Group cohesion on stage

If you are a beginner guitarist and you are taking your first steps with a group of musicians (jams, rehearsals, concerts), we are going to suggest some notions to keep in mind in order to be in cohesion as much as possible with the musicians around you. Here are some important points.

1. Pay attention to the energy of the band

During your first concerts, you might have some apprehensions before going on stage, and it's quite normal. It is important to know how to transform these small apprehensions into positive energies in order to enter in cohesion with the group. If other musicians in the band are more experienced than you on stage, don't hesitate to lean on their experiences and share the stage efficiently with them.

If you play rock music, for example, don't stay static! Occupy the stage, move around and seek camaraderie with your fellow musicians. Indeed, the more energy is shared between the members of the group on stage and the more the spectators will get a pleasant "jolt" by watching your performance.

The audience is very sensitive to the attitude you adopt during your concert. If you stand by your amp without looking up and staring at your guitar (even if you play like a god), you will not be enthusiastic and this is often the difference between a good band and a great band. Have a blast and let it show!

2. Be a Good Listener Musically

I have often seen good musicians being destabilized by the stage by being efficient in rehearsal but a little less in concert. You know your repertoire, you have invested a lot of time in working on your instrument, so it's time to be confident and express yourself!

Avoid staying focused on your guitar part and listen to the other musicians, play with them and try to create interaction. Sometimes, certain parts of your compositions or covers take on a whole new live dimension. Follow the vibe and don't be too formal about what was planned! A concert is a "living" show, some dynamics can change during the concert for several reasons (large audience, atmosphere, sound of the instruments on stage). For example, the guitar soloist might get excited and play a slew of solos more than usual because the audience is so enthusiastic! Follow your intuition and bring your heart to this unique moment!

3. Conclusion

As you can see, a live performance does not only include playing your guitar parts perfectly but also creating a unique atmosphere between you and the audience. You can totally work with this stage energy in rehearsal with the rest of the band so it carries over to the performance.

It is important to have some distance from how you are perceived and it is sometimes difficult to realize this without filming yourself in rehearsal. By filming yourself, you will become aware of your image as perceived by the audience.