HOW TO AUDITION.. and GET THE GIG! SO YOU WANNA BE A PRO MUSICIAN #4

[@Lettsbet]

Pete Thorn is a great human.

[@justcantshred]

I started playing guitar to be Adam Jones, now I wanna be Pete Thorn.

[@PeteThorn]

Hey thanks!

[@RJRonquillo]

Such great info in this series, dig the cameo from Curt too - Pinoy power! 🇵🇭

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks RJ!

[@spaceage7899]

I knew he had a Filipino last name and look. Like I boasted on another post. I was born there but came here at 5 yrs old 1970. My whole family are musicians. Pinoy Power! Mike Inez from Alice in Chains and I went to the same High School in THE Valley 😁 Had to drop a cool name and speaking of someone with a great rep in the business and a great bass player 🤘😎👍

[@spaceage7899]

... and once again Pete this is great insight and knowledge THANKS! And your new album ROCKS!

[@Oilid]

3 dislikes = 3 guys from whom you stole the job! lol Michael Angelo Batio gave us the key to the Lamborghini. YOU give us the key to the castle! 😉👍

[@PeteThorn]

:)

[@BillDutton]

So good! I'm an old guy in my mid 50's just enjoying the heck out of playing guitar in my home studio, making my own little videos and gigging around town with my band...I'm not trying to make a living out of it but your advice is sage wisdom that I believe applies as well to people like me. Thanks Pete for your contributions that certainly help me to be more informed and a better musician. Love your channel, love your attitude and love your playing!

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks Bill!

[@manifestgtr]

The thing I’ve always said about the “be confident but not cocky” attitude is just acting like you *belong* there, regardless of the situation. That doesn’t mean you walk in, take over the room and start calling tunes. It just means that you’re professional, comfortable with yourself, you’re a good hang and you don’t come across as though you’re intimidated...that this is “above your pay grade”. Several of my favorite/proudest gigs have been with some household name types and believe me, a vast majority of them seriously appreciate somebody who’s human and comfortable.

[@morganbaker3808]

Canadian Pete is a treasure. I straight up used this video series to audition for my first bus gig - and got it.

[@PeteThorn]

That rules! Congrats on your gig

[@thetailwinds8668]

The music, the money, the hang. Great advice!

[@johnjanoski3988]

You nailed the preparation by repetition, then went on to show how important attention to detail makes a difference too. Your guest really hammered it home with the Mick Jagger anecdote. James Brown, that attention to detail made all the difference!

[@wannaberockgod9474]

All I do is some covers to put on KZbin, I don’t play in bands and probably never will again, can’t even playing standing up any more due to a back injury but I love this series. It’s never going to benefit me in becoming a pro musician but there’s so much good advice in what you say that can be applied to all aspects of life that every episode has something for me to take away. Thank you Pete!

[@kinleydorji]

Well said! Wish you good luck. I haven't yet started posting on KZbin but hope to - that is pretty much my goal too.

[@brianrodman1033]

Props for having the drive and courage to post covers on KZbin. I’ve never posted any videos of my playing.

[@wannaberockgod9474]

@@brianrodman1033 Thank you, i appreciate that. They are great, the playing isn't brilliant but I've just had fun doing it. You should give it a shot man and if you do, let me know and I'll definitely check it out and leave a like.

[@niptodstan]

That was a great video. I’m 60 and offer mentoring for free to young musicians. It’s surprising how many players of all instruments can’t play in a band. They play at home and are lost in a live environment. Playing with a band is the biz. Nothing like it.

[@JeffAulich]

This video is pure gold. I freaking killed my audition yesterday and got invited to be a part of a huge classic southern rock band, and a 90s country band. Following this video has literally altered the course of my life for the next 10 years and beyond. Geez. I am in your debt 🙏🙏🙏

[@MichaelJacques]

Fantastic interview and advice, not only applies to musicians but to struggling actors as well. The information is timeless! Cheers...

[@LucasMoscardini]

You're the best Pete! Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Pete thank you so much for making these videos. This insight is so valuable.

[@craigreynolds5562]

Getting turned down for a gig is a good thing it has always kept me grounded it makes me look at why didn't I get it and start thinking about how I am going to put it right and then I was prepared for the next audition

[@timchalmers1700]

Pete Thorn serves up some great info and wisdom.

