Session Guitar Playing Gigs And How To Get Them, At Least Locally

If I said I knew all the people who want players for sessions at gigs where only a-listers go, I'd be bullshitting you.

So, I'm making this simple guys. And yeah, you might not be paid for some session playing. So what?

Okay, here's how to start. I'm going to assume you're a local player with some experience and maybe even a band of your own. Lets say you have interests of playing with other bands or even doing some studio session work outside the realm of your own band. Start by interviewing local bands who hire actually pay players to do live or studio session work. Don't automatically start asking questions about any paid session work. That usually back fires, but you can ask if you want. Offer to interview this band and do regular interviews with them. It will get them free publicity.

Start asking them questions on their gear and what they use. As well, how sidemen play and how  they fill in rhythm wise. As well, how much their sidemen can play their own way. Because the leader of a band may not want you to play your way. Yeah, this little espionage trick will help you know what a band wants. Now, start practicing some of their material and go to watch them live as well. Keep on interviewing them. Use offline media to bring out to their shows. If they are a band that's grateful, they'll give you a big thank you.

Don't expect a gig with them.

At some point maybe a number of month's down the road ask them if it would be okay to submit material to them. If you do all of what I said before, then submit material they'll be more apt to listen to it and maybe even come out to one of your gigs. If they play local jam sessions, ask if you can join in. Be nice about it and don't play above their tempo. Listen and look at how they're playing and when they make changes. If you can, make a recording of it. This way you have something to refer to.

If you keep on creating massive value for this band by doing interviews and getting them media, and learning from them, ask if your band could open for them. Why not? They could open for yours as well. If they say no you still have the option of the session work. Even though they may have said no, keep on creating value for them.

Many months down the road seems like a long time to wait doesn't it. Yeah, if you want to do session work it may take that long. After all this, now you can submit a tape to them of your material. But ask them first of all if it's okay to send them a tape of your material. But ask them if they ever hire any session players. If they aren't currently, just submit a tape anyway. And still keep on creating value for them.

Always have an option. Your option is ten fold as far as I'm concerned. Meaning, you can ask them   if they want an opening act for their gigs, or even a songwriter. Offer to have them open for you. If they're a good band and see not just your talent and potential, but the fact you help other musicians without asking for anything in return. It may take a long time to get a session gig, but it's worth it if you do these thing I've mentioned.

Hell, it may turn out if you do live or studio sessions for them they may be assholes. Who knows?

But don't go by rumor. Get the facts straight from a band. Especially the leader. Don't just show bands you want to play with your tapes or songwriting abilities. That's all fine and good, but you  have to help people even if they make 100 Grand a night. You see, I'm not guaranteeing you'll be successful as a session player. Here's another thought.

If you have your own band, seek out bands who seek you out and do some session work with them. Play local gigs and have them recorded. Everyone records what they do now in this bloody internet world! Do studio work with them and even offer to write songs for them. If you have to do it for free.

Besides creating the massive value for a band you want to do session work for, do some session work for bands you may work with already. Do media interviews with those bands as well. That way the band you want to work with, doesn't see you that you don't walk the talk, and you might be only interested in money.

Money should never be a factor. If you want money, get a job. If you're willing to work hard enough and long enough in music, you'll do well, help some musicians out and then make money. Money means shit.

I hope this helps.

Email me if you have a band and even want to do session work. I'll help you do the things I mentioned to become a better band, do session work, open for other bands and help musicians.

Here's my email: mdgrove@rock.com

Much success and peace to all musicians.