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Band Wagon
Playing in a Trio
Discussion in 'Band Wagon' started by Paul in Colorado, Aug 31, 2018.
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Sep 1, 2018 #21
Theslack5
Theslack5
Tele-Meister
223
Mar 13, 2014
Southampton uk
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I prefer playing in a trio, although there are times I wish there was another part
going on especially as when we record I tend to overdub like mad on lead and
synths.
I have made peace with the fact that live we are more raw than we are on recordings
it’s a good place to be.
Finding lead guitarists that want to play specific parts rather than aimlessly
noodle over everything has been problematic for us. The other great thing is the
less members in the group the easier it is to arrange practice/recordings/gigs etc
Theslack5, Sep 1, 2018 Report#21Like+ QuoteReply

Sep 1, 2018 #22

Paul in Colorado
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Fort Collins, CO
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I've been listening to this band a lot which is a trio with singer who sometimes
plays drums or piano.
All opinions expressed by this poster are well thought out and based on actual
experience and/or scientific experimentation, except for those which are knee-jerk
reactions or good sounding fantasies.
Paul in Colorado, Sep 1, 2018 Report#22Like+ QuoteReply
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Sep 1, 2018 #23
trev333
trev333
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Dec 3, 2009
Coolum Beach,Australia
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I've been playing Bass with a local guitarist/singer and his drummer for a few
years now ... they've been in various small bands together for a long time... we
haven't gigged out yet, though we practiced a set last year to play at a school
fair but it got rained out/cancelled... I was kinda bummed for a month after that,
I was so keen to play out......

as a first time Bass player, I had to get up to speed pretty quickly.. or give it
up and go back to guitar...

It's great, I get to make up my own basslines for songs... or fudge the original
close enough for our purposes... the guys have never suggested I should do anything
other than what I'm doing, the drummer and I get on well and discuss where we need
spaces to be, who gets the 1 on this section, etc... worked with the guitar player
to leave me the bottom end and get his twang more in the mix...

I really feel I'm playing music now, . I can push the beat, pull back and minimise,
drop in fills here and there, hold solid to let the other players drift around...
try new patterns mid song without getting the stink eye from the others...
it's a ton of fun.... more fun than rhythm guitar..... ;)
"by degrees the flood of music drove all speculations out of his mind. It was as
though it were a kind of liquid stuff that poured all over him and got mixed up
with the sunlight that filtered through the leaves."
trev333, Sep 1, 2018 Report#23Like+ QuoteReply
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Sep 4, 2018 #24
Dennyf
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Feb 9, 2011
Charlotte, NC
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Best advice I ever got was from Henry M. Johnson, who is my personal guitar hero:
He simply said, "Just don't be afraid of the space." The more I think about it, and
attempt to play by it, the easier it gets.

dennyf.com
Dennyf, Sep 4, 2018 Report#24Like+ QuoteReply
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Sep 6, 2018 #25
mitchfinck
mitchfinck
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Dec 7, 2015
Stratford, Ontario
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One of my bands is a trio and I think we have a great raw, punk/post-punk kind of
sound that is pretty unique. We have a singer, guitar (me), and drummer. No bass.
Often pretty minimal playing. A lot of fun.
I feel like trios are a good way to find a sound that can be really unique, but
equally easy to fall into the same traps as everyone else.
I prefer trios in general, whether "power" or otherwise.
I'll die before I'm 25...

... Too late...

mitchfinck, Sep 6, 2018 Report#25Like+ QuoteReply

Sep 6, 2018 #26

fendrguitplayr
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Greater Boston
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I prefer a three piece, but it's also good that everybody sings.

You do have to play some songs a bit differently but hey, creativity is the key.
____________________________________
"Don't leave home without it"

- Mike
fendrguitplayr, Sep 6, 2018 Report#26Like+ QuoteReply

Today at 12:29 PM #27

Derwood
Derwood
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Age: 58
58
Nov 4, 2004
NH
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I have a trio. We haven't played out a lot yet, but get good response when we do. I
play guitar and sing, and also play some harp. The bass player does some backing
vox. Drummer drums. Nice not having to compete with incessant noodling. Looking
forward to playing at a local distillery's vodka release party this weekend.
Derwood, Today at 12:29 PM Report#27Like+ QuoteReply

Today at 1:01 PM #28

jman72
jman72
Tele-Holic
751
Aug 31, 2013
Central Florida
New
I generally play lead guitar in a 4-piece band (with our lead singer playing
rhythm). A couple of years ago we had the "gig of the year" a couple of weeks out
when our singer had to bow out for personal reasons. The remaining three of us
decided to go it as a trio. It was a TOTALLY different experience. I enjoyed it,
but there's a LOT more responsibility on a guitar player when there are only three
of you in the band. Man, I gained a TOTAL new level of respect for Alex Lifeson.
Maybe not the "technically" best guitar player around, but his ability to
intermingle leads, rhythm, and fills is amazing. He can do it all.
jman72, Today at 1:01 PM Report#28Like+ QuoteReply

Today at 1:05 PM #29

StrangerNY
StrangerNY
Friend of Leo's
2,002
Sep 6, 2010
Long Island, New York
New
I've been in a trio the better part of ten years. We were a five piece until the
singer and rhythm guitarist quit.

