Band troubles

[Niloc]

I was recently invited into a band, but I have a hard time keeping up with the guitarist and drummer.  They don't use sheet music and play most of their songs by ear, so I end up improvising.  The problem is I'm horrible at improvising.  Also, I can't get the sheet music online because it is too recent and I don't want to pay money every time we try a new song.  What should I do?

[abell88]

If the guitarist would  tell you the chords (and how frequent the chord changes are),  maybe you could work something out between practices. Also, perhaps he/she would be willing to work with you in between your "official" practices.

[greyrune]

you could also try and get the guitar tabs, there are loads of sites check out mxtabs.net that's what my guitarist uses, and then work out the chord progressions for yourself at home.  You may need to lear to read a guitar tab but it's really very simple and you can find explanations all over the web.  Once you've got the chord progressions improvision should be alot easier.

[andric]

Actual "tabs" (tablature) are a real pain in the butt, if you ask me-- those are the ones that tell you which fret to play on which string of the guitar.  They're really annoying, and the time you would spend trying to decipher them for the piano could be better spent learning the tune by ear.
There are plenty of sites out there that will give you the chords to a tune, though their acuracy and useability are questionable.  Try a google search for:

"song name" chords

Ask the guitar player what chords he is playing.  Or the bass player.  Sheet music (actual notes written on a grand staff) probably wont do you much good anyway-- what you need are the chords of the tune.   They should be able to give you some idea of what they are doing during rehearsal--  thats the whole point of it.

And don't knock your attempts to follow along improvisationally.  The more you do it, the better you will get at it-- no doubt about it-- and its actually a really good skill to have.  Keep your ears wide open, and they will develop.
have fun

[adagiom]

What kind of music are you playing? A lot of popular music will use mostly the I, IV, and V chords in any given key. That would help you narrow down your choices!

I have a friend who can play anything on the guitar....in the key of D! Singing around the campfire is a hoot with him.

Cheers, Michele

[Triton LE 76]

mysongbook.com is a very helpful site..but i think you gotta have guitar pro..
there is a huge collection of songs..

start improvising more..you just get better and better. Play whatever you want and do not care about others hearing you play..always try to face challenges, you must never take a break from technical difficulties..

Good luck
Joern