You're about to play your first gig. This is a big deal, and it can be really nerve-wracking! But you've prepared for this moment, so don't worry too much.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know for your next gig, from what to practice, to playing with confidence and how to cope with ‘drumming disasters’.
These drumming performance tips will not only make your next show a success, they’ll also help you enjoy the whole experience.
Practice is the best preparation
It's crucial that you practice in plenty of time before for your gig to give yourself enough time to figure out the kinks in your set. Practice also reduces nerves because you’re familiar with what you're going to be playing. You won't feel rushed or overwhelmed.
Practice your transitions to a metronome. It's common for drummers to speed up as they go from verse to fill to chorus. Get the tempo of these transitions nailed, and the band will sound more professional.
On the day of the gig, just play what you've practiced. Now is not the time to bust out some extravagant drum fills that you've never tried before...not only could it mess up your timing, your bandmates won't thank you for it either.
Plan for drumming disasters
Look, it’s going to happen sooner or later. Somethings going to go wrong when you least expect it. The best thing to do is prepare the best you can and then keep on with the show. Here's some common things that can happen:
- Dropping a drumstick - It's really easy to catch a drum rim and your stick to go flying out of your hand. Especially if your hands are a bit sweaty due to nerves. The best thing to do is have a spare set of sticks nearby. I have a bag of sticks on my floor tom. I can quickly get a new stick out and I'll guarantee 99% of the audience don't even notice.
- Making a mistake - The main thing is 'Don't stop!' Most mistakes that you're likely to make can easily be covered up by simply playing on and getting back into the groove of the song as quickly as possible.
- Forgetting your part - Sometimes your mind will just go blank, and you totally forget what you're meant to be playing. In that case, don't be afraid to play something really simple that fits the song. This could be 'four on the floor' or a basic backbeat.
Dealing with nerves
We all get nervous before a gig but there are ways to feel more relaxed. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, change your mindset and think of all the positive things that you have done. Focus on the times that you have played well in the past.
Remind yourself that you've practiced fully and are more than capable of achieving a good performance. You've got this!
Be supportive to your bandmates who could be going through the same emotions as you. In return, they are likely to reciprocate. Work as a team and you'll get through the gig together and will enjoy the experience more.
Stay off the booze
Don't drink alcohol before a performance. It can impair your judgment and slow your reaction time, making it harder for you to play in the pocket and pull off those fancy drum fills you've spent so much time practicing.
In many social situations, it's common to turn to alcohol to bolster our confidence but try to avoid the temptation. I remember getting boozed up before one of my early gigs, and really enjoyed playing that night. However, later on I got some feedback from a drummer in the audience...and it wasn't good. Since then I've stayed off the booze until after we've finished the set.
Setting up your kit
Leave yourself plenty of time to set your kit up before the gig. Try to have it set up exactly as you usually play. If you have a drum rug, mark out where the bass drum and hardware and cymbal feet are positioned, so you can quickly replicate your usual set up.
One of the best ways to set up your drum hardware for every show is by using memory locks. Memory locks are metal pipe clamps that you attach to stands at the height/angle you prefer. So your hi-hat, for instance, will always be at the correct height each time you set up. These locks can easily be tightened or loosened with a drum key.
Using a House Kit
Be very clear ahead of time whose equipment you will be using. At some venues there will be a house kit that is used by drummers. If you're playing a gig with several bands, there may be an arrangement to share one drum kit.
If you're not playing on your own kit, the set up gets a bit more complicated. I would suggest that you still take your drum key, drumsticks, snare drum, drum stool and kick pedal. This will ensure that you have a familiar feel when playing.
The snare is the one drum that can let down a cheap kit, so taking yours will provide a sound that's familiar to you and your bandmates.
Don't wait until the last minute to sort out amplification. Is it necessary in the size of venue you're going to play? If it is, will the venue allow you to use their backline (the PA system), and do they provide drum mics for the purpose.
The soundcheck
Drummers should always be present at the soundcheck which takes place before a gig. You need to ensure that the drums and cymbals can be heard by everyone in the audience but you're not overpowering other members of the band.
Whereas electric guitars can easily turn volumes up or down, it's not so easy on an acoustic drumkit. So, the soundcheck can often revolve around the drummer.
If you're playing a large venue, you may have a sound technician who can help with the mix of the different instruments. If it's a small venue, you'll likely have to organise your own soundcheck. Have a friend come along and stand at the back of the venue and advise on sound levels.
Use the soundcheck to play several songs through. This will allow you to check the levels of various songs, especially if they are different types of music e.g., most of your songs are full rock but you have a couple of ballads.
Get comfortable
On the day, make sure you're comfortable. If you have the chance, warm up before the gig with some practice rudiments on the drum pad. Make sure you're fully hydrated before the gig and take a bottle of water on stage with you.
Some venues can get extremely hot, especially when there's an audience crammed into a small venue. In this situation, some drummers have a fan behind them to provide a bit of fresh air while they're playing.
Play with confidence
When you get out these on the stage, play like you know what you're doing and are confident about your performance. Even if you're not feeling totally at ease inside, don't let this come across to the audience.
Sometimes even playing a simple 4/4 beat can look great to an audience when the drummer is playing it with confidence and looks like he/she is enjoying themselves.
You’re stage ready!
The drumming performance tips mentioned in this article are not only helpful for drummers playing their first gig, but for any drummer that needs a refresher on how to prepare themselves before taking the stage. The more you know about what goes into preparing yourself mentally and physically beforehand, the better off your performance will be when it comes time to take the stage.