My tip actually starts long before the show day. I think it’s important to put in as many hours of practice as you possibly can before the actual day, so when you step on that stage, the last thing on your mind is the notes that you’re about to play. The playing should be second nature. The notes you play should come from your hands and your heart, never from your head, so make sure your muscle memory is dialed in to the point that you can just relax and let the music flow. Make sure that you are practicing standing up and not sitting (unless you’re a drummer) because your muscle memory changes the minute you stand up and the instrument drops off of your lap!
Above all, remember to relax and have fun. Your audience will remember an energetic and fun performance much better than a perfect one.
Guitarist Nita Strauss has shared the stage with artists including Jermaine Jackson, As Blood Runs Black, Femme Fatale, Critical Hit, and the Iron Maidens. She is the author of the Premier Guitar column “Drop Dead Shred” and was ranked #1 on Guitar World’s list of “10 Female Guitar Players You Should Know.” She is currently on tour with Alice Cooper. Learn more at NitaStrauss.com, Facebook.com/NitaStrauss and @HurricaneNita (Instagram and Twitter).
And while you’re here, check out the amazing Ibanez Nita Strauss JIVA10 Signature guitar.
