Whether you’ve been performing on-stage for a while, or if
it’s your first time, performing live in front of an audience can be a
daunting, nerve-racking experience.
Stage fright and lack of confidence is a more common
occurrence than most people seem to think. Here are a few solid ways of improving
your stage presence, and finding the confidence to perform on-stage:
Be Well Prepared
‘Doing your homework’ always pays off. You should be
well-prepared for a gig, and know the songs that you’ll be playing inside out. Practice
as much as you can, and start practicing the solos, keys, chords and scales at
least a few days before the performance. Practice, as they say, makes perfect.
If you head into a gig well-prepared, you’ll automatically feel more confident,
relaxed and at ease, and it will also allow you to deliver an error-free
performance. If you’re the guitarist in your band, practice extensively with
the band. Start practicing in the garage at least 20 days before, and see if
you can have the stage a couple of days before the performance so that you can
put in a few on-stage hours and familiarize yourself with stage where you’ll be
performing.
Tune and Prepare Your Guitar
Preparing your guitar for a gig is as essential as being
well prepared yourself. First off, make sure that the guitar is well-tuned.
Replace the strings with a set of new ones – this is especially important if
you play your guitar often. Old, crusty strings will not sound very good in front
of the mic, and might even break during a performance, which can be downright
embarrassing. Change your guitar strings after 3-4 weeks of using them.
Prepare your Equipment
This includes everything that you’ll be using during the gig
– including your amp, cables and your spare guitar (yes, always carry a spare
guitar with you!). Check all the jacks and volume and tone knobs on your amp,
give it a test run before hitting the stage. Use good quality (slightly more
expensive) cables, as the quality of the cables that you use will determine how
good you sound on-stage. And trust me, if you sound good on the stage, it will
automatically inspire a lot of confidence!
Plan and Prepare all Aspects of the Gig
Sit down with your band to decide upon a list of songs that
you’ll be playing. Decide upon your playlist, right from the first track to the
last. Iron out details like who will introduce who, and how band members can
engage the audience in between the songs. Planning all major and minor aspects
of your performance beforehand – planning in advance – allow you much more
control over your performance and know what your next move will be. For
instance if you know which song the band is supposed to play next, you’ll be
able to know when to change guitars, or make the required tweaks in the effects
pedal.
Stick to your Forte
Stick with performing what you feel most comfortable
performing. Play it safe, and refrain from pushing the envelope too much by
doing something on-stage that you’ve never done before. Stick to your
strengths, and do what you know to do best. For instance pick songs that you
know well; songs that you love to play – you’re probably so familiar with
playing these songs, you’ll be able to deliver a smooth, flawless performance
on stage.
Be Cool When Your Err
The cold, hard truth is that no matter how well-prepared, ready
and primed you might be for the performance, every guitarist will end up making
the odd mistake or two during the gig. Trust me when I say this, the worst
thing that you can do when this happens is to draw any attention to it. In all
probability, the no one in the audience even noticed it. Continue playing like
you normally would.
Focus and Concentrate
This applies particularly after you’ve made a mistake. It is
not only important to remain focused during the performance, but also to regain
your focus immediately after you’ve erred, so as to not make one again. Concentrate
on your music, and plan in advance in your head. Don’t think about what the
audience might be thinking of you or your performance; it will only distract
you from what’s really important – putting in the best performance you possibly
can!
What do you usually do to deliver a confident on-stage
performance? Leave us your comments!
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