suggestions on adding synth to a band?

[oh_the_blood]

i want to add a little synths or organs to my band and i was just curious whats the best way about doing it ?

would i follow the bass or guitar?

or just get the basic jist of the notes and jump around on the keyboard?

suggestions on how you guys do it would be great.

thanks.

[tourettes5139]

Depends on the style of the music, your ability as a keyboard player, and just what you want to do. Try them both out and see how it goes. I have done it both ways.

[Dags]

Originally Posted by tourettes5139

Depends on the style of the music, your ability as a keyboard player, and just what you want to do. Try them both out and see how it goes. I have done it both ways.

Yeah, its a pretty general ask for advice of this kind.
It really depends on the music and what you want to 'contribute' to the song.
Sometimes just a held pad of some sort to carry a mood in the background is enough.
Other times a brass stab may be required.
Or a rocking piano.
Or maybe you just want to put an axe through it on stage and let the audience get off on the resulting electrical explosion.

BTW, tourettes5139 - Calvin & Hobbes RULE!!!

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Blood:

If you're doing a solo on the keyboard, you follow the changes played by the guitar player. If you're going to play chord backing, and you have a guitar player, you guys have to be doing the same changes; or if the guitar player solos, you play the chords.

Listen to the band on Leno's show--Synth/keys man sits behind Kevin and mostly plays changes as Kevin leads the break-ins/outs at the beginning of the show.

Melindes always says, "...Featuring Kevin Eubanks and band...." But, I've yet to hear the band play one complete song.

Carson's Doc Severson's band did play a few times. Good musicians in both bands.

Jump in and play in 2006.

Green Hornet

[noisewreck]

Whatever you do, I'd suggest you resist the temptation of playing huge thick chords, specially in the lower range of the keyboard, to give room for the bass and kick.

If playing chords, like the guy said, make sure that the keys and guitar are on the same page. And also in this case the keys will be acting as part of the rhythm group, so they'll need to play off of all the other rhythm instruments.

[lbanks]

Don't use your left hand.

[fraserhutch]

Originally Posted by lbanks

Don't use your left hand.

This advice only applies if you're a beginner, obviously.

Study, listen, and learn from those who have come before you7.

I will say that I rarely mimic the guitar player. Assuming you're playing an original, the trick is to find your place - where you fit in and actually add to the song. IMHO, if you are not adding to the song, then you shouldn't be playing in it

[DavidK]

Since you are asking, playing something simple. "Beds" are like slow string parts ( whole notes). This is often effective and easy to do. Use it sparingly.

[Sorcerio]

do some filter sweeps coinciding with the major changes in your tracks to give more emphasis to the changes. But don't over-do it or you'll sound like Rush or something. unless that's what you want.