Whatever music you play, performing in public can present unique challenges when you least expect it. Being prepared for the unexpected could make the difference between a fantastic performance for you and your audience or a gig to forget for all concerned. So here's a reminder of what to have in your gigging toolkit:
1. Always carry a spare set of guitar strings. Ideally, if you can afford it, have a spare guitar to hand - this will save having to stop the performance whilst you change broken guitar strings! Bass players should also have a spare set of bass strings - they do break! This happened to me in the middle of a crucial gig - I had no spares and had to perform the gig with a 3 string bass!
2. Carry an assortment of cables and connectors - think of all the connections you make with your backline rig and PA system and either carry spare cables (microphone cables and guitar cables are top of the list!), or connectors (such as XLR-Jack) that will get you out of trouble. And don't forget MIDI cables - I have been asked on more than one occasion by the other band if they could 'borrow' a MIDI cable!
3. Basic tools are a must for any gigging musician. Screwdrivers and pliers are obvious, but also remember to pack specialist tools such as a string peg puller or a drum key. A soldering iron can also be a lifesaver, so learn to use one and pack it in your gigging tool kit!
4. Make sure you have a good stock of all the different types of battery you use. Before the gig starts, ensure that all your equipment, including effects pedals, radio microphones and guitars have batteries that will get through the entire performance. The audience won't want to see you changing batteries mid-song!
5. Music stands and guitar stands - use good quality guitar stands and music stands as they will provide security for valuable equipment and create a neat stage area which not only looks professional but also alleviates any risk factors. Hercules Stands provide a great range of high quality guitar stands and music stands that fulfil this purpose.
6. Bring back ups of your backing tracks on whatever media you use. You could also bring an mp3 player or smart phone with your backing tracks on to use in an emergency. For clicktrack users, make sure the mp3s are recorder with the track on one side and the clicktrack on the other. They can then be separated at the mixer. Having a back up strategy like this has saved my neck on several gigs!
Hopefully, this is all too obvious to you, but a reminder never does any harm! It is easy to forget the basics when you are focussed on other things. But it is the attention to detail that will make it a great performance for you and a fantastic gig for your audience!
1. Always carry a spare set of guitar strings. Ideally, if you can afford it, have a spare guitar to hand - this will save having to stop the performance whilst you change broken guitar strings! Bass players should also have a spare set of bass strings - they do break! This happened to me in the middle of a crucial gig - I had no spares and had to perform the gig with a 3 string bass!
2. Carry an assortment of cables and connectors - think of all the connections you make with your backline rig and PA system and either carry spare cables (microphone cables and guitar cables are top of the list!), or connectors (such as XLR-Jack) that will get you out of trouble. And don't forget MIDI cables - I have been asked on more than one occasion by the other band if they could 'borrow' a MIDI cable!
3. Basic tools are a must for any gigging musician. Screwdrivers and pliers are obvious, but also remember to pack specialist tools such as a string peg puller or a drum key. A soldering iron can also be a lifesaver, so learn to use one and pack it in your gigging tool kit!
4. Make sure you have a good stock of all the different types of battery you use. Before the gig starts, ensure that all your equipment, including effects pedals, radio microphones and guitars have batteries that will get through the entire performance. The audience won't want to see you changing batteries mid-song!
5. Music stands and guitar stands - use good quality guitar stands and music stands as they will provide security for valuable equipment and create a neat stage area which not only looks professional but also alleviates any risk factors. Hercules Stands provide a great range of high quality guitar stands and music stands that fulfil this purpose.
6. Bring back ups of your backing tracks on whatever media you use. You could also bring an mp3 player or smart phone with your backing tracks on to use in an emergency. For clicktrack users, make sure the mp3s are recorder with the track on one side and the clicktrack on the other. They can then be separated at the mixer. Having a back up strategy like this has saved my neck on several gigs!
Hopefully, this is all too obvious to you, but a reminder never does any harm! It is easy to forget the basics when you are focussed on other things. But it is the attention to detail that will make it a great performance for you and a fantastic gig for your audience!
About the Author:
Graham Burton has been a performing bass player and singer for over thirty years. He also helps run the Bandshop online music accessory store - a great resource for performing musicians and artists. Visit Bandshop today to view a full range of guitar stands, microphone stands and music stands, as well as guitar strings, effects pedals and music accessories.