We thought about replacing them, then decided to just move on as a 3 piece. The
cool thing is we're fearless - we play a lot of stuff that a 3 piece band should
not even attempt, yet we pull it off 99% of the time.

I grew up back when you had to learn rhythm guitar, and that serves the band pretty
well. I don't do a million solos - but I don't really miss them in a lot of songs.

- D
StrangerNY, Today at 1:05 PM Report#29Like+ QuoteReply

Today at 1:10 PM #30

beyer160
beyer160
Tele-Afflicted
1,709
Aug 11, 2010
On Location
New
My first band in school was the classic 4-piece- two guitars, bass and drums. We
fired the rhythm guitarist, and at our first rehearsal without him we realized
there was a now a big hole in our sound. We all needed to step up and fill that
space, my playing improved dramatically in just a week or two. I definitely
recommend playing in a trio at some point in your life- it'll kick your butt, in a
good way.

My current band is a trio, if we had any more guys than that we'd never rehearse-
it's hard enough to schedule the three of us who are in the band now.
"If flexibility, cost, reliability and convenience are really important to you, why
in heck did you choose to be a musician?"
-telemnemonics
beyer160, Today at 1:10 PM Report#30Like+ QuoteReply

Our steel player couldn't make it tonight so the drummer, bassist and I got
together to go over the acoustic part of our upcoming gig. Originally, we were the
whole band but it was the first time we played in that format in years. There are
two ways to go in a trio format. Either play a lot to fill in the holes or to play
less and allow the holes to be there. Tonight I went with playing less and letting
the bass and drums carry the tune. After however many years we've been doing this,
we know each other and how we play. A couple of years ago, the drummer brought some
kind of cannabis drink to practice that got us all real stoned and we played some
of the strangest music we ever played. But the whole time, we were together.

I like having the other voice, especially when I play acoustic but sometimes I feel
it can dominate the sound. He only uses a Vibro Champ but that thing is cranked
pretty loud. If I'm in the blast zone it makes it hard to hear myself. On the other
hand, it adds so much to the total sound that I wouldn't want to gig without him.
Finding the balance.

Does anyone else play in a guitar/bass/drum trio? Do you miss having another voice?
What has it taught you about playing in a band? What else have you noticed?
All opinions expressed by this poster are well thought out and based on actual
experience and/or scientific experimentation, except for those which are knee-jerk
reactions or good sounding fantasies.
Paul in Colorado, Aug 31, 2018 Report#1Like+ QuoteReply
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Aug 31, 2018 #2
Mid Life Crisis
Mid Life Crisis
Friend of Leo's
4,713
Jan 12, 2007
Cambridge, England
I've played in a trio before. I won't do it again. Too much hard work especially if
you're the guitarist and singer. Everybody needs to pull their weight to make it
happen and if that's not the case - like the drummer saying "yeah sure, I'll do
some backing vocals" but never bothers - it's a pain in the proverbial.
Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way...
Mid Life Crisis, Aug 31, 2018 Report#2Like+ QuoteReply

Aug 31, 2018 #3

brookdalebill
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Austin, Tx
I pay in trios all the time.
I play a lot of rhythm guitar.
It’s an almost dead art.
I guess it’s because there’s not much “glory” in it.
Anyways, my “best” band, The Audrey Malone Band is a trio.
Guitar, upright bass, drums.
Everyone sings, everyone “doubles” (plays another instrument).
My regular Tuesday night gig is a trio.
Piano, guitar, drums.
My regular first Saturday gig is a country trio, also.
It’s a little challenging, but I am, uh, beyond seasoned.
I try to “know” the material thoroughly.
I learn the intro, lyrics, harmony parts, solo, fills, and outro of all the songs I
play, whether I sing them, or not.
I can also transpose quickly, and I have a well developed “ear”.
Trios are fun, and often the most financially rewarding ways to gig.
I take a small amount of pride in being the only lead/melody instrumentalist
onstage.
Because I depend on gigs for my income, I try to be able to handle almost any
eventuality.
So far (45+ years), so good.
Last edited: Aug 31, 2018
Less is truly more.
brookdalebill, Aug 31, 2018 Report#3Like+ QuoteReply
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Aug 31, 2018 #4
Pineears
Pineears
Tele-Holic
941
Jun 25, 2016
Texas
Before going back to country and Telecasters, I played about 8 years in a bluegrass
Trio, where everyone sang harmony or lead. I missed the harmony. Now I play in a
duo and I use a TC Helicon Play Electric pedal. Very good harmony. Reasonable
guitar effects, I eliminated my pedal board.
Pineears, Aug 31, 2018 Report#4Like+ QuoteReply
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Aug 31, 2018 #5
Nickadermis
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Dec 18, 2016
Camden Point, MO
I love listening to a trio that can harmonize if that counts . Especially with an
upright bass. I like the space. I also like the wall of sound effect of an 8-10
piece ensemble, but it’s totally different. In the trio there is nowhere to hide.
Nickadermis, Aug 31, 2018 Report#5Like+ QuoteReply
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Aug 31, 2018 #6
heltershelton
heltershelton
Tele-Afflicted
1,075
Sep 14, 2016
not houston
ive never been in a true trio but for years i was in a band as the only guitarist.
i enjoyed it.
i dont think i ever want to be in a band with two guitarists again. i would rather
have a good keyboard player.
I'll have my drink in hand and just give cold stares at my guitar from across the
room and say out loud, "this could be you in my hand but you wanted to suck so now
you just sit over there and think about that for awhile".---------sam_in_cali
heltershelton, Aug 31, 2018 Report#6Like+ QuoteReply

