What is your pre-game routine?

Edward G. · #1 07-30-2011, 12:13 PM

I make sure the basses are fully adjusted and set up before they leave the house. Nothing bites like having to play an off setup all night. I make sure my nails are trimmed too, if they aren't already, and I try not to use power tools or high-impact hand tools within a few hours before a gig.

That's about it for me. I don't have anything esoteric that I eat or engage in as a routine, but I know there are some elaborate rituals and superstitions out there.

What do you do (or NOT do) to prepare for a gig?

klejst · #2 07-30-2011, 12:25 PM

Sure I make sure everything is setup properly and ready to go hours before and also before I head out to the gig that I have everything (I check about 2-3 times just to make sure). Now when I get there I load everything in and when it comes time to play I setup everything like normal and test it out and make sure everything is good to go. Now as far as playing I have been at gigging for a while now, but I would be lying if I did not say I don't get at least a tad bit nervous before every show so I got into this routine of bringing along my mp3 with some of my favorite songs by some of my favorite artists on it that pumps me up and it seems to calm and relax me. I love playing live.

svtb15 · #3 07-30-2011, 12:32 PM

make sure the bladder is empty.. especially on a 90 minute show...

avvie · #4 07-30-2011, 09:12 PM

I fast. I don't want to be onstage when a post-meal gas attack or gurgling stomach happens, nor do I want to be dealing with heartburn (which plagues me regularly). I am STARVING after the gig though.... while the band's breaking down I'm out at the car pounding a sandwich.

ALSO: a large mocha coffee, a pocketful of Tums 750 and a fresh dose of Aleve.... I want to keep up my energy, I'll get heartburn from the coffee and I don't want my left hand suffering from joint pain. I play busy, and I have a degenrative joint problem at the base of my left thumb. Hurts like all getout.

stratovani · #5 07-30-2011, 09:36 PM

I have to have a set list with the first note of the bass line I'll play next to the title. To me there's nothing worse than starting a song on the wrong note. Also, I'll try to take a nap, then eat something light before the gig. And no coffee or alcohol before or during the gig, only water.

Pilgrim · #6 07-31-2011, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stratovani

I have to have a set list with the first note of the bass line I'll play next to the title. To me there's nothing worse than starting a song on the wrong note. Also, I'll try to take a nap, then eat something light before the gig. And no coffee or alcohol before or during the gig, only water.

Aside from loading up and getting to the site early enough to relax for a minute, I like Stratovani's note. I love to have a set list with the first two or three notes for each number listed next to the title. For some reason I tend to have a brain fart at the start even of familiar numbers, and sometimes hit the wrong first note.

billiam5billion · #7 07-31-2011, 11:46 AM

Fish tacos and beer.

bassteban · #8 07-31-2011, 12:11 PM

Sex, a coupla pushups, a beer. I always try to bring way more gear than I'll ever need- I usually save the gig twice each time(9V batt's, cords, sheet music, etc).

Muaguana · #9 07-31-2011, 12:43 PM

Double check that all instruments/chords/tuners/tools/metronomes/batteries/lead sheets/pedals/anti-inflammatory pills/shrunken heads are in their proper cases or pockets; triple check via text with the lead singer on the time and place of the show; make sure that at least my right index, middle, and ring fingers' nails are trimmed (I hate using the scissors on my multi-tool at the last minute); comb the goatee; fill up water bottle; stretch fingers and warm them up with a Varigrip; and perform my usual Monster drink/Pantera ritual on the way to the venue.

And make sure the guitarist has his instrument in the same tuning he uses in rehearsal, rather than surprising everyone by playing minor second "harmonies" with the vocals instead of a unison doubling.

renobassman · #10 08-02-2011, 02:12 PM

I don't know why, but I tend to listen music that has no relation to what I'm about to play. Right now I mostly play for a folk/indie act and I always listen to either rap or metal in the car on the way to the gig.

Oh, and there was that time I ate a double whopper meal from Burger King right before going on stage. I wouldn't recommend it. I was dancing up there, but not because of the music.

zachoff · #11 08-02-2011, 02:16 PM

Basses tuned up, double check connections on the pedalboard, amp on standby, extra picks on top of my amp, wristband is in-tact, set list in place, and 2 or 3 beers are in my belly. I also poop before I leave the house. Not much sucks worse than pooping in a bar bathroom. Especially some of the dives we play.