Isn’t it strange how performing in front of a crowd can sometimes make something as fun and enjoyable as playing into a real nightmare? Here are a few tips to sort out those nerves..
Know your parts
Learn every part of every song you’re going to play, and learn them backwards. Get to the stage where you’re so familiar with what you’re going to do that playing it is trivial. Your heart might still race and your stomach might still be in knots, but if you get everything down then even the worst panic won’t mess up your playing.
Have your gear organised
If you’re playing a show, check all your equipment a few days before you’re due onstage. Make sure you’re guitar is well set up and your amp has been recently serviced. Bring a spare set of strings, or even better, bring a backup guitar. Bring some spare cables, and if you use any effects pedals then be sure to bring some spare batteries. If something breaks during a show, it’s good to be able to get back to playing with as little fuss as possible. And even if nothing breaks, it’s reassuring to know that you’re prepared.
Prepare a set list
Write up a set list before the show.. if you’re in a band then it’s best to do it at rehearsal, rather than 5 minutes before you’re due to go on. It doesn’t matter if you have a copy for every member of the band, or if just one person announces each next song to the rest of the band, but work out what you’re gonna do before you get on stage. If you’re worried about stage fright, then the last place you want to be is stuck in front of an audience looking at each other, thinking “what are we gonna play next?”
Be well rested
Get a good night’s sleep before hand. And if you can avoid it, then try not to exhaust yourself mentally or physically before you’re due to go on stage.
Eat well
Eat a good healthy meal at least an hour before you’re due to play. Don’t cheat with quick snacks or junk food, and don’t overeat either. If you’re prone to stress about a show, then it’s very easy to forget about food and just end up grabbing something in a rush while you’re getting everything else ready. But you’ll play much better if you take the time to eat well, you’ll deal with anxiety better and you’ll put more energy into your performance too.
Don’t get drunk
I’m not gonna tell you not to drink at all.. I like to have a beer when I’m playing a show. It’s okay to have a drink before you get on stage, and have one when you’re up there. If you feel like it helps smooth you out, then all the better. But getting drunk before you’re due to play increases your chances of making an idiot of yourself in front of an audience. If you wanna drink up then save it for after the show.. or if you have to drive home after the gig then save it for another day.
Turn stage fright into excitement and adrenaline
When stage nerves hit you, it’s pretty tough to switch off the racing heart and rapid thoughts. But if you stop thinking of it as fear, and think of it as excitement and anticipation, then it’s relatively easy to seperate yourself from the anxiety and worry that could otherwise stop you enjoying yourself.
Mistakes happen
How you handle them is what matters. If you seize up and lose the beat, a simple mistake can end up ruining a song. If you don’t let it phase you, there’s a good chance that nobody will even notice.
Stay in the moment and have fun
Worrying about things won’t make you play any better. Hopefully you’re playing music you enjoy.. if you let go and allow yourself to enjoy it, then there’s a good chance you’ll shake off any stage nerves almost as soon as you get started. Don’t get wrapped up in too many extraneous thoughts, or let your head fill up with the noise and clutter of self-praise or self-criticism. Just play, and remember, music is meant to be fun 