11 Things Top Working Musicians NEVER Do! (well...rarely) ;)

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Avoid these common amateur mistakes so you don't have to learn the hard way, like me. ;)
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[@jakegerovac]

Hope everyone realizes how important and valuable this advice is!

[@bryanleigh6497]

Jake Gerovac -- valuable to a child only. Just basic, obvious stuff about preparation and good behaviour, do what your told, be polite, work hard, and no drugs and booze!

[@TiagoLageira]

True

[@thesleepstate]

He missed out the most important, number one all-time thing a professional musician _would NEVER_ do - make a KZbin video listing things a pro wouldn't do! A professional wouldn't even have time to read these comments even.. ;)

[@TheArtofGuitar]

You have a warped idea of what a pro musician is. Do you think we’re 24/7 on a plane or something.

[@yapyap66]

i told my dad that i want to be a Musician when i grow up, he said i better make my mind up you can't do both :/

[@mikemonte286]

When I was a high school jazz band director (about 15 years ago) I had one student in particular (a guitarist) that always showed up early for rehearsals/performances. One evening it was 10 minutes before the start of rehearsal and he's sitting there, tuned and ready to go...he and I were the only ones there until 5 mins before rehearsal. The student said to me: "What is it with these guys?? I treat every rehearsal like it-is-a-gig..get here early...geez." That boy went on to Berklee College of Music to get a degree in Jazz Composition and then went off to grad school somewhere.....

[@JustASadBoi]

@LIQUID FX what happened to him

[@Monkeypole]

@@JustASadBoi He got bad touched by his high school jazz band director.

[@kinniecas9004]

@@Monkeypole or he simply is guitar andrew neiman

[@bluesriderDF]

As a hobbyist, I won't encounter most of these situations, but I watched your video from the perspective of an office worker. If you take the guitar away, much of what you said applies to ANY profession. Be on time, responsible, prepared, considerate of others, do your part well, etc. Great advice, and nice vid!

[@Taletad]

And don’t come absolutely plastered

[@DanSistos]

I’ve been a full time professional musician for 20 years and this list is absolutely correct! A few other things to add: Learn to read music. At the very least chord charts. Playing by ear is awesome, but if you get a call for a gig next week and you need to be ready to play 50 songs, there is no way you can memorize all that by then! Reading is a must for professional musicians. Learn to play as many styles as you can. The more styles you can play, the more gigs you can do. Learn to play as many guitars as you can. Not just electric and acoustic but classical, ukulele, baritone, mandolin, or any thing else with strings. Again, the more instruments you can play, the more gigs you can do. Dress the part. Don’t come to a rock gig in a suit or to a wedding in jeans. I know that’s a no brainer but some people never learn this. Don’t smell. Again, another no brainer but some people don’t get this! No one wants to spend a 4 hr rehearsal in a small room with a guy that smells like BO.

[@maxslepoy8081]

If someone smells like barbeque I will eat him/her (First I read it like: "smells like BQ").

[@theophany1770]

@@maxslepoy8081 🤣

[@jerk_store]

Chord charts are great but also learn the Nashville Numbers System. Once you do, you'll never be screwed over by an unprepared singer who wants to change the key of a song at the last minute.

[@AashmanThakur]

8:01 When your mom tells you to play the electric guitar quietly..

[@SteveSelvidge]

Speaking to No. 7, if by chance a piece of gear does fail(it happens. Even to pros.), DO NOT make a big deal about it on stage. A lot of audience members might not even notice something has gone wrong. But if you throw some sort of tantrum onstage, or flail about in a panicked manner, everyone will know something is wrong. Again, this isn't about you. Calmly fix your situation and move on with the gig.

[@stelladevania3607]

Also, if you're in a band, i find it important that everyone is always ready to cover for each other. (Experience plays a big role for that, but practice can help too!) For example, as a vocalist,in the middle of performance, when i realize the audience isn't hyped up, i would talk. And sometimes i forget which part of the song we were in because i talked too much. I would just ask the band to repeat a certain part of the song (for example, go back to verse 2). And it would seem like it was rehearsed, it would be a natural transition. And when my lead guitarist's strap snapped off, my rhythm guitarist covered his part. And when the song ends, i would go down the stage to talk to the audience while waiting for him to fix his strap. Nobody even realized that something was wrong. Remember, when you're in a band, you're a TEAM. You're a family. I know A LOT of bands that would blame each other when something goes wrong. Trust me, if you HAVE to be mad at someone for messing up, that simply means your band as a whole didn't practice enough. And not respectful enough. And not experienced enough. Or not prepared enough. :)

[@curtissjohnson4035]

There's a video of BBKing replacing a broken string without stopping the music. Pro.

