion having played with numerous musicians who both can and cannot read music. To be clear, I know MANY great musicians who don't read music. I interned with a producer who makes 5 figure sync licensing deals who couldn't tell you what key the song is in -- he did just fine. But for people who are looking for ways to be a better musician, I strongly encourage learning how to read music.

[@RhythmGuitarMan]

I have another tip, TURN DOWN…! And balance the sound at rehearsal. Rehearsed with an amateur band from Axminster last weekend. It was a free for all, everyone playing and singing too many notes and at pain level. Drummer said “yeah it’s like playing trumpet in the toilet” when I said I couldn’t hear myself… Trust me - it was worse than anything people do in the toilet 😂

[@marypetrie930]

One day someone will start a video with Hi or hello instead of whats up?

[@007more7]

This is really a video about him talking as much as he can

[@jep8994]

I really need new glasses

[@timgavel6226]

I play by feel you can't teach that by reading music sheets sorry

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks for the comment - I absolutely agree with you! Reading music alone does not teach how to play by feel. In fact, I find a lot of folks who only read music off the page do often sound robotic and manufactured. However, you can definitely have it both ways. I read music, but I use my musicality to bring feeling to what I play. And reading music doesn't even necessarily mean reading a score (treble and bass clef) but even a chord chart or a lead sheet to get the roadmap is helpful! I hope that some of the other tips were helpful to you, if not that one! Take care!

[@theroyalmusicians9037]

Hey I think Laurenzsides has your old tamagotchi life so ya

[@jasoncabral8732]

I think my band sucks? We have a lot to work on.

[@vinopit]

i agree with all except writing or reading music

[@Lanesullivan1984]

Are you kidding?! How you do not think that this will make a band better is beyond me.

[@vinopit]

many times reading music is an obticle for creativity. getting better is playing more.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks for the comment. I'm glad to hear you agreed with the other issues! You're certainly not the first to disagree on that issue. I've found it to be pretty unpopular to have my view about it, but I do stand by it! I've played in bands for well over a decade and found that the best sounding groups I've played with know how to read music - even if it's just a lead sheet as a roadmap. In recent years, I pretty much exclusively use lead sheets with bands to make sure any parts that are not the melody still have some simple notation (lead guitar part, keyboard melody, hook, etc.). Thanks for watching the video, still, and I appreciate the feedback.

[@johnlucas6901]

Most of my favorite mucisians can't read music 💁

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

I'm definitely not suggesting that it's not possible without being able to read music - heck, Hans Zimmer can't read music notation, but the point is that being able to read music is absolutely going to help primarily because it takes the guessing out of it. Most of the bands I've worked with that don't use any sort of music notation typically have rehearsals that are completely off the wall. If you're able to rehearse and sound great without notation - that's absolutely fine! I'm just offering up another way that will help.

[@chisanderson7507]

99 percent of cover bands suck so they should do this. Probably won’t them though. They just don’t have it

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Unfortunately, a lot of people think music and playing in a band should be easy, but it isn't! It takes a lot of hard work. For years I played with musicians who refused to practice and refused to do the very things I talked about in this video, and it was SO frustrating. Getting a group together that is willing to apply good practice techniques and a good mindset is gold!

[@elblopex]

focus, man...

[@arlag7550]

Wisdom here..

[@TheRoneZone]

Less is more, listen to others. It's quite simple, if you're a cover band, play it like the recording. No one cares about your hip arrangement, no one cares how awesome you are at your instrument.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Agree with all except the arrangement part -- if you're playing in a venue where it calls for it -- then, yes, stick with how it is in the original, but if you're in a venue where people are there to see YOU'RE style, then do something creative. That's not really a black and white issue. I, personally, prefer hearing creative arrangements of other's work, but that's just me.

[@TheRoneZone]

@@NathanJamesLarsen Okay cool, I can dig that. I mean I do extend solos and do breakdown clap sections all the time so that is fair. Sorry, I tend to over exaggerate my opinions, and just left a band where there was a LEAD Drummer, and LEAD Bass Player, so if I sounded angry, that's why haha.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

@@TheRoneZone Yeah man -- trust me, I know what you're talking about. It drives me nuts when you've got one member of the group who thinks they ARE the band. Good arrangements mean good division of responsibilities between band members. Each member should rely on the other -- no imbalance. I've played with a bass player who is insanely talented but tended to do TOO much, so I've always tried to commend the musician for their ability and then asked them to hold off on some of those things for when the moments are right - and then tried to show them where I DO want those things to happen and then politely ask they focus on rhythm and syncing with the drummer. That's obviously easier said than done in reality.

[@TheRoneZone]

@@NathanJamesLarsen Well, its certainly good to know others feel the same way. It's hard to know when it seems everyone these days just wants to play every set like it's a Snarky Puppy audition. It's funny, the best bass player I've ever worked was a jazzer at heart, yet it was all tone and groove during our pop/rock sets. He'd play a fill maybe once a week, haha, and it was always such a treat when it happened, cause it was so rare. But yes, definitely easier said than done to coach people set in their ways. Musicians are naturally narcissistic unfortunately.

[@mikec6733]

Wear cool clothes 😎

[@awittypilot8961]

You left out the cardinal sin....be in tune....with each other....not your separate tuners....they're not all the same. Another is do NOT compete with each other...each has a part...be a team player and work together. I've been in the same band for 4 years....the lead guitar is a primadonna and gets pissed off bad if you take any of the spotlight....bad joojoo Always someone that thinks they ARE the band....and they ruin it. Look at how many bands thought they were the band and went on their own way and destroyed themselves AND the band. One last thing....get a sound man....can change a shitty band into a good one and a good band into a shitty one....volumes and dynamics can be everything. A really good band is together period...mistakes are less important by a long shot...we all do it

[@georgehammond4739]

Learn how to read music? Lol