fenderiarhs
New member
........i'm so anxious my hands are shaking(and therefore giving me an awesome vibrato??? 
)
)
Why is it that every time before i go on stage......
- Thread starter fenderiarhs
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Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Why is it that every time before i go on stage......
I know what you mean. It's that nervous energy of your mind racing through all the stuff that you need to do....setting up gear without a hitch, having no technical problems, not missing notes, not rushing or dragging an intro or whole song. It's something you get better at, the more times you do it. The seasoned players always play the stuff just like they're relaxed at rehearsal. I've noticed that I play best when I psyche myself up in the bathroom for a few minutes before hitting the stage. I wash my hands, and give myself a little "go out and kick ass" pep talk, and also keep a bandanna somewhere near my amp to dry my hands, if necessary.
I think my feel has improved live, compared to what it was when I was first starting to play clubs. It's so easy to rush through songs, get overly excited when playing complex parts or solos.....the more relaxed you make yourself, the better the show.
I know what you mean. It's that nervous energy of your mind racing through all the stuff that you need to do....setting up gear without a hitch, having no technical problems, not missing notes, not rushing or dragging an intro or whole song. It's something you get better at, the more times you do it. The seasoned players always play the stuff just like they're relaxed at rehearsal. I've noticed that I play best when I psyche myself up in the bathroom for a few minutes before hitting the stage. I wash my hands, and give myself a little "go out and kick ass" pep talk, and also keep a bandanna somewhere near my amp to dry my hands, if necessary.
I think my feel has improved live, compared to what it was when I was first starting to play clubs. It's so easy to rush through songs, get overly excited when playing complex parts or solos.....the more relaxed you make yourself, the better the show.
TwofacePimp
New member
Re: Why is it that every time before i go on stage......
This kind of thing gets easier as you play more. It's perfectly normal. As you mentally condition yourself to be used to performing, it will become more natural to go out there and play with better state of mind. Going out in front of people and bearing your soul through your music is not a natural thing to do, so it's not surprising that you would be a little nervous at first. Just keep playing, and you'll get used to it. Remember, this is what you want to do, don't be afraid of it.
Also, caffiene and hunger will amplify this effect (both make you jittery). Avoid coffee before the show, and make sure that you have something in your stomach that will stay there for a while (something relatively heavy where you don't feel hungry anymore, but not so much that you feel full and bloated). Finally, if possible, try not to have a stressful day before your show. Take it easy, don't rush around, and try to keep a positive and relaxed state of mind.
This kind of thing gets easier as you play more. It's perfectly normal. As you mentally condition yourself to be used to performing, it will become more natural to go out there and play with better state of mind. Going out in front of people and bearing your soul through your music is not a natural thing to do, so it's not surprising that you would be a little nervous at first. Just keep playing, and you'll get used to it. Remember, this is what you want to do, don't be afraid of it.
Also, caffiene and hunger will amplify this effect (both make you jittery). Avoid coffee before the show, and make sure that you have something in your stomach that will stay there for a while (something relatively heavy where you don't feel hungry anymore, but not so much that you feel full and bloated). Finally, if possible, try not to have a stressful day before your show. Take it easy, don't rush around, and try to keep a positive and relaxed state of mind.
Gamera
New member
Re: Why is it that every time before i go on stage......
I agree completely. The food especially. Neil Young once said he likes a big pasta dinner before a show. Lot's of complex carbs in pasta that help keep you going.
As for coffee, providing it's not on an empty stomach, it actually helps me play faster and more fluid. It doesn't last though. That's why I try to get the fast songs done in the first set. I have to be careful with it though. While it'll temporarily enhance my "Yngwie speed factor," too much caffeine can make me short tempered and while I can play supa fast, I'm not having much fun because every little thing quickly gets on my nerves. I'm not much fun to be around then. :eyecrazy:
TwofacePimp said:
I agree completely. The food especially. Neil Young once said he likes a big pasta dinner before a show. Lot's of complex carbs in pasta that help keep you going.
As for coffee, providing it's not on an empty stomach, it actually helps me play faster and more fluid. It doesn't last though. That's why I try to get the fast songs done in the first set. I have to be careful with it though. While it'll temporarily enhance my "Yngwie speed factor," too much caffeine can make me short tempered and while I can play supa fast, I'm not having much fun because every little thing quickly gets on my nerves. I'm not much fun to be around then. :eyecrazy:
darkshadow54321
New member
Re: Why is it that every time before i go on stage......
I don't get very nervous playing songs....
However, as soon as I want to record something my playing goes completely out the window. I guess it's because I want it to be perfect, so I concentrate too much on getting it right which leads me to get it wrong..... doh.
I don't get very nervous playing songs....
However, as soon as I want to record something my playing goes completely out the window. I guess it's because I want it to be perfect, so I concentrate too much on getting it right which leads me to get it wrong..... doh.
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Why is it that every time before i go on stage......
Yeah, stagefright and 'red light fever' are similar, but for two different reasons. Never thought about that before.
Yeah, stagefright and 'red light fever' are similar, but for two different reasons. Never thought about that before.
Al.C
New member
Re: Why is it that every time before i go on stage......
Unfortunately some people never get their shakes under control. If this is a problem you can see your doctor and talk to him/her about getting medication to take before you play. The most common is inderal. It is a beta-blocker, normally used to treat hypertension. It is contra-indicated (not recommended) to be used in anyone who has asthma as it may exacerbate asthma in asthmatics. Otherwise it is safe, non-addictive and relatively short lasting. There are many professional players, especially concert violinists who use this medication to control their "vibrato".
Unfortunately some people never get their shakes under control. If this is a problem you can see your doctor and talk to him/her about getting medication to take before you play. The most common is inderal. It is a beta-blocker, normally used to treat hypertension. It is contra-indicated (not recommended) to be used in anyone who has asthma as it may exacerbate asthma in asthmatics. Otherwise it is safe, non-addictive and relatively short lasting. There are many professional players, especially concert violinists who use this medication to control their "vibrato".
OUTLAW1969
New member
Re: Why is it that every time before i go on stage......
About 10 years ago, I used to puke right before going on, if there were ALOT of people there. But then I had a disasterous gig, and everyone kept telling me how good we played and sounded. It was at that point that I realized that most people are not even hearing your mistakes,noticing your nerves, and just want have a good time listening to music. Ever since then I have been very calm and very psyched up to play gigs.
About 10 years ago, I used to puke right before going on, if there were ALOT of people there. But then I had a disasterous gig, and everyone kept telling me how good we played and sounded. It was at that point that I realized that most people are not even hearing your mistakes,noticing your nerves, and just want have a good time listening to music. Ever since then I have been very calm and very psyched up to play gigs.
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