14 Tips for Gigging Guitarists - Dagan's Dos & Don'ts of Playing Gigs
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- čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
- Dagan talks us through his top tips for playing your first gig. A must watch for first timers.
If you're just starting out on the live circuit, you need to watch this video. Playing your first show can be a little daunting, so it pays to be prepared!
In this video, we learn from Dagan's first hand experience how to make a gig go a lot smoother and how to really make an impression on the crowd and most importantly, the promoters! These are essential band tips for musicians.
Dagan offers some essential advice on things like what gear you need to bring to a gig, what to do before you arrive at the venue and what you should do when you've finished your set! This is ideal advice for musicians just starting out.
This is essential Band Tips, Gig Essentials & Advice for Bands Just Starting Out!
Want more tips? Check out our essential advice for musicians: bit.ly/30Z1zCu
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Next tip: stick around and make sure all the other bands see you in the front row or rocking out to their set. Also complement the other performers with a little simple “great set!” The first people to help market your band are the other bands you play with.
Sadly no one ever understands this concept xD
My band made 200 dollars just from playing 5 songs because the band we went to see took a break and asked us to cover! And they weren’t the ones paying us the, some stranger in the crowd offered!
THIS. Holy shit
There's a picture of Kurt Cobain on stage wearing an L7 Smell the Magic t-shirt.
I do this anyway prior to being in a band
Great tips here. As a sufferer of tinnitus I strongly recommend people getting into the habit of always using hearing protection! Take plenty of ear plugs.
Great tip. -Lee
Yep.... always use protection ;)
Chris Cuthbertson You mean ear condoms?
Mario Xavier Morales Betancourt trust me, you don’t want hearing AIDS.
Adam Ray So I use hearing aids to avoid hearing AIDS.
I wish I could visit this shop just to meet Dagan, he seems like such an entertaining and laid-back kind of guy.
Damn, I read that as "Tips for giggling guitarists"
Same, now what am I gonna do? *teehee*
Tip no: #6 This is absolutely key, I found out to my cost at my first ever gig, (thankfully a student night where I only did 2 songs), standing up is a LOT different to playing sitting down. I now encourage all the people who come to our open nights to learn the standing up. There are so many benefits to doing it.
There's so many "shredders" that do open mic nights by me that will sit in a chair and go all crazy and technical...but when they're onstage they look like they're just jamming in their bedroom. Gotta have some energy!
A good advice is also to clear the stage for the next band ASAP.
Yes!!
0:17 I didn't know Babish played bass
lol
Great list. #14 is key. Worked with a drummer that would take full advantage of the free beer before a show. Drinking an drumming don’t mix.
With bringing extra strings and cables, I’d add batteries, small tools, band aids, nail clippers. Anything can go wrong and luck favors the prepared.
Unless you're Keith Moon, in which case, fill ya boots ha ha
Biggest one I can think of, especially if you’re in a pub cover band: be prepared to play songs you don’t like and play the songs the crowd can sing to. Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol is the most boring song to play but crowds love it.
So while you might want to play the most obscure songs only your band has heard of, as shit as you might think he is, the crowd wants Ed Sheeran.
You smashed the gig, it went to time, you were great, no-one turned up.....
Yeah we've all done gigs where nobody turned up.
Here's a couple extra tips:
1. Make your rig as easy as possible to pack up. One sub-tip is to mount an isolated power strip to your pedalboard, if you have multiple power supplies (let's say you're using a looper or a multieffect and some separate pedals), so you can leave those power supplies plugged into that one strip and only take up one power socket at the venue.
2. Bring spares of the little things your bandmates use, not just yourself. I've saved gigs by having spare drumsticks, a 9-volt battery for the bass preamp, and a couple of microphone cables laying around in my rig case.
This was great. One thing that'll make a bands life really easy, put all the songs you do in a computer and print them out. Put next to each song s, m, f. That's slow, medium, fast. After you print them out, take some scissors and cut all the songs out, that way you can arrange them into sets. It's easy to stick a song Here pull a song from over there when they're all separate instead of scribbling all over a set list. Another really helpful tip is have the band practice at a quiet level, you always learn things faster when it's not at 11. And the first time you play new cover tunes, set a metronome to the speed the song should be and let it click through the PA. That may seem a little bit annoying, but then the band will always play the song at the right tempo and you probably only have to do that twice.
Dagan's got the whole band's hair!
