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Holy Crap! 1st time on stage soon!

T

Tapout73

Nov 30, 2007
127
2
#1
Ok, I just started playing bass in december and have been taking private lessons ever since. The other night at a bar where my bass teacher plays with his band, he comes up to me during a break and tells me he wants me to sit in on a song coming sometime.

My jaw dropped. After figuring out he was'nt pulling my leg, I of course told him I'd be honored to. He said I'm ready to do it, nothing big, just 1 song, and an easy bassline song too. We been going over Comfortably Numb and Sunshine of your Love. I know I could do either, but I feel with Sunshine there could be some room for error. Especially when its your first time in the spotlight and first time I have ever played with a band.

Its just a regular bar, nothing like a 400 person biker rally or anything like that, so the stress should be low. Their band has played there for a long time so they have a following and regulars all over the bar, so its a good atmosphere.

I'm just nervous cause I have never played with a band or in front of people, and I have been known to blank out when stressed. Any advice to give me for my debut? I don't want to screw up as I will remeber this first time for the rest of my life.
 
#2
A good way to screw up is to keep thinking "don't screw up, don't screw up, don't screw up." Also, if you're really worried about screwing up and then you DO screw up, you're likely to be so upset with yourself that you'll mess up some more. Just practice plenty so it's like second nature, and then go out there and have fun with it and accept that mistakes are part of live music, and if you hit a bum note it'll be no biggie.
 
#3
Yea, that's the stage I'm in right now is the "I hope I don't screw up stage" When it does come time I will no doubt know the song forwards and backwards so i plan to go in confident and to relax and have fun with the moment.

My teacher says its all part of learning, from playing with other bandmates to making mistakes. He said if I do make a mistake just keep going, and forget it ever happened, chances are most people in the bar won't notice and the ones who do will soon forget. I'm sure once my first time in the spotlight is done it will be easier to get back in it if I play with them again.

I shouldnt worry, its a good enviroment with everyone being supportive.
 
#7
Try this:

When you are on stage try to imagine that you are friends with everyone in the place and it is all for fun. Just a big get together. Play like you are just having fun and no one will care what it sounds like or if you make a mistake.

This comes from a public speaking class that I took a long time ago. I have a day job that requires me to get up in front of lots of people - some times several hundred - and present things. I see people that are just fine talking about something in the restroom bomb on stage talking about the same thing. There are some things that have to be different, but for the most part all you have to do is mentally go in the restroom and you are fine.

I once was in a band where the singer (female) was affaid to do some things because she was embarrased. I tried to explain that no one in the crowd would recognize her the next day. It finally dawned on her one night when some girls in the bathroom were discussing the band in front of her. They had no idea that she was the singer. Where am I going - Even if you blow it, no one but you will remember it tomorrow.
 
#8
Hahah I like that restroom thing. Lets just hope I dont have to take a piss when im playing, cause if I think I'm in the restroom i might never be invited back.

Part of me is nervous, and part of me is like how many people get to do something like this in there lifetime? Enjoy the moment and practice, practice, practice. As soon as I got off work, I'm gonna go home and hit it. With enough practice, I will be able to knock this one little song out like no sweat.
 
#9
Let us know how it goes for you !

My instructor just announced his annual "student show" and would not take no, or even maybe, for an answer :-) Actually I wasn't going to say no because I know it's good for me. Us "noobs" gotta' start sometime. But the momentary panic did cross my mind. I think it's sometime mid-late June

It's an afternoon thing at the Music Store. So I'm trying to pick two songs to learn. I suspect I'll do a couple of blues tunes and play along to the CD's.
 
#10
To think in November I was a 34 year old sittin on the couch playing Guitar Hero after work. I was like this is fun, I bet playing a real instrument would be even better!

Havnt looked back since...
 
#11
Cool. Sounds like a fun deal. If they are regulars there, everyone will be like friends and will probably really enjoy seeing you get up there and jam :bassist: I remember the first time I played in front of a big crowd I was really nervous but the song started and my hands were doing their thing all by themselves, all the practice just took over. You'll do fine! Let us know afterwards how you liked it!
 
#12
Tapout73 said:
To think in November I was a 34 year old sittin on the couch playing Guitar Hero after work. I was like this is fun, I bet playing a real instrument would be even better!

Havnt looked back since...
Click to expand...
Always good to see a 34 yr old virgin get the cherry popped ;)

Enjoy it, and like everyone else says, try not to think about playing (I know im bad for it still, especially when recording!), but it really messes with your flow.
 
#15
If you practice the song till you know it in your sleep you'll be fine. I remember my first club gig at a popular jam night in a packed bar nearly 20 years ago. Just 3 songs, but the fear of stagefright and having everyone watch and listen to your playing had me a bundle of nerves. After 30 seconds up there all fear was gone and I thought it was the greatest thing in the world! Enjoy your night! It's gonna be great!
 

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