Changes

You may Ultimately, ''I recommend experience, preparation, and mental exercises over this approach''; however, it can assist to get over the initial hump for the absolute novice whose nerves would otherwise be far worse for the kind of guy that likes a cocktail performance. A drink or a toke to two may help calm the nerves. Cool. If it worksOnce gaining experience, however, I recommend doing so (of course I don'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 can also disorient your perception to make you think that your playing is ''better'' or unaffected when intoxicatedshould transition away from it.

Do not rely on drugs and alcohol as a crutch to perform. Getting in the routine of getting high/drunk before a show, even slightly, can condition you to think its required. As you gain skill and stage confidence, you 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 you don't want its absence to ''add'' to your nerves. Also, 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 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 feel loose to four drinks and being drunk. If this is going to be your a method to deal with nerves, you have to be sure it won't hurt your performance. Plan 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 thought it was. Ultimately, I recommend experience, preparation, and mental exercises over this approach; however, it can assist to get over the initial hump for the absolute novice whose nerves would otherwise be far worse for the performance. Once gaining experience, however, you should transition away from it.