💀
Great video! I would recommend wearing ear plugs because going deaf is not rock and roll and also start some kind of fitness regimen. You don’t have to look like a bodybuilder but rocking out takes a lot out of you and having the stamina will come in handy during and after the show😎
On stage never used ear protection, i found it too much of a risk of not hearing the others. Off stage and visiting concerts I always wear them.
@@Dennis_Karle you can buy those high fidelity earplugs
I played in a ton of bands in college but then took a decade off from gigging before getting back into it. I found out the hard way that my body took way more damage from a set as a 30-something than as a 20-something. Getting in shape is a legit tip.
Yeee
One of the most stressful gigs I did was when my band didn't show up on time for set up and soundcheck. I organised the gig and told the guys when they had to be there. For some reason they didn't believe me and all turned up late. The sound guys was obviously really annoyed and disappeared for a while when we were supposed to be starting the gig. In hindsight I think the band thought I was overdoing it, but the venue actually told me when to get there and when to do soundcheck. So, check with the venue. They all have different ways of doing things. Oh, and last tip I'd add - if you're nervous and aren't feeling confident then try and keep it to yourself. That can spread through a band and eventually everyone is on edge.
Just had this happen to be with my band a few days ago… I can vouch for this guy when I say the stress is through the roof when you’re late to a gig you planned…
How did you get over the nervousness?
Another tip to add is: Travel light
Meaning - don't bring too much gear to a gig. Stick to an amp suitable for the room (no Marshall stacks in pubs), stick to 1 guitar if possible (2 at the most) and keep the pedalboard to a minimum as much as you can. This ties into Dagan's tips for loading in/out. Trust me, you don't want to spend too much time setting up & breaking down.
Also: depending on the gig and venue, don't feel compelled to bring your prized custom shop guitar to a gig, as damage and theft sometimes happen. Best to rely on a really good versatile mid-range guitar (not a beginner instrument) that won't cause you to lose sleep if something happened to it at a gig.
Great list! I think I would add ... assuming your set list calls for it ... have THE best vocals possible. This year everyone in our group agreed that everyone would sing. Guess what ... now we're doing 3 and 4 - way harmonies that really set us apart! Top priority is each individual's main instrument. Tied for first? KILLER vocals.
What band do you play for? It looks like a fun show 😊
He plays with another colleague from PMT (I think) in a band called The Re-Issues based in Newcastle. Cracking live band too might I add!
@@Liquidmetal6661 Indeed! A great live act.
Search CZcams for The Re-Issues and lets give them some love for their "Lockdown Sessions" : czcams.com/channels/fko8fU2Y-mjcV-3FrgXjVA.html
I think I met this dude when I bought a guitar in Newcastle in the spring. Nice bloke and it’s a great shop.
How about "no high volume noodling before the set starts". Maybe it's me but warming up with no volume is way better than noodles on full volume. Confusing to crowd and band. Be quiet! I think the first note the crowd hears should be the first note of the first song.
Wow such great tips! Best band advice vid I’ve see yet. Thanks and God bless!
this is the best video you guys have ever done! thankyou so much for this.
Good advice. Well done to Dagan and everyone involved in making the video.
In the words of my old co-guitarist Louis L when talking to a Pub owner. "What? two hours to fill? No Problem, four songs".
Great tips, thank you so much. Those were all right on the button.
this is really really excellent advice! gigging in pub bands can be hard work - following these tips will make your life a lot easier
Nice one 😊 I know most of the sound guys in my local area so I'm ok on that front at least. I tend to pop in and say hello before starting either way. Good advice, keep it coming!!!
The first two tips are great because they are good for everything! Be on time and be nice! Interesting vidio. Bring spares is a great bone too because other people in the band might need to use them too even if you don't!
Extremely sensible advice buddy.bloody brilliant
Smart advice! Been following these tips for 55yrs and most always have a Great Show! HATE DRUNKS ON STAGE!!
Please make sure your gear is in good working order. Back in '96 L7 played Club Paragon in Tucson, AZ USA. L7 draws overly enthusiastic crowds in Tucson. The opening band didn't check their cables, and their set was a debacle. There were DJs, club owners and managers in the audience. There was also an A&R man there as well.
You have one chance to make a first impression, and .....
Ooh i love a little drinky before and during. Loves it. 😆 cheers, Dagan!
Great video brother! Thank you.
