I tend to consider playing live is becoming a character, it is also an acting gig IMHO. Never stand there stone faced, the people paid to see you play, so give them a show, be engaging, become larger than life. Be a giant on stage, and be a humble human off stage.
@@TheRealxVincent Oh yeah, we are our own worse critics anyways. I know I screw up on a note etc etc but when looking back noone notices or even so, it brings an human factor into a show people appreciate (unless you really screw up but then you just own it and have a laugh about it)
@@suffersystemstudiosplayed a gig over the weekend where me and my other guitarist both messed up. He was a whole step down, I was a whole step up, and it was very noticeable, but after we got off stage people came up to our merch booth and were telling us we’re awesome, and they loved it, and then we all laughed. Gotta own it and laugh. I try to think of it as the “comedic relief”
One valuable tip guitarist need to keep in mind... Practice standing up & then get comfortable moving around. It's all well & good to learn the songs while chilling at your desk but after you have the song nailed, stand up & get moving. It's totally different & it'll get your caveman brain used to a live setting quicker & won't be much of a shock to your system.
I'm 48 yo and back then we didn't have social media at hand in order to get used to have an audience. We had to kinda develop a thick skin and take criticism in a more "pragmatic" way! Simply not care what others thought. I agree with you in the sense that the approach changed and you use the tools at your disposal to help yourself. I already played in front of only 10 peoples but had to accept that and just play! Keep up the good work man!!!
Don't feel bad for calling out "What makes you unique". People that go to a show want to see a show! Let them FEEL that. If the performance is boring the audience is bored. Especially, in non-discovered music. I think you hit the nail on the head with EVERY point. You can win an audience by playing sub-par music if your stage energy is good. If you write good music and you're entertaining, then that's a huge win. Warren Haynes isn't going to win over a crowd with his rousing stage performance, he wins them over by his music, emotion and legacy. The energy is still felt. But energy, especially pop and metal or whatever crossover there is, does. When there's 100,000 songs uploaded to Spotify daily, the live performance can separate you from the people locked in a room scared to truly put themselves out there. Insert .GIF of Russell Crowe from 'Gladiator'. Great job and wonderful tips! Congrats on the leap to getting paid to play, too!!
Never made it out of the local scene in PA and Jersey but no matter how much we practiced our set, I’d be sweating bullets before we went on. Once the 4 count started, it all melted away. Being locked in was the best feeling. Make it a good show no matter how many people are watching. I still miss it haha
Thanks for the useful tips! I would add one more piece of advice: the guitar player should learn not just his parts, but the parts of other instruments as well, especially the drums, to follow the song correctly if he accidently fails on stage. And there's a one good way to be prepared for playing live: to practice in the dark.
Esp if say you or the other guitarist break a string or something craps out on your pedal board, knowing parts helps you fill the spectrum off the cuff for a section while you or the other playing gets back into the game kind of thing. Anything can happen on stage.
My first time on stage was thousands of people. More than I ever have in the 30 years since then. But it cured me of stage fright instantly, because i was hooked
i have my first small gig with my band in 2 weeks, thanks for your useful tips! Definetly gonna practice some more and get the songs in even more and also i am gonna get a second set of in ears, now that you mentioned it, i only have one 😅
In a world filled with the same hors*** and generic guitar vids - I will say this was refreshing. No one is giving advice on preforming live. I found this very informative and wanted to thank you for explaining this topic thorough and very well. Keep chasing the stars.
You are one of a few RUclipsrs who is not just really good at playing at home in front of a camera but also performing live. Some of the RUclipsrs that started playing live, their shows have been mediocre at best. Playing live is a completely different beast from making content online
For me, going out and playing at guitar center or whatever in front of strangers helped alot. Like in the acoustic room and there's strangers and just try out a guitar or an amp and eventually you just get comfortable with it. And you can't fail to mention many professional and very famous musicians still get stage freight decades into their careers. It's normal, and you just have to get over it and realize nobody cares nor will they even notice a mistake.
I played the National Anthem at my high school graduation. I was nervous, but right when I picked up my guitar I didn’t stand there for 5 minutes but instead went right for it and started playing. It was my very first time playing in front of a lot of people.
