#1 Tip: Go out and PERFORM. You will suck at first, just like you sucked the first time you tried to play guitar. The more you do it, the less you will suck, just like playing guitar. If you do it daily you will progress a hell of a lot faster than if you do it weekly - yup, just like playing guitar. Busk if you must, but put your music in front of people. Preforming well requires the same sort of commitment and discipline as playing your instrument. It's VERY different than practicing alone. Any stage you take is a dynamic environment you'll have little control over. It's unpredictable and full of distractions. Your instrument will sound different, and probably a lot worse if you can her it at all. If you're like me, you'll be self conscious - if not terrified - at first, and will make lots and lots of mistakes. Just KEEP PLAYING. Above all else, taking a stage requires the courage to be vulnerable. That's why I always applaud even the worst performance. You should too - especially if you were the one who gave it, 'cause it took balls to get up there and bang away at that hunk of wood and warble into the void speaking your truth. ;-)
Yep, the only way you can improve playing live is to play live. All of us have gone through the situation of playing a new song live and not being happy with the performance. "DANG, I played this perfectly at home, over and OVER, WTF?" Unfortunately, the best practice for live performance is...live performance.
Great tips. The one about the strap length from standing is so simple but sometimes overlooked. I got burnt with it years ago when I first started playing solo. I practiced like mad for weeks before my first gig, had everything nailed and then it came to the gig and I chose to stand (I never rehearsed standing once) to perform......maaaan it was a bad gig haha still have nightmares lol
HAHA! I arranged a "Little Wing/Hey Joe" acoustic medley and practiced it up and down til my fingers bled. Rocked the shit out of it...until I tried to play it standing at an open mic and all of a sudden all the frets on my guitar moved!!
@@elmoblatch9787 but it should be about YOUR experience. The difference in a normal musician and an amazing one are why they play. The real ones that people can really feel are the ones who get lost in the music with their own feelings and take the audience on a ride with them. If you get lost in the music, the audience will follow
I think that recording your rehersals can go long way, you are not aware how do you sound untill you listen to yourself objectively. Also, having honest musician friends is a big plus, because I need someone to tell me what does bother them, what doesn't sound that good to them. I would rather have one person who understands how gigs work than 30 people who tell you that you are awsome, but they don't know first thing about music. Practice constantly, if u're solo musician, I recommend loop pedal because one person playing guitar can get bored really easly, if you add drumming, bass, piano while singing it will sound so much better than playing E,G,Am etc. And last but not the least, always practice songs u haven't played for a while, you can upgrade them as the time goes by, because you can see based on crowd reaction what suitd the best. Same for the order of the songs u play, I would rather say that order is more important than anything. Thats all from me, I hope I helped somebody with these.
I think something that helped me with solo gigging a lot was gigging with a band first. Learning how to play in that scenario helped me perform better solo.
1. Thank you for the eye contact tip. There have been times where people literally shy away and avert their eyes when I look at them. It's happened on more than one occasion. 2. Moving off-mic when not singing is super important. Adding to that, if one is playing an Instrumental break between lyrics for an extended period of time it would be wise to get completely away from the mic stand. It will up your stage presence further still. For myself, I discovered that I opened up more physically and emotionally in my stage character when not bound to the microphone stand.
I can't do the eye contact thing because my charts are on my ipad. I would get lost and it would be worse. I have over 800 songs in my repertoire so I only have a few memorized. However, most of my gigs are dinner music at country clubs and they are just talking. On one gig last year they were screaming and laughing much louder than the music standing close to me. I felt really disrespected and wanted to give up music altogether.
I had a residency at a hotel for a few years which was similar and I've definitely been in that situation. People eating and chatting won't put their forks down to clap after every song and interrupt their conversations to acknowledge you. It's more of an atmosphere thing. When it gets hard to deal with just think about why you're doing it and if it's a regular thing at a venue, stop playing there. Audience reception varies drastically from one venue to the next and it's likely the same no matter who is performing.
If you wanna do it, fucking go for it! If you have fun keep going, if not take some time and see what you want to do in the future. Plus remember there are so many bands that made a career off 2 chords. Good luck go after it!
The audience, which means anyone listening, feels when a musician is completely immersed into what he/she's doing. And usually there goes with a certain beauty. but if rather than focusing on your song you focus/worry more about eye contact, you're not focus 100% in the song. My feeling is that if Eye contact happens naturally over you playing, then great, but if it's kinda forced so that the audience like you, then I feel there's some art missing
Basically I don't want the musician to worry about me (the audience) but I'd rather see them totally immersed in their song, I'll almost automatically like the moment, unless the music being played doesn't sound beautiful to my ear, but that has nothing to do with whether there's eye contact or not :)
Someone told me that you can look at the wall just above peoples’ if you don’t want to look AT people, but you also don’t want to look down the whole time. It also helps people not feel uncomfortable if they don’t want you looking at them.
