Tips for playing the guitar live – it’s showtime!
The most important thing about the show is to relax, have fun and perform. All the hard work should be done beforehand so you should just enjoy making music. Let your muscle memory take over and enjoy the moment.
Have some backup strings, a string winder, strap and cables nearby in case of an emergency as well as your replacement amp or modelling amp if you have that luxury but try not think about anything going wrong.
Why not read our article on the top 100 hacks every musician should know before you get ready for your next gig.
After the show
Clean your guitar. After the show you should try to make sure your guitar is wiped down and the strings are cleaned as this might give you a few extra days of string life before they need a re-string.
(above: taking care of your guitar can make all the difference between shows. Click here to read our guide on guitar care!)
Make a checklist of all of your gear that you brought to the gig and everything you need to take away. This is especially important for all of the accessories that might get lost easily.
Pack up neatly and store your equipment safely. If you take care of your gear, your gear will take care of you when it matters most. For example, if you just bunch up your cables and store them, they’ll probably end up breaking at a time when you don’t have time to arrange a replacement – or even mid- show! It’s important to learn how to tie your cables up neatly – perhaps even use velcro cable ties.
Write down notes about the show on your phone or on a piece of paper. Don’t beat yourself about any missed notes or chords and try to be objective about what you can improve. Review those notes when preparing for the next show and try to improve. Remember, it’s not about the notes that you played but how you made the audience feel.
More info
Hope you guys found this piece handy – you should be feeling inspired and stage-ready! If you fancy reading some more about gear and picking up a few tips and tricks along the way, check out the rest of our Learn content while you’re here!