https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:14:21 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291335 Sat, 03 May 2008 00:43:18 +0000
As for the nervousness you are experiencing, realize that that is completely normal. I promise you that all the others who audition will be nervous to a degree. Those with lots of gigging experience will probably be a little less nervous. But it is perfectly normal to be anxious and even a little afraid.

I think it is good to psyche yourself up a little ahead of time. Tell yourself you are going to have FUN no matter what.
And don't expect to be perfect, this is why bands practice in the first place. Even very accomplished musicians need to practice songs many times to get their chops down. So of course you are not going to be as good as the other players who have been practicing these songs for months. And this band should not expect you to be perfect.

There are some things you can do to relieve nervousness. Don't eat a big meal before you go to this audition. Sometimes that will make you sluggish. Plus, if you are nervous (and you will be) your stomach can get upset. So eat a light meal that day. It is even good to go a little hungry, you can eat later.

You can also do some breathing exercises. This one was told to me by a doctor years ago. He said to slowly inhale through your nose, inhaling as deeply as possible. Then exhale slowly though your mouth. He said to do this ten times. Since then I have used this method (although rarely 10 full times) and it really helps. It also helps to stretch your body a little bit.

So, tell yourself to relax ahead of time and make up your mind you are going to have lots of fun no matter what.

You also pointed out something very important, do you really want this gig?? That is an important question, because playing in a gigging band takes commitment and sacrifice. You usually have to give up one day every week for practice, sometimes more for truly serious bands. And you will be out very late on weekends when gigging. Most spouses are ok with this, but some aren't. So don't jerk these guys around unless you really mean business. Nothing is worse than spending two months or more breaking in a new player, just to have the guy bail on you just as you are ready to gig.

Gigging is fantastic, I love it. But it is a lot of hard work and takes real commitment.

One last thing, the best thing you can do to get the gig is just go there and show these guys you are willing to work hard.

Do not be a prima donna :evil:

You do not have to be the best player in the world. Most bands are looking for someone who is easy to get along with, but also someone who takes the band serious and is ready to work.

Have fun, you will be fine. :D]]> Guitar Players Discussion Wes Inman https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291335 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291172 Thu, 01 May 2008 20:17:20 +0000 Guitar Players Discussion Blueline https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291172 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291134 Thu, 01 May 2008 16:29:29 +0000 Guitar Players Discussion threegtrz https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291134 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291087 Thu, 01 May 2008 04:27:18 +0000 Guitar Players Discussion rparker https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291087 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291013 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:45:52 +0000
One advantage I have is many of the tunes on their list I either know or am very familiar with. I'm told if I get in, the current axeman with work with me on the other tunes.

Fingers crossed! :D]]> Guitar Players Discussion threegtrz https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291013 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291011 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:15:46 +0000
Nothing to add that hasnt already been said but I think its easy for any of us to be excited for you. Best of luck and just play. Dont worry about all the other stuff. (Easy for me to say, right?)

Jim]]> Guitar Players Discussion geoo https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-291011 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-290927 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:48:35 +0000
Typical me. I have to complicate things instead of being content. Nerves my friend, a lot of people go through this same exercise (I know I do). You said "YOU HAVE OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE"! :shock: I bet once you dig in you won't have any problems. If there's no way to get a little more comfortable with the group beforehand, I would follow the council already given and be yourself. Good luck!]]> Guitar Players Discussion BmanCV-60 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-290927 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-290907 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:24:56 +0000
Should work a treat, no one will want to get near you to check you're really ill, and it makes you look 'considerate' by taking the sick-days, since not doing so would (if you really had it) potentially lead to your entire office being wiped out for a week or more.

Not that I've ever............. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, the voice of experience................................ 8) 8)

By the way, I'm with Alan, here (not the sickie, but the repertoire :D ). Find out if the group have a favourite song or one that they regard as their "anthem", then get that down perfectly. Is there a song that the audience always rises to? If so, learn that as well.]]> Guitar Players Discussion greybeard https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-290907 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-290904 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:54:15 +0000
My two cents

Tom]]> Guitar Players Discussion TMarius https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-290904 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-290868 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:35:48 +0000 You could, of course, phone in sick to the office and really go for it, but could you live with the guilt, the deceit, having to say "Oh, yeah, I feel much better now" when you go back. Yeah, me too. Throw a sickie and really go for your life hee hee.


A :-) Might I suggest using the excuse of Gastric Flu? The symptoms are basically the same as food poisoning, only it can last for a few days and is highly contagious and airborne. Plus, after its cleared your system, you'll be exhausted from no food and will need a further couple of days to 'recover.'

Should work a treat, no one will want to get near you to check you're really ill, and it makes you look 'considerate' by taking the sick-days, since not doing so would (if you really had it) potentially lead to your entire office being wiped out for a week or more.

Not that I've ever.............]]> Guitar Players Discussion Scrybe https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/oh-boy/#post-290868