Unless the first one sucks so bad that your brain represses it and you remember nothing...
then you get a 2nd First Gig.
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First Gig
- Thread starter ken897568
- Start date
Unless the first one sucks so bad that your brain represses it and you remember nothing...
then you get a 2nd First Gig.
Is it your drummer's first gig too? 1st gig with one band was our drummers 1st. He drank too much because he was nervous and then played everything way too fast.
If there's alcohol involved take it real easy and keep an eye on your bandmates.
Remember to have fun, that goes for any gig but specially your first.
If there's alcohol involved take it real easy and keep an eye on your bandmates.
Remember to have fun, that goes for any gig but specially your first.
Lucky.. My first gig the drummer drank too much, puked on his kit, and passed out on top of it. It was awesome.
Do the opposite of this on your gig. When you screw up, big or small, don't let it show on your face. If you get lost, keep playing. Wrong but strong is the bassist's best friend - you are going to be noticed for not playing more than for playing something slightly off.
Make sure you have everything you need: Bass, Amp, spare strings, tuner, gum, sunglasses etc
also, check your amp before you play. At my first gig the amp wasnt even on
also, check your amp before you play. At my first gig the amp wasnt even on
Big +1 from this weekend warrior here - make sure you got what you need and spares.
I remember I once got to a gig to find my gig bag was missing power cables for my amp! My ex-wife had 'borrowed' from said gig bag
. Had to ask bar staff for a kettle lead - wasn't a good start 
Ever since then I have a printed checklist I go through once the car is loaded...
Have a blast - you'll never forget your first gig
First serious gig I ever played I was twitchy as hell. Stood behind the main the whole time and stared at my shoes. Second gig with that band was a party at the drummers house. I got absolutely smashed before the show, had a great time, and after that, I never had problems with nerves on stage again. I'd never do this at a serious gig, but if you're ever just playing for some buddies, getting drunk beforehand can actually help with the nerves. The trick is to make sure that everyone else is so drunk that they don't notice your sloppy drunken playing.
I'm only half joking.
In all seriousness, just let loose and lock in with the drummer. If you know the songs you won't have a problem.
I'm only half joking.
In all seriousness, just let loose and lock in with the drummer. If you know the songs you won't have a problem.
Presumably OP is a youngster so I think it's very poor advice to say "get hammered", even if half joking.
When I was a young'n my playing went to hell with just a small amount of beer, and it doesn't do very much better today.
When I was a young'n my playing went to hell with just a small amount of beer, and it doesn't do very much better today.
Great advice so far. You're going to make mistakes because some things you just have to learn on your own. No matter how much we preach to you, you'll still sweat that mistake.. you'll still stare at your fret board... you'll still noodle around with your instrument between songs. However, having heard our advice here, hopefully you will catch yourself doing these things and be able to snap out of it and carry on.
To add a few-
Play with your band, not for the crowd. Sounds crazy, but hear me out. Play with your friends and have a good time with them. The showmanship and entertaining the crowd will naturally follow. This way it's more natural and you won't focus on trying to show off, and instead stay focused on playing your part and having a good time with your friends.
If you're not the singer, stay off the mic unless you're doing backing vocals during the set. Nothing is more annoying at a show then having every member of the band talking over each other on the mic between songs. Until being on stage comes natural to you, your nervousness will come out on the mic in the form of cheesy jokes or ******** ramblings.
Take extra cables! These things fail. Don't let it ruin your set. Put new batteries in your gear and check to make sure it all works before you pack up to go to the club. If you can get an extra bass, take it. If not, make sure you have a spare set of strings.
Mute your amp when you tune. The crowd doesn't want to hear that crap. It's noise and they came to hear music.
If no one shows up to hear you play, you empty the club or it was empty when you get there and never fills up.... Play anyway! It's good experience so play to have fun with your bandmates!
To add a few-
Play with your band, not for the crowd. Sounds crazy, but hear me out. Play with your friends and have a good time with them. The showmanship and entertaining the crowd will naturally follow. This way it's more natural and you won't focus on trying to show off, and instead stay focused on playing your part and having a good time with your friends.
If you're not the singer, stay off the mic unless you're doing backing vocals during the set. Nothing is more annoying at a show then having every member of the band talking over each other on the mic between songs. Until being on stage comes natural to you, your nervousness will come out on the mic in the form of cheesy jokes or ******** ramblings.
Take extra cables! These things fail. Don't let it ruin your set. Put new batteries in your gear and check to make sure it all works before you pack up to go to the club. If you can get an extra bass, take it. If not, make sure you have a spare set of strings.
Mute your amp when you tune. The crowd doesn't want to hear that crap. It's noise and they came to hear music.
If no one shows up to hear you play, you empty the club or it was empty when you get there and never fills up.... Play anyway! It's good experience so play to have fun with your bandmates!
- Sep 9, 2007
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- Endorsing Artist: Eventide, GHS Strings, G&L Guitars, NS Design, Tsunami Cables
+1 to this. You will make mistakes, but more often than not, you're going to be the only one that catches then. Just don't stop playing when you do, then everyone WILL notice.
