I have to get on stage in two days

[infectedmushroom]

Well, suddenly I've been asked for joining a band on stage, and I accepted it. But the band wants me to do something original. Something wich isn't played in the original version of the song.

The problem is; I don't know really where to start. The technical side of it, is not really the problem, I just don't know what I should play (or improvise!?).

When a band starts to play, where should I watch at? I don't have perfect pitch or what so ever, so I don't know in wich key they're playing. If they say in wich key they're playing, still improvising is gonna be hard, so I'd like to hear your ideas about improvising...!?


This is my first time playing with a piano in a band, so it's kinda a step forward. Though, I lack in confidence in myself, so it's really hard to make a good start. If someone can give me some tips about this problem, I'd like to hear them.

Thanks.

[crazy for ivan moravec]

it depends on what kind of music you're going to play. if it's jazz, i can't say anything here.
 

if it's something like pop music (like the pop ballads, Josh Groban stuff), try to get the chord progressions (u can write it down) and sometimes you can go with the beat (which the drums will give you) and just play quarter note chords in the RH with the LH doing the bass, usually the root... that's basic. if the rhythm is a little syncopated (a lot of the pop songs have), USUALLY, the RH goes syncopated while the LH bass is on time. but everything depends on the feel of the music. try to get a recording of the music and play with it. if you have some lead parts, you'll have to learn it by ear, unless u can find the music sheet.

the main purpose of the piano part is both rhythmic and harmonic. in most cases, the piano does a steady beat (may be syncoppated at times) of chords to give the pulse and the harmony. i hope this helped. u might want to ask specific questions on it, i might be able to give you an answer. i've played with rock and pop bands before.

[donjuan]

what do you mean by "on stage"?  do you have to perform in front of people?  If so, well....

I feel bad for you if you have to perform.  Hopefully, thats not what you meant because jamming with a band takes years of experience, no matter how talented you are. (IMO, anyways)

Talk to the band members!  Get a sheet with the rhythm and keys written down, along with the melody.  Since you dont have perfect pitch, this is elementary!

geezz two days?? I feel scared for you..