[@urcurlydawg932]

@@curtissjohnson4035 what a legend

[@TheZenytram]

you should change the title to "how be a reasonable adult".

[@LucasJagneaux]

Zenytram Searom 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@warplanner3258]

Agreed. Reasonable == Responsible.

[@trackmyactivity]

Exactly. I don't play Guitar, but every thing is just very good general life advice.

[@LordoftheStrings109]

Zenytram Searom Yep. Unfortunately a lot of people try to make money playing music because they want to avoid that.

[@mottle_]

It took me a couple of bands in my teens to realize I was the bad apple. Couldn't keep from making negative comments or backhanded compliments, being overly critical, getting into arguments I had no business getting into. Some people will be able to shrug it off, but 9 times out of 10, people are going to stop showing up to practice and the band will fall apart. Gotta be self aware about this kind of stuff. Put your ego aside and see if it's "bad luck" that your bands are going under or if it's you, then adjust accordingly.

[@RealWolfRanger]

Show up sober and stay sober through the gig or rehearsal. Drugs and alcohol are the downfall of a musician. Nobody plays better when they are high. They just think they do.

[@alexeypolevoybass]

If only you could explain that to my guitar player. I nearly killed him at a show one month ago, guess what for.

[@JALNIN66]

I go with one beer before and one beer per set. Sometimes I feel too awkward being dead straight. This method has worked perfectly for me for decades. No drugs. Too hard to gauge.

[@Denkersis]

I got kicked out of a band once, for being the one with a straight edge The guys even interrupted the paid rehearsal time to smoke weed. It was super annoying, but guess who turned out to be the most efficient musician there.

[@bongwelll]

Yup that’s what I do also. I also can drink quite a bit. One before one per set. When I was younger I blew some shows getting too fucked up. Learned my lesson. I love weed but I can’t smoke before I go on stage and a big lesson I learned when I started singing is not to eat too close to going on stage especially if you are singing rock and screaming. You won’t feel good if you eat a giant meal before belting it out. Hahaha.

[@MrDonnyAir]

I worked with a sub guitar player once at a gig - a LONG time ago, early 80's - the kind of player that would TELL you how awesome he was, but who in fact was terrible...and ungodly LOUD... and every time he clammed a note or hit a bad chord, he'd turn around and look at his amp, shaking his head ... or he would glare down at his pedals and give them a kick, as if it was his GEAR that had played the wrong parts. He tried to make up for it by shredding his way through songs like "Feel Like Makin' Love" or "Brown Sugar"; LOL... Thankfully, he packed up his gear and left while we were on our first break. He didn't even tell us he was leaving (I'm sure we would have gladly let him go). We were in the dressing room on the break, so we didn't even know he was gone until we came back up for the second set. Our lead singer ended up playing some rhythm guitar that night, and while he wasn't great, he wasn't nearly as bad as the sub we had hired. At least he played the right chords, and would lay-out when he was unsure of a part. Our keyboard player picked up the slack on lead work. We got through the night and got paid. We didn't sound great, but we sure sounded much better without "Yngwie". ;)

[@MartinJohnZ]

I am far from being a pro but I absolutely hate it when band members keep on making noises on their instruments when you're trying to discuss something. The guitarist has some knobs on his pedals he wants to try out, the drummer has fallen in love with his new cymbal, singer can't stop shouting into the microphone... Once I witnessed a drummer that practically played a drum solo throughout the entire sound check. The thing that amazed me most was that nobody told the guy to shut the f&%$ up. But on a side note: do all professional musicians shoot 13 min videos holding, fondling and gesturing at their instrument without actually playing a single note? :D:D

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Hey I played at least two notes. Haha

[@MartinJohnZ]

Hmm I guess you did... You played them very well too ;)

[@dahliafiend]

I played with a drummer who actually checked his phone during a song.

[@iowamandolinanddobro7376]

I stumbled across this video in a somewhat bad mood, thinking "what does this guy know" before I watched it. But bravo, really solid advice all around. Thumbs up!