@@xanderraymondcharlesIt was a success! I made a minor mistake when playing since I never played in front of a lot of people, something I had to introduce myself to.
I agree completely! This is exactly why I’m working with Fern and Nicki! I want good content and a band vibe to the covers we are doing as a band. Which I do need to see if you have time to collaborate with us at some point. Keep up all the good work and remember, have fun!
Thought it was chewing gum and getting pumped and playing without a shirt. A new understanding of who you are after this video. Great job man, keep grinding. I followed you before but it was more to show my buddies the aurora ala'douche your videos dripped. This is what you should do. Well done. No disrespect, no judgment.
Love it ,had a custom made Warrior built in 1995 because Jackson deleted the Warrior, 81 in the bridge and pots move out of the way,also input hidden up in the top wing😅
A lot of truth here . Playing comes second and performance is king! Practice makes perfect! . Honestly practicing in front of a mirror standing up helps a lot . Recording and filming yourself (or band practice) can give you clues . Also bring extras of everything! Good luck to everyone!
Last year I played in a band with guys my age. This year I’m playing with 20yo talented female and the attention has definitely increased dramatically.
Check out Marty Schwartz here on RUclips, he has some awesome beginner videos and explains it in a way that's easy to understand, as well as song tutorials to get you playing some actual tunes! I've seen several people learn pretty quickly from him, but there are lots of good teachers on here. If you get stuck and want 1 on 1 lessons, I do them on Zoom sometimes and don't charge much. I'm primarily a tech as far as income, but also play in multiple bands and teach on occasion. I'd say the fastest way to progress is to learn the basics, then start trying to play with others ASAP.
"How to play guitar live?" Practice the music your going to be playing consistently before going on the road. Get used to playing in front of a crowd and NOT playing in front of a crowd because sometimes nobody will show up besides for other bandmates girlfriends or boyfriends. Next,deflate your GD ego. And finally stay in your lane and perform as a group not as a solo artist. 🌟--Extras get your roadie to pick up some hot groupies for the aftershow.
My first time playing live was 1988. I was probably 16 or 17. There were probably about 30 people who showed up( not for us mostly). we practiced our butt off for 2 weeks, with the exception of the drummer. I started on the drums, so we thought it was better for us for me to play the drums during practice instead of me playing guitar. Needless to say, it went terrible. The original drummer was off, I was off, and it was a wreck. Lol. And those 30 people could care less we were 15 to 17 years old. They booed, throwing cups, and it was crushing. After that, we over hauled the hole band, and it still never took off, but shows went a lot better. I have made a living playing music, mostly playing drums and piano, but I still get some guitar work in. Networking was so important to do if you wanted to make a living with music. Live shows or studio work. I have no idea how to do it these days, I already had my little circle of work before social media and smartphones came along. I am sure it's still a grind to get work playing music these days, but for me, networking and meeting people was so important to me, but if you can't play in front of people nobody wants to work with you. F###### practice.
Probably my first time seeing him wear a shirt and it's a Britney Spears shirt... I fucking love it! Shout out to the guy that originally said, "He walked into a tattoo shop and said, 'Yes!' "
Less is more and shit will happen. Better to be prepared. And just stay cool and try to make the best in bad situations...the most important thing is to have fun. 😉
One funny story is I never even thought of it when I first started playing live is I had my new SG and hit the stage, song started, and never even thought the fret board binding was dark as I couldn't see anything on the fretboard with the lights down. I was like wtf is happening. A rookie mistake but honestly never ven thought of it being something that could happen. Luckily always have a second back up and it had a cream binding so switched real quick but since then I always use believe it or not white out on the fret markers on any dark binding guitar. Didn't think lighting would make it that hard to see where you were, but esp when I was first starting to play live
Thanks for this video. I just joined a metal band and I have my first gig in coming months. I'm a bit scared 😬. Like, what if I forget all my lines? I've read that Paul McCartney used to drink a whiskey before each live to reduce the stress 😅.
