The gear stuff always seems to take care of itself but today I want to talk about another side of the things needed to play a gig.... and that is: PREPARATION.
Preparing for a gig or a show for me is never just preparing my equipment or simply packing up the tools for the job at hand. The preparation I am talking about involves three main focal points that help me more than anything else to do a good job.
KNOW YOUR GUITAR
I am in constant need of resharpening, refreshing and reshaping my guitar playing
to keep my playing from being stale, predictable, and sloppy. I was labelled a gifted
child at the age of 4 but I can't, and have not been able to rest on that assumption or
label to sweep me through the challenges, however small, of live and studio performances
that I have learned to not take lightly or for granted. I have to know my instrument and
know how to animate it to be an effective guitarist
KNOW THE MUSIC
Knowing the music for a gig is essential to playing with some confidence and making
a good impression on the artist or producer that hires you. Knowledge of things like
different chord voicings, memorizing main melodies, song-arrangements, tempos, and quick transitions from song to song can make rehearsals and sessions go smoother, leaving room to
be more creative and establishing a rapport with the other musicians and singers you're
working with on the gig..
Knowing the music for a gig is essential to playing with some confidence and making
a good impression on the artist or producer that hires you. Knowledge of things like
different chord voicings, memorizing main melodies, song-arrangements, tempos, and quick transitions from song to song can make rehearsals and sessions go smoother, leaving room to
be more creative and establishing a rapport with the other musicians and singers you're
working with on the gig..
KNOW YOUR ROLE
Sometimes your role as a guitarist can change with different producers,
arrangers and artists. It's important to get a sense of what the people you're working for
are wanting as far as the approach needed to fulfill the your duties and meet the expectations
of that musical situation or event. Try to find out some information. Mt role can change from
rockstar to quiet sideman or from main lead player to 'bread and butter' rhythm player depending on the expectations of the artist.
Sometimes your role as a guitarist can change with different producers,
arrangers and artists. It's important to get a sense of what the people you're working for
are wanting as far as the approach needed to fulfill the your duties and meet the expectations
of that musical situation or event. Try to find out some information. Mt role can change from
rockstar to quiet sideman or from main lead player to 'bread and butter' rhythm player depending on the expectations of the artist.
Preparation can involve more than you think and presenting yourself as being prepared will put you at the top of the list for being called back and gaining the respect of other players.
The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.
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