[@carrifoote8065]

Why would anyone give this a thumbs down??!!! Musicians can be real flakes. So I really appreciate this advice. I wish everyone I played and sang with, had these standards.

[@bongwelll]

For real! This guy never makes a bad video. I guess we all know who the bad apples are. Haha.

[@eranzilber1]

#12 - Avoid political debates #13 - Payment issues should be discussed discreetly with the boss and never publicly or during rehearsal\sound check

[@EgoShredder]

I used to bring spare strings, fuses, tools, cables, valves and also spares that the other band members might need. Mr Prepared! Sod's Law that I never actually broke a string, and so never had to use my spares. However my other band members often broke strings or needed fuses etc. A properly set up guitar will rarely break strings, so long as you do not allow them to become really old.

[@chordorchard7213]

If a drummer is playing the wrong beat it's your responsibility, if you notice it and can communicate to them clearly what it is they're getting wrong and how to play it right, to tell them. Any musician who can't deal with being told they're getting something wrong or overplaying/underplaying is putting their ego before the collective/vision, simple as that. A good player leaves ego at home.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Amen but you don’t know the situation.

[@Pinkybum]

It totally depends on the situation. I'm in tribute bands where it would be appropriate to point out that the rhythm doesn't match the record. On the other hand I am in an original band where the drummer does not take kindly to be told what to do.

[@openmicmovement7785]

If somebody can't be told of a problem without kicking off, then that person is toxic and to be avoided. A musician should always be open to constructive comments. That doesn't mean that the musician should take the comments as gospel though. A lot of this can be subjective and therefore only a matter of opinion. A good rule to follow is to listen and understand what is being communicated, then look for evidence to corroborate it. If you are not sure check with another member of the band. If you as the musician ARE getting it wrong, hold your hand up, apologise, then do better.

[@jasunkarner3916]

One minor thing I learned early on is to have a tuner on stage with you. Keeping in tune at a gig goes without saying, but tuning by ear in between songs always seemed like an amateur move to me.

[@joebloe9901]

Never acknowledge a mistake on stage. Just pretend it didn’t happen and keep going Most people in the crowd never notice mistakes until you point it out.

[@Thunder_Dome45]

The drugs one, I pictured Milhouse and Bart Simpson, and Milhouse said, "it used to be about the music" and Bart just throws a whiskey bottle at him.

[@mattjones1992]

Seti Michael Maxwell I said slag off!

[@RayRayStar]

Great advice. I’ve experienced many of these situations in bands. One thing I wish ya covered is dealing with “Singer-itis” - When a singer thinks they are God’s gift to every musician and person on the planet and all should bow before them. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve had to deal with that sh**ty attitude in a multitude of bands. They do nothing for the band, Miss rehearsals, don’t book shows or anything to help the band.

[@Aristotelezz]

I have a more music-technical remark to add: Don't play two songs in a row in the same key.

[@markharwood7573]

Agreed. I've had this policy from the outset. We shouldn't be obsessive about it, but it works for me.

[@mandolinic]

Aristotelezz You mean there's more than one key?

[@suereed]

He must be into piano or something...

[@joeys24]

Seriously? Do you think the audience really knows what key you are in? Somehow I don't think this applies to Rock Music. If I am wrong, please, by all means, enlighten me.

[@Unknown_Trip]

every metallica song ever: *ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT*

[@odudi]

I have played in bands for almost 30 years. 1 great way to get the most out of band practice is to rehearse the whole gig, from the set order to what to do if 1 of the members has to take an emergency bathroom break or gear malfunction. We would come up with jams 2 do for when each person had to stop. I would always show up at least 20 minutes before the said time to be there just in case things don't go as planed, better to hurry up and wait than to be late and panic. 1 of the bands i was in the lead singer developed a nasty coke problem and showed up 2 hours late because his dealer was late. I quit the band after that. Another thing i always try to do is if i make a mistake or someone else in the band makes a mistake is act like nothing happened, the more you give looks the more the audience becomes aware of the flub up. And if you make a huge mistake that everyone in the place notices the best thing to do is smile and kind of laugh it off instead of looking mad and embarrassed.

