Into the unknown.........

Well folks, I only joined very recently, and have about 30 years of inexperience behind me. For YEARS my guitar playing, (at home), has been about 6 chords and a halting, awkward delivery, no vocals and no confidence, (in playing).

Now, I'm 12 months into SERIOUS practise, discovered my voice, and have GT and a real human tutor.

I fully intend to go "out there", even if only to play "open mic nights", and I intend to do this before May 2017.

Here's the question.......

What long term preparation would YOU do? What advice would you give? (I'm 58, btw).

Ta!

R.

Hey Rufus,

Going to open mic nights can be a really fun time! Plus, you're brave for doing something like that.

The best way to prepare is to develop good habits. We recommend you practice 20 to 30 minutes a day, whenever you have time. As long as you practice a little bit each day, it will go a long ways in developing your methods of learning, and the more you practice, the better at practicing you'll become, and before you knowit, you're killing it at the next open mic.

One day at a time.

Thanks, yes... I try to get 1 hours practice per day, but it doesn't always happen, (I often work away for a few days). I think that believng it's possible, (really believing it), is critical to me. But, therein lies the spectre of self delusion too....

Only a few weeks now to my open ham performance..... Any more advice welcomed.

(I meant mic, not ham).

No, wait.... It probably IS ham!

Congrats on picking things up and really ramping up your playing. I think you have a great idea getting out to an open mic to start getting out there. Especially when you are starting out, there is nothing like the excitement of performing for an audience.

A few years ago, I was in your position but playing in a band rather than a solo act.

Some random advice based on my experience...

- If you haven't already done so, scope out the open mic venue as an audience member. This way when you come to perform, you will know what to expect.

- Be sure to practice the songs you plan to perform a LOT with the gear you plan on using. If you plan to stand and perform, practice standing up.

- Though you strive for perfection, don't expect it. Don't let a missed chord change, a bum note, fumbled lyrics, or anything like that ruin the experience. Have fun!!!

- When you are practicing, play through your mistakes. On stage, there is no stopping and starting again.

- Choose songs you can play really well and are 100% comfortable with. You will have enough to stress about...you don't need to stress about performing a song that is quite challenging.

- Stick around to watch the other performers. There is nothing worse than going on at the end and there are only 1 or 2 people left. They sat and listened to you, you should return the favor :).

- Talk to your fellow musicians. It's really great to get to know others that have the same passion as you for music. You may very well find a collaboration partner!

- Be respectful to the people running the open mic.

- Understand that each time you get on stage it gets easier. If you are a nervous wreck your first time out, don't let it deter you from going out again.

Hope some of that helps. Have fun and let us know how it goes!!