cant take eyes off fretboard live

[tallicabassist0]

I have been playing in a band for almost two years now

though have never really seen myself play until our last show where a friend recorded some videos.

I noticed that my eyes are pinned on my fretting hand and i feel that is taking alot away from a live performance.

anyone know some good tips or tricks to get out of this habit?

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by tallicabassist0

I have been playing in a band for almost two years now

though have never really seen myself play until our last show where a friend recorded some videos.

I noticed that my eyes are pinned on my fretting hand and i feel that is taking alot away from a live performance.

anyone know some good tips or tricks to get out of this habit?

reading music works for me

[Matt R.]

Dude just take the plunge and look away while you're playing. I bet you surprise yourself at how well you'll be able to handle it because of muscle memory and all.

[LeftHandedFrog]

Well practice that at home , maybe play scales while watching tv or something else , also practice position shifting ... If you play with one finger by fret , use your fingers as markers , i mean if you gonna jump lets say like a minor third up , just see it as moving your index where your pinky is , if you see what i mean? You'll get more confidence doing this when you practice and get muscle memory.
You can also practice fourth , fifth seventh and octave jumps for example on one string and then using 2 strings jumps lets say play a low F and then jump to the 8th fret on the A string with either your thumb or pinky.
You ll find out quick enough that it s not so hard and then you ll be able to lift up your head and check out all the chicks in the audience on stage!

[lanceropolis]

Hmmm... Well, this is an assumption, but when you learn songs off a cd or however you practice just put the radio in front of you, and then stare at the radio while you play. Honestly the more you practice in general, the more you will get comfortable with the fretboard. You will start to develop muscle memory. Honestly most guys that don't look down (I still sneak peaks time to time ) are guys that have either been playing for a long time, or guys with excellent practice techniques that have paid off. My technical advice would be to develop a left hand technique where you have your fingers slightly fanned with the tips pointing at the frets, with your thumb in the middle of the back of the neck (not pressing too hard) and run some scales keeping your hand in that position. Pretty soon you will know what finger you need to press and that is what will get your eyes up to lock in with the laaaadies (or the dudes... whatever your pref. )

[Chris K]

Try to get gigs with goodlooking girls in the audience.