Useful 'Playing Live Kit' Guide on Music Radar

[molan]

Some of this is very obvious but it's worth a read for people new to gigging - or those who don't gig that often & could do with a 'refresher'

Main link is here: http://www.musicradar.com/tuition/guitars/playing-a-gig-kit-list-and-essential-tips-566304


Copied & Pasted below:

[b]Whether you're a guitarist who's taking their first step into performing on stage or a grizzled veteran of the live circuit, we're here to help you out.[/b]
We'll start by providing you with a checklist of everything you should take with you; then we'll give you the essential dos and don'ts for when you're soundchecking and playing the gig.
[b] Stage survival kit[/b]

Talent aside, preparation is the real key to success – and your gear is a big part of that
[b]Guitar tools[/b]
Pack string cutters, pliers for tightening, and Allen keys to tweak your action and vibrato system.
[b]Gaffer tape[/b]
Fix your mic stand, setlist, cable, van exhaust, leaky shoes.
[b]Spare guitar and strap[/b]
Tune it up before you go on. Your fans will escape to the bar if you hold things up changing a broken string mid-song.
[b]Spare strings[/b]
Strings aren't immune to breaking in soundcheck – spares are essential.
[b]Torch[/b]
It gets dark onstage: get an app for your smartphone and you won't have to worry about forgetting your torch.
[b]Tuner pedal[/b]
Never forget this. Get the best you can afford: there is no excuse for starting out of tune.
[b]Pen and paper[/b]
Have these on hand to jot down your setlist.
[b]Amp backup[/b]
If you can't take a spare amp, try a modeller with cab simulator that can be DI'd straight into the PA. It's not ideal but it's an option if another band on the bill can't help you out.
[b]Batteries[/b]
You'll need some spares if your power supply goes down.
[b]First aid[/b]
You don't want to bleed on your fans or let a headache ruin your big night – pack some plasters and painkillers. And the singer's secret weapon: throat pastilles.
[b]Blu-Tack[/b]
If your pick tends to fly out of your hand mid-song, stick spares to your mic stand or guitar so replacements are always at hand.
[b]Electronic cleaning spray[/b]
A quick fix for crackling connections. Make sure it's in your gigbag.
[b]Spare pedal[/b]
Get a budget spare for your essential pedal. For the super- prepared, a multi-effects unit could save you from serious pedalboard problems.
[b]Earplugs[/b]
It might get loud – these can increase the clarity of onstage levels.
[b]Cables[/b]
Pack instrument, patch, speaker, XLR and daisy chain cables. Don't buy the cheapest: quality lasts and you always need more cables than you think.
[b]Picks[/b]
Minimise the chances of losing one from sweaty mitts by packing picks with grippy surfaces.
[b]Mains adapter[/b]
Never assume the venue has enough power points or extensions. It's worth investing in your own multi-socket extension adaptor that's RCD- equipped, with surge and overload protection.
[b] The Soundcheck - Take the time to get to your band's sound right and then you can focus on the fun part[/b]

[b] [b]Do…[/b][/b]

[b]Learn the names of the sound engineers: [/b]treat them with respect and thank them at the end of the night, even if they treat you like an amoeba.

[b]Set your amplifiers to sensible volume levels onstage.[/b] Moderate levels allow the engineer to have more control over the overall front-of-house balance meaning that monitors don't need to be pushed to levels where they begin to feed back in order for singers to hear themselves.
[b]Turn your amp on at least a few minutes before you start[/b] – it lets your valve amp warm up a bit.
[b]Tune all your guitars[/b] (even your back- up) again as close to the start of your set as possible and make sure they're on hand and on stands. Things have a tendency to get knocked over in the heat of the moment.
[b]Choose a song for soundcheck that will test the sound mix[/b] in the best way for all instruments in your band.
[b]Listen carefully to the mix [/b]of instruments coming through the monitor speaker wedge – can you hear yourself and the rhythm section clearly to keep time?
[b]Check as many of your sounds as you can:[/b] clean/crunch/distortion channels all need to be checked so they're at the right level. Ditto effects.
[b]Talk to the other bands you're playing with[/b] on the night and find out what backline will be shared. While it's common for a headline band to let support acts share drum shells and stands, it's not for breakables like amps.
[b]Be tuned-up and ready[/b] to take to the stage when the sound engineer needs you.
[b] [b]Don't…[/b][/b]

[b]Drink alcohol[/b] excessively before. It won't make you play any better!

