guitarist wants me to move when I play

[buliwyfff]

so I tried, what do you guys think

http://youtube.com/watch?v=w9ca__Qubg4

(I know I made mistakes and its a really easy song, but I've never really tried moving around when I was playing before)

he goes completely crazy jumping around everywhere, I dont think I even want to try doing that but I guess it does look funny him running around and me just standing there.

[Blackbird]

If you get into the groove of the song, your body will move to the music naturally.

You can't fake enjoyment in music. What would be the point?

[buliwyfff]

so I dont look out of place while playing live?

[K-Frog]

ummm.... Is that a dirt bike in your living room?

From the style and tempo of the song, I'm guessing you should be thrashing about more. What do i know though. I'm Mr. Stone Statue in the flesh. Moving around fast makes my old noggin hurt anyway. I'd get dizzy and fall down.

Some of these youngsters will give you some dandy advice I'm sure.

K

[j-bass-kreep]

I agree you need to enjoy the song , I saw the video you look bored despite the fact that your moving around.

[Adam Barkley]

You look bored. Is that you trying to move more?

I would suggest:

1. Smile or emote something other than blankness or boredom. Nobody is too hardcore to smile onstage.
2. Move with the music. You just moved randomly.
3. Be yourself. If your onstage persona is a post with no emotion, be a post.

[vindy500]

no no no, stop faking it. youve gotta feel it man, move with the music, not just random jolts.

[Minger]

Yup, you looked really bored

Probably a little more headbangish for this music. Or thats what would seem to almost fit

[Blackbird]

Originally Posted by buliwyfff

so I dont look out of place while playing live?

I dunno, it's hard to tell from the footage since you're in a room playing to a recording.

I'm sure you'll all look more enthusiastic when you're on a live stage playing with real people in front of an audience. How many gigs have you done so far?

[buliwyfff]

I'll definently smile more onstage its kind of hard in my basement by myself, my first gig is next friday :/

(and yea that is a dirtbike, nowhere else to keep it :P)

[Blackbird]

Originally Posted by buliwyfff

I'll definently smile more onstage its kind of hard in my room by myself, my first gig is next friday :/

Oh, no wonder.

Tell your guitarist to worry less about the coreography and more about the music. Bands that rock don't have to worry about moves.

[Neb Maro]

You looked at little nervous and like you were working too hard to keep an impassive face. The music sounded like it had some emotion in it. Go with it. Sounded like it was kinda hard, so I dunno..look like you're attacking the line.
Maybe look at videos of guys who do similar music and see how they move? Utilizie what you learn to find a way to move that you're comfortable with and that fits with the music?
It's already been stated, but you probably gotta let yourself go.
I've nenver gigged, but I'm just thinking about what I'd do if I did and trying to deal with the question logically.
Logically, if you're not into the music and you start dancing around it's going to look fake unless you're a good actor.
Logically, keeping an impassive face when you're moving around is going to look off balanced.
Logically and hopefully you should be having a hell of a time playing.
Maybe that'll help; actually being up there. Then you're adrenaline is pumping.
Logically, know the set really well will help you feel more comfortable and thus more able to go with it and move around.

Logically, I am a know it all, so if this is off base, fine.
Hope it's not though, cause I do want my posts to contribute and not detract.

[seanm]

I'm not sure that practicing moving will help. Until you get to the level of choreographed stage shows. But by that point you won't be expected to actually sing or play any more

I am usually cramped on very small stages so I can't move around too much.

If it is your first gig, I would concentrate on the music. Try to smile to the audience. At least turn to acknowledge as much of the audience as possible. But concentrate on the music. The moves will come.

[JimmyM]

I think you'll be fine. You look like a stiff in the video and I would remove it immediately, but I think once you start to loosen up a little and build some confidence, the moves will come naturally. You don't play too badly. Just have some fun.

[buliwyfff]

its not like anyone I know would ever see it, and I really wouldnt care if they did...but a stiff? really? I didnt think it was that bad, it is rock after all.

[Shawman]

hahaha i was put out of a band once for not moving around enough! it was a "hardcore" metal band so i wasn't really that into it, but live i'm comfortable with my wide stance and getting the hair flying they kicked me out and got an awful bassist who acts like a twat

[BrandonBass]

i hav a tip for u....cause it seems to work for me. i have to move when i play headbanging songs, and my mates gave me props for that....and i seem to be quite 'talented' at it

maybe its because i always play air guitar whenever i listen to rock songs, back when i was a kid. yeah, even before i learned how the bass or guitar is played....so play more air guitar when theres a cool song and just rock out.... it helps if your frens are comfortable w that and u guys can 'rock out' together

[40Hz_of_Love]

There is this band here in Poland which is a trio (bass, drums and guitar) and the guitarist is a total shoegazer, absolutely no movement, statue, zombie and the bass player is in the wild, running around and it isn't really a problem I think. That's just their style, they're cool and do what they want. And they happen to be my favourite local band. The music is what matters.

Personally I act like crazy when I play - I make silly faces, do little kicks and I would really like to stop doing it because I propably look like a total jackass. But I can't! It just happens. I can't control it.

So... What was I talking about? Ah! My advice is - if you don't feel like moving - don't.

[BrandonBass]

Originally Posted by 40Hz_of_Love

There is this band here in Poland which is a trio (bass, drums and guitar) and the guitarist is a total shoegazer, absolutely no movement, statue, zombie and the bass player is in the wild, running around and it isn't really a problem I think. That's just their style, they're cool and do what they want. And they happen to be my favourite local band. The music is what matters.

Personally I act like crazy when I play - I make silly faces, do little kicks and I would really like to stop doing it because I propably look like a total jackass. But I can't! It just happens. I can't control it.

So... What was I talking about? Ah! My advice is - if you don't feel like moving - don't.

you forgot motley crue

[invader3k]

I like your bass. (Fender Aerodyne I'm assuming?)

Anyway, I thought your playing was fine. Honestly if you're playing heavy metal like that, I think running around and jumping would look kind of weird. I think some headbanging and generallly "getting into the groove" would help you a lot.