Aug 31, 2018 #7

kLyon
kLyon
Tele-Meister
Gold Supporter
216
Mar 21, 2011
US
I did three European tours with the band Spain as a trio. I used a lot of echos,
played a lot, it was fun.
But it was hard: on one of then, a grueling 35 shows in 37 days by van, my left
forefinger got so badly infected from overuse (archtop; 11s, not too bad, but
almost two hours a night...) that I had to have an operation on it in a small
German town after a show (luckily, emergency rooms over there are simple and humane
and make the procedure here look crazy).
The doctor took a bunch of skin off and told me I couldn't play for at least two
weeks: we had them bandage it leaving the tip and I played the next night in
Vienna. (He was an ex-military doctor and should have understood musicians and
tours... you don't "not play"...))
That unfortunate episode notwithstanding, playing in a trio is good for you as a
musician and player, whatever the style. You have to really listen. The "leave the
holes" approach is generally the most musical: the time will go on regardless;
space is a beautiful thing and clutter - whether it be musical or material - is the
enemy of grace and beauty)
kLyon, Aug 31, 2018 Report#7Like+ QuoteReply
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Aug 31, 2018 #8
alnico357
alnico357
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284
Jun 2, 2015
Arkansas
Rhythm guitar is very important. I have done trios. I won't do them by choice.
Not many guitars needed- they all sound just like me. :p
alnico357, Aug 31, 2018 Report#8Like+ QuoteReply
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Aug 31, 2018 #9
thegeezer
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Jul 5, 2010
West Michigan
I’ve done it. I like it a lot. My previous band was a trio and my current one is a
trio plus a singer. I’m the harmony guy in the current one.

The only thing I would want to do anymore with a second instrument in the same
sonic range as my guitar might be be a keyboard but the guitar, bass, drums thing
has been working for a long time now. So, why mess with it?

I like it.
thegeezer, Aug 31, 2018 Report#9Like+ QuoteReply
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Aug 31, 2018 #10
Don Miller
Don Miller
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Age: 67
1,505
Mar 16, 2003
Anchorage, Alaska
I played in a trio for about five years...like others said, a lot of rhythm guitar
is key...there were occasions where, for any one of a number of reasons, Id stick
to the chords-perhaps embellished-for the lead breaks rather than have the bottom
fall out....or the curse of the guitar player in a trio, flub things up
royally......the bass player would also play diads to provide some background
during solos...

Having said that Im playing in a quartet now...and I like it much better....

Don Miller, Aug 31, 2018 Report#10Like+ QuoteReply
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Sep 1, 2018 #11
T Prior
T Prior
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Mar 17, 2003
Charlotte NC
For me, I guess it just depends. I cut my teeth for years way back in a trio,
Guitar, Bass and Drums. You kinda adjust your style to play both rhythm and lead
part at the same time. We are guitar players, we should just play guitar that fits
what we are doing in the band setting. A quality bass player will lead the way
anyway.