Good information and advice. Me myself been trying to build confidence playing in public is a big issue of mine. I remember going to a open mic night years ago and had to wait till late on for the opportunity of getting on stage I had a couple of drinks waiting and watching other musicians play beforehand. Yes bad move I felt on my behalf at time as I couldn't look at anybody in there eyes and under pressure with own confidence made a 5 mins seem eternal. Yes I made a thousand and one mistakes I felt at the time but those that think it's easy to leave the comfort of one's surroundings is a big lesson to learn. So been busking more regularly to address this problem. One big point I must mention that wasn't mentioned is egotistical issues a lot of musicians do this some people I know have really nice guitars or a collection but no proper techniques playing the same tune or piece over decades. And they don't know music terminology due to lazyness I seem to be teaching basics skills repeatedly over the years to some people expecially soloing and it seems frustrating as the penny never drops on many occasions. Anyway enough of my little rant on some of my friends and a big thanks on the video 👌👍😜
Always committed and having fun with it, what’s to hate Bonny lad.
Wow!!!!!!!Thanks a lot man really helped me....
Your #14 is #1 for me haha. Made a fool of myself too many times having a couple pops before the set
Great tips.mate!
I like your band and your SG guitar is awesome !!!!
i got an 07 sg and i love it. bought it used and it plays like a dream, and holds tune very well. fixed bridge, no tail piece whammy.
Newcastle looks ace , you have great bands up there, I have seen some cool tribute bands from up there like higher on maiden and Bon jovi forever, what a cool place
Great video!
THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL SG
On my drive to the show I would always tell myself that nobody would attend and the gig wouldn’t be that great, Boy! Whenever there was a full parking lot and the gig was awesome it was always a nice surprise.
All Excellent Advice
I always mark every bit of gear (with stickers for ex.)
This way I can easily identify my "black cables" or other equipment from the stuff from the house or the other bands...
This are good tips
Great tips. Same goes for the sessions with amps being turned up. Guilty!! Lol thanks dagan
Good advice Thanks
And when you know to amp/pedal set-up etc. Learn everything about the other amps and drum kit. It takes me a few seconds to help the drummer to set up the cymbal stands so he doesn't have to walk around the kit on a small stage all the time. Use a light kind of tape at the back of your amp so you can connect the effects loop or speaker cable in the dark.
Good stuff!
Thanks ☺
6:53 the face of a man speaking from trauma
Thanks dagan
Don’t forget stuff like plasters, superglue, vocalzones, bandages and paracetamol. All stuff that may not seem important that can really help get you out of a fix. Spares like guitar straps, batteries and at least a couple spare sets of strings. Batteries, sellotape gaffer tape and so on. Don’t drink (or any other mind altering stuff) before playing the gig.
Thank you Russel Brand
Wise words sir.
i have to show this to my bandmate
Wish I could find a band that needed a lead guitarist. I’ve been playing for 25 years. I play Rock/metal/ hard rock/. I’d loooove to play for a live crowd
Switch to bass and you'll suddenly be in demand. Guitarists are really easy to get, there's loads of them around. Good bassists and drummers are hard to find. Playing bass well is just as much a skill as playing guitar well.
Go talk to people at open mics. It’s easy to just make friends there. Get in on as many jam sessions as possible. If you’re actually good, the local music community will want to pass you around. Then you can find a place to land
I made it work cause I … didn’t care! Haha brilliant! Great video
Don't put drinks on your amps. If you are sharing a backline this applies even more. And don't let anyone from the audience touch your gear. For us bassists...if you have active pickups, bring more than a spare, just in case the replacement battery is defective.
I'm 12 at the moment and I bought an ibanez jemjr and this is one of the best shops I've been in.
Nice
I just wanna play at an open mic lol maybe someday I’ll get the courage too.
Do it ... the worst that happens is people don't like your sound. OR .... people do
Go for it! Its fun to do.
Do it! We believe in you. -Lee
Maybe try busking at a fair or street corner to build up courage. It can sometimes be liberating to just play what you want without obsessing over who is watching, because it's just random people all the time with random faces passing by.
Sounds like a joke, but it was actually doing karaoke with friends that helped me get over my nerves!
That and realising that everyone starts out bad and the only ones who get good are the ones that keep working at it :)
And a huge tip for gigging drummers: NEVER disassemble your drums on stage. Take them off the stage while still intact and break them down on the side or backstage. Tearing them down onstage will piss off the next band, especially the drummer.
i just wanted to see dagan live play
all good tips...learning how to roll your cables will also extend their life... another tip...always confirm that the gig is still on if you don't see anything advertised on the website, facebook page, etc...nothing worse than showing up to gig and finding out they double-booked the gig, or never put you on the calendar...