[b]Assume you'll be able to share gear [/b]and turn up with minimal kit. It should be easy to get contact numbers or email addresses for the other acts on the bill from the promoter or the venue, and it's common courtesy to ask first.
[b]Crank your volume if your amp is being mic'd through the PA[/b] – you don't need a very loud onstage volume. Let the sound engineer get the levels. And you may not need your cab or combo front-on to the audience if it's being mic'd – angle it in a position best for you.
[b]See soundcheck as a rehearsal or jam.[/b] One or two short songs should provide more than enough opportunity for the sound engineer to set up a decent mix. Taking liberties won't do you any favours with the other bands on the bill.
[b]Leave your pedals running with the input plugged in[/b] for long periods of time ahead of the gig if you're using nine-volt batteries with your effects pedals – it drains the power unnecessarily.
[b]Get bogged down with your onstage sound if you're playing outside.[/b] Put even more trust in the sound engineer's front of house mix – the nature of the external environment means your concern is playing in time, and the sound engineer's is making sure the audience get a good mix.
[b]Play blazing lead lines when the sound engineer is tweaking the bass drum sound[/b] – he/she won't appreciate it.
[b]Lose sight of the bigger picture[/b] – it's about attitude as well as the rig you're setting up. And remember that you get back what you put out. If you're confident, professional and polite, that's what you'll get back from the engineer and other bands.
[b] The Gig - There's more to impressing the crowd than your blazing chops[/b]

[b] [b]Do…[/b][/b]

[b]Write a setlist for the show.[/b] Unless you're playing free jazz, you'll need a list of the songs you're playing and the order in which you're playing them.

[b]Demand the audience's attention.[/b] The general rule of thumb is to open with a song that makes an impact.
[b]Take a drink onstage with you[/b] – especially if you're a singer. You may be surprised to find your throat can get as dry as the Mojave desert onstage, and you'll soon be begging for water.
[b]Realise that things can go wrong[/b] – it's just part of gigging. Have contingency plans in your head in case the worst happens, including an instrumental piece the rest of you can play to fill time if one of the musicians has a problem they need to sort.
[b]Look people in the eye while you're performing[/b] – engaging with your audience is more than just about sound.
[b]Signal to the engineer[/b] if you need to communicate with the desk mid-gig: for example, if you can't hear your guitar clearly through the monitors or you're too loud.
[b]Relax, listen to the sound engineer and remember that, ultimately, it's about the audience, not the band.[/b] Nobody cares that much about your tone except you, so stop stressing about it.
[b] [b]Don't…[/b][/b]

[b]Amplify your guitar when you're tuning up.[/b] You should tune quickly and silently between songs. Buy an electronic tuner with an easily visible display. The audience don't want to hear you tuning and it gives a sloppy, amateurish impression.
[b]Forget to say the name of your band between songs.[/b] If you're a support act and don't have a banner, you can't assume anyone knows who the hell you are
[b]Allow long silences between songs.[/b] While the guitarist or bassist tunes up, it gives the singer an ideal opportunity to crack a joke or, if they're not a natural raconteur, fill the silence by plugging the band's website or merchandise.
[b]Mess with your amp settings during the gig based on the monitor speaker mix[/b] – it isn't a reflection of what the audience and engineer can hear out front.
[b]Take forever to pack up your gear.[/b] Unless you're the headline act, the next band want to get onstage before the audience drifts away and loses interest. There will be plenty of time for excessive alcohol consumption and chatting up groupies once your equipment is off stage.

[b]Be sheepish with the audience.[/b] Forget apologetic amateurism and smack them right between the eyes with your set!

[gary mac]

All good Molan.

There should be one for auditionees as well.

We auditioned three guitarists last night. Two of them have been immediately dismissed from our list, mostly down to volume, attitude and lack of finesse. Just playing at volume and overplaying the whole time.