A mistake I’ve seen people make is thinking that there is a separate amateur and professional reputation, when actually you just have your reputation. If you behave poorly at gigs that aren’t paid that reputation will eventually reach the people booking gigs that _are_ paid and it will cost you.
Here's an example of a band behaving perfectly fine, but in the wrong context - This prog band local to me recently invested in a full digital amp rack and in ear monitoring system, while still touring local 100-200 capacity venues. They thought they were being professional and forward thinking, but instead they were met with hundreds of small time sound guys who don't know how to work with that system. So now their gigs sound like unmixed garbage despite them being top tier players and no bands want to tour with them because their setup takes up the entire soundcheck and disrupts all the other connections on stage.
As a guy in a new band with a brand new IEM rig hearing stuff like this bums me out. My plan is to over-communicate with the venues beforehand, have a backup plan, and not force it if it seems like the sound guy at the venue is unfamiliar. It's such a huge downgrade in our ability to put on a good show, though.
Obvious solution is to hire your own sound person at that point. If you can shell out thousands for gear you may as well shell out a few hundred for someone who can run it.
Last show I drummed I reached out to every band and let them know they could backline my kit, as I was the final act that night. Made everyone's life easier.
But man, if you're using a kit that isn't yours, make only the smallest adjustments. I've seen drummers get up there and completely disassemble the backline kit to fit their preferred setup. I've seen them loosen memory locks to set stands lower, move toms around, change tension on pedals, retune everything... It's one thing if it's the venue's house kit or a rental, but when you know it's somebody's dialed-in, personal kit, be respectful.
@@dkerwood1 guess it depends on the situation. We didn't really have a hard first note drop so we all agreed to take our time with the kit and I was ok with them making adjustments as I have everything marked with ink and tape. I backlined the shells and the hardware and one guy used my snare. But if it's like a hard time crunch and you agree to the backline, yeah keep it simple. Cancel Reply
Glad you added the body of water exemption to the no shorts rule. I play a lot of Florida (really hot) beach gigs in the summer and it’s hard to concentrate on music when you’re uncomfortable and excessive sweat on your instrument can impact technique and fans create unnecessary noise on microphones. Also, unsolicited advice for budding coastal musicians-wipe your gear down after every show. Salt and sand are the enemy (yes sand is in the air somehow lol)
Back when I was touring, our rule was "the first thing the audience hears is the first chord of the first song." People are so used to seeing bands sauntering onstage and noodling and tuning, that when you all walk out plug in and LAUNCH into that first song, it blows people away. Also played in a Beatles-centric 60s tribute band and we'd always have trouble with auditioning drummers. They would say things like "Beatles, yeah, Ringo's stuff is so basic" and then play it all wrong. When confronted with the original recording, they would invariably say "oh wow I never realized this was so complex." Next!
Other than some of the more serious red cards, I’d say you should be flexible on the others and dont be a snob or stickler. We can keep all these rules in mind but in reality we only fully learn these things in practice. If someone in another band forgets a cable, lend one to them, and allow yourself to be approachable for help & advice. Chances are you’ve been that person and its likely you will be again.
Love your point about people's expectations of your playing based on the gear you bring. As an amateur bass player who's always struggled with "spending just a little more" to get the better/best equipment, I'll fully acknowledge that my playing (currently) does not warrant the type of gear I fantasize about, so this really hit home.
Thanks Phil. Understanding this stuff is harder than learning and playing songs for me. I have a hunch that I may be a little autistic lol. I can sit in my room and learn jazz standards by ear, but knowing what all the other people seem to know in public settings can seem impossible for me. Like I'm just seeking approval and conformity of how, what, where and why of everything gig related so I don't seem like an alien or something.
Rest assured, you're not alone. Also, there are plenty of neurodivergent folks out there playing gigs too. I am one of them. It can all be learned through experience, and being mindful. The fact that you're identifying that pain put already puts you ahead and already shows self-awareness. It seems impossible now, it felt like it for me too, but the fact you're thinking about this stuff means you're already on the right path, you care and that you can have a fulfilling life as part of a community of gigging musicians. You've got this!
Great stuff as always. I think you handled this topic really well. One thing worth noting too is how people get dressed down when they goof up. I've had people do it publicly, and people who have had the grace to pull me aside and do it privately and definitely find the latter more effective. Treat people how you want to be treated folks!
There was a great quote by Michael League I heard not too long ago as rule he has for himself in not pissing off the rest of the band, which was to the effect of: If you're going to change your part, don't do it in such a way that everyone has to change their part also to make it work. This is especially egregious in a gig situation, which I have had happen...
One rule I follow is "Don't bring new (or new to you) gear to the gig". If you haven't used a particular amp, guitar, pedal, etc. at a rehearsal, don't use it for the 1st time at a gig. it introduces too many variables.
I've been there. A drummer decided to bring a set of trigger pads and a drum module to a gig. Never tested an rehearsal or even on his own. It took an extra hour to get everything set up.
@@MartinMCade Oooh yeah, I have a reaaally firm rule about brand new gig in my bands. Have you tried it in rehearsal and does everyone in the band validates this change ? If not, it doesn't go up on stage. Amp head, new pedal, new microphone... Nothing worst than that.
Great stuff Philip! Another slight variation within a band - band members that don’t pull their weight with gear. I had a band mate who repeatedly didn’t show up in time to schlep gear and help set up. He’s a great guitarist and still a good friend. When we confronted him he denied that he did this. That band no longer exists. I do have a slight disagreement with learning songs in rehearsals. It depends. In my current band we like to learn the songs as a group whether original or cover. We’ll start with a rough sketch of the tune and slowly work it up over a number of rehearsals. We will then work on our own to really learn the parts but we get the tune pretty far along as a group from scratch. It’s kind of a special case I suppose. In this case the band is a unit rather than a frontman with backup musicians. The result over years with this particular band is that we have developed a unique band sound.
True...Sometimes. However, If you are a bassist, rhythm gtr., drummer, keyboardist etc. REMEMBER, when the lead guitar solo (or ANY SOLO) shows up, let it be LOUDER than the bed you're suppose to be laying down for it to lay OVER. I've had guys play louder when the guitar solo takes over from the vocals! As if the solo doesn't deserve the same respect as the words of the song. Soloing needs space too. Crowding solos sucks really bad.
