Tips for the Working Professional Guitarist

After playing many shows in just about every kind of venue you can imagine, I have picked up some very good advice from others who have come before me. These are the seemingly little things that can literally save your show. These tips have helped me immensely back in the day, and now it is my turn to pass this advice onto the next generation of bar bands.

PROTECT YOUR STRINGS

Forget the fancy, expensive string lubricants like "Finger-Ease"; a simple can of WD-40 will lubricate your strings just as good, plus it will keep your strings from corroding as fast, so they will sound newer longer. First, slip an old rag under your strings; make sure the rag reaches from the nut to the bridge. LIGHTLY spray WD-40 on the entire playable length of the strings, and wipe.

UNPLUGGED?

Here's a trick to keep patch cords from coming unplugged onstage (a very embarrassing thing to have happen right in the middle of a kick-ass solo!): First, run the end that plugs into the amp through the carry strap (from behind the amp) or handle before connecting cord to the input. Then, run the other end through your instrument's shoulder strap (from the back of the instrument) before plugging it in. You can now be as athletic as you like without worrying about becoming suddenly disconnected. If you can afford one, a good wireless transmitter (like those made by Nady) is the best way to keep plugged in for the entire set.

JUST DUCKY!

Duct tape is a performing musician's best friend, in more ways than one. Besides the obvious use of taping cables securely to the stage (loose cables are dangerous AND embarrassing), it is great for on-the-spot repairs of torn or punctured speaker cones, split patchcord coatings, torn backdrops, or even a busted drumhead. These are temporary fixes until the proper repair/replacement can be made, but at least you'll be able to finish your set.

STOPPING THE SQUEAL

If you or the venue you are playing in has a decently loud PA, then mic your GUITAR amplifier's speaker cabinet, turn the volume on your amp just below the point (threshold) where it squeals (feedback), and just let the PA do the crankin'. This enables guitarists to really play loud without annoying, shrieking feedback during silent passages. Even better, if your amp has a "line out" jack, you can run the signal straight to the PA without a microphone.

%@#*&@$!

PLEASE buy and install a set of locking strap buttons ! They are cheaper than having your expensive Parker Nitefly slip off of its strap, hit the stage, and crack like a Faberge egg. They are the once of prevention that is way cheaper than the trip to the repair shop (especially on a working guitarist's budget!).

BUT IT MAKES ME LOOK SO COOL!

DON'T stick your cigarette between the strings of your headstock. I know Eddie Van Halen made this look cool, but the cherry on the end of a cigarette is hot enough to break your treble strings if it should touch them. Also, it is a good way to burn your eyeball (or your singer's or bass player's) on a tight stage. You can wait until after the show to light up.

CUTTING THE EXCESS

On that note, always keep a pair of diagonal pliers on hand to cut excess string off close to the tuning posts should you have to replace a broken string during a gig. First off, they look like shit dangling off the headstock, and second, they are another good way to lose an eyeball.

BOTTOMS UP!

Keep a small table or folding tray nearby if you're going to drink while performing. Only an idiot would put a cup of water or can of beer on his amp; if it spills down into the electronics, the consequence will be to replace it; repair is not an option for water-damaged electronics.

WHAT?

Use good hearing protection; the best are foam earplugs that take the edge off of the highs, but let the full sound of the band come through ("Hearos" are one of the best, and they're made especially for rock musicians). I used them all my life, and took some guff from other "cooler" musicians for it, but one thing is for sure, these "cool" dudes now have trouble hearing the laughter of their own children or grandchildren. Something to think about, because, despite what you believe now, you won't be young and cool forever!

EXPECT THE BEST, BUT PREPARE FOR THE WORST!

Always bring your tool kit to every show. Your kit needn't be fancy or expensive. Just make sure it includes your WD-40, duct tape, string-winding crank, diagonal pliers, electronic tuner with LED's, Allen wrenches, screwdrivers (both standard and Phillips), small slip-joint pliers, a towel to use as a work surface, assorted rags, and needle-nose pliers. Also, keep extra picks, a strap, vacuum tubes, patch cords, batteries (for your pedals and stomp boxes), power strips, AC adapters ("wall warts"), and, of course, strings, so that if any are broken or lost, you can still finish your set.

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Always keep your instrument in its case or gig bag when not in use, and, jeez, man, just spend the freakin' $25 on a decent guitar stand so it will be SAFELY waiting for the show to start. Seriously, I have seen too many fine instruments fall over and break a string, tuning key, or even a headstock because some dipshit leaned it up against a wall, a chair or their amp.

STOP!!! THEIF!!!

Finally, NEVER let your gear out of your sight. If you gotta piss or something, make sure someone trustworthy is watching it closely. ALWAYS, make sure your gear is locked up in the van, bus, or trailer, and that precautions are taken to prevent the theft of your vehicle(s). People are thieves, and U-Haul trailers full of entire band's gear have been stolen. All it takes is 10 seconds of inattention!

I hope this article is of some value to all you young road warriors out there. But any value this article may have does NOT stop here. Anybody who would like to increase the value of this article by adding any tips of their own to it will be appreciated. Good luck; now get up there and kick some ass!