You get the call for a gig, it starts in two hours and you will be playing two sets of original material……

What do you do?

I was the one who got the call and I was the one who had to figure out this original artists material before we jumped on the stage.

Some artist do not give you time to learn their material. Mainly because they get the call and any artist that gets a chance to play their songs in front of a large crowd, possibly profitable gig or the “someone could be out there” audience, will take the gig and just get the musicians who are available.

In my case, their drummer could not make the gig, so I got the call.

In order to make the gig go as smoothly as possible,
I used my SKETCH A QUICK DRUM CHART FOR 12 SONGS METHOD.

If this happens to you, here is what you do:

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Lesson Summary

When facing a last-minute gig with limited time to learn original material, there are steps you can take to make it go smoothly:

• Familiarize yourself with the songs as best as you can in the limited time.
• Make the most of the time you have to learn the material.
• If a band member is missing, take on their role to ensure a successful performance.
• Create a quick drum chart for all the songs to have a visual reference during the performance.
• Map out the song structures, note significant sections, changes, and cues.
• Though not as precise as a fully notated chart, the visual reference will help navigate through the songs effectively.
• Your goal is to make the gig as smooth as possible given the limited time.

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The Quick Chart and Setlist Method in 12 Steps

Use this method and template to sketch out a quick setlist and cheat sheet so you have all the information you need

to perform a last minute gig perfectly. There is a template for you to use at the end of the course.

This is the method I use if I get that last moment gig.

1.   At the show, go into a room with the artist to listen to the songs one by one.

     (I was luck, the artist played the guitar and we could go over everything quickly. If they don’t play in instrument, find the guitarist or keyboard player and work together in a back room.)

2.   Bring a percussion instrument in with you such as a Djembe, bongo’s, shaker or just a pair of sticks, a piece of paper and pencil or use the quick template in this course.

3.   Write the names of each song on the paper and write them down in the order they will be played in.

4.   Have the artist play all the songs in that order. It is easier to remember songs in specific order.

5.    Now have the artist play the first song

6.   Play your percussion instrument along with artist. (I use a Djembe)

7.   Listen to how you played the song with the artist

8.   Make a quick note on the paper next to the name of the song of:

1. Who Starts the song?
2. What is the Tempo?
3. What is the Feel? (Straight or Shuffle, 3/4, 6/8 or 12/8)
4. What is the Time Signature?

(As you know, if you start a song with a shuffle beat and the song is straight, it will be noticed and you will be in trouble.)

9. Take notice of the pattern you played on the percussion instrument.

10. Notate that pattern and write it in the template.

Make it a one bar pattern and make it as simple as possible so you can read and play it fast when that song is called.

11. Write the patterns next to the type of feel and time that you wrote down.

12. Do this with each song, right down the page, in order.

By this time, you have 15 minutes before the gig starts and the songs are fresh in your mind.

Don’t wait, get the band on stage, don’t talk to anyone, and focus on the list.

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EXAMPLE #1

CHART AND SETLIST WITH JUST THE BASS DRUM PATTERN NOTATION

Here is an example of a quick chart and setlist where the only notation you need to notate is the bass drum pattern.

This makes a really quick chart. You don’t need the high hat pattern or the snare is because the feel tells you what to play.

EXAMPLE #2

CHART AND SETLIST WITH A FULL DRUM PATTERN NOTATION

Here is an example where you can add all the information you need for the song and write a full drum pattern.

This helps if the pattern has a different high hat pattern or there is a signature snare pattern to play.

You will mostly be playing by ear so the full basic pattern is real helpful to know.

• Quick Chart and Setlist Template
  Download and use this template to build your setlist in order during your gig.
  Print this pdf or download and add to your iPad or tablet and use a pen to complete form.
  This simple template will help you have a successful gig, session or show.
• PDF Template for Quick Chart and Setlist.pdf

Lesson Summary

Use this Quick Chart and Setlist Template to organize your setlist for a successful gig, session, or show:

Final Thoughts

The gig will go great, you will stay focused and the artist will ask you back or even better, they will fire their drummer and you will get the gig.

Writing and using any kind of chart whether it is simple or detailed will make you look good and sound good because:

1.   You will look like you know what you are doing.

2.   You will begin the song right and end it right

3.   Most important, you will make THE ARTIST LOOK GREAT!

Which in turn, gets you more gigs, gives you credibility, gets you references and gets YOU more work.

And That Is the Best Ending To any Story

To Your Continued Success!

Here are some links to tools that you can use that will help you create charts fast, simple and clear.

Useful Websites for Creating Charts and Purchasing Drum Charts:

DrumChartBuilder.com and EasyDrumChart.com

1. Check out the software to build clean and clear charts and performance tool called Drumchartbuilder.com – designed using the same simple method and the course How to Write a Fast and Easy Drum Chart.
2. Check out easydrumchart.com to purchase drum charts like the ones in the course and a book version of How to Write a Fast and Easy Drum Chart.

Sincerely,

Liz Ficalora

Author of: “How To Write A Fast and Easy Drum Chart”