Stage fright

[Brent Davenport]

Forgive me if this is posted in the wrong section. I'm curious what tricks you've learned to combat stage fright. I played many years ago, but usually only in garage band settings. We did gig a few times, but every single time, I had almost crippling stage fright.... To the point of fingers locking up, etc. I always enjoyed playing, and will be getting a whole new rig in a week or so after a 15 year hiatus.
What caused me to want to get back into it (beside the fact that I've always been obsessed with music and bass lines) was an invitation to be one of the backup bassists in my church band (new age church, great music, great band). Rather than playing to a group of 50-100, I would be playing in front of 800-1000 people twice on each Sunday that I play. I had to GC almost every weekday during lunch to check out different , and narrow down my final selection (it's only 2 miles from work), but I picture myself standing in front of that huge crowd, and start doubting myself. Having the ability to play the music isn't the issue. Can anyone else relate to what I'm feeling, or am I the only one? I'd you've experienced something similar, how did you get over it?

 

[acleex38]

This worked for me, but my stage fright has never been particularly bad, so it may be worthless to you.

In 2009, I became a regular at a local open mic. I would go each week with my bass and hope someone would let me sit in with them. After a couple of weeks I decided I wouldn't take that gamble any more and started learning to sing and play as a solo act. Just me on vocals and fretless bass (and I'm not a solo-bassist). Each week, I committed to learn at least 1 new song.

I didn't play badly, but I sure as hell entertained badly. 6 months of that, with experiences like "blanking on the words to a song I helped write" and "singing 'Stand By Your Man' while game 7 of the World Series was on the TV over my head"....after that, while playing in a group, what's the worst that could happen?

 

[The Bass Clef]

Experience and a solid knowledge of the material are by far the 2 best things to get over stage fright. Also "basses" is definitely not the correct forum for this topic.

 

[Mister Boh]

Just remember that everyone thinks you are actually playing guitar and you'll be fine.

 

[Luciferiad]

I accepted that I'm not good.

 

[Warpeg]

Vodka?

 

[TolerancEJ]

Stage fright will fade over time. Knowing the songs and material extremely well is crucial and will put you in a better frame of mind. Do some exercises to warm up your hands/fingers before performing. Playing twice per Sunday will definitely help you to be accustomed to large groups.

 

[Stumbo]

Vodka?

No!

Stage fright (performance anxiety) is an anxiety disorder somewhat like a panic attack.
You're brain/body seem to become overwhelmed with input.
You'll have to work at relaxing in front of people.

Here's a previous thread to check out:
What stops stage fright

Here's an excerpt from an article on the topic from the National Institute of Mental Health: NIMH » Anxiety Disorders

"Medication does not cure anxiety disorders but often relieves symptoms. Medication can only be prescribed by a medical doctor (such as a psychiatrist or a primary care provider), but a few states allow psychologists to prescribe psychiatric medications.

Medications are sometimes used as the initial treatment of an anxiety disorder, or are used only if there is insufficient response to a course of psychotherapy. In research studies, it is common for patients treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication to have better outcomes than those treated with only one or the other.

The most common classes of medications used to combat anxiety disorders are antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and beta-blockers (visit Mental Health Medications). Be aware that some medications are effective only if they are taken regularly and that symptoms may recur if the medication is stopped."

Good luck! Don't give up.

Oh, I tried vitamin B12 and it helped me with some anxiety. Not stage fright but still ongoing. I use Solgar liquid B12 with B Complex. About $10. No downside to trying a bottle, lasts about 3 months. More energy and concentration, less irritability. Also, try to get more sun each day. Low D can create many issues that aren't easily diagnosed.

 

[lug]

I just picture myself in my underwear.

 

[ModuMan]

Is it anxiety that so many people are looking at you? And some are even listening (!) to you?

While it is true you are performing for them, if it helps you to get going you can pretty much just ignore them. Look at your bandmates. Lock in with the drummer.

