Basic Stage Etiquette

by guitar instructor: Michael Shapinko

If you’re playing live shows as a band, it’s important to remember that there is a lot more to it than just plugging in, turning up, and rocking out.

Chances are your amps will be mic’d up, and if this is the case, then you need to understand there is a sound guy who is responsible for controlling how every instrument’s volume is set in the audience’s speakers. Unless you have a small amp, it would be unwise to just crank it up all the way. Set the volume reasonably so that you can hear yourself clearly in your monitors, and be sure to tell the sound guy if you can’t! He’ll take care of making sure the audience can hear you.

During sound-check, if you have one, listen to what the sound guy says and don’t play when it’s not your turn. The whole point of the sound-check is to make sure that as a band your volumes match, and also to make sure you’re able to hear what you need to onstage. It can take forever if everyone is playing during these few minutes; just let the guy set your levels and then be done.

Be sure to tune all your instruments before you get on stage. As far as presenting yourself as a confident and bold band, there shouldn’t be any reason to tune before your first song. Just get up there and rock out.

Lastly, if you have a whole lot of gear (pedals, amps, etc) that needs to be set up right before and right after your set, be quick about doing so. Especially if other bands are playing. You don’t want to rush yourself to the point of being frantic, but it is basic courtesy to get started and to get off stage as quickly as you can manage. Save the joking and talking for after you’re done blowing the crowd away!

Located in Toronto, Elite Music Academy offers private guitar lessons for electric, acoustic and classical guitar. students for all ages and skill levels can book a free consultation by calling the main desk at 416 406 5355 ext 1