playing trumpet in a band
a bunch a friends and i have started a ska band and we got a few songs going but not much trumpet in them yet.
And i need help with knowing how to play something that is tonal the the rest of the music,
how to make it fit in
how long i should play for,
and how to improvise solos,
any general tips in playing trumpet in a band would help
thanks
I'm no beginner been playing for about 4 years now and about grade 5 level. My theory's good and i'm doing music as a subject at school, so i do have an understanding.
We mainly play Two-Tone but we often try out different styles like new wave and ska-punk. We haven't really got a particular style yet because we have only been playing together for about a year now.
Do you have any tips to give me on finding what key to play in cus at the moment i have to transpose note by note from the chords the guitars play. Or should i learn to play with my ear more?
I listen to alot of Reel big Fish,Less than Jake, The Cat Empire, and a band from were i live called "Hog Hoggidy Hog" which got me listen to ska. What bands do you recommended that i listen too that will give me an idea of the form of trumpeting.
Shot for the help, thanks.
It sounds like you and your band have a good amount of experience, which helps out alot. With New Wave music, the horns play a secondary role if at all, since the genre is focused on guitars and keyboards. However, there are ska bands who use horns in New Wave.
Check out virtually any ska band or band with horns and you will do fine. Let me list some bands that have a Trumpet: NOFX, Against All Authority, Link 80, O.C. Supertones, Insyderz, The Specials, Big D and The Kids Table, Aquabats, Streetlight Manifesto, Catch 22, Ozomatli, Rancid, Cake, the list goes on and on...
As far as finding the key, you could do either method. Try asking the guitarist what chord or root note he is playing. Even if he is self taught, if he is good enough he will know what he's playing. Chances are he is playing in E, A, D, or G.
Otherwise, I see no problem with writing it down, even though it might take longer.
I have another suggestion for you. Why don't you try coming up with a song idea, instead of the guitars coming first? I suggest making up a tune in the key of Bb, Eb, F, or Ab (C, F, G, and Bb for trumpet). See if the guitars/bass can follow along. Since those keys are not open for guitars, it's harder to play in them. Jazz guitarists or more experienced guitarist, especially ones who play in bands with horn sections, can play in those keys. Don't forget to write down what you come up with. I know it might be hard, but try it. I would like to see how it goes.
Thanks for the help,
Hopefully it will get me in the right direction of writing more of my own music for trumpet
i'll be sure to let you know how our next band practice goes
thanks again
Ive been playing trad ska trumpet for a while. the best thing you can do is get really good at your scales both major and minor. that way you can just get the base note and than youll know the key its in and all that fun stuff. and as for improv, just stay in the key and stay in style. If your first starting your improv life just keep em simple till you get more and more comfortable with em. also people eat it up when you play different song licks in your solo. like for instance you start playing a nice jazzy solo and start playing i got a feelin by the black eyes peas! just remember keep it in key. thats like the most important thing haha.
Phillymonster,
Tradskehero has a good point. If you are good at your horn, it doesn't matter what style you play. The sky is the limit, just make sure you have fun with it. I recommend practicing the basics, like scales and arpeggios, and overall strive to be the best trumpet player you can be. You will go far. You can do it! I wish you the best.
Check out this website for more specific help with your instrument.
By the way, how have your jam sessions been going lately?
What skill level are you at? I suggest either writing out parts on sheet music or if you play by ear, then try to match the pitch of the rhythm section (guitars, bass, keyboard, etc.)
As far as how to make the horn fit in or how long to play, that is up to you. There are countless different ways to write a song. With solos, as long as you stay within the key that the band is playing in, you can play whatever you want. Soloing and songwriting is an art that you improve on over time.
What kind of Ska does your band play: Traditional, Two-Tone, or Third Wave (Ska-Punk)?
In Third Wave Ska or Ska-Punk bands, is is common for most of the songs are written by the guitarist in keys like E, A, D, and G while the horn section comes up with their parts by ear.
In Two-Tone Ska, there are not many horns and the emphasis is on the guitars, bass, keyboards, and vocals. Most Two-Tone bands have one horn that just follows what the rhythm section is doing and occasional plays a solo.
In Traditional Ska, most of the music is instrumental and more horn friendly because the songs are in keys like Bb, Eb, F, and Ab. It is alot like Jazz in the fact that it utilizes head melodies, riffs, and a circle of solos.
I suggest that you keep practicing your trumpet and getting better so that you can play any style of music. Another thing you can do is listen to bands with horn sections and see how the horns fit with the rest of the music. It would also be a good way to get influences. What Ska bands do you listen to?