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The_Doc
Gold Member
United Kingdom
509 Posts |
 Posted - 03/18/2009 : 18:58:37
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We've just completed a gig and, as usual, I calmed my pre-gig nerves in the same way I have done for many years - switch into an 'OCD' type mode and check the tuning of the guitars, test pedal connections & cables and check amp settings, etc, over and over again, just to take my mind off the impending show. I guess that's just how I'm wired up and I'm not going to change that no matter how much experience of gigging I have 
But, we've got a gig coming up where we will be playing to an audience much, much larger than we've ever had before and with a back-line that's going to be shared with 2 other bands - so my nervousness is going to be at an all time high 
How do you cope with pre-gig nerves? What tricks and tips do you have?
All suggestions welcome please, apart from the obvious one to drink loads of the good stuff  That will work short term before we go on, but it's not going to help my performance over the whole gig and I've got to get it right on the night!!!!!!! |
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pedals 4 pv
Platinum Member
Canada
1351 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2009 : 20:36:25
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Hi the Doc. There are numerous preparations available for this condition, some were very popular with rock bands in the '70's and '80's. They work well but they can be hard to find in some areas. For further info just Google "Keith Richards" or "Kurt Cobain".  |
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jack
Platinum Member
USA
1418 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2009 : 20:40:06
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| If you are on a stage, and they dim the lights, you can't see more than 20 feet into the audience anyways... |
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Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2009 : 21:09:43
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Meditation... (I'm serious!). Biggest crowd we ever did was about 1500, and I needed to sit in a quiet corner, control my breathing, and repeat to myself "I can do this" for about 5 minutes. Worked OK  |
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zerksies
Double Platinum Member
USA
3406 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2009 : 22:59:05
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| I started when i was 4, i have been playing for 26 years now i never get nervous. i guess it is something that time has just done for me. |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2009 : 09:04:21
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Stay away from the and any other 'relaxants'... ..i find the best is exactly what you are already doing plus some light stretches for the fingers and arms to loosen them up before the gig or as laurie said some meditation...i often do gigs completely sober these days and i find that my playing is much better and the things you pratice at home actually make it into your playing on the gig....... |
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silvertone6120
Gold Member
USA
609 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2009 : 14:46:00
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Meditation is a good idea...making sure the equipment is working is another good idea.
You guys will probably give me a hard time about this but whenever we're working a big show or an "important" show or something really imposing like that, reciting Psalm 23 in my head is very relaxing. If you don't know it look it up of course, but it has a very soothing, putting-my-mind-at-ease quality about it. |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2009 : 15:35:33
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quote:
Originally posted by silvertone6120
Meditation is a good idea...making sure the equipment is working is another good idea.
You guys will probably give me a hard time about this but whenever we're working a big show or an "important" show or something really imposing like that, reciting Psalm 23 in my head is very relaxing. If you don't know it look it up of course, but it has a very soothing, putting-my-mind-at-ease quality about it.
i have no problem with anything that doesn't involve drink and drugs before a performance.... ...... |
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FunkenGrooven
Silver Member
USA
360 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2009 : 16:02:37
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Just try to remember that the audience doesn't know what you are trying to do, if your band is tight specially on the starts stops and any punches the song may have it won't sound like a train wreck, so if you hit a sour note in a solo just play on through, the truth is 99% of the people won't even notice. One of the first lessons I learned in a band is "If you mess up DON'T STOP" restarting a song looks like you don't know what you are doing. A little thing all of us guitar players should do is become real friendly with our volume knob, if something is going real bad, maybe you got lost in the song or sound issues or whatever, turn your ass down till you find your place and get your bearings back. In the meantime you can pretend like your playing something
Remember if you screw up do it twice they'll think it's jazz |
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pawnshop_trash
Gold Member
USA
603 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2009 : 17:37:47
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quote:
Originally posted by FunkenGrooven
One of the first lessons I learned in a band is "If you mess up DON'T STOP" restarting a song looks like you don't know what you are doing.
