Feeling Down? Start A Cover Band

Baxter and Jonathan say Ditch the SSRI's and Guitar Scales and start a band! It will make you a better player in so many better ways! JK Don't take any medical advice from us morons :)

[@BeersAndBeatsPDX]

I used to hate cover bands when I was younger. I thought they were people who couldn't hack it with their own music so they had to play other people's. Getting older I realize it's just a bunch of people who want to jam out to music they love when their friends and I appreciate it more and more as time goes on.

[@monstroguitars4550]

Likewise.....I've also learned that crowds like to hear the hits, and respond by giving their energy to the band.

[@Candlepinman]

There is also an "art" and skill to being able to replicate parts accurately with the right vibe and feel :) Almost as much skill involved (when it's more than just a casual bar band) just a different set of skills.

[@BeersAndBeatsPDX]

@@Candlepinman For sure!

[@DeirdreSM]

Another aspect: you may not absolutely love some of the songs you play, but you learn to appreciate how the band's skills worked together (or not). Anyhow, I do miss being in a Sweet cover band, though I did add at least one bass flourish to each song.

[@WannaBeatle-Paul_McMichael]

in reality, being financially successful playing your own music is very rare. but, playing covers or even better, playing in a tribute band can make you quite a bit of money. but, on the other side, if you're known for being in a tribute band and you try to go back to "being yourself", it's really hard to do that. the only person I can think of off the top of my head that did alright for himself is Marshall Crenshaw. He was in one of the casts of Beatlemania. but, he left the show around '79 or '80 and he was already talking to record labels while he was in the show.

[@Journey-of-1000-Miles]

Learning entire songs from beginning to end is a very important milestones.

[@stephensaunders01]

Hmm...well, I've always wanted to start an all male Bangles tribute band called "The Dangles". Perhaps now is the time...

[@jimmyfrombrooklyn8550]

From the perspective of a failed rock star, I’ll tell you unequivocally you guys are right. I put it down years ago after a deal went bad and bad broke up. So I did nothing but work. Once I retired I rediscovered the fun of playing for the love of it. I play in several bands and all are cover bands. Great subject guys

[@ehiracheta]

Baxter: "...you are gunna be pooping happiness..." Me: Taking the first bite of my bean burrito.....

[@MrSparks54]

I've been playing bass with the same band for 18 years. Most of us are doctors, some of us recently retired. Getting a bunch of doctors together is like herding cats. We usually play fund raisers, staff parties, med school grad parties or the occasional bar gig. But during the pandemic we practiced less and it's been 2 years since we played a gig. Enter the point of this vid, start a cover band. My brother and I started another band just to get in some regular practice and learn different types of music. It's been fun but getting those cats together is also hit and miss. My biggest recommendation is to learn to read and play music, anything you can get your hands on. This has been the best way for me to get out of a rut and expand my music knowledge. Now I'm getting deeper into jazz, a whole different animal but the challenge is enjoyable. Thanks for the subject guys!

[@timnewman1172]

In my opinion, the bass player is the most important member of any band... YOU set the tempo, YOU are the one who evens out the drummer, and YOU provide the foundation for the other instruments to build upon!

[@rdb9936]

I’m also a doctor and it’s insanely hard to do! Do you work in acute specialities and if so how did you manage to get practice sessions that everyone could attend?

[@MrSparks54]

@@rdb9936 Send out a text or email asking to pick from a list of available days. Sometimes that falls on weekends or for some reason Monday evenings. It's a bit easier now with 3 of 7 retired and our lead female singer works days. We just played a gig Saturday night for a large Children's Hospital Pediatric Dept Christmas party, around 900 attended. It was a blast.

[@rdb9936]

@@MrSparks54 awesome! Sounds like a great time!

[@tonepilot]

Funny, that's the first thing I did after learning a few chords. We're now a five piece band playing gigs. I've no desire to write my own material, I'm having too much fun playing the tunes I've loved throughout the years. In fact, I've started two more! You're right, playing with other people is hard but it's a good skill to learn and it's magical when it all comes together.

