First ever gig on Sunday!

[phil37]

Hi,

 

I only started learning the guitar about a year ago, my wife is convinced my mid life crisis has come early!

 

Rather than being totally nervous I can't wait :-)

 

We are only doing covers so no original content from me

 

Any helpful tips for a newb performer?

 

Cheers

[GreatDane]

have a great time and remember to breathe!

[sleewell]

#1 have fun. audiences wont expect a perfect performance musically but will expect to have fun. so def smile, interact, laugh, etc. if you are all up there standing completly still and not looking like your band is something to be excited about no audience will either.

 

#2 wait till after show to get drunk/party. one or two beers is fine but being drunk is not.

 

#3 focus on levels. 90% or more of a good show is finding good levels with the instruments, drums and mics. you could play the best show of your life and the audience will not think so if some element is way too loud or lost in the mix.

 

4# be prepared. show up early, bring extra gear - strings, picks, etc.

 

 

Have fun, take pics and report back with an update!!

[BlackCat]

Good luck and have fun.

[LesPaulFetish]

Put on new strings if you haven't recently, just in case. And good luck!

[bluesnapper]

#3 focus on levels. 90% or more of a good show is finding good levels with the instruments, drums and mics. you could play the best show of your life and the audience will not think so if some element is way too loud or lost in the mix.

 

This is the most important thing to do and where most bands go wrong. Don't be afraid of turning yourself up - but not too much!

 

I get really sweaty when I'm playing and take a towel and a change of shirt.

 

And have fun!

[Jkater]

Break a leg! The best advices already mentionned are to keep smiling no matter what as this will be noticed by the audience more than any mistakes you might play. That said, you owe to your audience but even more to yourself to practice well and be ready for the performance. If you play an improvised solo, don't go at it timidly. make a statement. play every note or even clam as if you mean it.

[nuke_diver]

I'm jealous. I've been playing longer and I've never gigged. Just no real opportunity for me to do so. It remains a goal but achieving it seems difficult.

 

Have a great time and I hope it goes perfectly

 

[zoobdo]

2 tips, keep a good attitude and smile, have fun.

and make sure u have all ur amp settings, volume and everything correct, that goes for mics too, ive heard too many bands have a sub par performance because you cant really hear the singing

[Veee number 2]

Enjoy yourself and don't worry about making a mistake. Just keep playing and have fun.

[aenemated]

if you {censored} something up, don't stop.

[kayd_mon]

 

if you {censored} something up, don't stop.

 

 

I once read an interview with Ty Tabor, and he said something to the effect of, "if you hit a wrong note or phrase, play it two more times with a face like you meant to do that. Most people won't know the difference then"

 

Anyway, don't take yourself too seriously, and just have a blast!

[phil37]

Cheers for all the advice guys, I will do a gig report tomorrow to let you all know how it went........

[bigtorquehemi]

people would rather have you be fun, than put on a edward vanhalen like performance....move around.....DO NOT get drunk, having one or two is fine. Especially if your getting paid to play. Keep the volume low....if they want you to turn it up they will tell you. The only one that wants it loud is the people not talking, which hopefully is no one. Thats the reason they always put the dance floor right in front of the band. And remember, your playing to make one sound, so don't try to overpower everyone else.

[lowbrow]

 

if you {censored} something up, don't stop.

 

 

To elaborate on this most important point, never, ever stop unless someone calls a general mulligan...and never, ever call a general mulligan.