The Chiz

Yeah, another cheesy mantra from the school of self help. And not that I buy it, but last week I did just that. After fifteen years of music journalism, and nearly ten years after my last turn on a proper stage,., I played a live show on Friday night.

And the thing is, I was terrible. I elected to play six covers of cool songs on acoustic guitar and sing. I think on the whole the singing went pretty well, but man, did I play guitar badly!

I got so nervous right before I was due to play that the leg my guitar rested on was jumping uncontrollably and I basically lost fine motor control of my fingers. Tricky when you need them to shape cords. And I really really battled to keep my rhythm.

In my defence, I have always been a bass player, Guitar playing is something I have only ever done at home, and not something I have ever focussed on. I spent 5 weeks, practicing about 5 hours a week for this gig. But it wasn’t enough. I could tell by how comfortable I was with the songs I have been playing for about ten years as opposed to the new ones.

The result was butchered chord changes, mangled structure, horrible lyrical and vocal compromises and a very embarrassing experience.

Luckily, it being an acoustic gig, most of the audience seemed not to notice nor care. But I did, and was not happy.

So, will I do it again? I think so. I love to play, and the best way to keep playing is to push yourself, and gigging is a great way to push yourself.
I may, however, bring in someone else on guitar. And re-think my song choices! And will most certainly practice way more for the next one!

Anyway, that will be at least a month away, and hopefully by then I will have worked something out. So, do I feel better for having done something that scared me? Sheesh, ask me after the next gig!