Sound Engineers adding long-ass delays/reverbs to vocals is a pet peeve for sure, had one that was like a 4-second delay! Madness. Lots of great reminders and tips in here, thanks for the vid.
I guess the terms "bad hang / good hang" have changed from their original meaning. I was a full-time musician throughout the '80s and '90s and when I or anyone I knew used those terms, we were talking about the "hang" - not work ( rehearsal, load-in / load-out, stage time etc.) but the time spent with a fellow band-mates during the day or after the gig, which was considerable since "tours" didn't last weeks or months but rather years at a time. "He's a great musician but a bad hang." was something you might hear. So a band-mate could potentially not commit any of the "sins" in the list mentioned in this video and be utterly professional in every regard but still be a drag to be around, which would earn them the "bad hang" title.
I get depressed every time I work with an originals band that doesn't promote their music but turns to overplayed covers to draw attention. Most bands don't play covers well and fail to recognize that dedicated tribute bands have those catalogs on lock. Nobody wants to bust their butts to work on parts for a song to ultimately drop it because there's a weak link. Play to your strengths and be proud of your work.
I remember back in 2008 my friends band had been asked to support The War on Drugs here in Bristol, UK on their first UK/European tour. I went along obviously to support my pals, but even though I wasn’t even in the band, Adam and the guys (Kurt Vile was still in the band at that time), were more than happy to let me join them all and hang out backstage afterwards and chill, smoke some nice hash etc. Obviously they weren’t a known band at that time but I never forgot his generosity, and it left a big impression.
This is all very good info! Don’t play out much anymore but had to learn a lot of this the hard way 😅 I used to bring a lot of extra things I knew guitar players might forget or need like a capo, strap, headstock tuner, 9v batteries or cables. Definitely saved the day a few times and that’s what I like to call good hangs.
I was at an outdoor show, not as a musician, but in the audience. It was over 100 F, the stage faced the sun, so all afternoon/evening it was shining right on the bands, no clouds. And almost every guitarist and bassist had a Snark or something similar on their headstock as they needed to retune between most of the songs due to the heat. I was okay with them.
I was performing solo, sitting on a chair, playing my guitar and singing, early in my career, at our city's regional "folklife festival" . After seeing a photo of myself at that gig, I have never EVER worn shorts on stage again 🙃
When I was gigging, I made sure I was always kind to everyone. I’ve never been the best bassist, but I got so many gigs just because people liked having me there.
I'm a beginning bass player and I appreciate that you took the time to make this video. A lot of these things are common sense, unfortunately sense is often not common.
A few of these didn't make sense, but then I caught a piece of context: Not all this advice is for bands, but for playing with a band you're not normally part of. Shorts on stage, overplaying, changing the root - these are all fine in a band context (well, if your band agreed to write the song that way or dress that way), but make sense to avoid when you're filling in for another artist you don't share creative control with. Some of my favorite metal bands regularly play in shorts, play intense lines, etc. - but that's because that's what their band does.
Another green room rule would be to not try and recruit/steal members from other bands. Take a number a discuss later, but at the gig is really low class. And vice-versa. Don't try stealing another musician's gig while talking to another band's leader.
Overall, I think the good hang involves being professional, being prepared, being kind, and being respectful. Also, remember to take care of your personal hygiene. Good video, Philip! Be good to you 🙏🏻🤍
i usually try to abide by the no shorts rule, however, if its an outdoor gig and im playing in 90 degree weather with little to no breeze/fans, im wearing shorts.
Awesome video and great content! I think it's always important to be patient with folks when they're not showing good etiquette (maybe they're exhausted from life/tour or just having a bad day) as well, at least be as patient as you can be, and that can sometimes bring that person out of their shell/funk/whathaveyou and make for an overall great night. A little positive mental attitude can go a long way. I'll also say that I've been very fortunate to work with a lot of talented folks who have both good and bad etiquette. From that experience, I'd say 9 times out of 10 you remember the folks who were nice AND talented, you form more and closer relationships (business connections or true friendships or peer/comrade relationships) with those people, and you're less likely to want to work with folks who were a bad hang. Even more reason to be friendly and have a good etiquette, while also doing your best to give other folks you work with for the first time the benefit of the doubt. Again, great video and lots of solid information that should be shared. Have a great weekend everyone and good luck at your gigs.
Way on board with your point about the engineer sneaking delay on the vocal. We were recording once and the engineer sneaked chorus onto my guitar. Now, this is just my particular taste but God, I hate chorus, and that was a transgression.
I’m pro snark, but a drummer friend I play with equates leaving the snark on all the time with boating with the bumpers left on. Sure, you can do it but it’s bad form. I think his ocd is showing.
Genuinely in my top 3 most useful bass videos I’ve ever watched - musically I’m fine, but some of this stuff I struggle with, this video has made me die inside a couple of times thinking back but it’s also been super super helpful. I didn’t know how much I needed this video, - thank you! 😊
This was a great video and lesson! You nailed it all!! At the moment, I can’t think of anything you missed, except maybe just one - the tip jar. My cover used a big empty Cheez Balls plastic container, and I always kept a dollar bill taped inside as a primer. People almost always tipped nicely. And sometimes the bar owner would grab our tip jar and rally the audience to tip even more. We always really appreciated that! Thanks for the great video!!
Regarding changing the inversions around. When I play bass it's fun to do this sometimes, especially if it's similar to the original recording. But do it in rehearsal first. Get all that complexity out while you're practicing, then for gigs keep the bits that worked best, and make sure the rest of the band is on board with it. There are places for extended improvisations and places where it just sounds weird or wrong.
Lot's of great advice, applies to a lot of normal life situations too. As to the iPad, I only disagree because my memory is a pile of garbage and it helps me out to stay on track (pun intended). I still work at making eye contact with the band members and the audience, the better I practice the song at home the less I need the iPad, but it just doesn't work for me without...and I do the sound for our band, so being able to make a quick adjust and then make sure I don't lose my place the iPad works for me. Love the work and your humble but confident approach to teaching and commenting.
Coming to rehearsal without knowing the parts is the one that makes me cringe. But also bandmates who only talk about themselves drive me crazy. My friend was in a band for two years and the keyboard player finally asked him if he was married or what. Everybody knew absolutely everything about the life and opinions of the keyboard player and could recite his anecdotes word for word.
