Pro Tips

O.K., it's not rocket science.

These are some basic tips that you may ask "Duh - why are they telling me this?". Trust me, when you're on the road or just hitting a gig across town you can save a lot of headaches with these simple tips.

1. When you're on the road always locate the local music store when you get to your destination.

2. Get a sturdy, breifcase sized road case to carry EXTRA strings, pics, guitar cords, straps, batteries, extension cords, duck tape - all those little things that you don't think about until you're at the gig and realize you forgot it.

3. Make a check list for the equipment you need - amps, guitar cords, guitar stands.

4. Bring an EXTRA guitar, amp - think of it this way - if it can go wrong, odds are it will, if you're not prepared, you're stuck.

5. Always try to play anything (scales, chords, licks, difficult parts to execute properly, etc...) for 30 minutes or longer prior to relaxing before going on stage. You will be loosened up and play way better with much more confidence, and that will make for a better experience for all!

6. Learn to "pre run" your gear, much like racers do; such as check the instrument and the sound gear, cabling, effects, pedals, and so forth. If you are a Guitarist or Bassist and do not routinely replace your strings to keep costs down, then at least check the strings you know that wear from the frets enough to break suddenly without warning. In reality, it's a very good idea to change the strings the day before the next gig and play the instrument long enough to "break in" the strings, usually around 10-15 minutes; stretching them gently several times also.