[@knuthalvorsen1196]

If the boss in the band has any opinion of what to wear/not to wear on stage, then it's the boss's responsibility to express that before the show. Not during sound check, but way before the show.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

I'm only just past the third item on the list, and I've already seen all three that got people ignored immediately after their audition for the band I was in at the time. The first two were with a female drummer who was over 45 minutes late to the audition. Her second mistake wasn't so much actually being totally unprepared, so much as she had done absolutely NOTHING to prepare for the audition! She made a point of telling us that she hadn't picked up a pair of sticks in months, even though the 2nd guitarist had sent her a song list with several highlighted songs we wanted her to play. In the end, she managed to get through 8 or 10 songs before we told her: "Don't call us, child, we'll call you. Two bands later (for me...and I'm still in it,) I got the bass slot for a band with three guitarists. Yes, THREE!! LoL! One of them had a ton of experience with playing in a band, the second had moderate experience in the band scene, but the third one had little or none. All three are KILLER guitar players, it's just the amount of time spent playing live with other musicians varied WIDELY from the first to the last. He became VERY defensive when either of the other guitarists made a suggestion on how to play something, but the BIGGEST problem was his noodling between songs, or takes. Here, four of us were trying to arrange a song after the run-through, or maybe how to end it, the number of measures before a bridge or chorus, or even how long a solo should be, and/or which one of them would PLAY the solo, etc., you know how band practice goes...and this guy is noodling around with some song or other that wasn't even on our song list!! Apart from not knowing how to play your part of a song, noodling on your guitar, drums, bagpipes, theremin, didgeridoo, or whatEVER you play, is THE most irritating thing of all!! Well, except for girlfriends and/or wives who think their opinions or suggestions are wanted. No way, Yoko!! Sorry about the length of this comment, but those first three items in the video have happened to a couple of my bands, and I thought it might be a helpful illustration.

[@jazzyjustjamming]

This is spot on advice! I must admit only last week I was unsure of the intro riff to a well known song just before we were about to play it live on stage, so I quickly played the riff but then totally gave away the surprise to the crowd. The singer totally gave me the stare of death and quite rightly so......lesson learned.

[@SebastianMcCrazy]

I'd like to add: be friendly to the venue's technicians. I worked oth as a musician and a sound engineer ans now when i have a gig i thank the venue's owner/ organizer of the night and the Sound engineer. very few musicians do that which kind of surprises me.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Amen.

[@arloroan3168]

The first thing I always taught my students or younger players. Meet the sound guy, learn his name, set up and don't play till he asks you. The sound guy doesn't need to hear everyone telling him what they want all at once.

[@ryanschindler923]

this!!! Be nice to the people setting up and running the venue, being a dick or snobbish is a good way to not be asked to play there again.

[@pappyfiddle]

and the janitor.

[@Arklelinuke]

Yeah I always buy my school's sound guy a burrito when our group performs

[@maddox4897]

I love mikes attitude so much

[@GuitarLessons18andOver]

Avoid leaving gear behind; Always count off all your stuff before you leave to the gig, include back-up.. Then again at set up; Consistent, always everything in it's place. THEN Teardown; again count all YOUR gear on checklist; keep it together as one unit. Then again once its back in the vehicle before you leave; Do a quick double check. BE ORGANIZED/not distracted by all the people, commotion and you having fun.. Consistently put everything in the same place in vehicle, on stage, waiting to load and back home. $$$ HAPPY GIGING! $$$ Professional means: You got to prove it everyday; 100% Genuine Positive energy.

[@biologicalstepdad9082]

8. is very true. i see too many bands/acts start bursting into pentatonics or an improsived solo at the end and it gets boring fast.

[@BrettFunkGuitar]

I really like your videos kid. I've been teaching full time since 1991, and gigging since 1986. I've watched dozens of your vids, and I can't remember disagreeing with anything you've said yet. That my friend is very rare. Great job man!!!

