Playing a live set

here are some great tips. no, we didn't come up with these ourselves¹, but we did learn something from reading the list below from the mag.

The band

• Play songs that capture listeners' interest
• Know your intros / endings
• Know the form of the song - playing the verse when you should be playing the chorus is a big no-no
• Assign one person to count-off duties - it's the drummer, usually

The set list

• A strong first tune in the set, and keep the energy up before playing the slow, jiwang number
• Avoid playing songs in the same key in succession, if possible - bosan
• Don't waste time in between tunes - know your set list, have it in BIG LETTERS
• End the set strong with the best tune you have - you want them to beg for more

The calm before the storm

• Come prepared - extra strings / drum sticks, picks, guitar tuner, wire cutter, torch light - you know the drill
• Use the adrenaline rush before your performance to your advantage - it's rockengGG time
• Secure your guitar straps
• MAKE SURE ALL GUITARS ARE IN TUNE!

Rocking in the free world

• Stay loose - rilekkk....
• Eye contact with the audience is important - unless you are one of the shoegazer band types
• Wrong note? Just play on, don't make a face / jelir lidah /cuak
• The nerves are playing up again? Remember that your audience wants you to rock
  
• Show some attitude - be it animated like an epileptic who forgot to take some meds or standing still like a stone statue
• Interact with your bandmates - it helps to make your band play tight

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1. Bradman EE, Friedland E. Take it to the stage. Guitar World's Bass Guitar 2005; 6: 30-42.