Thank you Scott. Words of wisdom. I played my 1st solo gig and recorded it. It was a total of 8 songs and lasted 30 minutes. I recorded it. Glad I did. When I looked at my hands or my lyrics it took away the energy of the performance. When I played songs from memory my vocals sounded better and I notice people recording me and really getting into the song. I am now committed to MEMORIZING THE LYRICS !!!! As much as I love my iPad this is a no brainer. Thanks again 😀
Good tips. I think all of us with experience learned all this the hard way. One thing that I also learned was to have things in my back pocket to say to the audience so I didn't have to improve. That doesn't mean that you should have a bunch of trite jargon set aside. But, information about gigs, jokes about the venue or regulars, standard topics of conversation...they can help when you feel silence coming on. My act borders on a stand up comedy routine, so I actually plan out really ridiculous stuff and editorials to go off on when I'm not playing. ...Or, in some cases, when I am. I have one song about Jesus and if I'm playing solo, in the place that a guitar solo would be, I usually go off on a mockery of a sermon with a punchline at the end. Usually something to the effect of, "Jesus, loves EVERYBODY! Everybody... Everybody..." Then stop, point directly at someone in the crowd or at the bar and say, "Except you. Jesus thinks you suck." And then keep playing. Another time I went on a short tirade about how classy I was and then spit off to the side of the stage. Just have some solo banter if you need to fill time, distract from a technical issue or keep peoples' attention between songs. Of course, it does bare mentioning that my act is half music/half a comedy act. If you're a serious artist, be fully prepared to talk about issues you believe in and be prepared to debate them briefly, should you have a heckler. Then, be prepared to go right back into the music to drown them out. Or...you know what? Talk about the weather. Just don't go up there with nothing unless you're Robin Williams or Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
That's one thing I've always struggled with. I'm one of those who speaks when spoken to but the good thing is, people always say the same stuff eg asking for songs etc so I've got used to using some (seemingly) quick, witty retorts but as far as conversing with the audience, I'm just not comfortable doing it. But that hasn't stopped my professional career advancing. I've just realised the gigs that suit me are chilled background music type events and restaurants rather than cabaret 'all round' entertainment cruise ship headline act type gig. You sound alot better than me at it buddy lol if I relax too much and start chatting on stage, I have no idea what id say 😅 and would probably turn into something between Richard Prior and Marc Rebillet
@@ScottGuitarist I'll tell you one thing I've learned is, as long as they aren't stupid drunk, start interviewing them like you're Craig Ferguson. Ask them their name, where they're from, what they do for a living, about their friends and family... And then, make an innuendo out of everything they say. As long as you give a sincere, "I'm not really creepy or trying to hurt you," smile afterwards, you're good. And then genuinely thank them for participating and go right into the next song. Speak loud and speak with authority. Long story short, watch Craig. You'll be able to handle anything. Me, I often accuse them of incest or interfering in local elections or being in league with the devil before I move on. But again...my act is super weird. Just be ready to handle anything. If you can't handle audience comments, you're gonna get hurt. One guy screamed at me, "I made that jacket you're wearing!" I yelled back. "That's nonsense. You never made anything but problems." He shut up, the audience laughed and the show was better for it.
Thanks a lot for the tips. Playing my first solo acoustic gig at a record shop. Going to be an intimate venue and set so the eye contact/stage presence tips are amazing. Cheers!
You are good vibes amigo. Veteran of around 1,000 solo gigs here and this is good stuff. The little things are big things when you go live. Thanks for helping the newbs!. Also your voice is awesome… but why do all Europeans sing with an American accent? 😅… the mystery remains!.
I have been through all of this ...... you bang on with what you say, there is a transition from couch to audience. Listening to this had me reminiscing 😳
I liked the less eye contact and maybe eyes closed some, looked like you were more into the song. Maybe look up halfway through the song, and at the end. Looking around appears that you are searching for approval and not focused on the song, unless it's a peppy song, it probably depends on the song. Like a country song Johnny Cash Folsom Prison Blues is good to look at the audience.
The industry standard for Uk is 2 X45 minute sets. I play for 12-13 for each set. Go for 30 to be safe and have some flexibility. Here’s a video that may help- m.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OwMQ3428OII.html
Was pretty blown away by your talent when we got to the eye-contact experiment. By the way, it didn't make any difference to me as a listener whether you are looking at me or not -- what matters is how it sounds ... but I get the sense it makes for a better performance for *you* if you make eye contact every once in a while, get that connection, and so dig in and feel the audience ... so if that's true, yeah, eye contact would be important. When I've played open mics, I think the times I've made eye-contact does help me with my performance, because I get their feedback in a way.
