Band Tip #4 - Tips for a better show

So you've practiced like crazy and you're ready for the show, here are some simple tips that will make the show go smoother and make you sound better.


1. Use a tuner.

Easily number one on the list. Tune right before you start to play. If possible, everyone should have their own tuner. If you all buy the same make and model, so much the better. There is absolutely no reason for not having a tuner. Guitar Center sells one for $13.
Tune up after every couple of songs. If you have instrument changes, have a friend or bandmate tune an instrument while it's not being used.
Seriously, tune your damn instruments!

2. Go easy on those electric guitars.

There is no need to play an electric guitar like an acoustic guitar. Barely moving the string is enough to create a note. Playing hard on an electric guitar will result in the strings slipping out of tune and/or breaking.
If you simply must pound away, then you should use a thicker gauge of string. If you play hard, I suggest switching to 11s right away.

3. Communicate with the sound guy/girl.

This goes back to the Sound Check entry, but sometime bands don't get a Sound Check. Even then, sometimes things change. If you need more vocals in the monitors, ask for more vocals in the monitors. As good as sound techs are, they can't read minds.

4. Be nice to the Sound Tech!

They might be obnoxious, but the sound tech has control over your sound; try to be professional. If there are serious issues with the sound tech, bring it up to the owner or manager.

5. Be nice to your drummer.

Sometimes the drummer gets left out when it comes to monitor levels. Banished to the back of the stage, alone and (usually) without a mic, drummers love it when you relay monitor requests to the sound tech for them.

6. Don't ask the audience if everything sounds alright.

This ties in to #3 and #4. If you've talked to the sound guy about your setup or how you want things to sound, you should trust that they're doing a good job. The guy who has parked himself in front of your guitar amp probably isn't getting the same mix as the rest of the audience.
Besides, there's probably a drunk old guy trying to explain to the sound tech that the mix isn't right until ears are bleeding from the volume of the snare drum.
If you're really that concerned with how the sound is mixed, you need to hire your own sound tech.



more later soon