Originally Posted by: johnv31552I am an old guy that just got back into guitar and wanted some opinions from you all. How many songs should you have in your repertoire before going out to open mic nights and things like that? I have about 25 or 30 songs I am practicing, to get back to where I was when I was a Rhythm guitar player in the 60's. Mostly 3 chord rock and also Country although I am in the process of learning the Blues 1 part of the core system. When did you as a musician feel you were ready?

So much fear comes from the worry that you'll make a mistake. Get over that one very quickly. Why? Because, to a certainty, you will make a mistake...and many of them throughout your performing.

In the recent of GT's Insider, David Gilmour stated, "I'm an enormous fan of Jeff Beck because he's not afraid to screw up."

When were any of us ready? Never. You will never feel like you are 'there'. In my opinion, anyway. That's why the great guitar players keep practicing and learning. You become ready by doing it. Getting out there and playing. When I started playing guitar way back when, I didn't want to play in front of anyone because I was a newby and had much to learn.

Eventually I would noodle in front of folks at the local guitar store and someone might comment positively. Eventually, I would help try new rigs cuz I was such a pain at the store, they figured why not use him (me) a bit (and I got to try new gear!). Sometimes, kids would gather at the demo room window and watch. It was like performing.

Point being; you build from experience, not from perfection....and, as my wife says, 'few people ever hear the mistake unless you point them out'. So, get out there, play and when you do make a mistake, just keep on going.

Good luck!