Stage fright

[mongo2]

I've been on stages since I was 5 years old. I never knew I was supposed to be afraid.

 

[Milo Spleen]

Being prepared has a lot to do with it, but until you get out there, you don't know if you are prepared enough. I have been experiencing performance anxiety in different levels for over 40 years, mostly on opening night or the first set anyway. I get through the initial phases by breathing deep and slow. After you get going it should fade, but if it persists continue the deep, slow breaths. DON'T HYPERVENTILATE.

 

[Frank77]

What really cured me is playing as part of a band backing band for a singer/songwriter who wrote songs that were very difficult to learn to begin with, who liked to change things around (or bring out new songs) at the very last minute (like, 5 minutes before hitting the stage) AND who played out very often. So, I screwed up many, many times and I'm still alive to tell about it, so...no worries. Really, the only secret is to play out, and often. Of course, being as prepared as possible is key, but no matter how much rehearsals you go through, screw ups will happen. What matters is how you handle them.

IMO, there is a good way and a bad way to screw up.

The bad way to screw up is to realize you're playing the wrong notes, to panic, freeze and completely stop playing until you figure out where you're supposed to be at and resume playing (or until the end of the song if this epiphany never comes). This way, almost everyone in the audience will notice you messed up, and you might trip up your bandmates in the process. No bueno.

The good way to screw up (again, just this guy's opinion) is to realize you're playing the wrong notes, to curse internally at yourself (of course) BUT to keep pumping notes out at the right tempo - preferably good ones, but wrong ones are OK if you have to/can't help it - until you fall back on your feet. This way, your bandmates are among the very, very few people who'll notice you messed up.

 

[Muttleybass]

I think I gradually came to the realization that people are actually rooting for me. I also figured out they don't really care if you screw up, only if you're embarrassed by it... If you make a mistake, or even train wreck a song and laugh it off and joke about it, the audience will laugh with you. If you're embarrassed and shrink into the corner, they will laugh AT you.

Warm up before hitting the stage, deep breath, enjoy the rush and let the energy flow through you... Own it.


Remember, if you get lost, wait for the one to get back in. Then after the song, smile and quip "Okay, now we're gonna play something we know..."

 

[ashtray]

1/2 a drink 20 minutes before downbeat.

And a ton of stuff before:
- Practice! Know the songs so well that they are a non-issue. Ie, not a cause for anxiety.
- Bring a cheat sheet. Even if you know the songs inside and out, just knowing that you have a cheat sheet handy is usually enough to calm any anxiety about blanking on stage.
- Be completely prepared. Again, to reduce anxiety. Spare amp, bass, cables, batteries, etc.
- Realize no one is looking at you. They’re just not. Don’t feel bad, most people barely focus on the lead singer.
- Realize most people treat your music as something going on in the background while they are doing something else. Heck, even if they are dancing, their focus is on having fun and not critiquing the bass player.

For me, a small drink loosens me up a bit. I have social anxiety, so the alcohol relaxes the nerves a bit. Doesn’t take much, and at the same time I never recommend playing drunk/buzzed, because your timing will be all off.

 

[dxb]

Bass players get stage fright? But we have the power of invisibility. Embrace you inner bassquatch and realize that the most anyone is likely to see of you in a cell phone video is a strange lopsided blur that might be a person during a pan from the singer to the guitarist.

 

[Brent Davenport]

Bass players get stage fright? But we have the power of invisibility. Embrace you inner bassquatch and realize that the most anyone is likely to see of you in a cell phone video is a strange lopsided blur that might be a person during a pan from the singer to the guitarist.

The sound guy (who is another bass player) loves cranking up the "no treble" and the camera man always seems to sit on the bass player for a bit. The good thing is that we have a huge stage, and the lights go down when they play. There are lights, just not spotlights or anything like that. The one recognizable thing about the last gig that I played was that it was a Christian 4 piece rock band on a tiny stage, complete with spotlights. I was front and center to the left of the singer with the guitarist to his right. I remember acting like I was messing with my amp settings a lot. I know.... Huge no no. The bad thing is that I wrote the bass line for the song, but was so scared that I froze up anyway.