[@daddysasquatch4970]

It's been over 20 years since I played out with a band. Those were truly some of the best nights of my life. I ended up moving to a different town and getting married with children. And you are so right, when I was playing out regularly I had killer chops. And man did I love playing LOUD and getting those tubes red hot. I played with some really great guys and we rarely disagreed on anything. I used to know tons of songs too. Damn, I need to start a band!!!!!!

[@dmac3316]

My friends and I started a band in highschool. We tried covers but ended up switching to originals which ended up being more fun and got us some notice. Had a fun little run there for a bit and still talk about getting the band back together all these years later lol. Bands are totally worth it!

[@leeasbury7273]

I dig watching u guys talk everyday. Feels like I'm there. 👍

[@spencermorris7027]

It really is a great way to get yourself learning at a faster pace. I'm sure a lot of people are like me, but when I first started, I just really didn't care to learn covers of songs. Joining a band forced me too, and it's really helped a lot! Plus, getting to play with other people is so, so fun. When you're in a band that all gets along, it's just a blast

[@jeffgutierrez8796]

My perspective is different. I got intimidated into playing bass with a punk band coming from an orchestra background. This small for my age band geek didn't want to get beat up so I agreed. We gained a lot of momentum and I've made a good life playing music. Looking back, we learned covers to fill bigger time slots and get better gigs. I don't know if cover songs are for everyone. We'd do renditions or homages more than covers.

[@jimcarter6669]

Boy do I need some lessons! These guys are great. Ever since Covid, I can't remember the songs.

[@granthostheflatulent]

Could not agree more. In 1986 I was giving up - sold my electric guitar to a mate. I taught him the 3 chords I knew. It was fun. I ended up buying another guitar, started jamming regularly and we formed a classic rock covers band. 37 years later we are still playing together, doing a few pub gigs a year. Being in a band has given me so much more that just playing guitar, even in a 3rd rate British pub cover band like ours - and we still get paid and do repeat bookings 🙂

[@edwardruiz8920]

I was in original bands for all my twenties. To join a cover band, made you sold out and you gave up. It still does in my opinion but I also learned that most people are better off not being rockstars. The life is not for most even if you think you want it. Joined a prog rock cover band in my 30's as a means to get the stage bug out of me after I quit local touring. It is so nice to play to a crowd. Bigger the better. Moved from folk, alt rock, metal, punk, to latin. Then to Disco and R&B. I now find my self starting to conquer jazz in my early 50's. Jazz is the ultimate cover band work actually. Only so many originals and lots of interpretations of other people's songs. I found out I liked playing R&B more than anything else after decades of either folk or grind core punk. I played some original music in my 40's. The other musicians loved it. Crowd liked it. Started a soul band at the same time and the crowd adored it and wanted more. Each has it's ups and downs.

[@Journey-of-1000-Miles]

Q: “how much cocaine can Charlie sheen do?” A: “Enough to kill 2 1/2 men!”

[@johnwashburn3793]

On my 21st birthday I stopped in a local bar and the guy two stools over also had a birthday. The girl in between asked for whipped cream and I got an education.

[@Kur0y4m4]

Think you rock? Think you suck? Does. Not. Matter. Playing in a band > Playing alone.

[@j.r.g3548]

I poop happiness every morning. Start with a sip of coffee watching y'all on my computer, quickly transfer to phone and finish up on the potty!

[@timnewman1172]

TMI...

[@danielpaskoful]

I play in a cover band, and it is hella fun. We aren’t trying to be rock stars. We play for the love of music and aren’t interested in trying to create original music, that is a commercial enterprise. We don’t play for silver, we play for life.

[@gtr1952]

IMHO, any time you can play with 1 other person your practice is way more valuable. I've seen so many people that can't follow an intro, verse(s) bridge verse etc. Even just 12 bar blues, that so many songs are based on. I can also remember one night we were on break, a really nice lady from the room came up to me and said she was a vocal coach, gave me her card, and said she could help me. I wasn't offended at all, and I called her the next day. She ended up teaching me a lot, and improved my vocals 10 fold!! The big one was how to breathe, and not run out of air. I encourage people to try a VC, JMHO --gary

[@amberwoodstudio]

Cover bands are fun. You can always throw in a few originals during the set.

