First Gig Sloppiness

[rickenbackerkid]

+1 to playing regularly. Open mics are awesome for gaining experience and figuring out what works

[Clanger]

All good posts here - enjoyed reading the experiences and thoughts.

What audiences DO notice, almost 100% of the time, is when your body language says that you are unhappy, not playing well and not having a good time. Then they stop having a good time, and may even notice some of your mistakes.

My mate who was drumming, pointed that out to me. He said I was doing fine, apart looking like a statue, scared stiff... I was too engrossed in playing to think about doing anything else. Half of them looked more interested in the rugby that was on the telly anyway.


The good news is, the singer/bassist liked playing with us, and wants to jam and play more - so I'm quite stoked with that. Always wanted to play in a band. His only criticism was that; I rest my palm on the bridge too heavily, which makes the tuning sharp and out of sync with him. Just another lesson to learn aye.

[Vince]

His only criticism was that; I rest my palm on the bridge too heavily, which makes the tuning sharp and out of sync with him. Just another lesson to learn aye.

You must be really pushing down, then

[willow13]

His only criticism was that; I rest my palm on the bridge too heavily, which makes the tuning sharp and out of sync with him. Just another lesson to learn aye.

You must be really pushing down, then

not if he has a floyd

[willow13]

His only criticism was that; I rest my palm on the bridge too heavily, which makes the tuning sharp and out of sync with him. Just another lesson to learn aye.

I have never heard a metallica live recording where james and kirk didn't sound out of tune with each other so don't sweat it

[Bg]

His only criticism was that; I rest my palm on the bridge too heavily, which makes the tuning sharp and out of sync with him. Just another lesson to learn aye.

You must be really pushing down, then

not if he has a floyd

yeah this.... or a set of billy gibbons 6's

[Clanger]

Yea it's a Floyd. Took me a while to get used to it as well, after coming from a Strat. Kinda wish I had something flatter, like a Kahler or something - because I do find the Floyd real high, and can't help but rest on the fine tuners. I didn't have this problem on the Strat, as my palm wasn't resting in a way that it would force the bridge down.

In hindsight I should've blocked it off, as I didn't have the bar in, nor did I need a floater for any of the songs.

[Rog]

You didn't own up to the floyd in the first post.

Serves you smegging right, playing with the devil. Real men don't let mates play with FRs. It'll be a Tele next, you mark my words. Hanging's too good for
'em

[Clanger]

Starting to agree, seeing as I have an issue with it.

[MattH]

Hey Clanger.

Well done for getting your arse up on a stage and giving it your best shot. Everyone has to start somewhere. You should give yourself a large drink for getting up there and having the balls to give it a crack. Now book the next gig before you talk yourself out of it!

Keep going. You absolutely have to keep going.

[jeremyb]

I get nervous enough playing in front of friends, let alone having a proper audience, congrats man, it's a huge first step!!

[Danger Mouse]

I get nervous enough playing in front of friends, let alone having a proper audience, congrats man, it's a huge first step!!

I did a demo for Rob and Greenstone ages ago that was pretty much just to an NZG audience. Try standing up and playing in front of a room full of guitarists, who know who you are.

[jimi]

I get nervous enough playing in front of friends, let alone having a proper audience, congrats man, it's a huge first step!!

Try playing for strangers 1st. I've had gigs where I'm fine and its all going well, then the mrs shows up with a bunch of friends (cos shes always late) and as soon as I see people I know the nerves come out and my playing goes to shit.

[Slowy]

I get nervous enough playing in front of friends, let alone having a proper audience, congrats man, it's a huge first step!!

I did a demo for Rob and Greenstone ages ago that was pretty much just to an NZG audience. Try standing up and playing in front of a room full of guitarists, who know who you are.

Now that's way too scary!

It's good to take notice of what you're comfortable with / good at. I can't sing a note. I used to be a fairly good acoustic fingerpicker but I also hate the spotlight and never enjoyed solo performing. (That might have been different if I could sing)

What I do love is being part of a band and hopefully helping to make the song as good as possible. If the singer is the usual 'Look at ME!' showpony, so much the better.

[hamo]

I get nervous enough playing in front of friends, let alone having a proper audience, congrats man, it's a huge first step!!

Try playing for strangers 1st. I've had gigs where I'm fine and its all going well, then the mrs shows up with a bunch of friends (cos shes always late) and as soon as I see people I know the nerves come out and my playing goes to shit.

You should play blindfolded.