[@DeantheGreen1978]

Firstly, this series is excellent. Such valuable information! Secondly, I take a very similar approach to you. I was “out of the game” for about 15 years (marriage, children, day job etc), but recently was presented an opportunity to audition for a local cover band. I had two weeks to learn 50 tunes. I took the note-for-note approach and practiced as though I was on stage (standing, moving, grooving at volume alongside the OG tracks playing through my PA). I went in to the audition and we rocked through all 50 tunes without hiccups. Suffice to say I got the gig :)

[@chrislestermusic]

So awesome to listen to you and Curt talk. I was in LA from 1990-2001 and my buddy worked for the Drum Doctor and always talked about how great and cool Curt was then. That is one of the immediate take aways from meeting sidemen and studio cats is that they are sooo cool. Just great hangs and good people.

[@stuartangel8212]

This little series has been the most helpful thing for musicians on KZbin. Thanks Pete

[@mikewoike9429]

I don't think you've missed anything, nailed it

[@georgebarry3153]

Pete, your "How to be a Pro" Videos continue to inspire me. I play every weekend, and have for a while..but still, very helpful info and encouragement from you. You are a great Soul. Thank you.

[@fayser1]

Great great advice.. my God what a dude.... such a nice man.

[@IamtheActionman]

Pete is a saint for sharing his experience and taking his time to explain it all for FREE! Thanks for everything PT!

[@RahulBasu6886]

Pete, this is so true for other walks of life too. Just replace music with line of work. The , the money and the hang. Well summarised!!

[@paulcamus8944]

Hard work pays off! If you show up to an audition and Pete Thorn is up after you don't even bother trying, he's kicking your ass!! :D Great Jagger story, gave me goosebumps!

[@GaiaBuzz]

Ahh, but you DO bother auditioning regardless of who is in the cue - simply because it's a learning & growing experience, and you never know who's listening.

[@yjmsrv]

Super good advise- even for just going down to a local blues jam- nothing beats preparation! Thanks for reminding us and all the pointers!

[@stephengabree]

Thanks Pete🎸

[@IPushHard]

James Brown! : ) Sometimes an instinct will pop in and give you the solution on the spot. I've had situations where my instinct was right on, but I didn't listen.... and later I'd be saying "dammit why didn't I listen to myself?" Great video Pete! This is "rubber meets the road" stuff. The nitty gritty of music success. Such a great series.

[@tommytucker5766]

I have an audition today for a wedding band. I have prepared and i am confident I can play the songs note for note with the passion to come with it. I feel like it's the right gig for me. Wish me luck!

[@41DegreesSouth]

Did you get it mate?

[@tommytucker5766]

@@41DegreesSouth long story short, the band were horrendous, unrehearsed and had very negative energy . I absolutely nailed the audition, couldn't of played any better and it blew them away but I declined as I felt so out of place.

[@41DegreesSouth]

@@tommytucker5766 Good for you!

[@johnharo8975]

Incredible series. Your generosity, willingness to be open, and pro tips are truly awesome. If you're ever in Las Vegas, I owe you a shit ton of beers. ;-)

[@metricdeep8856]

Pete, you are merely explaining how to be excellent. No surprise you have the success you enjoy. Well deserved.

[@michalnastoupil6506]

This series of videos is great and amazing! Thank You for taking time to share your knowledge and experiences!

[@ront8270]

That was really cool Pete..even though I’m just learning guitar ,I thought that was interesting really good job Pete

[@d0unk3r]

Thx you so much for sharing your experience ! 🔥

[@unchien2069]

Love this Pete. Thanks for the wisdom!

[@MattFicarra]

Pete, I absolutely loved that video. The preparation you put in to auditioning is incredible and inspiring! Thank you

[@brianrodman1033]

Killer series Pete. Such great advice and most of it can be applied to many other situations/scenarios. Looking forward to the future parts.

[@marloc2019]

I'm not a musician and definitely not a pro. I only play guitar for having fun and I consider myself no more than a decent player. But I'd listen to Pete's stories and advices for hours...

[@thekincaids7546]

This is a great series.

[@JasonMcNamara]

That was absolutely brilliant Pete. The entire community of up and coming musicians need to watch this and be thankful to you for sharing such fantastic wisdom and insight.

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks Jason!

[@johnbeamon]

Pete, this series is golden. I hope more weekender musicians pay attention to it. You don't have to be a career man to benefit from this kind of wisdom and experience. Thanks.

[@kjypeace]

Pete your wisdom is as engaging as your playing. Thanks for sharing.

[@DigitalRackGear]

Amazing video - well done Pete.

[@johnnytruck2009]

Thank you!

