If there is one thing I consistently see bands do that is the dumbest thing possible it is cancelling rehearsal once one or two members can't make it. The rehearsals where one or two people don't show up can be some of the most eye opening and important rehearsals for your band. After the jump I will give you some ideas of how the various scenarios of member absences can give you a new perspective and help your band.
- No Singer! - No matter how big your band is at some point you are going to play a show where you can't hear the vocals. Getting used to this is easy when your singer isn't around. As well the distraction of the vocals can make you not hear when a part isn't locking up the way it should.
- Missing Guitarist! - If you have have one guitarist this is a great time to make sure the drums and bass are as locked up as they can be and maybe try new rhythmic patterns for your songs. If you have two guitarists and one is there you may now hear things a little more clearer and find some parts that need improvement and tightening.
- Missing Bassist! - This is usually the time where you can hear things much more clear. Bass tends to muddy up most rooms since acoustics aren't ideal. Practice anyway and you will probably hear something in your songs you never heard before and get some new ideas.
- Missing Drummer! - Break out the metronome and run it through the PA. This can be a great new perspective on many of your songs. It also may be a good time to make sure everyone is strumming the same or do a quiet practice where you can hear the singers enunciation. Never underestimate how much practicing to just a metronome can improve the whole bands tightness when the drummer is there.
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