How to Accompany Singers on Guitar
Mastering the Art of Accompanying Vocalists: A Guide for Guitarists
Accompanying a singer is a role that carries a unique blend of challenge and reward. As the unsung hero of the performance, you provide the vital musical foundation that allows the vocalist to shine. It’s a responsibility that demands attention to detail and a keen musical intuition. Let’s explore the key elements that make being the sole accompanist to a vocalists a specialized skill:
Chart-Reading
Accompanying singers often involves sight-reading chord charts. It’s crucial to be adept at interpreting chord progressions on the fly. If you read standard notation and follow the melody, it is even better. Sometimes you may be asked to play portions of the melody in an interlude, intro, or other section, or you may want to play melody notes on top of your chords to cue the singer or keep him or her on track harmonically.
Tempos
In the absence of other instruments, you have to take charge of the tempo. Transcribe, notate, and be prepared to play each selection at the appropriate speed. Utilize tools like metronomes to internalize the tempo, ensuring a seamless performance.
Transcribing
If there is no sheet music at hand, but you do have an audio reference of the music to be played, accuracy in chart creation is paramount. Online chord sources may not always provide precise information. Hence, the ability to swiftly and accurately transcribe music is a valuable skill.
Transposing
Being able to transpose a song in real-time showcases a deep understanding of music theory. This skill is crucial when you’re asked to change the key of a piece on the spot.
Form
Stay vigilant to the structure of the song. Rehearsals may bring unexpected changes, demanding adjustments to your charts.
Groove and Dynamics
Pay close attention to style, groove, and dynamics. Understand when to add energy or take it down a notch to complement the singer’s performance.
Support
Your primary role is to support the vocalist at all times. Adapt to any spontaneous changes, ensuring the vocalist always shines. This might involve adapting to inadvertent key changes or on-the-fly shifts in the song’s form.
Solo Unaccompanied
When it’s your turn to take a solo, it’s a solo without accompaniment, unless you incorporate a looper pedal. This transition requires a shift in mindset, allowing you to briefly step into the spotlight before gracefully returning to your supporting role.
Volume
Maintaining the right volume is critical. Strike a balance between complementing the singer without overpowering them or fading into the background.
Intros and Endings
Spontaneously initiating captivating intros and endings adds a unique touch to the performance. An ideal intro provides the singer with a taste of the melody, guiding them smoothly into the song.
If you want more details on any of the above, here is a video I made while brainstorming for this article while I was in between a rehearsal and a gig:
In spite of its demands, accompanying vocalists is an immensely rewarding experience. It hones your musical instincts, sharpens your improvisational skills, and fosters a strong sense of musical camaraderie. Knowing that you play an integral role in creating a memorable performance is a special satisfaction. Remember, you’re the backbone that holds it all together, and that’s a role to be proud of.
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