I do like to see people put on a good show, of course. But I don’t know if I’m in the minority here, but I’d rather have a band play accurately than just throwing themselves around. And I don’t mean standing there staring at the fretboard the whole time, I guess meet somewhere in the middle of getting into it and playing well? lol One of my old bands had a showcase gig for Sumerian Records (back in the day, maybe like 2015?) and they told my band that we needed more stage presence, other than that, we were solid. And I get it, but at the same time, when I see a heavy band that has x amount of members all doing the same move on stage, it reminds me of a cookie cutter boy band that has been practicing dance moves in their spare time. It just feels contrived, not like they are moving to the music because they are vibing. You know what I mean? Anyway, love your channel dude! ✌🏻
How much would you say having a really cool looking guitar would add to the stage presence factor? Now I know most non-guitarists don’t care what guitar you play but I’m talking something flashy like a sparkle guitar.
That’s exactly what I was thinking haha. Plus it makes me feel like a rockstar 🙂. Thanks man, this helps justify my recent custom order for a Gold sparkle guitar 🤣
You might be the on3 guy to actually consider this, trust me ive tried...but how in the fuuuuuck do i get my iem mix to not sound like a bee hive... my foh sound is killer, same tone out of my h3lix but my m9nitor mix isnt good at all and i dont know how to mix it. Please please any advice on this would b3 so god damn helpful you dont even know lol
A guy bought a recent Gibson, commented on how light it is, it's now his favourite etc.,.....when so frequently the heaviness is part of the description......does being told a guitar is light interest you, make you suddenly want to get it because you're going to more easily jump around the stage? A female guitarist I know has a few heavy Gibsons, but her fave in her collection is actually a Vigier, & I have read that make described as the lightest in weight generally.
Weight matters a lot to me as a female weighing in around 120lb. The guitars I play live all are around 6lb. I wouldn’t even consider anything over 7lb.
It's interesting that Gibson made a Les Paul the buyer commented on as very light but there's criticism of their prices - the new Cream guitar maker makes very light guitars + was getting a lot of attention at this year's NAMM....though maybe you know all that....guitar makers competing to make the lightest guitar!!!
I puked before every show, no matter what, the audience, the stage, the loudness pulsating through your body, a menthol between the headstock strings, God I miss that
That’s a weird in ear mix, yes I play bass as well as guitar, but I’ve been playing guitar longer, and in my ears I want me, drums vox and bass, to have no bass in my ears would be horrible
![Gucci Mane & Sexyy Red - You Don't Love Me [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/j7IBqyFKT4c/mqdefault.jpg)
My In Ear Monitors - sweetwater.sjv.io/daX7nj
I was just googling “how to play guitar live” and here I am! 😂
Sure it wasn't how to chug guitar live? :)
Ola in da house....
Bro… Aren’t you on tour…
Another great video Xander. See ya Sunday Ola.
Sure you were......
I agree completely brother! Stage presence is very important to get the audience excited to watch you perform.
1. Stay in tune
2. Stay on tempo
3. Know your stuff
4. Label everything
5. Be nice but firm
6. Sleep with as many hot fans as.... wait! Ignore that! 😅
hang on, that sounds actually good lmao
I tend to consider playing live is becoming a character, it is also an acting gig IMHO. Never stand there stone faced, the people paid to see you play, so give them a show, be engaging, become larger than life. Be a giant on stage, and be a humble human off stage.
Agreed. People didn't come to hear the perfect take of the most technical thing you can play (unless you're a niche artist), they came to have FUN!
@@TheRealxVincent Oh yeah, we are our own worse critics anyways. I know I screw up on a note etc etc but when looking back noone notices or even so, it brings an human factor into a show people appreciate (unless you really screw up but then you just own it and have a laugh about it)
I'm good
@@beefnacos6258 stay local
@@suffersystemstudiosplayed a gig over the weekend where me and my other guitarist both messed up. He was a whole step down, I was a whole step up, and it was very noticeable, but after we got off stage people came up to our merch booth and were telling us we’re awesome, and they loved it, and then we all laughed. Gotta own it and laugh. I try to think of it as the “comedic relief”
One valuable tip guitarist need to keep in mind... Practice standing up & then get comfortable moving around.
It's all well & good to learn the songs while chilling at your desk but after you have the song nailed, stand up & get moving.
It's totally different & it'll get your caveman brain used to a live setting quicker & won't be much of a shock to your system.