[@jeremywhisenhunt9118]

Right On! Love this advice-LOVE this series (my favorite vids you’ve done this far). Been following (lurking mostly in silence) for ~5 years. If you ever need feedback regarding “what your followers like”: pls count me in!! I’m happy to give my subjective perspective (a Case Study from a random 38 yr old). You walk the walk of a professional who will keep growing your one of a kind channel. Your hard work fills a very specific and unique need amongst a Million “guitar, tone, etc.” themed channels. I also Love being able to connect consistently and learn from the freewheeling conversation, advice and stories you facilitate each Sunday. Thx Pete 🎸

[@glouismusic]

Awesome!

[@JohnSmithiuyytw]

Outstanding video, love your work man!

[@joelcprice]

Favorite vid in the series so far Pete!

[@abramtreadwell722]

Awesome video Pete! Really enjoyed this one.

[@patrickmenard8564]

Thanks Pete...advise so down to the grind....so honest advise too....KIDS!! LISTEN TO PETE AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BENEFITS OF IS KNOWLEDGE AND HE WILL NEVER FOOL YOU....yep i mean it Pete....cheers!!

[@47Wolfgang]

Nice video Pete, You Rock

[@bluesslider76]

Great advice ! Thanks. You helped me realize that one bands I've been working in for years have lost 2 of the 3 need elements to be happy. Music and the hang. Also I need to get back OUT OF THE HOUSE and network with new people!

[@ronaldsmith8966]

"Sound" advice! Thanks, Pete!

[@cagnonrocks]

Really cool to have a great player and person to share advice with the world. Thanks Mr. Thorn

[@solarpoint1]

Outstanding content. No substitute for the experience and wisdom of Mr. Pete Thorn and friends!

[@Vhalen22]

This is the best series i have seen, i am hanging on every word!!!

[@paulvanramshorst3646]

Such a great series! Thanks for your insight Pete. So great to see a hometown boy do great! I've landed every audition I've ever done by following these very same rules. Be prepared, be humble, support the artist, support the music! These days I'm a tech at Stang Guitars in Edmonton (which is a great place to get Suhr guitars and Thornbucker pickups!) but I still love getting out there and doing my thing while always making the artist feel confident in making their music! Looking forward to more videos.

[@mikegibsonincognito4580]

Awesome great video Pete, I learnt I need to get our singer out of the grey cloud, he can hit the notes but just looks like he going through the motions and having no fun. Love what you do thanks so much.

[@electroKrunch]

Attitude... Be the guy that's needed for the part. If you've something else to give, it's bonus...

[@wcm5150]

I just don’t know what we would do without Pete.

[@PeteThorn]

:)

[@ONANISLAND]

Peter is incredible i have the same rules to audition many thanks for refresh me the principal

[@jayguitar]

Totally love that tip - Money, Music, Hang! Awesome 😊 I shall remember that! 😃 Curt was absolutely fantastic as well! Thanks so much Pete! Love the album btw, have an amazing day man 😊🤟🙏

[@bradly373]

Awesome video

[@colescott3022]

Another great video Pete!

[@JenniferPricci]

Love the tip about renting the rehearsal space in the same building where the audition is. Sure, you're communicating "(you're) serious" ... but I think that can reap some other 'throw 'em off their game' type benefits. Also love the small note about get to know a bit about them. I use that when interviewing or in past job interviews, I also leave with a remark about something I like that they're doing, whatever they're up to that's "innovative." I try to choose an example that aligns BEST with WHY I AM THERE. It's problem / solution alignment all day. They need a player, you are IT. Speak to those problems and YOU become the solution. Again, invaluable stuff.

[@aixpert291]

Pete is a national treasure.

[@vriendelijkegroet]

That you prepare and know the songs is a given, otherwise don't go. Attitude and not being an asshole is very important. Also make sure that you listen to what's happening around. I'm have been in 9-10 piece bands and got hired because I can keep guitar small.

[@briguylor]

Great video post, Pete, thank you for your insight! Yes Arnis, a great human but also a great Canadian guitar player!

[@paul_domici]

Great information and advise Pete!!! I feel the same way when it comes to any job interviews. I always nail it!!! Thanks

[@cramster3495]

How brilliant was that! Thanks Pete

[@jpzeus]

Dang dude....you just taught me everything I have been doing wrong....thanks man, you the best!!

[@FabrizioPeretti]

this was a very cool video Pete thank you so much

[@christianboddum8783]

Bravo! Being too tense has been my problem in the past, and hindered my flexibility.

