https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:51:04 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-315806 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:48:40 +0000
I have played classical guitar concerts in front of people who are critiquing your every move and I felt confident playing in front of them.]]> Guitar Players Discussion snarble84 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-315806 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-315790 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:25:31 +0000 Drop me a PM if you happen to land anything out this way, I'd be happy to come by and support you!]]> Guitar Players Discussion MoonShine https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-315790 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-315157 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:25:50 +0000 Guitar Players Discussion Rum Runner https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-315157 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314794 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:47:11 +0000
But $125-150 to start out is a good price to get your foot in the door. If you are good and start to draw a crowd, then you up your price.]]> Guitar Players Discussion Wes Inman https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314794 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314793 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:37:16 +0000
And then keep on doing it. Amen Brother!]]> Guitar Players Discussion Nathan080 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314793 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314787 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:19:57 +0000 Guitar Players Discussion Rahul https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314787 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314766 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:13:22 +0000
And then keep on doing it.]]> Guitar Players Discussion scr@tchy https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314766 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314744 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000
I don't have a problem with nervousness on stage; I got over that about one minute into my first open mike session, and I realize that there are going to be a-holes out there and so I am prepared to deal wth them. After all, I have had to deal with a number of acquantences who still tell me I suck because they remember what I sounded like four years ago when I just getting started and they can't get over that image. (or maybe they are just jealous, I don't know.) So I focus on the nine out of ten who give me positive feedback.

And as far as money is concerned, don't get me wrong, I'd never consider playing a club for free. The free gigs I was referring to is strictly for private parties- friends houses and for social clubs that I am a member of. The reason for that is just to get practice playing for an audience until I can get some paying gigs. One thing I did was to offer a three-hour gig for a silent auction charity fund-raiser. It didn't bring in a lot of money but it did bring in some and it will give me another opportunity to get some practice.

So, thanks for the suggestions- I have been thinking seriuously about doing a CD demo. Think I'll focus onnthat and some promotional material and start beating the bushes. I personally know a few club owners in town so maybe they will be amenable. As far as the CD- I suppose it doesn't have to be done ina professional studio? I have a Lexicon Omega tied into my PC with Audacity recording software. I use it to record myself practicing and it seems to do a nice enough job.

And how much to charge? I have talked to a few folks who do solo gigs around town and the going rate seems to be in the neighborhood of $125-150 for a three hour gig.]]> Guitar Players Discussion Rum Runner https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314744 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314693 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:24:47 +0000
A little advice. Don't play for free unless it is a charity that you believe in. You've worked hard practicing and building your repertoire, you deserve to be paid for it.

If you go to a restaurant and get a new waiter/waitress, do you still leave a tip? I hope so.

And you are right, the voice is the most important musical instrument in pop music. If you are an adequate singer, and you can at least get by on guitar, you are doing as well as a lot of people who are gigging.

I started gigging in Junior High School. I got in a little rock band, we were terrible, but so was everybody else in those days. So there I was on stage, playing music with my buddies, having the time of my life, and that cute girl who wouldn't look at me in English class was suddenly making eyes at me --- and at the end of the night, they actually paid me money!!!!!!!!!!

I was hooked, and here I am, middle aged, and I've done nothing but music to make a living for the majority of my life. Life is good.

So get out there and gig.

Insights and incites by Notes]]> Guitar Players Discussion notes_norton https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314693 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314681 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:03:01 +0000
And I wouldn't sell yourself short by not asking for money. If you play a club for free, then you are just setting yourself up to be taken advantage of. Hauling gear to a club, setting it up, playing several sets, packing up and hauling gear home is a lot of work, and you should get paid for it. Bands and musicians keep people in the club, they keep a lively atmosphere going. Club owners know this and this is why literally millions of clubs pay bands money every weekend. They don't do that because they like giving their money to bands. :roll:

No, bands and musicians make money for the club, so you should be paid for your hard work.

Sit down and figure out 3 sets of music. Each set is usually at least an hour, so depending on the length of song, you need anywhere from 12-20 songs per set. Burn yourself a demo CD and make a brochure with your name, number, and set list prominent. Visit some clubs in your area (from 5-7 PM is a good time), introduce yourself and hand out your card and brochure. If you have a chance take a player with you and play a few of your best songs. Otherwise they just throw your CD in a drawer with all the others. ASK for a gig. The big excuse you will run into is that they are already booked for the next month or so. If they say that, ask them to get their calender and find the next open date.

If they go get the calender, YOU HAVE THE GIG. No matter what date they give you, tell them you will take it. You will get the gig. :D]]> Guitar Players Discussion Wes Inman https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-players-discussion/when-do-i-know-im-ready-to-start-doing-gigs/#post-314681