I'm 48 yo and back then we didn't have social media at hand in order to get used to have an audience. We had to kinda develop a thick skin and take criticism in a more "pragmatic" way! Simply not care what others thought. I agree with you in the sense that the approach changed and you use the tools at your disposal to help yourself. I already played in front of only 10 peoples but had to accept that and just play! Keep up the good work man!!!
Awesome job on the Premier Guitar video. Moving up in the Guitar world.
Don't feel bad for calling out "What makes you unique". People that go to a show want to see a show! Let them FEEL that. If the performance is boring the audience is bored. Especially, in non-discovered music.
I think you hit the nail on the head with EVERY point. You can win an audience by playing sub-par music if your stage energy is good.
If you write good music and you're entertaining, then that's a huge win.
Warren Haynes isn't going to win over a crowd with his rousing stage performance, he wins them over by his music, emotion and legacy. The energy is still felt.
But energy, especially pop and metal or whatever crossover there is, does. When there's 100,000 songs uploaded to Spotify daily, the live performance can separate you from the people locked in a room scared to truly put themselves out there.
Insert .GIF of Russell Crowe from 'Gladiator'.
Great job and wonderful tips! Congrats on the leap to getting paid to play, too!!
Never made it out of the local scene in PA and Jersey but no matter how much we practiced our set, I’d be sweating bullets before we went on. Once the 4 count started, it all melted away. Being locked in was the best feeling. Make it a good show no matter how many people are watching. I still miss it haha
Thanks for the useful tips! I would add one more piece of advice: the guitar player should learn not just his parts, but the parts of other instruments as well, especially the drums, to follow the song correctly if he accidently fails on stage.
And there's a one good way to be prepared for playing live: to practice in the dark.
Esp if say you or the other guitarist break a string or something craps out on your pedal board, knowing parts helps you fill the spectrum off the cuff for a section while you or the other playing gets back into the game kind of thing. Anything can happen on stage.
He’s got sucha kind way of speaking. Yu’re a fucken legend Xander!
My first time on stage was thousands of people. More than I ever have in the 30 years since then. But it cured me of stage fright instantly, because i was hooked
Ordered some of those in ears to test out. Thanks for the pointers!
Been playing live since I was 14 and you'll always have nerves but I HIGHLY recommend starting asap, you just have to do it lol
i have my first small gig with my band in 2 weeks, thanks for your useful tips! Definetly gonna practice some more and get the songs in even more and also i am gonna get a second set of in ears, now that you mentioned it, i only have one 😅
Been following you for years. You’re crushing it dude! Keep up the hard work, it’s inspiring to watch your journey and see your dreams coming true.
Thank you Xander!
In a world filled with the same hors*** and generic guitar vids - I will say this was refreshing. No one is giving advice on preforming live. I found this very informative and wanted to thank you for explaining this topic thorough and very well. Keep chasing the stars.
You are one of a few RUclipsrs who is not just really good at playing at home in front of a camera but also performing live. Some of the RUclipsrs that started playing live, their shows have been mediocre at best. Playing live is a completely different beast from making content online
For me, going out and playing at guitar center or whatever in front of strangers helped alot. Like in the acoustic room and there's strangers and just try out a guitar or an amp and eventually you just get comfortable with it. And you can't fail to mention many professional and very famous musicians still get stage freight decades into their careers. It's normal, and you just have to get over it and realize nobody cares nor will they even notice a mistake.
I played the National Anthem at my high school graduation. I was nervous, but right when I picked up my guitar I didn’t stand there for 5 minutes but instead went right for it and started playing. It was my very first time playing in front of a lot of people.
That’s amazing! Sounds like it was a success yeah?
@@xanderraymondcharlesIt was a success! I made a minor mistake when playing since I never played in front of a lot of people, something I had to introduce myself to.
I agree completely! This is exactly why I’m working with Fern and Nicki! I want good content and a band vibe to the covers we are doing as a band. Which I do need to see if you have time to collaborate with us at some point. Keep up all the good work and remember, have fun!
