Rehearsing for Concert: How Bands Prepare Entire Songs or Just Challenge Solos

When planning for a concert, bands often face the decision of whether to rehearse entire songs or focus on more challenging sections like extended guitar solos. Both approaches have their merits and are used depending on the stage of the rehearsal process and the needs of the band.

Rehearsing Entire Songs

In general, bands tend to rehearse entire songs to ensure that the flow and timing of the performance are perfect. This is especially true for bands that have a diverse instrumental setup, such as the one described in the example. As mentioned, a band in which the author was a member for 10 years, they always played the entire songs, paying particular attention to how they start and end. These transition moments are crucial for creating a cohesive and professional performance.

During these rehearsals, the band members also work on coordinating their parts. For instance, the band might have two fiddles, a dulcimer, a mandolin, a viola, a cello, a drum, and one or two guitars. Making sure all these instruments come together seamlessly can be challenging. By rehearsing the entire set, the band ensures that everyone is on the same page, especially when it comes to complex tunes with multiple variations, as in the case of folk music from a couple of hundred years ago.

Focused Rehearsal on Solos

While some bands prefer to rehearse the whole song, others might focus more on specific challenging sections, such as extended guitar solos. It's important to note that these solos are usually improvised. However, other band members still need to be familiar with when the solos begin and end. This way, everyone can synchronize properly and ensure a smooth performance.

As the author mentioned, guitar solos are generally less likely to be rehearsed, as they are typically improvised. Therefore, the main focus during rehearsals is on the timing and coordination of the performance, rather than the solos themselves. This allows the solo artists to focus on their performance during the actual concert, without the pressure of having to perfectly execute a pre-planned solo every time.

Bands with Enhanced Stage Sets

Some bands with massive stage sets and advanced effects, such as Motley Crue, KISS, Van Halen, Iron Maiden, and similar groups, also ensure they play entire sets during rehearsals. This is especially important when elaborate stage productions are involved. These bands go through multiple rehearsals to make sure their entire set flows cohesively and every effect is timed perfectly. These comprehensive rehearsals help in building a strong connection between the band and the audience, ensuring an engaging and memorable performance.

In summary, while there is no hard and fast rule about whether to rehearse entire songs or focus on specific sections, both methods have their advantages. Bands with diverse instrumentation benefit from rehearsing the whole song, while those with complex solos might choose a more targeted approach. The key is to ensure everyone is aligned and knows their roles, leading to a seamless and professional performance on stage.