 

[lz4005]

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..........
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?

Sounds like you had single digits of gigs a long time ago. That's your problem.

Stage fright, unless it's a legit medical disorder, gets a little less each time you go on stage. I had bad stage fright before my first gig. 20 years later I was filling in on a 3 hour gig with a band I'd never played with before, and didn't even know the set list 5 minutes before we got on stage without breaking a sweat.

The secret isn't confidence. It's competence and not caring what happens. I don't even get particularly excited before playing now. I'm old and jaded.

Short of a light catching on fire and falling on your head (almost happened to me once) mid-song, you're going to survive. Worst case scenario is you get fired from a gig that you don't depend on to pay the bills.

- Bring a cheat sheet. Even if you know the songs inside and out, just knowing that you have a cheat sheet handy is usually enough to calm any anxiety about blanking on stage.

Can't overstate the importance of this. Make it big enough that you can read it when it's sitting on the floor and you're standing. It's saved me more times than I can count. Not due to stage fright, but from no-excuses forgetting the song in the middle. Or the beginning. Or that part near the end.

 

[ElectroVibe]

I also began by performing in a church worship band years ago. It was usually only 40 or 50 people at the most, but I did get stage fright. I remember it going away gradually, but I also remember a couple of key moments which, in retrospect, probably were helpful. One time the worship leader let me sing one verse of one song. Actually it was more only one line of the verse. I was not really a singer, but I think that helped my fears. Another time, we were doing some more rocking number and the worship leader took a moment to mention each of us by name and let each of us do a little "solo" on our instrument for a few moments.
I think the fact that I was being put into the spotlight during those two events, if only for a few moments, really helped me overcome my stage fright.

 

[oldcatfish]

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?

I have an acquaintance that is a world class violin player. She started when she was 3, has played all over the world, and has peformed in front of very large crowds.

I also get stage fright and I asked her if she ever did. She said that she does, but that she does a lot of jumping jacks and running in place before a concert to burn off the nervous energy. I found that just 15 minutes of moderately intensive cardio the morning of my performance works almost as well.

After awhile you won't need to do the exercise thing unless it's a particularly large crowd. Also, I found that playing well under my technical limits helps decrease my nerves. That and being able to play the material in my sleep.

 

[redwood]

I always think, what's the worst thing that could happen? And I can never think of anything that makes feel frightened.
Or, imagine yourself watching a band.....the bass player (or anyone for that matter) flubs up big tme. How does that make you feel as an audience member?
Me? No biggie. We're not pros. We're weekend warriors trying to have a little fun, make a few bucks, and entertain.
Do your best. No worries.
In other words, Dance like no one is watching.

 

[jmon]

The only time I get nervous is when a pile of fellow musicians are in the crowd. They are the ones that will pick you apart. I mean isn’t that what we do when we see a band as well? But regular folks? Trust me they won’t really notice you unless you:
-Sing (lead especially)
-Play a flashy slap solo
-Do a back flip off your amp
or
-Stop playing (even then they don’t know what happened except the whole sound of the band started to suck)

At the end of the day we are “just” the bass player. We get no credit but we also get no blame. Double edged sword. So smile and enjoy the fact that you get to do something you love for an audience. Most people will never know that feeling. Ever.

 

[TjMetalhead]

It shouldn't be too bad since you're playing at a church. Most people will be focused on the services and even when the music starts most people will be singing and not really paying attention to the musicians. I'd say lock into looking at your fretboard and your band mates. I had played in a church choir for several months and enjoyed the music so much I hardly ever noticed the people and there were 500-800 people there every Sunday! Granted I don't suffer from stage fright so idk if my advice is relevant lol.

 

[Stewy Lj]

30 years ago I used to throw up...i was that rattled before going in. Prep and more prep and eventually after more live gigs you will be chomping at the bit to go on and show your stuff. Great advice here from a lot of experienced players.