A video of Sunny Day Real Estate performing 7 on the Jon Stewart show back in the early 90s popped up on my Instagram feed yesterday…. Gotta say, Nate Mendel’s shorts didn’t ruin it for me. I hear you though…
Nah now it's completely unenjoyable, unlistenable! How are you supposed to appreciate a musical performance when there are visible calves in your sightline????
My only deal with Snark tuners is when they don't turn down to tune. I'd rather people use a pedal so they can mute. Just a pet peeve. Enjoy your vids!
I'll use a snark if I need to, but I will put it on the back instead of the front. That way the headstock is hiding it a bit, and I've found that it's actually easier to use on that side.
Great video Phillip. Not sure if this fits or not but it’s a big pet peeve for me. If you are a keyboard player please be mindful of your left hand and your sound reinforcement. I’ve played with keyboard players who are smack dab in my frequency range with their left hand parts. One of them also played through a Hartke bass amp for Pete’s sake! Why have a string bassist in the band if the keys are playing all the bass parts. 😂
I’d add a couple things: Playing too long when you’re an opener or part of a multi-band lineup. Even as a headliner, not reading the room and noticing when you’re playing too long. Social and situational awareness. If you play an instrument that is only played intermittently throughout the song or the set, not vibing with the song when you’re not playing. Messing around on stage without regard to the energy and vibe of the song. Also kills the energy and the professionalism/presentation of the song.
Also, acting like you’re playing an arena show when you’re only playing to 10 people who barely want to be there. Be aware of the crowd vibe at DIY shows, respect people and be thankful for their presence
the dress code / no shorts and flip-flops. FACTS!!!!! this is one of my biggest pet peeves. Unless it's like an indie band where it is part of the bit to wear shorts and flipflops and it's the whole band.
Feedback relative to your prompts during the video: Visible clip-on tuners: I'm fine with it, if that's what keeps the player in tune and is easiest to do so, or as a backup. My own experience with clip-ons and noisy rooms is that it can resonate through the instrument and make clip-on tuning hard or less accurate, vs. a cable-in tuner. I don't mind visible clip-ons. visible tablets onstage or on a stand (or having a music stand with printed sheet music). There are times/places for it, but I agree that you should show up prepared and having the music burned-in to your brain well enough that you're beyond a tablet as a crutch. I've seen gigs where a last minute sub was brought in, and they had a tablet - fine. But I've also seen gigs where seasoned pros can wing it and be right on the money, because even if they've never heard the song(s), they just know how it's going to flow, or take in-song cues from the other musicians. A big help is when whoever's at the mic starts the show with "this is so and so over here sitting in on [instrument] tonight. We didn't get a rehearsal in before now, but I trust them to do well. Please support them and make 'em feel loved." or similar. Tracks: When there are tracks for the song that don't add up to the musicians onstage - or the musicians onstage are pantomiming their parts, that's bad. When there are some ambient/supplement sounds and it's clear that it's a track to fill in or flesh out the song (NIN's downward spiral comes to mind. All that extra atmosphere as a track is cool.) but if you're playing a song and the guitarist launches into a solo but the rhythm guitar is still playing and they're the only guitarist onstage, BUSTED! Either don't do the solo, or let the bass player handle the groove, ala Van Halen, and let the other part fall away. I agree with you that "a live band can make a live show work that doesn't sound exactly like the album but conveys enough of the sound and feel that it passes" vs. trying to do to much with supplemental tracks.
I'm not bothered by a Snark on the headstock, especially when the player has no pedals on the floor. My bassist plugs straight into his amp, so he has a Snark on the headstock so he can roll down his volume, check a string, and be right back in again. I also dabble in the folk/acoustic world where instruments are often mic'd rather than plugged in- headstock tuners are super common on that world. That said, I have a low profile D'Addario headstock tuner on my acoustic that most people wouldn't even recognize as a tuner.
Over the years I have learned that if a player talks trash or uses terms like "overrated" about bands, genres or players they are going to cause the drama and conflict and they are nothing more than a liability both internally and externally to your band because its just a matter of time before they say the wrong thing to the wrong person either inside or outside of the band. Its not high school any more bud, your opinions have consequences.
Ah yes, and another bad one is changing stage configuration on the day of a gig. About 10 years ago I was in band and the drummer and guitarist wanted to change our setup, putting the drums at the forefront of the stage instead of our usual V configuration. It changes everything, : stage sound, dynamics between the musicians, space you have to move around... The only logical reason to do it if it's the stage that's really small or in a weird angle, but really not a good idea to change habits on a gig day.
Do me a favor real quick. Build a time machine and go back about 25 years and tell me this! So good... hope younger players are seeing it. Especially mainly-online players.
another thing on gear, especially the guitar and bass players… make sure your electronics work. if your vollume/tone knob is scratchy, fix it before the show. sure it’s fine in practice, but it will be super annoying to hear during the show for everyone. Also, know your audience. if you play rock/punk covers and your local village asks you to play the main stage for the 2-3pm slot at the annual village celebration, the LAST thing you need to do is go “hey, we are a punk band. F*** the police!” There is a time and a place to play Punk Rocks greatest hits AND act like a punk band but that’s not one of them.
The second half of this comment took a weird turn but ok. So if you're a punk band with a legitimate message, you shouldn't share that message if some people may disagree with it? Or were you just referring to cursing?
The noodling during sound check/or while people are talking drives me nuts…. Checking your amp/getting a sound, I totally understand but just noodling just to noodle drives me up the wall
snarks look bush league. if you're in a bluegrass group playing a cider festival at an apple orchard it's one thing, but if you are on stage at a club get a pedal tuner. behringers are 10 bucks more than a snark.
I know it's not what you meant, but I sometimes use an iPad on stage because my band uses IEM and the mix is controlled via phone or iPad. But still, I don't feel comfortable having an iPad on stage.
Clip-on tuners? Footware? Shorts? Where to point your eyeballs? Some of these are just silly and completely dependent upon the act as to whether or not they'd matter.
Flip flops and Shorts on Stage: Flip flops are a no-no for safety reasons. Too many trip hazards and heavy equipment on stage. Shorts are ok if your playing outside in 90 degree weather with no cover from the sun. If shorts are an option make sure they fit the style of the band.
