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You may be the kind of guy that likes a cocktail or a toke to calm the nerves. Cool. If it worksUltimately, ''I recommend doing so (of course I donexperience, preparation, and mental exercises over this approach''t recommend becoming an addict spiraling into a life-destroying tailspin). The problem is that intoxication often has adverse effect on your playing ability. It ; however, it can also disorient your perception assist to make you think that your playing is ''better'' or unaffected when intoxicated. If this is going to be your method to deal with get over the initial hump for the absolute novice whose nerves, you have to would otherwise be sure it won't hurt your far worse for the performance. Plan ahead - try getting intoxicated when you practice, playing through entire songs as you would during a gigA drink or two may help calm the nerves. Record yourself on a phone or video camera and verify that your performance is as good as Once gaining experience, however, you thought should transition away from it was.
UltimatelyDo not rely on drugs and alcohol as a crutch to perform. Getting in the routine of getting high/drunk before a show, I recommend experienceeven slightly, can condition you to think its required. As you gain skill and stage confidence, preparationyou may not need it all; but the habit of it will make you ''think'' you do. There are times where it won't be available, and mental exercises over this approach; howeveryou don't want its absence to ''add'' to your nerves. Also, it you don't want drugs and alcohol to creep into your life beyond your desired occasional recreation. Another problem is that intoxication often has adverse effect on your playing ability. It can assist also disorient your perception to make you think that your playing is ''better'' or unaffected when intoxicated. It's easy to jump from one drink to get over the initial hump for the absolute novice whose feel loose to four drinks and being drunk. If this is going to a method to deal with nerves would otherwise , you have to be far worse for the sure it won't hurt your performance. Once gaining experience, howeverPlan ahead - try getting intoxicated when you practice (but not every practice - again remember to not become an addict), playing through entire songs as you would during a gig. Record yourself on a phone or video camera and verify that your performance is as good as you should transition away from thought itwas.
→Work Up to the Big Gig
If you have a bad gig, don't let it kill morale - it's just a stumbling block. You know that you were already successful at a smaller level. What went wrong this time? Video or feedback from audience members can help distinguish what to work on at practice and concentrate on at the next gig. Also, was the source of your failure your nerves, a preparation or hardware failure, or some random environment factor? If the problem wasn't nerves and something that can be corrected, feel confident to keep pushing forward with your ambitions and the size/prominence of your gigs.
== Mental Focus ==
Looking out at the crowd can be very intimidating. While connecting with the crowd is part of a good performance, it's also important to play well. The intimidation and fears cause you to lose focus. You keep thinking about freezing up, making a mistake, what people think about you. Focus on your instrument, the songs, the notes, your bandmates. Maybe even close your eyes, pretend you are at practice. Think of all the things you already associate with the song you're playing - what drew you to write it, why did you choose it for your setlist, or what does it make you feel? Feeling that inspiration can send the notes rushing back to you and the passion to play them with confidence.
== Drugs and Alcohol ==
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