Live Performance Tips

Preparation eliminates anxiety:

- Tune thoroughly before going on. Bring a clip-on tuner.
- Set your pedals/amp BEFORE the performance and don't fiddle during songs
- Bring spare strings, picks, cables, and a string winder
- Know the set list and have charts/tabs on a music stand if needed
- Soundcheck: play at performance volume, check monitors, communicate with the sound engineer

If you're playing solo, arrange your space so you're comfortable and can see/reach everything without moving.

Every performer gets nervous — the goal isn't to eliminate nerves but to channel them:

Preparation: the single best anti-anxiety strategy. If you've practised the material thoroughly, your muscle memory will carry you through even when your conscious mind is panicking.

Breathing: slow, deep breaths before going on. Box breathing (4 counts in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold) calms the nervous system.

Reframe: nervousness and excitement are physically identical (elevated heart rate, adrenaline). Tell yourself "I'm excited" rather than "I'm nervous."

Start simple: open with a song you could play in your sleep. Early success builds confidence.

Playing live is different from playing alone. Key adjustments:

- Play slightly simpler than your ability — leave margin for nerves
- Look up — make eye contact, engage with the audience
- Move with the music — even small movements convey energy
- Recover from mistakes silently — the audience doesn't have the tab. If you hit a wrong note, keep going. Most people won't notice.
- End songs confidently — a strong final chord covers a multitude of sins