kebob Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 This Wednesday night, I'm planning on playing at an open mic, which will mark the first time in my 25 years of playing that I will be playing for an audience. It will be a major milestone for me as it's something I've always wanted to do, but never had the courage -- until now. My trusty friend, a cherry burst J45, will be accompanying me as I play a few songs with a friend of mine I recently connected with. Any advice is appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G McBride Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Relax and enjoy yourself. I have not played for the public for 25 years but I have started playing for some of the people at work occasionally. I hope you get a good audience that will appreciate your playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooboo Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Genuine talent + Gibson + a good vibe.. You'll do great brother! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooboo Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 P.S. As a side note: You have been playing guitar longer than I have been alive. If I can do it, you can! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kebob Posted October 4, 2009 Author Share Posted October 4, 2009 P.S. As a side note: You have been playing guitar longer than I have been alive. If I can do it' date=' you can![/quote'] Now that's a great way to look at it -- thanks. I know how to play. I just hope I don't get too nervous and my fingers will not be able to play as I normally do. Right now, I'm not sweating it -- but I suppose that will change prior to going on stage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gilliangirl Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Sending good karma your way, Kebob, altho' I don't think you'll need it really. Just remember that you've been playing for a long time, and you know how to play, period. My very limited experience with playing live was that I was more nervous just before going up on stage. Once I was up there, into the first song and a few minutes had elapsed, I settled into it and enjoyed it more. I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday..... :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kebob Posted October 4, 2009 Author Share Posted October 4, 2009 Sending good karma your way' date=' Kebob, altho' I don't think you'll need it really. Just remember that you've been playing for a long time, and you know how to play, period. My [b']very limited[/b] experience with playing live was that I was more nervous just before going up on stage. Once I was up there, into the first song and a few minutes had elapsed, I settled into it and enjoyed it more. I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday..... :D Thanks GG. I hope that is my experience as well (nervous at first, then settle in). I'll let you know how it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevef Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Great.. Enjoy yourself.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rambler Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 "I just hope I don't get too nervous" Just take a good deep breath to clear your mind of worry and concentrate on experiencing your music. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kebob Posted October 4, 2009 Author Share Posted October 4, 2009 "I just hope I don't get too nervous" Just take a good deep breath to clear your mind of worry and concentrate on experiencing your music. Cheers. One big, deep breath just before stepping on stage -- that I can do. Thank you kind sir. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar12 Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 There is something called 'anticipatory anxiety' where getting worked up over an event is worse than the event itself. I can remember when I started chemo being terrified of the nurse starting the IV almost to the point that I would pass out prior to them even sticking me. After a few cycles, I could practically start the IV myself. In your case, I would bet that you are not nervous but actually excited and you'll harness that excitement just fine. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G McBride Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Back in the 70's we would get relaxed before going on stage also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertjohn Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Best advice I can give is not to worry about mistakes........most of the time no one notices except you. Apparently milk and chocolate are bad for the voice before you sing. I rely on beer. Nail the start of each song. For me it's the worst part. I messed up the start of Wildwood on saturday, a song I have performed dozens of times. Once you get going it's great fun. Learn your words/chords. Don't fall into the trap of thinking you know them enough. Practice all your songs during the day before the open mic. I take a music stand with the words printed in a book. Have a great time. It's worth the aggro because next time will be easier and I bet you want to get straight back on stage as soon as you've finished. Best of luck and let us know how it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taylor Player Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Back in the 70's we would get relaxed before going on stage also. And just how did you do that Mr. McBride?!?!?!? :) By the way.... I never inhaled.... :- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kebob Posted October 5, 2009 Author Share Posted October 5, 2009 Thanks all for the great advice. I knew I could count of you fine Gibson folk for some helpful insight and encouragement. I'll report back with how it went... BTW -- I had already thought of the liquid courage idea, and I'm not ruling it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkharmony Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Don't look at the crowd. In fact, I'd suggest playing with a blindfold on. I prefer liquid blindfold, but to each his/her own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Drink a few beers and get it done. I've been gigging for 30 + years, solo acoustic, bands, whatever..... It's fun. I'm actually more comfortable on a stage than I am in an grocery store. Because, on a stage I'm making money. In a grocery store, I'm going to spend more than planned....... Best of luck....... Murph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G McBride Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 A half pint should be enough to relax the vocals and settle the nerves. You won't have anything to worry about. As soon as the Gibson starts to play you will have their attention. Don't worry about any minor mistakes most of the time if you just keep showing they won't even notice. Good luck and congratulations on your first performance. I kind of envy you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jv Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 Practice in the same position that you will be in at the open mike, by that I mean if you are going to be standing at the gig, stand at home. Be careful with the liquid courage approach, it can be a slippery slope from relaxed to sloppy. It has already been mentioned, but bears repeating, you will notice your mistakes far more than anyone else will, keep on rolling. Above all, have fun, if you are like me you are playing music, not working it. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rambler Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 Nothing wrong with a glass, but dont get carried away! (if the first one doesnt quell the dread 'anticipatory anxiety,' more may follow and other problems might ensue). Key thing is to dial down the anticipation-- its just worry about a future that isnt here yet. keep it in the present. J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G McBride Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 Last day for practice, tomorrow you will knock them dead with your performance. Have a wonderful time and enjoy yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drathbun Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 There's a lot of good advice here already. I was in your position just about a month and a half ago. I've played in front of people for years but never in front of a pub crowd at an open mic. All the things people tell you are true; that people are there to support you, have fun, relax, etc. I know all those things intellectually, but still, the first time is full of nervous energy. I guess the main thing to do is be prepared. I practiced and practiced the three songs I was going to play every day for two weeks and then for about an hour the day of the open mic. As it was, I ended up only doing two, but they were two that I knew backwards and forwards. What throws me during a performance, especially the lyrics, is if I get distracted while I'm playing. If I try to do something new with the guitar, I'll lose a lyric. If I am standing uncomfortably and shift the guitar while playing, I'll lose a lyric. When I practiced, I was sitting. When I played I was standing. That made difference in comfort that threw me a little and I made a couple of lyric mistakes that no one seemed to notice. It was exhilarating however, and I'm going to do it more and more. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertjohn Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 Totally agree with Drathbun's standing up/sitting down point. I find it much more difficult to play standing up. The feel and eyeline to the fretboard is all wrong. So if you know you will be standing up, practice your songs in that position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tw2_usa Posted October 6, 2009 Share Posted October 6, 2009 Performing is like riding a bicycle. Really, it is. A few scrapes and bruises and a lot of fun. Have a good show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kebob Posted October 6, 2009 Author Share Posted October 6, 2009 Thanks all. Great advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.