I’m gonna be honest, the shorts thing is kind of stupid to me. If you get weirded out by people’s legs, grow up. Now I understand that venue and genre are different. If you’re in a jazz band playing in a nice venue/lounge, you better get a decent suit. But if it’s a rock gig or even a tour gig, why do shorts matter? What is the reverence of pants for? I get flip flops, they are a safety hazard and also just kind of gross. But shorts are literally just an article of clothing. It gets hot on stages and most of the time there isn’t adequate air flow to keep people cool, shorts are fine. It’s an elitist view, and unless you’re playing a jazz or classical gig, shorts are fine.
LOL at the dress appropriately stuff. I’ve seen guys at fancy clubs show up looking like they just stepped off the construction site. Mostly agree about the shorts thing, but I live in Florida. Have you ever played an outdoor gig here in July?
Monitors and church musicians? I play bass at church, and fortunately we have some great sound guys, and they get the monitors done well most of the time, which is key for us because we rotate through various musicians and there isn’t a standard line up. We also don’t normally get to rehearse together except before the service, which includes a soundcheck. We have a large number of songs, then new songs and depending on who is leading it could be a different arrangement. So we have to be adaptable. This makes sound check so key, because I want to hear the leader’s voice and instrument and myself. So I know if I am fitting in with the song. We doing normally don’t have drums. But I want to hear the others too, especially keys if I am on bass.
Volume Flexing where a musician overpowers all the other musicians with excessive volume is one. For example, the lead guitarist that brings the full 100W Marshall stack, cranks it, then proceeds to blast the crowd, and bulldoze the rest of the band, regardless of the drummers Jazz Kit, the other guitarist's Princeton, the bassists Ampeg V-4b. Otherwise, one of the worst performances I saw like that was the otherwise great band Best Coast. The singer Bethany Cosentino got angry with the sound engineer and even the crowd, heckling us. But we couldn't really hear her properly. And taking her frustrations out on the engineer, and the crowd, left a very bad impression. That said, I know she struggled a lot with problematic drinking in those years, which she dealt with later. So, that goes to one of your other points on inebriation. But that gig was 3 red cards, plus a bad performance - albeit probably because of sound issues - but maybe that wasn't the only major issue there. Another red card for me is showing visible dissappointment with the size/makeup of the crowd or venue. You should respect the people that actually paid and made the effort to come and see your show.
I’m going to disagree with the point about shorts. Unless you’re playing a classical or jazz gig, you can wear shorts. If you get weirded out by legs or at the sight of legs, maybe grow up? I understand flip flops, that’s a safety hazard and in general just kind of gross, but shorts aren’t a safety hazard nor is unprofessional to wear shorts. They’re comfortable and allow a person to be comfortable on stage. Unless the venue says otherwise wise, which most venues don’t, I don’t think it’s necessary to wear pants religiously. It’s not unprofessional or weird, and if you think so then you need to grow up.
Most of these are common sense. A little puzzled on the "musician etiquette" bit though. I really don't care what anybody thinks of my opinion on Ringo, or whether I like Fishman pickups or not. People who get wound up over shit like that should stay at home and collect postage stamps. Depends on the scene maybe?
I've had a sound man throw a bunch of echo on my voice that was so egregious it literally threw me off time...I got so confused because of hearing the echos I didn't know where the next line started!...Unbelievable...I have experienced more diva sound people than diva musicians in my over 40 years of playing live shows. I've literally wanted to K.O. a couple. There have been some GREAT ones too though, Can't leave that out.
Aside from the parts about basic human decency, a lot of these points are very genre or gig specific. Nobody will care if you're wearing shorts or playing backing tracks at a metal show for example. A snark tuner left on the headstock always looks amateurish though.
Lol, Team Snark....I thought you were going to discuss snarky attitudes. I dont understand the taboo of clip on tuners, though I suspect it's an image thing: "only garage bands and bar band noobs use though." The thing is, I don't think anyone in the audience (other than musicians) gives a dang! I use a pedal tuner for it's a muting ability, but I have a clip-in tuner handy as a backup.
People are bothered by snarks? Just watched a couple of shows by Khruangbin on YT. They always had tuners on the headstock and i can see why you want that, if you are going for the perfect sound of your performance.
wow you may save us, rveryone i know regardless of inteument wants to be the guitar player, we lose so many great bass players and drummers to this guitar sickness, i have it, play guitar for hours, not ant good but its difficult and frustrating, apealing somehow
Ringo starr?..do you not realize how many drummers that have come out to say they played on Beatles albums?..ever seen the doc "hired gun"?..you know they have done the same with drummers since the 60's right?
I always laughed at the guys who think women can't play guitar. Charo for example. She can outplay the vast majority of the guys who think women are somehow lesser musicians.
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A mistake I’ve seen people make is thinking that there is a separate amateur and professional reputation, when actually you just have your reputation. If you behave poorly at gigs that aren’t paid that reputation will eventually reach the people booking gigs that _are_ paid and it will cost you.
In my band we have a motto: "Always be the artist that you would like to work with; always".
Great video, as usual.
That's a great motto!!
Here's an example of a band behaving perfectly fine, but in the wrong context - This prog band local to me recently invested in a full digital amp rack and in ear monitoring system, while still touring local 100-200 capacity venues. They thought they were being professional and forward thinking, but instead they were met with hundreds of small time sound guys who don't know how to work with that system. So now their gigs sound like unmixed garbage despite them being top tier players and no bands want to tour with them because their setup takes up the entire soundcheck and disrupts all the other connections on stage.
As a guy in a new band with a brand new IEM rig hearing stuff like this bums me out. My plan is to over-communicate with the venues beforehand, have a backup plan, and not force it if it seems like the sound guy at the venue is unfamiliar. It's such a huge downgrade in our ability to put on a good show, though.
Obvious solution is to hire your own sound person at that point. If you can shell out thousands for gear you may as well shell out a few hundred for someone who can run it.
"Here's an example of a band behaving perfectly fine, but in the wrong context - This prog band"
there! fixed it for you!
I only play by myself, all my instruments, record the parts... and I still learned something today.
Last show I drummed I reached out to every band and let them know they could backline my kit, as I was the final act that night. Made everyone's life easier.
But man, if you're using a kit that isn't yours, make only the smallest adjustments. I've seen drummers get up there and completely disassemble the backline kit to fit their preferred setup. I've seen them loosen memory locks to set stands lower, move toms around, change tension on pedals, retune everything...