I've been gigging professionally for many years. If I am "musical wallpaper" like a typical restaurant gig or any situation where people are specifically NOT there to hear a musician (snd often would prefer not to) - sitting is fine. Otherwise, standing looks more professional AND most people can sing better/look more "dynamic" while standing.
Hey I just came across your video and I have my first gig in 9 years this Friday. Luckily, with the help from a few generous open mics, I have been able to get some solid mic time over the last few months but everything in this video was helpful. I feel much more confident after watching this. Cheers
Great video! Thanks, for sharing your experience. Regarding the guitar strap? Even if you are a player who sits while you play, adjust the strap so it holds the guitar in place. Here’s a test. While you are sitting with your guitar? Let go and raise your hands above your head. Did your guitar fall off of your lap? That’s because in addition to playing your guitar, you’re also holding it in place. Adjust your strap to hold your guitar in your lap. Now, let go. It stays in place. Now put your hands back in place, on the guitar. Now, your hands are only playing the guitar. They aren’t playing the guitar AND holding it in place. Your hands are free to just play. Let the strap do the work. Cheers! 🙂
I learned a long time ago if you have a cord on stage it will come unplugged or you will trip over it. I go wireless for everything. It is worth the costs. Loved the simple straight forward tips. Sorry it took so long to find your channel.
Hi Scott! You are very talented and have a beautiful voice! Yes you looked better when you had eye contact to the audience! I have to try at my second "gig" to do that. My first one my voice was very weak and I didn't realize it. The reason I know by surprise a friend recorded clips on her smartphone and I sounded weak and terrible. The audience of about 10 was kind of mediocre in their response. I felt down yet they wanted me back so I'm going tomorrow and glad I found your video. I'm bringing my ZoomQ8 video camera and going to record it to see my mistakes. I only played open mics before where this is 50 minutes and original songs only. I suppose there's no advice about being nervous. Maybe have 6 tips and include something about nervousness if there is anything about it. I'm going to sing louder and six weeks later hoping of the about 10 people who were there last time they won't be there this time ha! Also I never tell jokes but I learned two and wonder if joking is a good technique or not, or sharing a brief story that relates to your song. Thanks for a great video! It's funny as I already feel nervous the day before!
Good luck! I wouldn't think too much about jokes in between. Do whatever feels natural for you. If you're the type of person who likes to talk and you have interesting things to say about the songs, then go for it. I prefer to just play with no time in between for people to start conversations with me. Although it does depend on the type of gig. An intimate original music type of atmosphere is better suited for some back story about the songs you've written. In terms of nerves, you might find this video useful - m.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rh1dZByNMrQ.html It is the first video I made so it's a bit rough around the edges lol
@@ScottGuitarist Hi! Anyone with any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks Scott too as I didn't tell a joke I was thinking of. It was only a fun joke but lightly political too. I just did like you said and the audience was light-hearted. A couple came up to me after and said how much they enjoyed my set, but I'd say 50% left by end of my 50 min set, the last set 2-3PM of the day, a Sunday tradition at this coffeehouse/restaurant. Three musicians play 50 min each and receive $20 and a free meal. The others are musicians who have professionally recorded and play at paid gigs like for a whole evening at a micro brewery or restaurant etc. I've only played guitar and sang at home all of my life (but not my piano) and too a test step forward beyond open mics to see if the general public, different than the open mic goers, would like me or not. The host of it all only heard me at open mics and my videos here at YT and likes my music but he is very kind to all, yet I am the only non-pro. That was my second time and after he said how much he liked my set, and an employee said that too. He wants me back and it will be for the third time. I tried that audience "do part of my melody" with me which was a descending passage as an "aaahhh", then the second repeat was an "oooooo". I played it and sang it first, then the audience with me, then doing it again as I sang the chorus lyrics. It was very easy and no one that I could hear did it ha! Isn't that a bad sign? The only person I knew who did it was my friend at my little video camera that I later heard her once I was at home when I played my set back to myself, and the camera didn't pick up anyone else near to her joining in. I'm starting to think that the reason open mic goers liked me so much was the crowd is mainly friends and family of the musicians and they are much kinder and supportive because that's why they attend. My friend did many nice things and even gave me a $20 gift certificate. We are actually background to their playing different board and card games, eating, visiting, on laptops, and some become attracted enough they really listen and applaud. I wonder with these "signs" if I should consider myself "ready" enough to perform first time in my 68 years in public. Thanks again for your magnanimous deed and for your remarkable talent! If anyone here has any input it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for the video. I have been used to being a metal musician for ages but always wanted to strengthen mu acoustic carrer and this helps so much
yes it went well we only were suppose to play 3 songs but the crowd wanted more so had to think fast so did Tina proud Mary then hey jude then bon jovi livin on a pray all up went well the crowd clapped so happy
