Gigging Outside

At some particular point in your guitar playing journey, you may likely get bitten by the bug to join a band. Do not let the undeniable fact that you will be infected by an incurable, life long disease scare you. There are several of us sharing the same infirmary, and just as sure as there are legions of starry eyed teenagers picking up the guitar every day, there are certain to be a regular supply of new admissions.

The common vision is that of strutting across a par light splashed stage to a room full of loyal, hollering fans. Nirvana!

But what about when the room isn't a room? As a gigging guitar player, it is just a matter of time before you encounter the wonders of making music in the great outdoors.

It may not seem obvious at first, but outside gigs are a totally different animal than playing within the confines of solid walls. Here's a fast list of some issues to think about, and items to take, when doing an outdoor gig :

Advance Work - if at all possible, take a look at the locale ahead of time to establish :

- If a stage is provided, what the size is, and if it is's covered

- What electricity is provided, where the breaker panel is located, how many circuits are available to the band

- Where the load in area is, how is it accessed, what time is load in, and where can the band members park after load in

- Whether there are parking or admittance passes, and backstage passes, that should be picked up

- If a sound system will be provided, and an engineer. If not, plan on setting up you own, and be certain to mic all of the instruments if possible to get a better sound coverage.

additional Items to Take :

- Tarps! Finally you will encounter a gig in the rain. Count on it, and be prepared by keeping tarp close by to cover your rig in the event of an unexpected afternoon squall

- Throw Rug. If there is no stage provided, and you are setting up on the grass, take a throw rug along to put your effects pedals on to keep off the dirt and the dew

- sun lotion. Summer out of doors gigs could be a killer, and you can get burned before you know it. Also, a wide brimmed hat could be a stylish, protective accessory. Outdoor Stage Hire

- Bottled water. Don't rely on getting a cold drink at an outdoor event. Always take a small cooler, and stay hydrated on a hot summer day.

- sunglasses

- Towel. Be prepared to wipe sweat off your forehead, and everything else, between songs. This is not the time to use your guitar cloth.

- Mic Windscreens. Cover the mics with froth windscreens to cut down on excessive wind noise thru the PA.

- Extension cords. Don't count on an electrical outlet without delay behind your amp. You may have to run a hundred feet out to the barn to get power.

- analogue Guitar Tuner. The great thing about digital guitar tuners is the fancy lights and LED's the tell you, with a glance, if you are tuned. That is's also the distressing thing about them for outdoor gigs, because those LED's can be just about impossible to see in the sunlight. A good analog tuner, particularly with a VU needle, will be a life saver.

Outdoor gigs could be a lot of fun and a nice pace adjustment from the bounds of a nightclub or concert hall. By doing a little prep work in advance, and adding a few additional goodies to your gig bag, you'll be able to target the most vital issue - making great music!

Outdoor Stage Hire hire does not have to be as difficult or expensive as you might think. There are many providers from which you can get prices and most will include the setup of your stage.