I’ve been doing so many gigs recently, I did four last week three of them on Thursday!
I have a special preparation routine that I keep to as it seems to work.
1 ~ Prep my guitar. Make sure it’s in tune, strings are clean (I use Elixir strings and a product called Finger Ease) and the strap, tuner and capo are in the case. I’m often to be found sorting through bags and pockets trying to find my capo. This is why I do this first as it is the most important.
2 ~ Pack my gig bag. My gig bag contains flyers, badges, cds to sell, my mailing list sign up forms, some pens, at least one guitar lead and my microphone. Most venues will have a lead to plug into but it’s best to bring my own just incase. I always take my own mic and use it. I’m not fussy about germs but I have had some “shocking” experiences with microphones! The last thing that goes into my gig bag is something I’m rather proud of, my string bag. It’s an ex cd bag with strings in the cd envelopes plus a string-winder and a pair of side cutting snipers. I play a lot of gigs and I can often smash the strings about and despite Elixir’s reputation THEY DO SNAP. So it makes sense to have a spare or in my case (literally) TWO spares.
3~ Prep me! Just the usual stuff, picking out what to wear and any personal faffing!
I do like to make an effort. I don’t like to look like I’ve just walked off the street. If you’ve seen me live and can’t see the difference then you should have seen me BEFORE I got ready!
I’ve found that this is the best order as if I find I’m running late and in a rush, I get the important things done first and if I forget anything it won’t be anything that I can’t do without.
