establish signals or cues to navigate tempo changes or solos seamlessly .
3 ). Managing Nerves and Mistakes . I was performing in Miami at a huge arena and there were some other huge artist there that night as well . Mid concert my lead singer called my name out and had me run up to the front of the stage while I played my guitar solo . I remember seeing some of the other artist in the back of the audience checking us out while we were playing . That made me nervous cause I really respected them as musicians so that really threw me off . As a direct result of my nervousness , I ran up to the front of the stage and didn ’ t calculate the distance right so as my solo started , I disconnected the guitar cable from my pedalboard . It made a loud sound then my guitar went mute . It was very embarrassing to say the least . ( laughing )
Even seasoned guitarists can experience nerves , but it ’ s crucial to manage them effectively . Take deep breaths , focus on the music , and trust in your preparation . If you make a mistake , don ’ t dwell on it ; instead , recover quickly and stay in the moment . The audience may not even notice minor slip-ups if you maintain your composure .
Remember , it ’ s your passion and dedication that will shine through , rather than an error here and there .
4 ). Equipment Redundancy and Safety . I was playing in Uruguay a while back at a camp . At sound check I connected all of my gear and was ready to go . At the time I was using just a Helix unit . All of my sound came from it . Once we booted everything up and got going I noticed smoke coming from the Helix and smelled something burning . It turns out that the electricity was very unstable and fried my equipment . That night I had nothing to use for effects or drive . They happened to have a very small amplifier , so I used that and sounded about as big as a mosquito . ( laughing )
Live performances are filled with unpredictable moments , and technical issues can arise unexpectedly . Prepare for contingencies by having backup equipment , such as spare strings , cables , and even a backup guitar if possible . Additionally , prioritize safety by ensuring that cables are secured and that the stage is free from hazards . By being proactive and prepared , you can minimize the impact of any unforeseen technical mishaps .
Performing on stage as a professional guitar player is an opportunity to showcase your talent and connect with the audience on a profound level . By avoiding the biggest blunders through technical preparation , stage presence , managing nerves , and equipment redundancy , you can elevate your performance to new heights .
Remember , it ’ s not just about the notes you play but also the overall experience you create . Embrace the stage , stay focused , and let your passion for music shine through everything you play .
Chris Rocha Chris Rocha is an American Christian producer , guitarist , business owner and pioneer in the Spanish Christian music industry . He is a two time Dove Award winner , has worked on two Grammy award winning records and has produced or recorded guitars on 5 Grammy nominated albums .