#1
|
|||
|
|||
I Went To My First Open Mic Nite...
Just to check it out, not to play. Holy crap, do I need to become a better player FAST! Everyone picked, which I can't do just yet. Any DVDs or books you'd recommend? YouTube channels?
(I bought the Gibson videos, and was lent the Esteban video!, but haven't watched either) Thanks!
__________________
Guitars: Yamaha FG700S Blueridge BG-140 Ukuleles: Concert KoAloha |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Sounds like you had an eye opening and fun night… |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Hi Lideruke,
I applaud you for sitting in and listening before you decided to play. I would encourage you to go back and listen some more. You might find that those players who impressed you at first listen aren't really playing flawlessly. In fact, they are human, and get out of bed the same way you do every day. You can learn a lot by listening to them, though--and by watching them perform. I think I've learnt more from watching others play than I've ever picked up through DVDs. (I'm not putting down DVDs, by the way--I've learnt a lot from Happy Traum and Stefan Grossman's companies.) Keep going back and you'll find yourself behind the mike sooner or later.
__________________
Peace, Jimmy Optima dies, prima fugit For Sale: Larrivee P 01Khttps://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...49#post7433849 |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Maybe?
So you need to pick cuz --" Everyone picked, which I can't do just yet. "
Maybe its a good thing that you play like you. Just do what you do..thats why we go to these things. Doesnt matter if someone has a shinier or newer or vintage guitar or "better" playing skills, or a voice like this or that. Did you happen to read what Steven Bollman wrote in another thread about playing open mic? "Play what you like with every creative fiber of your being..." Love that!! Do that. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Don't get me wrong! I will likely go back this Monday to play. I'm a better than decent singer and picked up the uke and guitar to accompany myself. I'm happy to play as poorly/inexperiencedly (is that a word?) as I do. I'd just hoped there would be some people there who played almost as badly. I will definitely be the worst!
So, the point: I want to have less of a skill deficit as quickly as possible! By Sunday would be ideal
__________________
Guitars: Yamaha FG700S Blueridge BG-140 Ukuleles: Concert KoAloha |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Worrisome issues of this open mic:
No music stands! 3 songs! I don't really have any songs 100% memorized. I have some 95%. Finding 3 songs that are interesting when played solo will be a challenge!
__________________
Guitars: Yamaha FG700S Blueridge BG-140 Ukuleles: Concert KoAloha |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
"everyone picked" what does that mean? were you using another method to touch the strings?
|
#8
|
|||
|
|||
I take it that you are a chord strummer ? That's more than okay. Be you, and play like you, not like them.. NO music stands... because they don't have them, or because they don't allow them? If they don't care, take your own. I have fibro fog, (memory issues) and work 90% of the time with a stand.
__________________
Martin 000-28H Amber Custom Martin 000-17SM Martin MFG Custom 0-12 Nylon |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
HI L-u...
So are stands not allowed? What about charts scotch taped to the mic stand? Have a good time and check back in and report please... |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
If you are a good singer, play to your strength.
I'm not such a good singer, so I tend to "pick" the melody a lot to help me sing. If you don't have three songs, that's probably OK, too! |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Definitely bring your own stand for lyric sheets, if they don't have them.
Note that there are different levels of talent at most OMs, but some do attract the 'cream of the crop' more than others. Check around your area for other OMs, you might find some where you feel that you are one of the best there.
__________________
Mike My music: https://mikebirchmusic.bandcamp.com 2020 Taylor 324ceBE 2017 Taylor 114ce-N 2012 Taylor 310ce 2011 Fender CD140SCE Ibanez 12 string a/e 73(?) Epiphone 6830E 6 string 72 Fender Telecaster Epiphone Dot Studio Epiphone LP Jr Chinese Strat clone Kala baritone ukulele Seagull 'Merlin' Washburn Mandolin Luna 'tatoo' a/e ukulele antique banjolin Squire J bass |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
I am indeed a strummer, but I really want to improve. The guitar can be so much more than strummed chords.
I don't know that stands are verboten, but no one was using one. I'd rather not use one, if I can help it. If. And picking as in finger/flatpicking. I have a kind of open mic to go to Thursday. No audience outside of the musicians. Take turns playing songs. They provide music stands for everyone. Apparently, the Greater Cleveland area has quite a few open mic nites!
__________________
Guitars: Yamaha FG700S Blueridge BG-140 Ukuleles: Concert KoAloha |
#13
|
||||
|
||||
3 shots of tequila and you won't care - only kidding
only 2 shots - only kidding again If you feel good about your singing then lean on that and let the guitar be a prop for now. I have been blown away by a good song or good singer who just strummed a few chords. And most open mics are full of supportive people who really want you to have fun!!
__________________
David Webber Round-Body Furch D32-LM MJ Franks Lagacy OM Rainsong H-WS1000N2T Stonebridge OM33-SR DB Stonebridge D22-SRA Tacoma Papoose Voyage Air VAD-2 1980 Fender Strat A few Partscaster Strats MIC 60s Classic Vib Strat |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
In my opinion, it's all about song selection. I would much rather listen to a mediocre player give his or her all on songs (or songs of artists) I am familiar with, than some hotshot doing originals that are tuneless or instrumentals that are all technique and no music. But, to each his own.
FWIW, in 70 open mics over the last 4 years, I have gotten plenty of compliments on my sets (i.e., song selection) and I can guarantee it wasn't due to my playing!
__________________
Taylor GA3 Taylor 150e Taylor 224ce-K |
#15
|
|||
|
|||
Back when I was doing open mics, there was this dude who kept showing up at all the same ones, and he was 10 times better than I was: Better player, better singer, MUCH better songwriter. I nearly gave up until I realized half the reason for being there was to have fun.
That's just a long-winded way of saying don't be intimidated--open mic folks are almost universally supportive and accepting. Go have fun!
__________________
Shoreline Music • The world's oldest online music store • 2015, 2016, 2018 NAMM Finalist / Best Online Store • AGF-only discounts • Free Shipping + Free Returns • Shoreline Rewards • Videos • Guitars from Taylor | Mcilroy | Larrivee • Stage gear from K&K | Fire-Eye https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/07...s/namm_x_6.jpg |