You've rehearsed all this stuff, get into the music. That may help you to relax a bit and just dig into the playing.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Forgive me if this is posted in the wrong section. I'm curious what tricks you've learned to combat stage fright. I played many years ago, but usually only in garage band settings. We did gig a few times, but every single time, I had almost crippling stage fright.... To the point of fingers locking up, etc. I always enjoyed playing, and will be getting a whole new rig in a week or so after a 15 year hiatus.
What caused me to want to get back into it (beside the fact that I've always been obsessed with music and bass lines) was an invitation to be one of the backup bassists in my church band (new age church, great music, great band). Rather than playing to a group of 50-100, I would be playing in front of 800-1000 people twice on each Sunday that I play. I had to GC almost every weekday during lunch to check out different , and narrow down my final selection (it's only 2 miles from work), but I picture myself standing in front of that huge crowd, and start doubting myself. Having the ability to play the music isn't the issue. Can anyone else relate to what I'm feeling, or am I the only one? I'd you've experienced something similar, how did you get over it?

You're only nervous till you screw up the second note of first song, then it's smooth sailing. It's really a fear screwing up in front of people, not just being in front of people. Mess up, fear goes away. Done. They never notice anyway.

 

[HalfManHalfBass]

I'm very lucky to not suffer from this problem -maybe through nearly 30 year's experience of playing live, but sometimes if I ever do freak myself out by taking notice that there are an awful lot of people tonight, I just try to treat the gig as a 'practise'.

If I just concern myself with 'locking in' with the other guys in the band and imagine we're just rehearsing I can totally forget that someone out there might be actually be listening and not just getting drunk whilst wondering why my guitar is bigger than the other one and only has 4 strings...!

 

[Brent Davenport]

I just picture myself in my underwear.

Like that won't increase the anxiety of a 52 year old overweight man! lol

 

[Brent Davenport]

Is it anxiety that so many people are looking at you? And some are even listening (!) to you?

While it is true you are performing for them, if it helps you to get going you can pretty much just ignore them. Look at your bandmates. Lock in with the drummer.

You've rehearsed all this stuff, get into the music. That may help you to relax a bit and just dig into the playing.

Great idea!

 

[Christine]

Like that won't increase the anxiety of a 52 year old overweight man! lol

Picture yourself in my underwear on stage, that will take your mind off it!

 

[Brent Davenport]

You're only nervous till you screw up the second note of first song, then it's smooth sailing. It's really a fear screwing up in front of people, not just being in front of people. Mess up, fear goes away. Done. They never notice anyway.

It definitely is a fear of screwing up (and that everyone is watching me, even though I'm in the background).

 

[Brent Davenport]

I'm very lucky to not suffer from this problem -maybe through nearly 30 year's experience of playing live, but sometimes if I ever do freak myself out by taking notice that there are an awful lot of people tonight, I just try to treat the gig as a 'practise'.

If I just concern myself with 'locking in' with the other guys in the band and imagine we're just rehearsing I can totally forget that someone out there might be actually be listening and not just getting drunk whilst wondering why my guitar is bigger than the other one and only has 4 strings...!

Hopefully there won't be any drunks at church, but you never know.....

 

[ctmullins]

It still happens to me, even with decades of various performance experiences behind me. Part of what helped me is mentally reminding myself that (as others have said) very few people will even notice, and those that do will very likely forgive you for it.

The other thing that really helps me is (as others have said) copious amounts of practice and rehearsal (not the same things - practice is just you playing by yourself, rehearsal is the entire group). Knowing the material cold goes a long way towards reducing my anxiety.

Good luck, and above all, remember that it’s ultimately about the music, and the shared musical experience. Someone once said “a wrong note played timidly is a mistake, but a wrong note played with conviction is an interpretation”! Live music is an organic experience, which means it’s almost guaranteed to be imperfect, but still rewarding for all involved.

 

[grinx]

I've done 1000 shows
I still get butterflies before a gig mostly from worrying about if I remember the material, if the band remembers, if the singer doesn't botch, if the equipment works, if we are clearing the place........

 

[57pbass]

I have stage fright even after playing out for 40+ years. It’s amplified when I’m performing in front of people I know.
I don’t drug or medicate.
What I find very helpful is pre show deep breathing exercises.
I’m also on a steady diet of Magnesium supplements which is very helpful..
And as mentioned.. preparing for the show is key.