[@MJScrivens89]

I’d love to get a band going. The open mic that I used to go to pre-pandemic hasn’t started up again, so I need something new. I need to find people to start said band with, but it’s on my to do list going forward for sure. I’ve not played with other people for so long, and I miss it.

[@largeeng]

Absolutely agree, forget trying to emulate EVH, Yngwie or Eric Johnson in the guitar shop, impressing no one, join a cover band. Don't worry that it might not be your desired genre, your guitar playing skills will multiply exponentially by learning songs and learning how to interact with the other musicians. Play simple songs at first, it is much more rewarding to play an easy song in unison than make a complete hash of a difficult song

[@randa4382]

If someone makes a mistake.... you play through and dont correct yourself to them... you didnt mess up... you should be the foundation that the others can find their way back to... so if someone makes a mistake keep playing so they have something to navigate back towards. If you try to adjust to them you end up chasing each other.

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

Great video, thanks! Best tip I can pass on, is practice every day. With time, you will improve and find yourself periodically reaching new plateaus. For me, it can be years before a new level of skill manifests. But when it happens, it's an amazing feeling. As a side note, always clean your hands before you play and wipe down your guitar & strings when done. Fair winds and following seas to all.

[@allenhayesmusic]

Yep!

[@markinthemix6055]

Being in a band is a part of life to look back on and laugh out loud.

[@eferro7903]

Thanks for making this video. I am in the process of starting a cover band and I’m really excited for it.

[@frederickacerra7766]

Friends and I get together all in our late 60's all Deadheads and we struggle through a few songs and have a blast . Keeps you young

[@0burrus]

Been doing it for a few years and still love it!

[@_rafael_b]

Playing music in an ensemble situation is absolutely where it's at. Not only for the reasons you state, but it also puts gearheadedness (new word!) in perspective. You realize that your guitar parts aren't more important than the other guitarist's are just because your gear is cool.

[@timnewman1172]

Practing at home will teach you how to play an instrument, playing in a band teaches you how to be a MUSICIAN!

[@timnewman1172]

Using a metronome is great & necessary, but it doesn't teach you how to GROOVE... you NEED to lock in with bass & drums, if you have a great rhythm section you're 99% ahead of the rest...

[@timnewman1172]

The proof is watching the ladies all out on the dance floor, shakin' their butts & having a good time... THAT is how you get the second gig!

[@glenkepic3208]

I played in a cover band in the early '80s. This lasted about a year playing parties and a few bar gigs. Family and job were more important so i quit. Late '04, the co guitar player drops a cd of tunes to learn and a note to call him in my mail box (we'd kept in contact), He invited us to a BBQ at his house about a year before which was great. Idea was to have a little one off 'reunion' with a dinner at the singer's house after the new year.. We nailed all the tunes ! Another party and another bar gig with practice every week. We got pretty good (everything from Pink Houses and I Want You To Want Me to Cowboy Song and Voyager). I had an on the job injury to my hand so quit again ("I'm giving you your band back"). This about 10 months later Still keep in contact and they stayed together,,,,some line up changes but the 'core' (guitar, bass and lead vocals) is still there. They still gig. I couldn't handle what they do now but grateful for my time with them.

[@phlegmbeck9224]

I started a little late but I’ve done my best to catch up! There’s nothing like working as a team to get a song right. It pushes to develop skills you might not otherwise have. Learning songs and styles you might not have tried on your own, etc. You don’t always sound good but you always have a good time!

[@_Yep_Yep_]

My brother started an 80s cover band in South Carolina that literally printed money, built a cult following, and was factually a get out of jail free card. Also enjoys what he does enough to mainline gigs and part time what was a super successful real estate job. Mind boggling, but cool af.

