What would you not dare to play without? Our top 7 guitar performance essentials

Published 21 June 2016

Guitarists are some of the most daring performers we know; regularly pushing boundaries with crazy, and often entertaining displays of showmanship. There are some things any guitarist or bassist wouldn’t dare take to the stage without – read on for our top seven show-stopping essentials.

1) Soundcheck

We all know the importance of an accurate and productive soundcheck. Punctuality, communication and responsibility are key. A gig can only be as good as your sound check.

2) Set list

As a live performer, you can’t ignore the importance of song order. Like a good movie, a good concert has a good plot.

3) Your lucky charm!

Whether it’s a pre-concert shepherd’s pie (Rolling Stones), frisbee throw-around (Weezer), or tea-drinking and shirt-ironing (Led Zeppelin), some of the best performers have the weirdest rituals! Go ahead and wear your lucky socks/undies/accessories to your next gig!

4) Tuner

We can’t stress the importance of tuning your instrument enough. If your guitar isn’t tuned properly, you’ll sound worse than a drunken cat dragging its nails over a chalkboard!

5) Spare strings

Guitar strings tend to wear out over time. They lose their tone, feel and become harder to keep in tune. Check your strings before you take to the stage to make sure they’ll last, and even take a spare set on with you in case they accidentally snap.

6) Extra plectrums

Keep some in your pockets, stick them with double-sided tape to your guitar, put them on top of your amp or in a tin on your pedalboard.

7) Rehearsal and practice

We don’t want to sound like your mum (even though guitar does sound better from a clean room, you know!), but it’s true - practice makes perfect! Even the world’s best musicians devote hours to rehearsals and practice before a big gig.

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