Thank you for giving advise to us who are new to playing live always doing great things keep it up ❤🙏
Thought it was chewing gum and getting pumped and playing without a shirt. A new understanding of who you are after this video. Great job man, keep grinding. I followed you before but it was more to show my buddies the aurora ala'douche your videos dripped. This is what you should do. Well done. No disrespect, no judgment.
Love it ,had a custom made Warrior built in 1995 because Jackson deleted the Warrior, 81 in the bridge and pots move out of the way,also input hidden up in the top wing😅
That shirt is a banger dude.
A lot of truth here . Playing comes second and performance is king! Practice makes perfect! . Honestly practicing in front of a mirror standing up helps a lot . Recording and filming yourself (or band practice) can give you clues . Also bring extras of everything! Good luck to everyone!
Solid advice, man !
Hell yeah bro I love these tips. Thank you!
Great video man... important things indeed. 🤘
Love that britney shirt😂 and are you coming to quebec canada to make show soon 🤟?
Last year I played in a band with guys my age. This year I’m playing with 20yo talented female and the attention has definitely increased dramatically.
Stoked to see you in Vancouver !!🤘
Awesome video man!
Thanks for the visit! Appreciate you
My band is about to play in front of 8000 students for their orientation. This is exactly what I needed to hear!
Wow what’s up with the door?
really wanting to get on stage in the near future, thanks for the input~
Just got an email from premier guitar and who’s featured?? The mighty XRC! That’s pretty sick
I’d like to see some beginner tutorials, I just started playing yesterday and some videos on the very basics would be nice
Check out Marty Schwartz here on RUclips, he has some awesome beginner videos and explains it in a way that's easy to understand, as well as song tutorials to get you playing some actual tunes! I've seen several people learn pretty quickly from him, but there are lots of good teachers on here. If you get stuck and want 1 on 1 lessons, I do them on Zoom sometimes and don't charge much. I'm primarily a tech as far as income, but also play in multiple bands and teach on occasion. I'd say the fastest way to progress is to learn the basics, then start trying to play with others ASAP.
Love your content dude! Killer riffs and everything! My dream to make a living off music ❤
Thanks for the video very good points.
Thanks for the tips
"How to play guitar live?" Practice the music your going to be playing consistently before going on the road. Get used to playing in front of a crowd and NOT playing in front of a crowd because sometimes nobody will show up besides for other bandmates girlfriends or boyfriends. Next,deflate your GD ego. And finally stay in your lane and perform as a group not as a solo artist. 🌟--Extras get your roadie to pick up some hot groupies for the aftershow.
My first time playing live was 1988. I was probably 16 or 17. There were probably about 30 people who showed up( not for us mostly). we practiced our butt off for 2 weeks, with the exception of the drummer. I started on the drums, so we thought it was better for us for me to play the drums during practice instead of me playing guitar. Needless to say, it went terrible. The original drummer was off, I was off, and it was a wreck. Lol. And those 30 people could care less we were 15 to 17 years old. They booed, throwing cups, and it was crushing. After that, we over hauled the hole band, and it still never took off, but shows went a lot better. I have made a living playing music, mostly playing drums and piano, but I still get some guitar work in. Networking was so important to do if you wanted to make a living with music. Live shows or studio work. I have no idea how to do it these days, I already had my little circle of work before social media and smartphones came along. I am sure it's still a grind to get work playing music these days, but for me, networking and meeting people was so important to me, but if you can't play in front of people nobody wants to work with you. F###### practice.
Probably my first time seeing him wear a shirt and it's a Britney Spears shirt... I fucking love it!
Shout out to the guy that originally said, "He walked into a tattoo shop and said, 'Yes!' "
Just like a Battle Drill
I disagree with prioritizing social media over hitting open mics. In my area, that’s where bands are formed.
DOPE SHIRT dude hahaha
Thanks
Less is more and shit will happen. Better to be prepared. And just stay cool and try to make the best in bad situations...the most important thing is to have fun. 😉
One funny story is I never even thought of it when I first started playing live is I had my new SG and hit the stage, song started, and never even thought the fret board binding was dark as I couldn't see anything on the fretboard with the lights down. I was like wtf is happening. A rookie mistake but honestly never ven thought of it being something that could happen. Luckily always have a second back up and it had a cream binding so switched real quick but since then I always use believe it or not white out on the fret markers on any dark binding guitar. Didn't think lighting would make it that hard to see where you were, but esp when I was first starting to play live
Hell yeah man. Single humbucker guitars all day!