It's one thing if it's the venue's house kit or a rental, but when you know it's somebody's dialed-in, personal kit, be respectful.
@@dkerwood1 guess it depends on the situation. We didn't really have a hard first note drop so we all agreed to take our time with the kit and I was ok with them making adjustments as I have everything marked with ink and tape. I backlined the shells and the hardware and one guy used my snare. But if it's like a hard time crunch and you agree to the backline, yeah keep it simple.
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@@dkerwood1 WOW...That is diva-diabolical.
@@MrStanleyMilton That is divabolical!
Glad you added the body of water exemption to the no shorts rule. I play a lot of Florida (really hot) beach gigs in the summer and it’s hard to concentrate on music when you’re uncomfortable and excessive sweat on your instrument can impact technique and fans create unnecessary noise on microphones.
Also, unsolicited advice for budding coastal musicians-wipe your gear down after every show. Salt and sand are the enemy (yes sand is in the air somehow lol)
Also gig in Florida and outside daytime gigs mean shorts...
Water rule is a good rule
Back when I was touring, our rule was "the first thing the audience hears is the first chord of the first song." People are so used to seeing bands sauntering onstage and noodling and tuning, that when you all walk out plug in and LAUNCH into that first song, it blows people away.
Also played in a Beatles-centric 60s tribute band and we'd always have trouble with auditioning drummers. They would say things like "Beatles, yeah, Ringo's stuff is so basic" and then play it all wrong. When confronted with the original recording, they would invariably say "oh wow I never realized this was so complex." Next!
Other than some of the more serious red cards, I’d say you should be flexible on the others and dont be a snob or stickler. We can keep all these rules in mind but in reality we only fully learn these things in practice. If someone in another band forgets a cable, lend one to them, and allow yourself to be approachable for help & advice. Chances are you’ve been that person and its likely you will be again.
Love your point about people's expectations of your playing based on the gear you bring. As an amateur bass player who's always struggled with "spending just a little more" to get the better/best equipment, I'll fully acknowledge that my playing (currently) does not warrant the type of gear I fantasize about, so this really hit home.
Thanks Phil. Understanding this stuff is harder than learning and playing songs for me. I have a hunch that I may be a little autistic lol. I can sit in my room and learn jazz standards by ear, but knowing what all the other people seem to know in public settings can seem impossible for me. Like I'm just seeking approval and conformity of how, what, where and why of everything gig related so I don't seem like an alien or something.
Rest assured, you're not alone. Also, there are plenty of neurodivergent folks out there playing gigs too. I am one of them. It can all be learned through experience, and being mindful. The fact that you're identifying that pain put already puts you ahead and already shows self-awareness. It seems impossible now, it felt like it for me too, but the fact you're thinking about this stuff means you're already on the right path, you care and that you can have a fulfilling life as part of a community of gigging musicians. You've got this!
Great stuff as always. I think you handled this topic really well. One thing worth noting too is how people get dressed down when they goof up. I've had people do it publicly, and people who have had the grace to pull me aside and do it privately and definitely find the latter more effective. Treat people how you want to be treated folks!
There was a great quote by Michael League I heard not too long ago as rule he has for himself in not pissing off the rest of the band, which was to the effect of: If you're going to change your part, don't do it in such a way that everyone has to change their part also to make it work. This is especially egregious in a gig situation, which I have had happen...
Play shoe gaze but don't actually shoe gaze. Got it!
Exactly what I thought lol
Stare at the snare
One rule I follow is "Don't bring new (or new to you) gear to the gig". If you haven't used a particular amp, guitar, pedal, etc. at a rehearsal, don't use it for the 1st time at a gig. it introduces too many variables.
I've been there. A drummer decided to bring a set of trigger pads and a drum module to a gig. Never tested an rehearsal or even on his own. It took an extra hour to get everything set up.
@@MartinMCade Oooh yeah, I have a reaaally firm rule about brand new gig in my bands.
Have you tried it in rehearsal and does everyone in the band validates this change ? If not, it doesn't go up on stage. Amp head, new pedal, new microphone... Nothing worst than that.
Great stuff Philip! Another slight variation within a band - band members that don’t pull their weight with gear. I had a band mate who repeatedly didn’t show up in time to schlep gear and help set up. He’s a great guitarist and still a good friend. When we confronted him he denied that he did this. That band no longer exists.
I do have a slight disagreement with learning songs in rehearsals. It depends. In my current band we like to learn the songs as a group whether original or cover. We’ll start with a rough sketch of the tune and slowly work it up over a number of rehearsals. We will then work on our own to really learn the parts but we get the tune pretty far along as a group from scratch. It’s kind of a special case I suppose. In this case the band is a unit rather than a frontman with backup musicians. The result over years with this particular band is that we have developed a unique band sound.
Not mentioning other acts is DEFINITELY a red card
“It’s better to be thought stupid than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”
Baddest hang: Causing damage to people’s eardrums. I’m looking at you guitarists!
True...Sometimes. However, If you are a bassist, rhythm gtr., drummer, keyboardist etc. REMEMBER, when the lead guitar solo (or ANY SOLO) shows up, let it be LOUDER than the bed you're suppose to be laying down for it to lay OVER. I've had guys play louder when the guitar solo takes over from the vocals! As if the solo doesn't deserve the same respect as the words of the song. Soloing needs space too. Crowding solos sucks really bad.
Sound Engineers adding long-ass delays/reverbs to vocals is a pet peeve for sure, had one that was like a 4-second delay! Madness. Lots of great reminders and tips in here, thanks for the vid.
In addition to tone, craft, and part writing- Ringo has great feel, and great technical ability.
I guess the terms "bad hang / good hang" have changed from their original meaning.
I was a full-time musician throughout the '80s and '90s and when I or anyone I knew used those terms, we were talking about the "hang" - not work ( rehearsal, load-in / load-out, stage time etc.) but the time spent with a fellow band-mates during the day or after the gig, which was considerable since "tours" didn't last weeks or months but rather years at a time.
"He's a great musician but a bad hang." was something you might hear.
So a band-mate could potentially not commit any of the "sins" in the list mentioned in this video and be utterly professional in every regard but still be a drag to be around, which would earn them the "bad hang" title.