[@supernothing77]

You could have probably make a decent living or at least pay the bills playing cover songs in bars and clubs back in the 80s, early 90s. Idk bout the 70s but it was probably a great environment

[@brooksroman2918]

I’ve played guitar for 15 years and play guitar for a few original artists but I’ve entertained so many ideas about starting bands. Guns N’ Roses tribute, Foo Fighters tribute, hair metal cover band, early 2000’s rock/alternative/metal cover band, all that. I want to have that much fun 😂

[@SlimRhyno]

Learning to play an entire set, start to finish, with no (major) mistakes, is SUCH a different thing. I thought I was pretty hot s*** when I could play a dozen songs all the way through, and then my friend's dad was like "ok, now play all 12 songs, in a row, while I sit right here and listen." Phwew, that was a humbling experience, and I am still so grateful that he put me in my place all those years ago 😅

[@BrianGay57]

Playing with others is a LOT of fun, and has been important to my progress. I first picked up the guitar thinking of doing a solo acoustic kind of thing. I took my acoustic to work, and pretty soon other players crawled out of the woodwork. I now think of myself as an ensemble player and never really did get a solo acoustic act together. I play mostly electric rhythm and lead with a few different people. I’m still trying to get at least a few songs together that I can play and sing on my own, but I really prefer to try and help others sound better.

[@miker6898]

Absolutley right guys. Teaches you to listen!!!.

[@Birkguitars]

100% agree. Playing in a covers band is a blast. One word of caution is to be prepared for the WTF moments. One version is everyone else wanting to do The Song That Everyone Loves But You Hate. It happens in every band. The only options are (1) beg and (2) suck it up. Another version is summed up by the time I was playing lead guitar and the band decided we would do Number of the Beast and Enter Sandman. Did THAT ever require an uptick in my skill set! Plus side though is when the song needs a different type of guitar. That song? Oh I need a whammy bar for that. And I need 24 frets for this song. And the other new song can ONLY be done with single coils. GAS is big in cover bands.

[@markkenific6587]

Been in bands since ‘71 and in the same band now since ‘02.

[@jfrankcarr]

Bar venues that hire full cover bands have almost disappeared around here. There are still opportunities at corporate events and such for things like acoustic duos and soft and easy covers.

[@ruthguitars7711]

CC deville is one of the reasons I started playing guitar. And white snake epic I love this video

[@ricksrealpitbbq]

Playing with other people absolutely takes you further than you can on your own. As the good book says iron sharpens iron.

[@gregcampbell8888]

Totally agree! I’m a trombone player and know there’s a huge difference between “practice room chops” and “concert chops”! Sometimes you think you’re doing great in the practice room but when you go to a full rehearsal it’s back to the drawing board!

[@Phoebedumplings]

Wise words! It’s the way to go 😀

[@mykneeshurt8393]

I gave up a long time ago trying to play with other people. My brain doesn't work correctly or something.

[@tone1798]

Fun episode! Good luck for the brave doing a Soundgarden cover band!

[@markpell8979]

@ Tone 17... OMG, no kidding. I love Soundgarden, tried numerous times to play that stuff but forget it! And I'm not bad either, always been quick to pick up new tunes. But trying to play Kim Thuyil? Just sit and listen. Respect!

[@nathanielpersohn600]

Keep rolling rolling rollin Baxter!!

[@misternobody4786]

Love them charts

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

The trick is almost always finding a drummer, because there are a ton of people who own drum kits, but only a small minority of them are drummers.

[@larryrochester]

I'm about to cover some John Mayer after I win that Silver Sky!

[@bripslag]

In my 20s I played and toured in a cover band that also did about 30% original music. Released a record, heard our music on the radio, played to packed venues, the whole thing. After a few years of that I "retired" from the biz until my mid-50s, when I started playing again with the bass player I'd played with years before. Nearly 10 years later, we're still gigging regularly. Half of us are retired from real work now, and we have a blast not worrying about trying to make a living with music. The point about some players can play with a band but not by themselves is spot on. Over the years I've learned hundreds of songs. Sit me down and ask me to play a song, and I can play the hooks to lots of songs, but just the guitar part. The songs are not complete without all the other parts.