Except for those of us who play in a cover band and have solos on the neck pickup lol
Awesome video
Thanks! You are well spoken-I do punk Christian type original songs. Appreciate you don’t casually curse.
John Wales
Hey Ray. How come you don't play ESP guitars?
"You can expose yourself to the entire world.." say no more! I'm going to prison lol.
albany ny or saratoga are by far the best local hardcore scenes.
When and where are you heading in Canada?
Motley Crue taught me all I need to know about playing live 😂
Or Corey Feldman !!
To use the backing tracks ?😁
@@A.J.99for real though
I just have to learn how to not suck. 😂
Hey you and me both!
Carter Beauford chews gum while playing too.
Thanks for this video. I just joined a metal band and I have my first gig in coming months. I'm a bit scared 😬. Like, what if I forget all my lines? I've read that Paul McCartney used to drink a whiskey before each live to reduce the stress 😅.
Like he said just practice a lot. Once you’re up there just let muscle memory take over and don’t think about it much
nice
I do like to see people put on a good show, of course. But I don’t know if I’m in the minority here, but I’d rather have a band play accurately than just throwing themselves around. And I don’t mean standing there staring at the fretboard the whole time, I guess meet somewhere in the middle of getting into it and playing well? lol
One of my old bands had a showcase gig for Sumerian Records (back in the day, maybe like 2015?) and they told my band that we needed more stage presence, other than that, we were solid. And I get it, but at the same time, when I see a heavy band that has x amount of members all doing the same move on stage, it reminds me of a cookie cutter boy band that has been practicing dance moves in their spare time.
It just feels contrived, not like they are moving to the music because they are vibing.
You know what I mean?
Anyway, love your channel dude! ✌🏻
How much would you say having a really cool looking guitar would add to the stage presence factor? Now I know most non-guitarists don’t care what guitar you play but I’m talking something flashy like a sparkle guitar.
I think it’d help tremendously. It gives the audience something to look at!
That’s exactly what I was thinking haha. Plus it makes me feel like a rockstar 🙂. Thanks man, this helps justify my recent custom order for a Gold sparkle guitar 🤣
You might be the on3 guy to actually consider this, trust me ive tried...but how in the fuuuuuck do i get my iem mix to not sound like a bee hive... my foh sound is killer, same tone out of my h3lix but my m9nitor mix isnt good at all and i dont know how to mix it. Please please any advice on this would b3 so god damn helpful you dont even know lol
A guy bought a recent Gibson, commented on how light it is, it's now his favourite etc.,.....when so frequently the heaviness is part of the description......does being told a guitar is light interest you, make you suddenly want to get it because you're going to more easily jump around the stage? A female guitarist I know has a few heavy Gibsons, but her fave in her collection is actually a Vigier, & I have read that make described as the lightest in weight generally.
Weight matters a lot to me as a female weighing in around 120lb. The guitars I play live all are around 6lb. I wouldn’t even consider anything over 7lb.
It's interesting that Gibson made a Les Paul the buyer commented on as very light but there's criticism of their prices - the new Cream guitar maker makes very light guitars + was getting a lot of attention at this year's NAMM....though maybe you know all that....guitar makers competing to make the lightest guitar!!!
I puked before every show, no matter what, the audience, the stage, the loudness pulsating through your body, a menthol between the headstock strings, God I miss that
The bubblegum thing is a bit toy. Cool wall and cool vid though
It’s just gum
@@xanderraymondcharles just looks like a big ball of saliva airing in the breeze to me haha
I never see a bass player in this new band? Is that on purpose?
no arrogance here dude, it's how it works, still the music has to be good, and not to much drinking before lol
That’s a weird in ear mix, yes I play bass as well as guitar, but I’ve been playing guitar longer, and in my ears I want me, drums vox and bass, to have no bass in my ears would be horrible
Wut?!!! How did I not know you were in ftfd? That's silly. I'm a little embarrassed
Bla bla bla. Substance worth 2 minutes packed in 15 minutes.