I get depressed every time I work with an originals band that doesn't promote their music but turns to overplayed covers to draw attention. Most bands don't play covers well and fail to recognize that dedicated tribute bands have those catalogs on lock. Nobody wants to bust their butts to work on parts for a song to ultimately drop it because there's a weak link. Play to your strengths and be proud of your work.
I remember back in 2008 my friends band had been asked to support The War on Drugs here in Bristol, UK on their first UK/European tour. I went along obviously to support my pals, but even though I wasn’t even in the band, Adam and the guys (Kurt Vile was still in the band at that time),
were more than happy to let me join them all and hang out backstage afterwards and chill, smoke some nice hash etc. Obviously they weren’t a known band at that time but I never forgot his generosity, and it left a big impression.
This is all very good info! Don’t play out much anymore but had to learn a lot of this the hard way 😅
I used to bring a lot of extra things I knew guitar players might forget or need like a capo, strap, headstock tuner, 9v batteries or cables. Definitely saved the day a few times and that’s what I like to call good hangs.
Your interludes are giving me strong Martin Denny vibes. Nice!
I am totally Team Ringo! You do not mess with Mr. Starkey.
Agree 100% with this, any musician I've dealt with that makes a Ringo joke I've found I'm incompatible musically
This should be required viewing! Thanks Phillip.
I was at an outdoor show, not as a musician, but in the audience.
It was over 100 F, the stage faced the sun, so all afternoon/evening it was shining right on the bands, no clouds.
And almost every guitarist and bassist had a Snark or something similar on their headstock as they needed to retune between most of the songs due to the heat.
I was okay with them.
Wake ‘n’ bass!
Buttery Biscuit Bass
I was performing solo, sitting on a chair, playing my guitar and singing, early in my career, at our city's regional "folklife festival" . After seeing a photo of myself at that gig, I have never EVER worn shorts on stage again 🙃
Incredible video. Wish etiquette was more of a thing even in the DIY/amateur scene.
When I was gigging, I made sure I was always kind to everyone. I’ve never been the best bassist, but I got so many gigs just because people liked having me there.
I'm a beginning bass player and I appreciate that you took the time to make this video. A lot of these things are common sense, unfortunately sense is often not common.
A few of these didn't make sense, but then I caught a piece of context: Not all this advice is for bands, but for playing with a band you're not normally part of.
Shorts on stage, overplaying, changing the root - these are all fine in a band context (well, if your band agreed to write the song that way or dress that way), but make sense to avoid when you're filling in for another artist you don't share creative control with. Some of my favorite metal bands regularly play in shorts, play intense lines, etc. - but that's because that's what their band does.
Another green room rule would be to not try and recruit/steal members from other bands. Take a number a discuss later, but at the gig is really low class. And vice-versa. Don't try stealing another musician's gig while talking to another band's leader.
Overall, I think the good hang involves being professional, being prepared, being kind, and being respectful. Also, remember to take care of your personal hygiene.
Good video, Philip!
Be good to you 🙏🏻🤍
i usually try to abide by the no shorts rule, however, if its an outdoor gig and im playing in 90 degree weather with little to no breeze/fans, im wearing shorts.
I've got ugly legs so...Let 'em sweat...
Awesome video and great content! I think it's always important to be patient with folks when they're not showing good etiquette (maybe they're exhausted from life/tour or just having a bad day) as well, at least be as patient as you can be, and that can sometimes bring that person out of their shell/funk/whathaveyou and make for an overall great night. A little positive mental attitude can go a long way. I'll also say that I've been very fortunate to work with a lot of talented folks who have both good and bad etiquette. From that experience, I'd say 9 times out of 10 you remember the folks who were nice AND talented, you form more and closer relationships (business connections or true friendships or peer/comrade relationships) with those people, and you're less likely to want to work with folks who were a bad hang. Even more reason to be friendly and have a good etiquette, while also doing your best to give other folks you work with for the first time the benefit of the doubt. Again, great video and lots of solid information that should be shared. Have a great weekend everyone and good luck at your gigs.
Way on board with your point about the engineer sneaking delay on the vocal. We were recording once and the engineer sneaked chorus onto my guitar. Now, this is just my particular taste but God, I hate chorus, and that was a transgression.
My brother noticed that I turn my head while I play as if I'm looking around and surveying the room, even if I'm playing alone.
I’m pro snark, but a drummer friend I play with equates leaving the snark on all the time with boating with the bumpers left on. Sure, you can do it but it’s bad form. I think his ocd is showing.
Ouch. I'm guilty on like 3 counts. Great video 10/10 fricheks
Genuinely in my top 3 most useful bass videos I’ve ever watched - musically I’m fine, but some of this stuff I struggle with, this video has made me die inside a couple of times thinking back but it’s also been super super helpful. I didn’t know how much I needed this video, - thank you! 😊
This was a great video and lesson! You nailed it all!! At the moment, I can’t think of anything you missed, except maybe just one - the tip jar. My cover used a big empty Cheez Balls plastic container, and I always kept a dollar bill taped inside as a primer. People almost always tipped nicely. And sometimes the bar owner would grab our tip jar and rally the audience to tip even more. We always really appreciated that! Thanks for the great video!!
Regarding changing the inversions around. When I play bass it's fun to do this sometimes, especially if it's similar to the original recording. But do it in rehearsal first. Get all that complexity out while you're practicing, then for gigs keep the bits that worked best, and make sure the rest of the band is on board with it. There are places for extended improvisations and places where it just sounds weird or wrong.
Lot's of great advice, applies to a lot of normal life situations too. As to the iPad, I only disagree because my memory is a pile of garbage and it helps me out to stay on track (pun intended). I still work at making eye contact with the band members and the audience, the better I practice the song at home the less I need the iPad, but it just doesn't work for me without...and I do the sound for our band, so being able to make a quick adjust and then make sure I don't lose my place the iPad works for me. Love the work and your humble but confident approach to teaching and commenting.
Coming to rehearsal without knowing the parts is the one that makes me cringe. But also bandmates who only talk about themselves drive me crazy. My friend was in a band for two years and the keyboard player finally asked him if he was married or what. Everybody knew absolutely everything about the life and opinions of the keyboard player and could recite his anecdotes word for word.
If you play in the Deep South outdoors during Spring or Summer, shorts are green card (not flip flops however).
