bassmonkey
Well-known member
Heh...I've seen you with alcohol.I think you made the right decision.
Dude, that was after more than one drink.
I'm talking a single beer here, and I can't hold the band together. Strange.
- Thread starter Melissa
- Start date
Dude, that was after more than one drink.
I'm talking a single beer here, and I can't hold the band together. Strange.
Caca de Kick
Well-known member
I always have a shot and two beers to loosen me up, and a little stage courage.
Nah, really like others have posted, the first time can be a little scarry. But after that first time, it's really easy after that, and get easier. Don't be so analytical about your playing, the crowd is there to have fun not analyze you, just know your songs and don't be so concerned of what people think of your playing. Mistakes happen to us still even years later, just have fun playing the songs.
I once fell off the stage at a regular club we gig, that got done shortening the stage for access...I was used to more roaming room. It was hilarious, and not many people noticed (just on my side) since a guitar solo was going on and people were focused to the other side of the stage. Just relax, you'll have fun.
Me and the 30th Ray having fun....
Nah, really like others have posted, the first time can be a little scarry. But after that first time, it's really easy after that, and get easier. Don't be so analytical about your playing, the crowd is there to have fun not analyze you, just know your songs and don't be so concerned of what people think of your playing. Mistakes happen to us still even years later, just have fun playing the songs.
I once fell off the stage at a regular club we gig, that got done shortening the stage for access...I was used to more roaming room. It was hilarious, and not many people noticed (just on my side) since a guitar solo was going on and people were focused to the other side of the stage. Just relax, you'll have fun.
Me and the 30th Ray having fun....
Melissa
Well-known member
Thanks for the replies, everyone. There were a lot of good points brought up that I never thought about (like not worrying about being analyzed), though I'm kind of SOL on one of the songs - don't know it other than the cords and I've never heard it, but I'm going to work with what I've got the best I can.
I'm safe on the beer since they don't serve what I like. I'll be saving that for afterwards.
Thanks again, your input really helped!
There were a lot of good points brought up that I never thought about (like not worrying about being analyzed), though I'm kind of SOL on one of the songs - don't know it other than the cords and I've never heard it, but I'm going to work with what I've got the best I can. I'm safe on the beer since they don't serve what I like.
I'll be saving that for afterwards. Thanks again, your input really helped!
Melissa
Well-known member
I've been through Wallace and lived about 45 minutes from Idaho Falls. It's a great area!
Melissa
Well-known member
A great advantage!
Can do! Don't be too jealous though.go kick some ass and know that im jealous.
Last edited:
Melissa
Well-known member
Cool! I'd love to meet you in person while you're up here if you get the time.
Melissa
Well-known member
That is a gorgeous bass.
adouglas
Well-known member
Roots and fifths are your friend. You cannot go wrong if you stick to that simple formula and hit the chord changes.
If there's a hook in the bass line and you either don't know it or can't come up with a good-sounding alternative, don't bother trying to fake it. Just stick to the basics. Root-fifth, root fifth.... up or down...
Try this on a song you do know before the show, just for grins. You might be surprised at how good it actually sounds.
phatduckk
Well-known member
i remember my first gig. i got on stage, the singer said "hi" and all that then he hit the first chord. as that one not rang i thought "oh man"... at that point its like jumping in the deap end. sink or swim... you just gotta play.
honestly, i personally get really into it all and just play.
like the others said... the truth is not many people can tell that you hit a bad note or whatever. only other musicians will notice. so, dont worry about it at all. just get up and play. you'll have a ball and you'll look forward to the next time
honestly, i personally get really into it all and just play.
like the others said... the truth is not many people can tell that you hit a bad note or whatever. only other musicians will notice. so, dont worry about it at all. just get up and play. you'll have a ball and you'll look forward to the next time
Fuzzy Dustmite
Well-known member
Many, many good points.
1. Unless someone is a musician and is attentively listening, most flubbed notes will be missed by everyone except you. Most people at a bar/coffee house are there to have a good time, and not sit there with their arms crossed, saying, "Uh, uh...nope, that was supposed to be F#!"
2. If you mess up, laugh about it. You'll hit that note the next time through the verse/chorus/etc. In fact, your senses will be attuned to it so 99% of the time you will hit it dead on next time through.
3. Conversely, you can play the wrong note again, thus letting everyone know you meant to play it that way
4. If you totally lose it and can't remember where you are in the song, just stop playing and take a drink, or if you play with a pick, drop it and spend a few seconds 'looking for it' on the ground!
5. Dress like a freak so they're distracted by what you're playing...example:
Most of all, have fun, try not to think about what everyone else is thinking, how you look, how you sound, etc etc...
1. Unless someone is a musician and is attentively listening, most flubbed notes will be missed by everyone except you. Most people at a bar/coffee house are there to have a good time, and not sit there with their arms crossed, saying, "Uh, uh...nope, that was supposed to be F#!"
2. If you mess up, laugh about it. You'll hit that note the next time through the verse/chorus/etc. In fact, your senses will be attuned to it so 99% of the time you will hit it dead on next time through.
3. Conversely, you can play the wrong note again, thus letting everyone know you meant to play it that way
4. If you totally lose it and can't remember where you are in the song, just stop playing and take a drink, or if you play with a pick, drop it and spend a few seconds 'looking for it' on the ground!
5. Dress like a freak so they're distracted by what you're playing...example:
Most of all, have fun, try not to think about what everyone else is thinking, how you look, how you sound, etc etc...
Big Poppa
Well-known member
Cool! I'd love to meet you in person while you're up here if you get the time.
