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First gig in a lifetime is coming!!! I'm scared!!!

Bass_Band

Bass_Band

Guest
Aug 2, 2012
75
2
#1
Hi Rockers!

I'm about to perform live for the first time. The gig will be really smooth; 25-30 persons on a family party (drummer's family). I play with lead guitar, signer/rythm guitar and drummer who all have experience ++ on gigs. I'm playing for 5 months with thoses guys; they say my play is much much better (I practice hard) but I'm scared anyway!! :help:

We're gonna play 25 songs, I'll have a lectren for 4-5 song that I struggle more with (singer and lead guit will get one to). It's no big deal since we're doing this for free; purely to break the ice as a band.

The show is septembre first and we have 2 rehearsal left . How should I spend my time practicing? (my weak spot? all the song? My strongs ones to build confidence...). Any advices for this first gig? All advice would be really appreciate!

Rock'n roll! :bassist:
 
#2
Picture you audience naked.

Seriously, my first gig was as a naked singer (no instrument, just a mic stand to shield me from the crowd.) I was awful, and they hated me.

My bad.

You have a bass as your shield, and you should just play. You've rehearsed the songs; let the rehearsal be your magic. Play like you love it; and don't be scared!

Loosen up a bit, and move around, and have some fun.

You will be fine.

They are NOT going to start shooting.

Well, usually they don't.

You're not in Texas, are you?
 
#4
OK. I'll imagine myself rocking and moving!! My MM StingRay5 will shield any wrong thinking and I'm gonna have FUN. I will focus on magical rehearsal moment!

It's a dream coming true after 5 years practicing teh instrument. FUN is my moto.

Thanks!
 
#5
I'll be waiting for that butterflie!! Meanwhile I'll foucus on turning my negatives nervesness into good ones!

I know the post-show high will be awesome... After a nice rehearsal i'm pumped for 24/48h... just imagine! :bassist:
 
#8
IMO dont stand there with a big sheet music stand in front of you...it looks to amature

make up a cheat sheet and lie it on the floor..

i have one in A3 paper with 25 songs in it...it has a few promps just so you can remember..

if you forget something ....or hit bum notes...dont look suprised just pretend you did it on purpose....hit the root note a few times then lock back in to it
 
#9
After the first note people will b into it and u won't want to ever take a breske...I promise u that. All of us make mistakes ....just learn from em. If I were u I would run thru ur entire setlist and play along with every song, it will alert u as to what u need to work on and also let u go back and work on any major brain fades which will occur from time to time. Good luck, once ur gig is over u will b addicted to live performing for life.
 
#10
Rockers!

You TB'ers are so cool! Thanks a LOT! :bassist:

A lot of advices and good words that just pump me into this!! :hyper:

I'm in my first set break playing in front of a mirror! Trying to do the hard stuff sheetless! I'll think about dressing something cool; maybe my vintage atari T-shirt? Every musicien I know tell me that I'll get addicted to live show... I guess I won't be exception.

So much nice food for mind!!
 
#11
Firstly - mistakes are going to happen when you play. It's just the nature of the beast. You can try to limit mistakes but since you're human, there might be the odd bum note. Just keep playing as though nothing has happened, and more often than not, people are not going to notice the mistake either because you haven't shown any indication that a mistake was made.

Secondly - the more you play through your set, the more it's going to seem like a regular rehearsal but with people watching you. Relax and enjoy, have fun!
 
#12
Dont let the adrennaline overshadow common sense...easy to get caught up and players ratcheting up the volume and throwing off the mix. Have fun....relax...play off each other and you will pull the crowd in. Congrats!
 
#13
Bass_Band said:
From Montreal.

OK. I'll imagine myself rocking and moving!! My MM StingRay5 will shield any wrong thinking and I'm gonna have FUN. I will focus on magical rehearsal moment!

It's a dream coming true after 5 years practicing teh instrument. FUN is my moto.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

This is a post where I'm curious how old the op is.

Be aware that there's more to this than having fun.
 
#14
mellowinman said:
You're not in Texas, are you?
Click to expand...

LOL! Now that's funny !@#$! right there. LOL

DiabolusInMusic said:
Nothing worse than watching a band that just stares at their fretboards.
Click to expand...

Diabolus makes a good point: the more YOU (and the band) get into it, the more the audience will too. I've gotten both ends of the spectrum... I've been told I'm really fun to watch because I get some pretty good bass face going when I'm really into the music (like with my current funk band). On the flip side, there have been some early Sunday mornings when I'm ABSOLUTELY on auto pilot for the service and a friend told me she could totally tell I was somewhere else. lol

Icey101 said:
if you forget something ....or hit bum notes...dont look suprised just pretend you did it on purpose....
Click to expand...

Another good point. Everyone makes mistakes, even Victor Wooten. It's how you deal with it that matters. Don't freak out. :)

Like others have said, relax and have fun with it. Congrats!

5sg.
 
#17
bluewine said:
This is a post where I'm curious how old the op is.

Be aware that there's more to this than having fun.
Click to expand...

C'mon Blue. You don't have to be Debbie Downer every day of your life. And try to remember it is not a crime to be younger than you.

The OP has been a bedroom guy for 5 years. He has rehearsed with this outfit for 5 months. He has done the work, he is merely looking for advice on how to channel his nervous energy.

Lighten up, for your own sake.
 
#18
Good luck, man! I'm addicted to live performance and it's easily my favorite aspect of music. When I started off, I was glued to my fretboard and I probably came across as really awkward. Something that got me away from feeling so insecure was to look at the other guitar player's fretboards, or maybe even at the drummer. Your playing will still sync up with your head, and it really, really helps to detach yourself in a live situation. After a few practices of doing that I was able to look straight ahead at me and still remain focused.

And despite what some grumps say, there is no reason to get into music if you're not enjoying yourself.

Also:

rust_preacher said:
Usually the gig goes well if the last rehearsal goes down the tubes. Good luck!
Click to expand...

I can't stress enough how accurate this is.
 

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