 

[Stumbo]

The sound guy (who is another bass player) loves cranking up the "no treble" and the camera man always seems to sit on the bass player for a bit. The good thing is that we have a huge stage, and the lights go down when they play. There are lights, just not spotlights or anything like that. The one recognizable thing about the last gig that I played was that it was a Christian 4 piece rock band on a tiny stage, complete with spotlights. I was front and center to the left of the singer with the guitarist to his right. I remember acting like I was messing with my amp settings a lot. I know.... Huge no no. The bad thing is that I wrote the bass line for the song, but was so scared that I froze up anyway.

Sun glasses. Then you can close your eyes.
If someone says anything, tell them it's photophobia, fear of light. It's a real thing.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

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 playing in church. Pretend the congregation is wearing funny masks (I was going to say naked, which is what I was taught in speech class, but maybe not such a good idea after all under the circumstances).

Seriously, I play in a slightly larger church. Trust me, you will never, NEVER play in front of a more forgiving audience.
Also, please keep in mind that you are not only a musician, but you are also a worship leader first and foremost, not a performer.

One last bit of advice, you are not the only player . You have other musicians, maybe a choir or singing group in the mix. You are not going to be heard the way you sound at home in the sanctuary. You will be just one piece of a very large sound. They have sound personnel, and they have sliders, and if they are like ours, they aren’t afraid to use them. Trust them.

Believe me when I say, if the congregation is there to listen to the bass player, they are missing the point of the exercise. Relax, God will always use what the willing bring and will multiply it, blessing both the giver and the recipient.

 

[Steve23]

Dude ...
As hard as it may be to accept, most folks perceive you as a neutral part of their Life ...
You certainly have the opportunity to uplift their Spirit, influence their dancing, and kickstart interfacing variations with "desireable others" ...
Seriously, if you're on any team, you can lose by 30, but you were the only ones in that venue that had a chance, PLUS if you weren't there, the gang could have lost by 50 ...
Do your job, realize that some days (nights) are better than others & try to be a better you than you were yesterday ...

 

[Brent Davenport]

You’re playing in church. Pretend the congregation is wearing funny masks (I was going to say naked, which is what I was taught in speech class, but maybe not such a good idea after all under the circumstances).

Seriously, I play in a slightly larger church. Trust me, you will never, NEVER play in front of a more forgiving audience.
Also, please keep in mind that you are not only a musician, but you are also a worship leader first and foremost, not a performer.

One last bit of advice, you are not the only player . You have other musicians, maybe a choir or singing group in the mix. You are not going to be heard the way you sound at home in the sanctuary. You will be just one piece of a very large sound. They have sound personnel, and they have sliders, and if they are like ours, they aren’t afraid to use them. Trust them.

Believe me when I say, if the congregation is there to listen to the bass player, they are missing the point of the exercise. Relax, God will always use what the willing bring and will multiply it, blessing both the giver and the recipient.

Everyone has had great advice. Thank you all so much. There are 3 other bass players (we have multiples of each instrument so nobody is required to play every Sunday. Something else that will probably help us to volunteer for the musical staff at Catalyst in September. Catalyst is a 3 day men's retreat. The band is much smaller then, and it's a much more intimate environment.... 30 attendees and 30 staff members. At Catalyst, there is a guitar player (and lead singer), keyboard, drums and bass. At church, there is the same thing, but sometimes as many as 3 guitarists. They play a lot of the music that I like, so I'm familiar with the bass lines. The sad thing is that the older I get, the harder the music that I enjoy. I like everything from old (and new) Stryper, Pillar and Demon Hunter to Dream Theater, Five Finger Death Punch and old school hair metal bands.

 

[ThumbBum]

Just remind yourself that life is short and have fun. Embrace it and succeed. If you do falter, carry on. In the words of Joe Dirt, if life throws you lemons, well hell, then make lemonade damn it.

 

[Hevy T]

Dark glasses!

People think I’m trying to look cool, truth is if I saw the full room I might freeze, but only seeing the first few rows I am fine!

However, I don’t get stage fright anymore and when I wear dark glasses now you can be assured the stage lighting is freakin blinding me

Also excellent advise about hitting jams