[@stanleyeisel8883]

GREAT video!!! Every word is “gospel “

[@SwnkyTiger]

There's a Tenacious D cover band in my province! Denacious T, say they will play any gig, anywhere, from back yard BBQs to Grandma's funeral.

[@HannahGuitars]

Re: Oat Studios - Yes the 1st one is great, but "Zygote"? Holy crap dude! It's fantastic! And ya, playing with friend is sooo much fun. Also - One gig is worth 10 rehearsals. So go out there and suck, until you don't suck anymore. It's time well spent.

[@derek5168]

A cover band is the way to go because there are so many bands who say they do original their own music but really good song writers and composer's are very rare and there's so many great songs to cover and not just the big hits

[@markleyva3108]

Cover and tribute bands in my area are inspiring. People who yuk that yum are wasting their time criticizing something that makes a LOT of people happy. I absolutely agree with the premise of this video. Nothing has improved my playing as much as joining a cover band. And it is a lot of fun! But I think you left out the appropriate word of caution: Being in bands is fun, but it’s also a drama factory. Make sure to have at least a slightly thick skin to survive the stress/drama that accompanies the fun.

[@Journey-of-1000-Miles]

I haven’t played in a band, since right before the pandemic began. I’d love to get another band going, but rhythm sections are as rare as hens teeth. Not to mention a PA system, as well as a trailer and a vehicle to pull it.

[@davedavid7061]

Trailer prices have skyrocketed

[@johnbriggs3916]

I think matching sneakers as a staff uniform is a wonderful idea. You could wander into Casino Guitars and instantly tell which of the strangely dressed people actually work there.

[@davedavid7061]

Haille Bop going to the spaceship

[@steveg6327]

cover bands make for great parties with friends

[@gazzy_burns]

Even better, write your own music with mates. I’ve been down the covers route and making music is the BEST!

[@DanAddison]

Most of my life I thought being in a covers band was the lamest thing you could possibly do. Like I’d rather just stack shelves than compromise on artistic integrity. Now I’m in my 40s I have a less idealistic and hubristic perspective. I think it’s a totally valid thing - lots of fun, potentially lots of technical progression, lots of opportunities to make people feel good, and pretty much the only chance you have of making any money out of music today. So have at it! It’s still not actually cool though.

[@CanAvs16]

I'm at the point in my guitar playing that I think to progress, I need to find a band. Which is super intimidating. One of the reasons being is that I've always been self conscious about my playing, or more so my knowledge. Also, I just realized I think it's been about a year since the Silver Sky giveaway announcement. Shame on you KZbin watchers for not getting hip to these guys quicker...I need that guitar. ;)

[@CanAvs16]

Another note...I love when Baxter segues into movies. Wish Casino Guitars was where I live.

[@ericcarpenter3263]

Clicked for Casino Guitar… stayed for Jonathan’s Sweltering Good Looks.

[@TheFeelButton]

Someday maybe.

[@CraigGriffiths]

The logic in Johnathon …. lol

[@cre8alotdesign232]

I will join your band Baxter. Don’t worry. Just give me a job at the shop. We can write new tunes everyday.

[@youKnowWho3311]

Confirmed..... From Tool, DMB, SRV, RHCP to the commodores....... DO IT!

[@wheeleratthesolarhouse3953]

Dude, you need to watch Crimes of the Future... and yes, I need to start a band

[@markinthemix6055]

Im all about me some Alien VS Predator movies.

[@jboughtin7522]

A couple potential video topics: How to deal with creative differences in a band. Do bands work better with a primary leading figure of a more democratic environment?

[@johnwashburn3793]

Honestly, I don't think I ever played in a cover band. My first band played aii original and I have been basically solo for the last 40 years. It works for me and I love the Martin you sold me, should you care.

[@DigitalChemistryBand]

After 30 years of cover bands... I said no more... without original music, there are no covers... I started a band... instrumental funk rock originals... because of cover bands I never got the chance to play my own material... Be ready in early 23'...