A video of Sunny Day Real Estate performing 7 on the Jon Stewart show back in the early 90s popped up on my Instagram feed yesterday…. Gotta say, Nate Mendel’s shorts didn’t ruin it for me. I hear you though…
Nah now it's completely unenjoyable, unlistenable! How are you supposed to appreciate a musical performance when there are visible calves in your sightline????
My only deal with Snark tuners is when they don't turn down to tune. I'd rather people use a pedal so they can mute. Just a pet peeve. Enjoy your vids!
I'll use a snark if I need to, but I will put it on the back instead of the front. That way the headstock is hiding it a bit, and I've found that it's actually easier to use on that side.
I really enjoy your videos. Thank you
Great video Phillip. Not sure if this fits or not but it’s a big pet peeve for me. If you are a keyboard player please be mindful of your left hand and your sound reinforcement. I’ve played with keyboard players who are smack dab in my frequency range with their left hand parts. One of them also played through a Hartke bass amp for Pete’s sake! Why have a string bassist in the band if the keys are playing all the bass parts. 😂
He’s a bassist… and most MDs are keyboard players. If he even hints at complaining about “heavy left syndrome” he’ll cost himself work! 😂😂
Janes's addiction thumbs up this video.
I’d add a couple things:
Playing too long when you’re an opener or part of a multi-band lineup. Even as a headliner, not reading the room and noticing when you’re playing too long. Social and situational awareness.
If you play an instrument that is only played intermittently throughout the song or the set, not vibing with the song when you’re not playing. Messing around on stage without regard to the energy and vibe of the song. Also kills the energy and the professionalism/presentation of the song.
Also, acting like you’re playing an arena show when you’re only playing to 10 people who barely want to be there. Be aware of the crowd vibe at DIY shows, respect people and be thankful for their presence
Basically just be considerate.
the dress code / no shorts and flip-flops. FACTS!!!!! this is one of my biggest pet peeves. Unless it's like an indie band where it is part of the bit to wear shorts and flipflops and it's the whole band.
Feedback relative to your prompts during the video:
Visible clip-on tuners: I'm fine with it, if that's what keeps the player in tune and is easiest to do so, or as a backup. My own experience with clip-ons and noisy rooms is that it can resonate through the instrument and make clip-on tuning hard or less accurate, vs. a cable-in tuner. I don't mind visible clip-ons.
visible tablets onstage or on a stand (or having a music stand with printed sheet music). There are times/places for it, but I agree that you should show up prepared and having the music burned-in to your brain well enough that you're beyond a tablet as a crutch. I've seen gigs where a last minute sub was brought in, and they had a tablet - fine. But I've also seen gigs where seasoned pros can wing it and be right on the money, because even if they've never heard the song(s), they just know how it's going to flow, or take in-song cues from the other musicians. A big help is when whoever's at the mic starts the show with "this is so and so over here sitting in on [instrument] tonight. We didn't get a rehearsal in before now, but I trust them to do well. Please support them and make 'em feel loved." or similar.
Tracks: When there are tracks for the song that don't add up to the musicians onstage - or the musicians onstage are pantomiming their parts, that's bad. When there are some ambient/supplement sounds and it's clear that it's a track to fill in or flesh out the song (NIN's downward spiral comes to mind. All that extra atmosphere as a track is cool.) but if you're playing a song and the guitarist launches into a solo but the rhythm guitar is still playing and they're the only guitarist onstage, BUSTED! Either don't do the solo, or let the bass player handle the groove, ala Van Halen, and let the other part fall away. I agree with you that "a live band can make a live show work that doesn't sound exactly like the album but conveys enough of the sound and feel that it passes" vs. trying to do to much with supplemental tracks.
Thanks Phillip! Valuable information.
I'm not bothered by a Snark on the headstock, especially when the player has no pedals on the floor. My bassist plugs straight into his amp, so he has a Snark on the headstock so he can roll down his volume, check a string, and be right back in again. I also dabble in the folk/acoustic world where instruments are often mic'd rather than plugged in- headstock tuners are super common on that world.
That said, I have a low profile D'Addario headstock tuner on my acoustic that most people wouldn't even recognize as a tuner.
Great subject!
Brings back both (very) funny and not so funny memories 😄.
Over the years I have learned that if a player talks trash or uses terms like "overrated" about bands, genres or players they are going to cause the drama and conflict and they are nothing more than a liability both internally and externally to your band because its just a matter of time before they say the wrong thing to the wrong person either inside or outside of the band.
Its not high school any more bud, your opinions have consequences.
So you want ass kissers is what I'm getting from this.
Ah yes, and another bad one is changing stage configuration on the day of a gig. About 10 years ago I was in band and the drummer and guitarist wanted to change our setup, putting the drums at the forefront of the stage instead of our usual V configuration. It changes everything, : stage sound, dynamics between the musicians, space you have to move around... The only logical reason to do it if it's the stage that's really small or in a weird angle, but really not a good idea to change habits on a gig day.
Lots of great tips in this video.
If I told my ska band no flip flops or shorts they’d probably show up in them anyway and our drummer would still be wearing a dress
Amazing video! Thanks for it, really informative
Do me a favor real quick. Build a time machine and go back about 25 years and tell me this! So good... hope younger players are seeing it. Especially mainly-online players.
another thing on gear, especially the guitar and bass players… make sure your electronics work. if your vollume/tone knob is scratchy, fix it before the show. sure it’s fine in practice, but it will be super annoying to hear during the show for everyone.
Also, know your audience. if you play rock/punk covers and your local village asks you to play the main stage for the 2-3pm slot at the annual village celebration, the LAST thing you need to do is go “hey, we are a punk band. F*** the police!”
There is a time and a place to play Punk Rocks greatest hits AND act like a punk band but that’s not one of them.
The second half of this comment took a weird turn but ok. So if you're a punk band with a legitimate message, you shouldn't share that message if some people may disagree with it? Or were you just referring to cursing?
@@michaelhaydenbell I’m using that as an example of know your audience. you aren’t gonna go full anarchy on a family show or you won’t see many gigs
Also leave for the gig with enough time to change a flat tire.
The noodling during sound check/or while people are talking drives me nuts…. Checking your amp/getting a sound, I totally understand but just noodling just to noodle drives me up the wall
snarks look bush league. if you're in a bluegrass group playing a cider festival at an apple orchard it's one thing, but if you are on stage at a club get a pedal tuner. behringers are 10 bucks more than a snark.