[@theofficialdiamondlou2418]

Every one of these are KEY VALUES OF BEING A PRO ... Don’t forget the “everything kit” every working guitarist should have. And in it should be at least 1. Strings at least one full pack , and I keep a spare 10/26 . 10’s break , 26 or D strings will cut through the wrap. 2. Any spare hardware (nut, bridge, knobs (needed one last gig ) , pickup or two , tuner mech, etc 3. Soldering iron , flax , solder , hemo’s , E tape , rubber tape , steel wool , sandpaper . 4. Spare 1/4 ends at least two (new or ready cleaned and tinned) spare XLR (mic) 1 male , 1 female . 5. Valves (tubes) depends on amp as to what and how many . 6. Assorted tools very small flat and Phillips , strippers , crimps , regular #2 Phillips , pliers 2or 3 types , Allen wrenches , dikes , for speed an electric winder 7. Spare Cables ( guitar both long and patch *2 , mic 1 , 1/8 TRS to stereo RCA , 1/8 TRSM to 1/8 TRSF , 1/8 TRS to 1/8 TRS , 1/8 TRS TO 1/4 TRS adapter , 2 1/4to 1/4 mono female adapter ) 8. Extra rechargeable 9v Batts I keep 6 on hand. And 4 AA 9. DB meter , ohm/volt meter 10. A lighter (in my kit ) 11. A DRUM KEY ( because 🤷‍♂️ well drummers need sitters) 12. The confidence that no matter what happens I’M READY FOR IT !! On top of a spare guitar (only one for me , I’m a working musician so ya poor ) spare amp , spare stand . This is just emergency backup stuff on top of my working rig , and the quick spares in the working bag. A set of strings , 4 long arm bands (for sweat) three slides (brass , SS , glass) , 2 backup wireless units , 200’ of extension cords , and a stage power cord ( this is 50’ of 12/3 SOJ entertainment grade with a quad box at the end and another 20’ up the cable) to run ALL the backline . Everything get set up during the week after a weekend of shows and gets cleaned ,tested ,and prepped for the next show. Lastly ALWAYS BE A TEAM PLAYER , help with unloading , setup , teardown, and loading . Never walk over your fellow members , if it’s their lead or whatever LAY BACK give em the limelight , your time WILL COME . And mostly HAVE FUN , IF YOUR NOT , HOW CAN YOUR AUDIENCE .. Do you agree Mike ? 🤠🎸🎶🤙

[@theofficialdiamondlou2418]

Oh and a FLASHLIGHT !!! Or TWO !! And a gel cutter. Man has that sucker come in handy

[@KutWrite]

These tips apply to EVERY profession! Well done!

[@donallfinn]

This is EXCELLENT advise, there was a period in my life that I did quite a bit of hired gunning and if I was making the same list, it would be identical. Kids, take this video to heart, it's GOLD........and it would always AMAZE me when I would show up to a hired gun rehearsal and people wouldn't have learned the songs. I made sure that if you hired me for guitar, bass or synth you had a ZERO maintenance employee. First rehearsal, I would ALWAYS know all the songs and would be ready for the stage if need be. THAT will get you booked over and over.

[@PeachesChrenko]

Great stuff! Been a pro musician/singer for many years now. Listen to this guy. He knows what he's talking about!

[@arloroan3168]

Best guitar video I have ever seen. This has kept me working for decades on some of the best gigs with some of the best players.

[@TheGibson1275]

Any suggestions for when the entire band has been poisoned by the ranch dressing in the free salad bar?

[@JohnGauntSega32]

I'm not a working musician, but your advice sounds applicable to everyday work life. Maybe personal life as well.

[@iancox7874]

Really good stuff here. I like how you own up to mistakes you've made also

[@jerk_store]

1,2, & 5 - I was in a P&W band where the singers ALWAYS held the musicians hostage at rehearsals, which were a couple hours before the set. We were always on time and prepared and they'd show up late, be unprepared, and used rehearsal time as practice. To make it even worse, the band leader would elevate the singers above the musicians and allow that kind of behavior to go unchecked. In my experiences, I've found most P&W leaders see the musicians as expendable while treating the singers like their irreplaceable. It's rather sickening. 8 - Serve the song and not yourself. I don't care if it is P&W or a metal band, this is rock solid advice. Great list, man.

[@slowhand5922]

A really valuable video! I'm a veteran and since four decades in this business and luckily I learned all of these things you told about a long time ago. But for beginners very educative. I for instance remember very good when I had double-booked some years ago. It wasn't funny. :-/ And it was the first and last time it happened. The only remaining question is: Why you have your guitar with you? ;-) One addition: Really good musicians are carefully listening to the band, to the other peers and whats going on musically and dynamically in every moment. That's particularly important at a live performance on stage. Nothing more bothering than bandmates only looking on their own fingers and playing or gaping around at the girls or whatever except what happens on stage.

