Like many of the things I write about, this post is completely subjective -but I'm going to dive into what works for me time and time again during sound checks.
I try to keep. It. Simple.
Anything I play during this time is something I'm ridiculously comfortable with and is NOT included in any of my sets. I choose something that's simple on my instrument and then sing something powerful for my vocal check. This is the purest way to achieve appropriate levels for my mains. Lastly, I try to keep stage sound to a minimum -direct boxes and/or offstage amps that are mic'd are my favorite setup.
Q: Why do I bother playing something not included in my set?
A: Chances are, the song I would choose is either brand new (spoiler) or one of my weakest songs (bad representation of what I have to offer during my show). Soundcheck isn't a time for a final rehearsal, it's a time to get levels established.
Q: Why do you play something simple on your instrument -don't the people in the venue need to know that what they are about to see is going to be AMAZING?!
A: I don't need to prove anything to the people listening during the soundcheck... If they stick around for the show, I'll give them an opportunity to be "amazed", but the soundcheck is strictly for establishing levels -and once levels are achieved, any "gratuitous" sound stops.
Q: Why do you sing something powerful? I thought we weren't out to "prove anything to the people listening during soundcheck"...
A: I'm a high-octane vocalist. I'll go from dramatic soft lows to rocketing high screams in an instant. It's important that during my soundcheck I can start with the standard spoken "check 1, check 2, check 3... A, B, C, D, E, F, G..." in my speaking voice, but then I need to kick it into high gear for a chorus or two -so whoever is on sound will not be surprised when I go there during the show. The last thing I want to do is cause my audience pain -and not doing a full blown vocal check before I go on risks causing my audience literal ear pain when I kick it into high gear. It's seriously the least I can do to see, love, and enjoy my audience!
That's about all I have to say about sound checks for now. I hope you have a great day! Feel free to offer your sound check insight in the comments below!
Until next time,
-T.