I wont be hard to miss Fat guy hawaiian shirt flip flops and a stancraft with Louise on the stern
leond
Well-known member
3. Conversely, you can play the wrong note again, thus letting everyone know you meant to play it that way
Isn't that how you play Jazz?
The wrong note once is a mistake. The wrong note twice is Jazz.
LeonD
koogie2k
Well-known member
The first live show I did was on a HUGE scale. It was at a local venue that seats I believe 2500 people. I auditioned for this band with 2 weeks to play at this venue. I had to tell myself first...I may not be a Dave LaRue on bass....but I can play. I got to practicing with the band...tightening things up...and made it through that with no problem. From there, I was at the venue looking out at the crowd. It was big and at first I was nervous. But, I thought about it....I was tight with the band, I can play our songs with ease....most peopel there did not know our songs...so a mistake would go unnoticed. Once we hit the stage...because of the lights...I could only see like the front row. After the first song...I was so relaxed that it became fun and all the nerves went away. Now, we play just about every weekend and it is just another night at the office. I have tons of fun. Once you get through the first show...you will be fine for the rest. Get in a band and play out. YOU will IMPROVE in your playing...guarantee it. Good luck.
screaminhugger
Well-known member
playing live is like "flying" for me. I live for it. I still get nervous for every show. If I ever stop being nervous before a show, I think I will have "given up". It's all about good nerves though, like right before the first kiss...your scared to death, and then...bliss. It's a high no drug can give you. IMO. Enjoy
james
james
Hey Melissa, don't know what else has been said as I jumped right into replying!
BUT, I'd say, as long as you know your stuff, you'll be cool. Look at the back of the venue (above the audiences heads), make eye contact when you feel like it.
Once after a lay-off from live plaing, I did an outdoor gig. Decided to wear shades so I couldn't make eye contact! Do that if you have to.
Most important, enjoy it! Eventually, you'll get a real buzz from the vibe you get from the crowd, and it helps you play better and 'perform' too. TBH, that's the main reason I like to play....y'know to 'share' the music and all that.....
ATB
J
BUT, I'd say, as long as you know your stuff, you'll be cool. Look at the back of the venue (above the audiences heads), make eye contact when you feel like it.
Once after a lay-off from live plaing, I did an outdoor gig. Decided to wear shades so I couldn't make eye contact! Do that if you have to.
Most important, enjoy it! Eventually, you'll get a real buzz from the vibe you get from the crowd, and it helps you play better and 'perform' too. TBH, that's the main reason I like to play....y'know to 'share' the music and all that.....
ATB
J
adouglas
Well-known member
Something important that we've all forgotten to mention...
Just because the crowd isn't going nuts doesn't mean they aren't enjoying themselves. Often you'll finish a tune and two or three people will applaud. That doesn't mean you've screwed up or that nobody else liked it.
Crowd dynamics is a funny thing. At a low-key gig the best you might get is someone in the back bopping their head. At a gig where there are one or two enthusiastic, extroverted "spark plugs" in the crowd you might get a lot more response.
If you see anyone moving to the music at all, you're getting through to them.
Just because the crowd isn't going nuts doesn't mean they aren't enjoying themselves. Often you'll finish a tune and two or three people will applaud. That doesn't mean you've screwed up or that nobody else liked it.
Crowd dynamics is a funny thing. At a low-key gig the best you might get is someone in the back bopping their head. At a gig where there are one or two enthusiastic, extroverted "spark plugs" in the crowd you might get a lot more response.
If you see anyone moving to the music at all, you're getting through to them.
roballanson
Well-known member
Yeah I agree.....one and just one to take the edge off, if you ove the age limit. And I have enough whisky to sink a battleship at the mo so it is tempting to drink more than one.
Strict rule - one beer or one shot.
Seriously though just relax and enjoy as BP says the worst bit it the first few moments.
AnthonyD
Well-known member
Heh...I've seen you with alcohol.
+1!
...Sterling Five String...
stretch80
Well-known member
Here's my contribution - lots of other good advice here.. this is a good crew on this forum!
= For me the first song is the worst, but then I get going, my hands get warmed up, and it's easier. So you can just go for it an "make it through the first song".
= Smile, and concentrate on having fun, not on whether you made a mistake. Most of us make lots of mistakes, and the crowd doesn't hear em - especially if the groove is there and ....the band is having fun.
...and the more you play the easier it gets, but I'm always a little nervous before a gig.
= For me the first song is the worst, but then I get going, my hands get warmed up, and it's easier. So you can just go for it an "make it through the first song".
= Smile, and concentrate on having fun, not on whether you made a mistake. Most of us make lots of mistakes, and the crowd doesn't hear em - especially if the groove is there and ....the band is having fun.
...and the more you play the easier it gets, but I'm always a little nervous before a gig.
AnthonyD
Well-known member
It get's easier all the time...
For me, I feel best when I've got all the music nailed. There is a wonderful "looseness" that comes from being tight with as a group.
The other point is to remind yourself that the audience will recall the entire experience - not a bad note or a missed change - the entire experience.
My "worst" gig based upon my critique of the Band (self included) turned out to be one of our best received. We played for free and we're being invited back next year to play the event again and this time they are insisting we get paid - go figure!
For me, I feel best when I've got all the music nailed. There is a wonderful "looseness" that comes from being tight with as a group.
The other point is to remind yourself that the audience will recall the entire experience - not a bad note or a missed change - the entire experience.
My "worst" gig based upon my critique of the Band (self included) turned out to be one of our best received. We played for free and we're being invited back next year to play the event again and this time they are insisting we get paid - go figure!