[@smmydvr]

Thank you sir, I will be showing this to my drummer and bass player at our next get together. But I too can add another to the list? I have performed music, and more importantly to my point, I have roadied for both my band and for friend's bands over the last 25 years. Oh, the times I have had to explain to people how this is a job! And how the two or three hours they see is actually at least 6 to 8 hours for me. And the "fans" are absolutely no help at all. A real "working" musician doesn't forget where he or she is and stick me with babysitting their gear, or a drunk (or worse) groupie, or having to play "security guard" for their crappy "VIPs".

[@thedangerussone]

Great list. Thanks for taking the time to put this together and sharing your personal experiences.

[@skyreadersociety6183]

agreed on all levels, fits my experience - taking those things to heart helps every project - no matter if amateur or pro.

[@VisualparanormalChannel]

You are there to do a show for an audience. It’s your job to provide the musical backdrop or others to have a good time. At the end of the day it’s a performance and to give a good performance takes concentration. You want to party then join the audience.

[@studioshadowlight]

Visual Paranormal Investigations You probably just spoke one of the greater truths in these comments. I work with a bunch of folks in a tech consulting company. A bunch of us are also musicians (turns out, musicians make great developers and vice versa). They’ve been curious if I’d like to join the band (I would, but don’t have the time). At our last yearly conference, they had an equipment malfunction happen on stage. I looked at each of them and realized that they knew the bass guitar amp was borked. I let them know from the audience that it was pretty severe. If I’d known their setup, I would have hopped around to the back of the stage without the rest of my coworkers in the audience seeing me and laced them up, but I didn’t know how they were setup, so I chilled and watched while they handled it. It took a couple of songs. Being in the audience and enjoying yourself is a blast, even if you have to watch folks struggle through a moment, it’s best to know your role.

[@avjake]

GREAT video! This info is kinda priceless and you are being very generous sharing it. With any luck it will make the working environment better for everyone out there.

[@jonatas5212]

I'm an aspiring guitarrist and your videos are so helpful, I'm glad your channel was recommended to me!

[@generatorofheavy7761]

Just found your channel through YT’s suggestion, and glad they did. Really dig your content, and the vibe you have for all of it. Thanks for your efforts, and hope all is well your way.👍

[@oscarandgroucho]

#13 Don't make any moves on the band leader's girlfriend. Or mother.

[@jonathanakehurst4489]

Oscar Groucho what if the mother is hot? ;)

[@ildottore9537]

Jonathan Akehurst ...that's probably why you'd make a move on her? No point of getting in trouble if she isn't hot.

[@kevinmalone8903]

If mom is single and hot, why not ?

[@AnotherCriticalKnob]

And band leaders, don't cockblock your bandmates to help yourself feel superior. It's going to end badly when that bandmate ends up not attending gigs out of spite. This is personal experience.

[@gurdittsingh6638]

Oh COME ON, not even the mother? :,(

[@martinheath5947]

Having listened to some of the tales from Standing In The Shadows Of Motown and the shenanigans the house band The Funk Brothers I bet there'd have been lot of laughter and agreement with you! They did leave an amazing legacy though despite being "tore down" pretty much ALL the time. Happy days and good advice

[@eroticblack]

Another great video. And really pro tips. I wish I could learn from you in person, when I started back in 06 07.

[@rockyjones4727]

Good job. I like how you mention that some of these tips come from having had really embarrassing experiences. Very honest.

[@MrWilkat1]

Thanks--this is really great advice! I'd like to add one: Don't rely on only one band member to do too much. Since I was in my first teenage band, I've often been the guy who sits down and learns the songs, and ends up showing them to the rest of the band during rehearsals (including bass and rhythm parts when I've already got to work out the lead guitar for myself). I'd like everybody to do their part and not to be the only guy who comes to practices with the prep work done, which includes song sheets with lyrics and chords. I can't do it for the drummer, but as you said about being prepared and practicing at home, even simply listening to the tunes over and over before covering them yourself can make a huge difference, and make things go smoothly and allow for quick learning, and enjoyable rehearsals.

[@Metroidam11]

I kinda wanna see a video of you just showing off and shredding. This video has some great wisdom. Thanks for sharing!

[@similamba1149]

Such a well constructed video! Keep it up Mike!

[@bubnellflyfishers]

Agree with all of this and have encountered it all as well - one thing to add - you will make mistakes no matter how good you think you are - don't draw attention to the mistakes on stage - play through them and 9/10 times no one in the audience will even notice.

