Play Easier with a Great Guitar Setup
During a gig, comfort is everything. For optimal tone and playing ease, you should have your guitar setup by a professional guitar technician. Depending on your playing style, the setup you require may differ. For example, some people prefer a low action (string distance from fretboard). This is suited for faster type playing, like shredding. A more soulful player, however, may prefer a slightly higher action.
Get Inspired
It’s a lot easier to play your instrument when you have good amplification. A good tube amp can go a long way in determining how good you’re going to sound and play. If you feel your amplification is not sounding at its best, you can have the bias point (pressure placed on tubes) adjusted by an amp technician. Unless you’re a bass player, transistor amp’s don’t work well in a band situation, and should be avoided for gigging purposes when possible.
Sound Engineers Are The Stars
Sound is something that we don’t always have as much control over as we would like, however it contributes to 50% of the performance. Professional musicians never underestimate the importance of a skilled sound engineer. Sound can generally be divided into 2 categories, namely stage sound and front of house. Both are equally important. A good stage sound will contribute to your ability to perform at your highest possible level.
It’s All About Teamwork
A band consisting of a few musicians’ means that everyone has an equal part to play in creating the final product of what the listener is going to hear. On an individual level, it’s not about who’s playing the loudest or getting the most limelight. You need to respect the song you’re playing, meaning at all times ONLY do what’s right for the song. Learn to step up and shine on solo parts and then to fall back in with the groove when you’re done with the solo.
Learn to Relax
Playing live shouldn’t feel like an uphill battle. Successful performers fall in love with the stage, sometimes to the point of not being able to live without it. As a performing musician, nerves are part of the package. You need to learn to allow nerves to work in your favor. If you are new to performing in front of people, this is something that may not necessarily come instantly.
Win The Audience Over with Dynamics
Playing your entire set at the same volume is going to result in a monotonous listening experience for your audience. Many garage bands make the mistake of playing everything at the loudest possible volume. It’s important to vary your sound with dynamics. Quiet parts that build tension are really going to capture your audience.
Use Delay for Fatness
Delay should be used last in your signal chain. It can be great for adding character and depth to an otherwise dry sound. You will need to set your delay pedal or effects processor to a relatively transparent feel. For guitar players, delay is sometimes a better choice than reverb. Reverb has a tendency to make your tone washy. Combining delays can result in a reverb type sound.