I'll second that... even if you break a string, always try to finish the song if at all possible. and I've heard jazz described as "4 guys playing a different song at the same time," so
but back to topic, my pre-gig routine involved stretching, tuning, and at most 1 beer. if you are headlining, there is definitely more pressure, but if not then I always found it much easier to relax.
the worst gig I've ever played was as an opening band in front of 500+ people, using a borrowed amp (a Fender Twin -- I was glad I brought my Metal Zone that night) with no soundcheck (and nothing in the monitors -- I couldn't hear the drummer or bass player at all). we completely sucked that night, but we were just the opening band, so it didn't matter. I just made sure to get plenty drunk thereafter.  |
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zerksies
Double Platinum Member
USA
3406 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2009 : 01:59:49
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| i learned this form and old guy. do you really know anybody in the crowd most likely you don't so what do you care what they think about you.Do you think clapton knows who you are and cares about you as an example |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2009 : 14:36:18
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| As you can see we all have our own ways with dealing with it...personally i don't suscribe to zerskies oldtimers view about the audience..i feel if someone has given up the time and/or money/fee to come and see/book you it's a job of work and you should do your best to put on the best show you can......have you done the gig yet...?... |
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visserman
Platinum Member
1072 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2009 : 17:16:36
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Just conentrate on the music, try to have a good time and go for it.
I feel playing for 3 people is the same as playing for 20.000 or more.
What is important is to be confortable with your gear, when sharing gear with bands make sure you can get the sounds you want.
Been with so many people, when it comes to sharing equipment, they get lost. Truth is, most of these people did not know often what sounds they wanted, even from their own gear. When it comes to soundchecks, often they were wondering around, saying things like: Oh your guitar[ or bass] is too loud, vocals are too low, but really what they meant was: How do I get a good sound out of this amp here!!
Playing under many different circumstances teaches you a lot, and you can never know it all!! |
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The_Doc
Gold Member
United Kingdom
509 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2009 : 22:10:21
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Thanks everyone for your ideas and help - keep 'em coming if you want, as I think it's interesting finding out how you handle your own preparation for a gig.
In reply to Franzoni's question, the gig I'm thinking about is not until August this year and is a benefit for a cause that I'm passionate about here in the UK - so I wanna do good! It's an important job for us and one that we are really looking forward to and, whatever happens, I'm sure we will all have a great night and the charities will be the real winners. 
The beer and whisky will only be broken out after the show - wise words Franzoni and I've been there many times before when I was younger - too many bevvies and whilst you might think you are a rockstar, the punters think you sucked and they'll let you know it too 
FunkenGrooven hit the spot as well - never stop - just keep going. It's amazing how you can suddenly play free-form jazz when the need arises - done that one too
We don't know too much about the company who is going to set up the PA and backline yet but I'll heed pawnshop_trash's advice and make sure I've got my familar pedals with me.
I'll let you know how it goes  |
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Cicatriz ESP
Bronze Member
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2009 : 02:53:07
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I try to listen to a few songs that calm me down.
I have terrible jitters before any public performance that I do, and having an iPod around has been invaluable to me.
The songs that I listen to aren't even that mellow, they just have parts that remind me of serenity.
A couple songs that work for me:
White Mystery- Minus the Bear
Kid A- Radiohead
Go to Sleep- Radiohead
Echo- Incubus
Brena- A Perfect Circle
The Canyon Behind Her- dredg
Unravel- Bjork
Summertime out the Van Window- Anthony Green
Anything by Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Explosions in the Sky, Toe, or Mono.
The list could go on forever, but I also tend to try to control my breathing. That always helps me.
Keep this going :]
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nion
Silver Member
USA
164 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2009 : 03:09:55
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I have found the only thing that keeps me from being nervous is to actually start playing. I will remain nervous up until the moment we play, regardless of what I do to try to calm my nerves. As soon as my pick hits the strings and we start going, I'm generally in the zone.
That is of course unless my drummer can't hear me or vice versa, in which case I'll freak out because we're about to trainwreck. |
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Controlling Yourself
