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Stage Presence

O

one

Aug 21, 2006
334
2
Boston.UK
#1
Hey all,

I searched and found nothing really on this topic and was unsure where to put it, so Miscellaneous it is.


Any tips on stage presence for me or anyone really? I like to stay tight and not miss a note, but i just don't want to look like a wet sausage just standing there doing so. I don't look at my fretboard when playing but i just feel im slightly dull/boring on stage (could be due to nerves?) what could i do to look more natural and un-boring while on stage - movement etc wise?

thanks,
 
#3
Smile/ make eye contact with the audience from time to time, move around a bit - dont stand in one place, and.. OK how to put this without sounding corny? The greatest asset to having stage presence is confidence. Go on stage and believe that you are a BASS GOD, even if you dont believe it yourself, the audience will :)
 
#4
Relic said:
Smile/ make eye contact with the audience from time to time, move around a bit - dont stand in one place, and.. OK how to put this without sounding corny? The greatest asset to having stage presence is confidence. Go on stage and believe that you are a BASS GOD, even if you dont believe it yourself, the audience will :)
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The above is all good advice. I would include...and this depends upon the audience you play for, the simpler you keep your music, the better it transmits, the easier it is to play, and that also allows for you to move with the music alot easier.

P.S. Good posture while onstage is also important.
 
#6
MAJOR METAL said:
Check out some live performances of Jason Newsted, he has the best stage presence I have seen. :bassist:
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Don't forget Steve Harris.

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I'm not saying you have to point your bass at the audience like Steve does, but I hate it when bass players just stand there like a lump on a log. How do you expect anyone to get into your music if you look like you're bored out of your skull? Just let the music move you and you'll be fine.
 
#7
Stage presence is A LOT more than jumping around like an idiot or silly Rudy Sarzo theatrics. You can be fairly motionless, and still have GREAT stage presence...(see Paul McCartney.) You can jump around like an idiot and have none (see most modern emo bands).

It's all about attitude and confidence, and relating with the audience.
 
#8
cheezewiz said:
Stage presence is A LOT more than jumping around like an idiot or silly Rudy Sarzo theatrics. You can be fairly motionless, and still have GREAT stage presence...(see Paul McCartney.) You can jump around like an idiot and have none (see most modern emo bands).

It's all about attitude and confidence, and relating with the audience.
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You're absolutely correct. Good stage presence will bring the audience into your music and into your space and gives an intimate feeling. It has a lot to do with your interaction with the audience.
 
#10
Learn to play sightless and look people in the eye. Jumping around is good as long as you do something that feels right. Don't copy others per say but take a piece here or there of the greats.

Interact with the band members. Have a "meeting" with the guitar player.....have one with the drummer back by the kit. On open notes hold your fist up or point at people.

On parts that are too difficult to leap around on....become Intensity Man.

Even someone like Ian Hill, who doesn't move a lot, has a presence all his own. You don't have to be Angus Young to be good.

Check out the moves of many players:

Movers:

Gene Simmons
Flea
Marco Mendoza
Sarzo
Geezer Butler
Newsted
Sixx
Steve Harris

Stationary but cool:

Ian Hill
Cliff Williams
Entwistle
Leon Wilkeson
 
#11
cheezewiz said:
Stage presence is A LOT more than jumping around like an idiot or silly Rudy Sarzo theatrics. You can be fairly motionless, and still have GREAT stage presence...(see Paul McCartney.) You can jump around like an idiot and have none (see most modern emo bands).

It's all about attitude and confidence, and relating with the audience.
Click to expand...


Attitude is everything, if you look at the Who's late and absolutly great John Entwistle, he just stood in one spot all night long but still rocked the house. He had that look and played just that way that made everyone think (and still think) that he was truly the grand master of his instrument.

All that being said, yeah moving around is great.(that is until you forget how long the cord is and unplug yourself.)
 
#14
Entwistle can stand motionless and hang his bass up his chest cuz hes got mad chops and errmm when he was playin i wasnt even born.

if your playin metal or hard rock u can just spread ur legs in a wide stance and bang your head to the beat. shouldnt be too hard
 
#15
i have seen Mccartney two times...and he moves alot...but its easy with his hofner.

But he also moved alot when he played in wings with his Rick..and if any one looks cool...its Paul Mccartney...watch the video with Revolution...He and John are fantastic!!!
 

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