[@thebenderbunker]

Great tips! Auditions can be nerve racking and these suggestions are spot on. Thanks for making this video!

[@robpags]

Dude.... Fing LOVE your videos. Best part of my week is a new Pete Thorn post.

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks Rob!!!

[@stephatoms9801]

Wow Pete! Thank you for sharing. Awesome priceless professional insight!

[@steelydan146]

Your insights here are really common sense. Yet I've encountered so-called "musicians" that can't seem to understand these basics.

[@MrDavyBigot]

Man! This is so funny. 11 years ago, I prepared myself exactly like a musician to get my job. There was one spot at my University and I wanted it so bad... I had the same approach in mind and I got the « gig ». That’s what I try to teach to my students now. In fact, you should entitled « so you wanna be a pro whatever you want? » anyway thanks for everything man. You rock!

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks!!

[@nancreations]

Pete, I am loving this series so much. Thank you. I had already watched many videos of you, but mainly the ones you review gear. I would love it if you could do a video, or some other series about dialing tones correctly. Thank you so much. All the best!

[@BobbyLaneProductions]

another awesome video in the series Pete.. sharing your advice and experiences is so valuable! by the way.. you asked in your last Sunday Live video for our opinions on how frequently you should put out videos in this series.. my vote would be every other week.. really looking forward to the next.. thanks again!

[@skipneumann1]

probably alot of us are auditioning for local bands doing cover tunes...I learned the hard way to make sure I had the right key and version of the tunes on the audition list .... one time I got to the audition for second guitar and the other guitar player had 3 guitars setup-- I should have seen it coming-- he played one song in drop C even though the original key was not; the next tune he grabs a different guitar tuned 1/2 step down with the chords a fourth lower then the original key-- the audition was over before it started-- I never went to another one without nailing down the version and key. cool video series! thanks

[@MatsDagerlind]

All good advice. Could perhaps have stressed more that what many performers want is someone to support the song, while many guitar players, especially if not already established names in the business, tend to feel they need to show what bad-ass shredders they are. That's probably relevant if you're auditioning for lead guitar in a metal or instrumental fusion band, but won't get you anywhere with artists like those mentioned above, e.g. Melissa Etheridge and Don Henley.

[@TheNinnyfee]

A ton of great advice, even for hobby musicians and job applications in general. :) Preparation really is key for everything, I loved that. Not just the music, but also fitness, mindset, research in the job, everything you can think of and control. Make sure you know why they would want to hire you and why you want to be hired by them. On making demands I would like to add a detail, though: Know what you are generally applying for and don't be stupid about it, not just in music. You can always negotiate details but not the overall frame. Don't go if e.g. you there's an audition for a tour and you are in charge of collecting kids from school every day and cannot delegate the task for more than a day. Even if you would love to get the part. If not even the frame is right for you, don't be unprofessional and waste people's time. They may really like you and then you tell them big obstacles you already knew before - not good, neither for the job nor for networking.

[@turdferguson9942]

Another amazing video Pete and after seeing Hired Gun on Netflix, which I was hoping to see you and Tim Pierce in by the way, you're probably better off having not gotten the NIN gig.

[@dyamariv3628]

Hey Pete my fellow Canuck! Awesome video, you are the man! Thanks for taking the time to share and help us learn from your experiences

[@surfrduede]

Great advice for music and life in general!

[@derrekhawkins5741]

iI so look forward to these posts on Wednesday's!!Always great advice and so entertaining....Thanks Pete

[@emmanuelbertrand176]

thank's a lot for those precious advices

[@dapperdanman1956]

Cheers Pete thorn

[@cbeserra]

So much wisdom! Thank you for everything you do.

[@metalmulisha0143]

Really loving this series! The videos always feel so short by the end, must be a good sign!

[@ThaDrumaH]

Badass vid series Pete

[@Zolier]

I would like to add only one thing: prepare for the gig!

[@hcc9587]

Loving this series, got my full attention

[@fatherjacques]

So interesting! Again it can be applied to many other situations in life.

[@andresnion]

This videos are great, man! thank you

[@dennismullins4930]

Priceless insight

[@ClassicK1rk]

Curt is Legendary!! Sweet video Pete. Your the man. 🤘😎🤘

[@DiegoNavaja]

What a cool story about that audition with Mick Jagger

[@cmdrumming]

Such a great video (and series!). You, sir, are awesome. Thank you.