Continue to the musician board Read listings and find players — when you are ready.
The rehearsal room
A rehearsal room is often a basement, container or storeroom with foam on the walls. It is for playing, not a living room.
- Knock gently, leave shoes and jackets where the others do.
- Do not move cables, stands or instruments without asking.
- Keep volume shared: drums and amps should not “win”.
- After rehearsal: unplug where needed, take rubbish, lock up.
Many rooms are shared. Respect time slots and key rules.
The instruments
A typical band often has these roles. Starting with one instrument is fine.
- Guitar — Chords and riffs; often electric with its own amp.
- Bass — Low notes; locks the groove with the drums.
- Drums — Time and energy; loud — ear protection is serious.
- Keys / piano — Chords, pads, melodies; often through a mixer channel.
- Vocals / mic — Voice through a microphone; practise distance and level.
- Horns & more — Sax, trumpet and others — welcome when the song has space.
Start gently
Do not expect the big stage yet. Early rehearsals sound rough — that is normal.
- Switch two or three chords cleanly (e.g. G–C–D or A–D–E — see Chords & harmony).
- Known simple songs: few chords, slow tempo, count together.
- Short practice, then together: three clear minutes beat ten minutes of chaos.
- Name mistakes without drama — pause, start again.
Goal for the first weeks: meet and keep the fun. Gigs and solos can wait.
Mixer, amps, PA
Room gear is there so you can hear each other. Beginners only need a rough picture.
- Mixing desk
- Collects mics and instruments. Each channel has a level (fader/knob). Turn up slowly until it is clear — not until it squeals.
- Amp (amplifier)
- Makes guitar or bass louder. Place your amp near you; do not crank it. A small amp plus ear protection beats ear-splitting volume.
- PA speakers
- Large speakers for vocals or the full mix in the room or on stage. Often at the front; do not point a mic at them (feedback).
Unsure? Ask someone experienced before touching other people’s controls. Protect your ears; do not step on cables.
Ready for the board?
Below you can continue warmly to the musician board — or stay with the comics a little longer.
Continue to the musician board Jam together Rehearsal rooms Enter the circle