[@musilat]

Yet another great video sir. That was seriously solid, valuable advice. One thing I would add is to never tune audibly on stage. I realize that falls under being prepared, but never assume that everyone gets the big picture. Thanks again and happy holidays to you and your family. You're doing fantastic work here.

[@Sasketchejuana_man]

This might hurt some feelings, but they are all so true.

[@fabianmallmann4834]

Cool, you made the list I wanted to make for so long! Really well made and right on the money! Keep it up yo!

[@MarkTiarra]

Excellent video! I've definitly been guilty of noodling between songs. Not at a gig, but in rehearsal.

[@jerryhollis8155]

I would only add one other thing. A "Pro" doesn't need to tell anyone he's/She's a "Pro." If you are it will be obvious.

[@alexeypolevoybass]

Sometimes it's still necessary. This is crazy, but most of rock bands consist of dumb, selfish, and self important amateurs who only think they're worth a thing. They tell you that drinking alcohol or smoking weed during a rehearsal session is totally fine; they show up shitfaced and tell you it's because “I've got that rock'n'roll spirit, unlike boring nerds like you”; they drink a fucking gallon of beer before going on stage, then complain they wanna pee at as the second song starts; they don't learn their parts at home, because “we've got rehearsals twice a week, pal, isn't that enough?”; the list can go on infinitely.

[@kingberzerk]

Very helpful for all sorts of professionals, much appreciated, thank you!

[@yoshiobermeyer2867]

This is some very fine list! Well done, Sir!

[@viennapalace]

11A - Don't be tempted to book two gigs at different times in one night. Too many things can go wrong between shows & not turning up for the second gig can get expensive if there's something in the contract & in the long run when you never get booked at that venue again. Don't ask me how I know this...

[@robertcovell2787]

I learned many of these tips the hard way over the years but the one nightmare I could never deal with is a fool on the mixer who didnt know what the e.q. is for or a mute button. Many times I'd have what I want in my monitor but the mains on my channel were muted or the e.q. was so muddy that it rendered a beautiful guitar and amp pointless. As much as possible I'd insist on using our own sound system

[@Rominko17]

You've really earned my subscribtion, great advice to keep in mind, eventhough I try to avoid all of them already.

[@hatempire]

I like how you teach while showing that you've learned some of it the hard way. Sometimes, it's better saying "I did this mistake, please, don't repeat it or you'll be in trouble". Really helpful and I realized I have serious organization issues that I'll work to get out of the way, thanks!!

[@kkoch666]

Learning is making mistakes, it's not a bad thing.

[@bernbaumgartner9764]

Well said! Great advice for musicians and professionals in general.

[@jamessnider461]

Good advice! Thanks for uploading this

[@leewesterso2151]

Thank you, Mike! This is sage advice. You rock, Bud.

[@_.rabby._4562]

How is he bending time and space during the transitions

[@letzrockitrite8469]

Great advice !! Is everyone listening ?? Thank you for another pertinent vid ..

[@ZachSmithMusic93]

This video made me subscribe. Simple yet incredibly solid advice here. Glad to see I follow a lot of this already. :D

[@TessaAnderson]

I really like that you did this video with a guitar in your hands.

[@speedweaver5266]

Pretty sound advice. Thanks Mike!

[@RenePeraza]

I was front-man for a highly visible band in the late 90s, and the bass player (a well-renowned guy) was that negative, sarcastic vibe. Although he was very accomplished, this personality trait was a drag. I finally had words wth him once, even though it was not my band, but felt I had to call him on stuff. He was surprised and actually seem to get it. Don't know if it changed him (doubt it), but a spotlight was lit on him where he may not have realized he lacked in.

[@kellywilliams6151]

Solid advice. The 58 Thumbs Down are 58 musicians I wouldn't want to play with.

[@PlateletRichGel]

this is good advice for any job. Show up on time, know your role, have all your equipment ready, don't fidget, don't overplay, leave bad energy at home, don't overextend yourself, keep your commitments

[@mrc2662]

This is so instructive and helpful. Top bloke.

[@gareyrickher7776]

GREAT advice! It took me a long time to not drink heavily at gigs. Now I wait till after my set to heavily imbibe. I allow myself one before. Also, the negative vibes thing is huge (also guilty). For a while one of my drummers was making tons of mistakes all over the place (timing/dynamics/forgetting parts). It got to me so much, and I was really bad at communicating it, that it festered and made me the one that was bringing the bad vibes in. It's much better in the short and long run to just be honest about these things.

