Choose songs wisely. Solos will sound empty if the bass and drums don't "arrange" for them. That is a serious effort. 70s/80s punk is a good option. Don't overplay the verses because you can wind up with nothing to lift up on the chorus. Play as little as possible, only enough to outline the song. Broad strokes. The bass and drums have to define the song. If they sound and play such that the song is not recognizable, the guitar will not help. These are not rules, but things to keep in mind.
Definitely, have fun. You can do it! Concentrate on being a solid rhythm player for the vocal(s). Solos can be very simple and sound good.
Try doing songs originally performed by trios or trios w/ a singer. It's hard to cover Lynard Skynard, The Allman Brothers Band, etc...in a trio.
Whoa! All eyes on you! Kiddin, Ill say youll have to cover a lot of space in some parts, also, listen to parts where youll have to "support" your bass player, sometimes they come up with fancy phrases or solos =) Have fun, youll do just fine! Enjoy!
Go listen to the Who. Or ZZ Top. How I handle it. Your bass player is the important link in a trio. If he's a root and 5 guy...you'll work harder.
I am the main singer/only guitar in our 3 piece pub band (bass/drums/me). I hadn't played in a band for years, so it took me - seriously - a year to gradually nail down the 90 songs on my list. Covid actually helped. I practice daily with my monitor system in my basement (before and during Covid - bars have been shut down since November during this last wave). I suggest you find tunes you like and that are not too complex. I you want a list PM me. I have asked the band "manager" (not me) to consider one of the following to fill it out /carry a bit of the load. a) Go guitar/keys/drums b) hire another member (keys or guitar)
First time I did it I was a touch nervous. About four bars in and I realized something I never shared with any of those who hired me to comp for them... In that capacity, I was totally superfluous. It really wasn't difficult. Comp a little, fill a little, sing a little, comp some more...maybe solo, maybe not. Just don't sweat it. Do what ya do. You'll be surprised at how easy it is and how much you like it.
You really have to have a tight rhythm section. If they can hold it down correctly, you are almost just icing and it will make things much easier. If they suck, you don’t stand a chance no matter how amazing of a player you are.
Led Zeppelin only had one guitar live. Be active, but keep it simple until you've rehearsed them so much you can start embellishing more.
Good luck...regardless if this ends up being jazzy or rock...there are many examples to glean tips from. A question to everyone...these days, off set electronics are present in top acts, or even people who switch your friggin stomp boxes of and off...what about using a looper in places, mainly single note runs? Other than that... @Cerb can you swing two amps? Even if the other amp is a wee small one. another amp across the stage would be amazing and serve the band well. Also, when you are doing any single note stuff, how about...the bass player reworks his EQ to bring it more out front?
Don't act like you've never heard of my distaste for Page...I'll pull this car over and take my belt off.
Actually I haven’t and now I’m feeling crushed. When I think of you Barry White songs play. I’m.....I need to be alone for a while.