I can do either, trio, 4 piece or 5 piece, but I prefer no keyboards . I kinda

adjust along the way.
RECORDED MUSIC HERE >> http://www.tprior.com/
T Prior, Sep 1, 2018 Report#11Like+ QuoteReply
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Sep 1, 2018 #12
Pineears
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Jun 25, 2016
Texas
T Prior said: ↑
You kinda adjust your style to play both rhythm and lead part at the same time.
And sing at the same time.
Pineears, Sep 1, 2018 Report#12Like+ QuoteReply

Sep 1, 2018 #13

AAT65
AAT65
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Age: 53
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May 29, 2016
Edinburgh, Scotland
Paul in Colorado said: ↑
Does anyone else play in a guitar/bass/drum trio? Do you miss having another voice?
What has it taught you about playing in a band? What else have you noticed?
The band I played in longest (though this is 25 years ago now) was
drums/bass/guitar (me) + vocals, so instrumentally we were the trio you’re asking
about.
I tended to be on the “play a lot” side of things, pretty much continuously
thrashing away and trying to find different ways to play chord sequences to give
some variety. However I’m still impressed listening back to old tapes how much
space the drummer and bass player filled up, especially if I was soloing. In some
ways it’s easier to work with a small group like that because you all know you’ve
got space to work in, and getting dynamics (getting quiet especially) seemed to be
easier than the bigger bands. We did audition a keyboard player and a second
guitarist but it seemed too much like hard work to try to find places they could
fit in most of the time.
On the other hand I play in a 6-piece now (we have 3 guitars, one sticks to
acoustic rhythm and two of us playing lead & rhythm on electric) and I quite enjoy
the challenge for us of finding things for everyone to do, and the pleasure of
being able to trade leads and play some harmony stuff. I’m also hoping to get my
lap steel up and running soon (needs new tuners) to give us a new voice to work
with.
AAT65, Sep 1, 2018 Report#13Like+ QuoteReply
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Sep 1, 2018 #14
alnico357
alnico357
Tele-Meister
284
Jun 2, 2015
Arkansas
I've noticed a lot of famous trios may be a trio live, but on recordings there is a
rhythm instrument track going on.
Not many guitars needed- they all sound just like me. :p
alnico357, Sep 1, 2018 Report#14Like+ QuoteReply
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Sep 1, 2018 #15
String Tree
String Tree
Doctor of Teleocity
12,799
Dec 8, 2010
Up North
Paul in Colorado said: ↑
Our steel player couldn't make it tonight so the drummer, bassist and I got
together to go over the acoustic part of our upcoming gig. Originally, we were the
whole band but it was the first time we played in that format in years. There are
two ways to go in a trio format. Either play a lot to fill in the holes or to play
less and allow the holes to be there. Tonight I went with playing less and letting
the bass and drums carry the tune. After however many years we've been doing this,
we know each other and how we play. A couple of years ago, the drummer brought some
kind of cannabis drink to practice that got us all real stoned and we played some
of the strangest music we ever played. But the whole time, we were together.

I like having the other voice, especially when I play acoustic but sometimes I feel
it can dominate the sound. He only uses a Vibro Champ but that thing is cranked
pretty loud. If I'm in the blast zone it makes it hard to hear myself. On the other
hand, it adds so much to the total sound that I wouldn't want to gig without him.
Finding the balance.

Does anyone else play in a guitar/bass/drum trio? Do you miss having another voice?
What has it taught you about playing in a band? What else have you noticed?
Click to expand...
I have done a Lot of Trio work. As a Guitarist and as a Bassist.
I much prefer the play less and let the Audience fill in the Gaps approach.

Playing as a 3 + 1 right now. Seems to be working out.

IMHO - Making a three piece work is all about Solid Musicianship and being able to
Harmonize.
Chicks dig me!
String Tree, Sep 1, 2018 Report#15Like+ QuoteReply

Sep 1, 2018 #16

Frankie
Frankie
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Age: 60
839
Jul 11, 2003
Fostoria, Ohio
I love playing in a 3 piece band and actually prefer that line up. As Brookdalebill
mentioned above, it brings back that long lost art of rhythm guitar. There are
zillions of guys out there just blasting aimlessly with zillion note leads. Next to
know one, is working hard on rhythm chops. Just go to any guitar facebook page and
watch those that have post video's of themselves playing.. Nothing that interests
me..
Frankie
Findlay, Ohio
Glendale Bakersfield Broadcaster

Snatch it back and hold it..

Frankie, Sep 1, 2018 Report#16Like+ QuoteReply
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Sep 1, 2018 #17
Fiesta Red
Fiesta Red
Friend of Leo's
2,175
Nov 15, 2010
Texas
When playing a trio, I'll use open tunings even more than usual--it fills out the
sound, but leaves spaces for the bass to breathe.
Texas Roadhouse Music
Blues-Rock-Outlaw Country
Fort Worth, Texas
Good Vibes to Y'all!
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Sep 1, 2018 #18
Doctorx33
Doctorx33
Tele-Afflicted
1,137
Jun 8, 2014
atlanta
I prefer a power trio above all else. Then again, Rush is my favorite band.
I know a woman, whom I would burn the world to be with, that has a voice so
incredible it's beyond description.
She could read the stock reports from a newspaper and make a man weak in the knees
and crazy with desire.
Doctorx33, Sep 1, 2018 Report#18Like+ QuoteReply
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Sep 1, 2018 #19
TheletterJ