Remembering chord patterns

[Iain Purdon]

Dave is right. The more you practise, the more naturally it'll come to you. If someone teaches you the right chord shapes in the first place that'll help develop good habits. I once performed at a club where Dave was in the audience, there was a number at which I was not well practised and the result was evident. Nothing was said but it was a lesson I took away with me.

There is no rule that the bass must be in the middle. Go and stand at the back next to the drummer, as Mark Griffiths often does. Not only does it help the two of you keep in synch, it also means you don't have to do steps. Win-win!

[cockroach]

As far as live playing goes, I've only ever used charts etc if I was backing someone whose songs I didn't know, otherwise, if it's the band I'm in, therefore I should know the material.

As far as singing goes though, I would try and remember the lyrics if possible, but sometimes keep a lyric sheet on the floor - you must know the words for the first verse, then a quick glance between verses to check what's next, or repeat a verse, or make it up!

I've had this situation regarding music stands and chord charts etc with other people in the band for years. It is definitely more professional to do without, but some folk need it, even if they've been playing and/or singing the stuff often- it's just a crutch in many cases. I once played in a group with an excellent pianist, but he would panic if he lost his 'dots'- then I noticed that after starting, he didn't even look at the charts!