[@anthonynonya]

I've been wanting to start a cover band for a while but nobody will join me. I even have a unique and fun idea for the type of cover band.

[@frankpotter5936]

Jam in Joe's Garage

[@jameshughes9706]

RAKKA- by Oats Studios

[@stevewilliams846]

Me and my digitech trio

[@paristhalheimer]

A new trend in the Maryland area in the last few years is that places only want duets that play covers; no full bands; no originals.

[@brandonjackson5865]

Playing through mistakes in a band setting improved my playing more than anything else probably The difference between amateur and pro . Pros play through mistakes and no one knows, amateur stops makes a face or overreacts in some way obvious to an average listener . Anyone else want to start a hair metal band with a bald guy in north Alabama ? I’ve always heard CC is way better than Poison required

[@Trikisixx]

Feeling Down? Subscribe to the channel and witness the armwrestling spectacle of a lifetime. Let the Festivus feats of strength commence.

[@book3100]

I'm gonna send up a flare here.. Topeka ks, i play bass, I'm a little older, but i need a band. Any music i don't care. It's like pulling teeth around here.

[@cheezyridr]

back in the 80's i was in a locally popular cover band. we played 3-4 times/week. i HATED it. mostly because i booked the gigs, managed the money and owned the equipment, coordinated rehearsals, and played babysitter to 3 other guys who were incapable of taking care of themselves. i met alot of females, they were fun, but none were keepers. do start a band, play covers if you want, but definitely write and record original music too. just don't expect to get rich or famous as a bar band. your job is to sell beer, period. it's about as glamorous a job as mucking the stables at your local track

[@PJC1981]

How about some Weird Am and Styx?

[@rylieriley]

What if I don't want to be C.C. DeVille? What if I want to be Jay Jay French? 😁😄

[@RyansCustomShopandGearOutlet]

One key point: cover bands get $$$ PAID $$$. I've played in plenty of original bands that got paid with "exposure," and you can't pay bills with that. If you love to play live, cover bands pay the bills and get more gigs. People going out to have fun would rather sing along with classic anthems they already know than venture out to see some unknown band.

[@paristhalheimer]

Another thing that's happening is that some booking agents are cornering the market on venues and filling them with cover bands. The phone call goes like this, "Sorry, we book all music through X booking agency."

[@paristhalheimer]

I'm an originals band, but play covers to play gigs. A lot of places want higher us because we play originals. How do we get gigs when everyone wants covers.

[@phillippitts6294]

Soundgarden cover band would be pretty awesome! Just saying.☠️☠️☠️

[@gorlagOv]

Alright who wants to jam?

[@gameoftones77]

I want to start a hair metal band, but i am bald as shit. i dont think it would work.

[@timnewman1172]

Joe Satriani?

[@butlersaid9419]

If it werent for alcohol and guitars guys like me would never get laid!

[@dmarlan]

Never did come up with a name for my ' Pretenders' cover band , so we broke up

[@Frankie_Holt]

There is no “might” to me missing a chord. I learned most of the songs I know pre internet and have spent the last few years trying to correct the past 30 years of play stuff wrong.

[@bbrotherton6345]

As I get older, I notice that 'commenters' use the names of bands the way you just did. That is any bands before your Jr., and high school days are discarded from the discussion. For the sake of..... 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s????? cover bands are the most played in RV Parks, etc.

[@boblanzillo2144]

Baxter wanted to laugh when he said "playing with myself" love it. Adulting is for Adults

[@mikeblue385]

play something. even if it's wrong.

[@supernothing77]

Advice for guitar players: learn to sing even a little. Learn bass. Keyboards are a bonus

[@DigitalChemistryBand]

Want to learn a wide range of guitar mastery??? Learn RUSH...

[@NoCoverCharge]

Please not another cover band… just stop ..The first song I ever learned I wrote … don’t be a cover band please just don’t..unless it’s an offspring cover band or ween !!! Then edge on bros !