How To Play With Another Guitarist

The advantage to playing with another guitarist is that you get to split the work load. You will be able to avoid playing a part that is not suited to your style. Although it is easier in some aspects, it is also more of a challenge to work with another guitarist. You are both working in the same register so this means more chances to step all over each other both sonically and personally.

The Key

The number one key to playing with another guitarist is to listen. If you aren’t listening to the other guitarist, then you are headed for a train wreck. This means listening to the part they are playing, the sound they are using, and the way they are playing.

At first it might require talking to each other about what parts you want to play. After a while it will become instinctual; you will just know what each other are going to do. Even then it is important to listen to each other. If you take nothing else away from this at least take that piece of advice, listen.

The Easiest Possibility

If you play in the band where the singer plays an acoustic that is the easiest possible combination. Unless they have no sense of rhythm, but some that’s a whole different bag of snakes. The combination of electric and acoustic guitars is a great sound. Generally, acoustic guitar players keep to the open chords or use a capo, especially if they are singing lead as well. This gives you the whole rest of the fingerboard on which to play. Listen to how they play rhythm and know where you can add to the song.

The other nice part is that you are guaranteed to get all the really cool lead lines, and electric parts of the song. It will be easy to find where your part in the song is.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Know what your strengths and weaknesses are and know what the other guitarist’s strengths and weaknesses are, too. It will give your set a lot more depth especially if you two have very different styles. You can lean on the other or they can lean on you depending on what the song is.

Everybody brings something different to the table. You might solo better than they do, but they might be a better rhythm player. Together you two could make a killer guitarist. The best part is the general audience won’t realize what is happening.

Carve Out a Piece of the Sonic Pie

There are things you can do to help differentiate, and also build on the sound of the band. If you both play electrics you might want to have one of you play single coils, while the other plays a guitar with humbuckers. Use different amps and effects pedals. I worked in a band where the other guy had a great sort of classic rock sound while mine was more modern. The combination gave us each a nice place in the mix without too much issue.

Make sure to use different voicings of the chords so that you both aren’t hammering at the same open G. Again, this will add depth to the sound. If you can nail the exact same rhythm, then by all means do it. If you can’t get it exact, then find something else to play. The same rhythm that is not precisely synchronized is going to sound like a hot mess.

Mutual Respect & Leave Your Ego at the Door

This is important. I was in a band where I replaced a guitarist who was a much player than I was at the time. The other guitarist knew it. He hardly ever looked at me let alone talk to me. Since he had no respect for me that little endeavor didn’t last long, and it soured me to being in a two guitar band for many years.

Sometimes you are going to have to take a backseat to the other player. Don’t pout or try and get in the way. Take your turn. If the other player shines, it makes the whole band look really good.

Just Walk Away

You are also going to have to walk away at times. A prima donna is going to be impossible to play with even if you adhere to all my advice. A reasonable person can be worked with to create a great partnership, but it has to be a two way street.

Sometimes the personalities just don’t work together. Other times there is just a disconnection. I don’t believe in beating a dead horse. Just walk away. There are plenty of opportunities out there. There is no point in being miserable in a bad situation.

In the end if both you and the other guitarist can find some common ground, and some uncommon ground where each of you can flourish, then you can make it work. Have you ever been in a two guitar band? How did it go? Let me know. Until next time keep it real and listen.