I know it's not what you meant, but I sometimes use an iPad on stage because my band uses IEM and the mix is controlled via phone or iPad. But still, I don't feel comfortable having an iPad on stage.
Great stuff here!
I loved it for some reason.
Early morning video let’s goooooo
Clip-on tuners? Footware? Shorts? Where to point your eyeballs? Some of these are just silly and completely dependent upon the act as to whether or not they'd matter.
Flip flops and Shorts on Stage: Flip flops are a no-no for safety reasons. Too many trip hazards and heavy equipment on stage. Shorts are ok if your playing outside in 90 degree weather with no cover from the sun. If shorts are an option make sure they fit the style of the band.
I’m gonna be honest, the shorts thing is kind of stupid to me. If you get weirded out by people’s legs, grow up. Now I understand that venue and genre are different. If you’re in a jazz band playing in a nice venue/lounge, you better get a decent suit. But if it’s a rock gig or even a tour gig, why do shorts matter? What is the reverence of pants for? I get flip flops, they are a safety hazard and also just kind of gross. But shorts are literally just an article of clothing. It gets hot on stages and most of the time there isn’t adequate air flow to keep people cool, shorts are fine. It’s an elitist view, and unless you’re playing a jazz or classical gig, shorts are fine.
Thumbs up for no flip flops on stage
Grateful Dead
LOL at the dress appropriately stuff. I’ve seen guys at fancy clubs show up looking like they just stepped off the construction site.
Mostly agree about the shorts thing, but I live in Florida. Have you ever played an outdoor gig here in July?
What is it about the Snark that makes some people so snarky?
Monitors and church musicians?
I play bass at church, and fortunately we have some great sound guys, and they get the monitors done well most of the time, which is key for us because we rotate through various musicians and there isn’t a standard line up. We also don’t normally get to rehearse together except before the service, which includes a soundcheck. We have a large number of songs, then new songs and depending on who is leading it could be a different arrangement. So we have to be adaptable.
This makes sound check so key, because I want to hear the leader’s voice and instrument and myself. So I know if I am fitting in with the song. We doing normally don’t have drums.
But I want to hear the others too, especially keys if I am on bass.
The notion that anyone would care about church music is still just unfathomable to me, just being brutally honest lol.
getting NPR shwetty ballz vibes from this video 🎻
Thanks so helpful
back line they take the opening drummer hostage, bring decoy kit, or crappy drums lol
Why does the Ringo hate spread across space and time? Just why?
No Snarks,shorts or flip flops please!Yes,Ringo is one of the greastest of alltime.
Volume Flexing where a musician overpowers all the other musicians with excessive volume is one. For example, the lead guitarist that brings the full 100W Marshall stack, cranks it, then proceeds to blast the crowd, and bulldoze the rest of the band, regardless of the drummers Jazz Kit, the other guitarist's Princeton, the bassists Ampeg V-4b. Otherwise, one of the worst performances I saw like that was the otherwise great band Best Coast. The singer Bethany Cosentino got angry with the sound engineer and even the crowd, heckling us. But we couldn't really hear her properly. And taking her frustrations out on the engineer, and the crowd, left a very bad impression. That said, I know she struggled a lot with problematic drinking in those years, which she dealt with later. So, that goes to one of your other points on inebriation. But that gig was 3 red cards, plus a bad performance - albeit probably because of sound issues - but maybe that wasn't the only major issue there. Another red card for me is showing visible dissappointment with the size/makeup of the crowd or venue. You should respect the people that actually paid and made the effort to come and see your show.
I’m going to disagree with the point about shorts. Unless you’re playing a classical or jazz gig, you can wear shorts. If you get weirded out by legs or at the sight of legs, maybe grow up? I understand flip flops, that’s a safety hazard and in general just kind of gross, but shorts aren’t a safety hazard nor is unprofessional to wear shorts. They’re comfortable and allow a person to be comfortable on stage. Unless the venue says otherwise wise, which most venues don’t, I don’t think it’s necessary to wear pants religiously. It’s not unprofessional or weird, and if you think so then you need to grow up.
Most of these are common sense. A little puzzled on the "musician etiquette" bit though. I really don't care what anybody thinks of my opinion on Ringo, or whether I like Fishman pickups or not. People who get wound up over shit like that should stay at home and collect postage stamps. Depends on the scene maybe?
I've had a sound man throw a bunch of echo on my voice that was so egregious it literally threw me off time...I got so confused because of hearing the echos I didn't know where the next line started!...Unbelievable...I have experienced more diva sound people than diva musicians in my over 40 years of playing live shows. I've literally wanted to K.O. a couple. There have been some GREAT ones too though, Can't leave that out.
Literally I literally can't literally believe that!
Aside from the parts about basic human decency, a lot of these points are very genre or gig specific. Nobody will care if you're wearing shorts or playing backing tracks at a metal show for example. A snark tuner left on the headstock always looks amateurish though.
Backwards ball caps on stage.
I’m on Team Snark. :)
Lol, Team Snark....I thought you were going to discuss snarky attitudes.
I dont understand the taboo of clip on tuners, though I suspect it's an image thing: "only garage bands and bar band noobs use though." The thing is, I don't think anyone in the audience (other than musicians) gives a dang!
I use a pedal tuner for it's a muting ability, but I have a clip-in tuner handy as a backup.
People are bothered by snarks? Just watched a couple of shows by Khruangbin on YT. They always had tuners on the headstock and i can see why you want that, if you are going for the perfect sound of your performance.
wow you may save us, rveryone i know regardless of inteument wants to be the guitar player, we lose so many great bass players and drummers to this guitar sickness, i have it, play guitar for hours, not ant good but its difficult and frustrating, apealing somehow
The list of women who are amazing players is incredibly long. I will never understand that attitude.
Ringo starr?..do you not realize how many drummers that have come out to say they played on Beatles albums?..ever seen the doc "hired gun"?..you know they have done the same with drummers since the 60's right?
I always laughed at the guys who think women can't play guitar. Charo for example. She can outplay the vast majority of the guys who think women are somehow lesser musicians.
sorry, what are "snarks" ?
It is a popular, inexpensive brand of clip on tuners. They are like $15 and work well enough to get the job done.
Glad the Grateful Dead, or any of the real punk bands didn't have rules to being "professional." 😂