FGH-0009: How can you overcome nervousness and panic when playing solo fingerstyle guitar onstage?

Summary, Episode 9: In this listener Q & A episode, my guitar student Frank asks about how to stay calm and overcome nervousness and panic while performing solo guitar on stage. I share my 15 best tips for staying calm, focused and relaxed. 1 - 7: "Practical" points. These points address preparation as opposed to dealing with the actual feeling of panic in the moment. 8 - 15: "Mental Game" points. These address how to deal with the moments onstage when the critical, negative voice enters, your heart starts beating and maybe even hands shake. Plus 2 in the moment additional tips actually make it 17 tips. :-) Enjoy! Adam Show Notes: * 0:57 The question about nerves and performance - in Frank's own words. * 3:29: Being happy and at peace with your tone. * 5:26: Having your rhythm and groove feel good - before you start playing. * 7:04: Learning the Sound of your pickup. * 8:14: Be sure you are in "stage 4 learning"...your body knows the piece of music. * 11:30: Importance of slow practice. I still practice my concert tunes slowly... * 11:57: Learning the difference between practice environment & stage environment. * 13:37: When you know what people hear, you can forgive yourself...what do they hear? Flow, groove & melody. * 18:27: Nervousness is a displaced reptile brain reaction, as if you are going to die. * 19:30: Using meditation to overcome the inner critic & beating yourself up. * 21:34: Know and feel that the audience is there to suport you. * 23:18: "Meta" things like groove and tone are more important than small mistakes. * 24:16: Know your music theory...playing just fingerings will make you nervous. * 25:43: Breathe on stage! Does wonders for the physiology. * 26:16: Play light, if your touch is getting heavy. * 20:20: Get backstage and warm up before you go on. * 28:40: Keep smiling do not visibly dissaprove of yourself & a personal story... * 31:02: Your opening song on stage should be "bulletproof", something you can play with zero thinking. Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!