The band im in does bar gigs and we play from around 8 till close 12 or 1 am depending on the location. But i couldn’t imagine only having a 45 min set..
Excellent tips. May I add one or two? Along with business cards, have your diary with you. Ideally only one member of the band runs the diary. If two of you keep diaries, expect double-bookings. I keep a small one in my back pocket all the time (not just at gigs; you never know when you'll snag a booking). After the gig, go to the organiser/pub landlord and without nagging them while they're busy, ask them to get their diary. If you've gone down well enough for them to give you two or three gigs for next year, it's in their interests to book you there and then (try to up the price too, of course!).
Another: depending on the stage layout, protect yourself from drunken dancers by playing with your headstock pointing out beyond your mic stand. Better that they get prodded in the back, than you get a mic in your teeth.
Guitar straps: this is a matter of personal preference. I use wide, plain leather straps with a rough texture, so there's plenty of area to spread the weight of a guitar for a couple of hours, plus a bit of friction preventing the guitar slipping around.
Punters offering to help pack up: tempting though this may be, these well-meaning folk will just be in the way, and they always wrap cables wrong, so I politely decline their offers of help.
Before the gig: if possible and appropriate, banter with the punters (e.g. "I hope those are dancing shoes, missus, 'cause you'll be needing them tonight."), goes a long way to setting the scene for a good gig.
Language: never, ever, use bad language when gigging. It doesn't look cool and no one notices if you don't swear, so keep it clean. That's my advice.
In between songs: no noodling.
If you're a drummer: never, ever, touch the controls on my amp. Just saying.
How does this guy only have 130k subscribers
this was posted on my birthday !!!!!!!!!!
Lol! That was Ace!
If you turn up to a Metal gig with a traditional 3 single coil pup setup on your guitar, do they laugh at you?
Turn up on time for line/sound check.
You gig with babish? Cool!
Dagan gets hate? These videos have the most positive comments I've ever seen. Good video
5:18 SCHECTER SYN GATES 😍
Didn't know Bill Burr had a band
He is a drummer tbf lol
lol...i thought dude looked like bill too.
On time, in tune. This is your Mantra
Hey guys I’m a guitar player who is in a band and looking for advice on movement on stage and how not to look boring
Play wot u want, when you want and how you want!
One thing I was told, keep sound check simple. Don't try and play like Steve Via and your band plays punk. Play how you'll sound during your set. It'll help the sound person get you the right level. Plus try and use all your effects to ensure they're all leveled right, so you don't blow the sound man out, or can't hear yourself.
Another ip is to have someone you know record the performance for review to see if any mistakes were made to avoid for next time I myself would be wearing champagne sin glasses regarding past performances until I saw a vid and went OMG I did that eeeaaassshhh!!!!!
“Don’t get drunk before hand”
Cliff burton - give me my beer
Yes🤣
Don’t be afraid to look stupid is a good one. That ones for me
"don't over-solo"
Fuck that! Imma keep it rocking till the janitor has to sweep around me!
Maybe this is why I'm not in a band...
another great tip is to NEVER adjust your instruments on board volume control during a song, once i was playing the first song of a gig and i thought my bass was way too loud so i decided to adjust the volume and ended up turning it all the way down to 0! i felt quite stupid after that one......
Waiting to get drunk until after your is probably the best tip 😂 make sure you finished packing your gear too
how good should someone be to start giging?
Great tips for a 15 year old like me
Tip#1 Be Punktual
👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻🤘🤘🤘
Get paid!
If you can have your own soundman, that's the way to go. It sucks being at the mercy of someone who is most likely incompetent.
Dont snort heroin and cocaine mixed together before your set.
is it ok to do after my set?
I wish these videos had less common sense tips and more technical info so I don't look like such a noob in front of sound people and other musicians. I'm better now, but I'd still like to learn more in that respect
Good tips, especially #5. I'm a guitarist, and nothing bores me more watching another band play than a 10 minute version of a song with 8 and half minutes of guitar wanking.
"practice guitar standing up!"
Me: **doesn't have a strap cause I insisted that I didn't need one when buying a guitar**
Is a Jackson king v js32t ferrari red a good buy?
All of the js series are good.
Yes
I see that keywork tattoo
And Dragonfly... My man.
Does Dagan have his own CZcams channel?
always play standing up......except maybe a song or two acoustic....