[@stevefrandsen]

Apart from gigs, this is all great professional advice in business, sales, accountancy, computer programming, teaching, public speaking, the maths, sciences and humanities! Excellent video, Thanks!

[@CertifiedBandcom]

SPOT ON!! I recently moved from a market where music IS a legitimate profession (and the vast majority of my band-mates could have given this same lesson) to an area where music (for most) is not even a self-supporting hobby, and I was SHOCKED at how this stuff is just foreign to the majority of people that I've been working with here. Thanks for clear, concise, and reasonable!!! Keep up the great work. :)

[@chavoxo50]

Really great video. Watch and learn. Many of these points are valid for everyone not just musicians.

[@apriltoronto5254]

Hey dude! A lot of very true insights you're talking about... and they're definitely not bound to musicians only... this is so true for many more aspects of life...well true for all situations when it comes to being a professional! I'd really like to know whether these tips are all based on personal experiences you've had... thx for the vid...and please keep up the good work... (e. g. I immensely enjoy your videos where you show the styles of guitarists like Dave Mustaine oder good ol' Mr. Jimi Hendrixx...

[@kataioster3830]

Great idea and comments. I would add to the negativity thought, that smiling on stage is infectious. Fans love it. Band members love it. It makes you look like you are not only having fun, but that you are very skilled on your instrument. Also, smiling to each other in the band when a mistake occurs is great. Negativity is a virus that spirals out of control and causes vindictive behavior. Positivity is similarly opposite. People feel good. Drinks go down or iTunes are bought. There's always head banger and scream rock which I don't really get. Noodling and over playing... great stuff. I played one time with this guy we called little Mozart. He was a bass player and all around intelligent musician but always brought a negative vibe and he slapped his bass constantly. Tricks and techniques that are well placed are great. I was so glad to get away from that. The movie Amadeus said it well....too many notes. There it is.

[@andrewdeck7945]

Great advice!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@jjrusy7438]

I like how you mentioned that pros don't overplay and play what the song requires. I always called that "serving the song". or what is needed to properly serve the song. Not only the guitar, but everyone actually. To me, the most underrated guitar player that serves the song the best is Pat Benatar's husband Neil Geraldo. He doesn't even have a signature style because he only serves the songs, and that has been huge for their music over all this time.

[@wedunitbandkrundobson4348]

Thank you for taking the time to EDUCATE! These things are pet peeves! Basically these are GOOD MANNERS & proper etiquette which I'm finding most musician lack. SHARING SHARING SHARING!

[@WattaPork]

Words of wisdom right here. This applies to anything that you do as a team - be it musical bands, work, sports, you name it

[@chusssMusic]

Great advice man. Thanks for this video.

[@richardtrump2544]

Your video's are so thoughtful. Thanks. Always be professional.

[@nmda9578]

Great list! A lot of these can be applied by professionals in all sorts of lines of work

[@apbach9787]

Thx Mike, pretty good coverage!

[@ianmackenzie686]

Well presented wisdom from such a young guy.

[@RobbieD213]

Great advice, thank you for sharing. #5 is a pet peeve of mine, #7 is my Achilles.

[@timberwolfenstein]

Here's a couple that are worth mentioning: Don't play too loud and use dynamics. These seem pretty self explanatory but we've all experienced it.

[@cuauhtemocmorisco3493]

John Katz so damn true. Ive seen bands where the drummer just bangs the drums so loud it's like nothing makes, the ears start to hurt, and the song goes out the window 😂😂

[@MrWilkat1]

The song's dynamics are so vital and people need to be reminded.

[@flacidhouse350]

"Don't play too loud and use dynamics." What a crock of shit.

[@arloroan3168]

So much YES! When that vocal comes in the band takes it down a notch. Dynamics and time between songs separate the boys from the men and the $ from the $$$$$

[@stevewalkermusic]

Yes, don't play too loud. On a club date if the bartenders can't hear what the customers are ordering, you will not be hired back. i consider it an great compliment to asked to turn up.

[@DavidMorisset]

Super great advice. Many aspects to aspire to.

[@timothysnave]

These are really good points. I think even the original bands you mentioned could use this advice in most cases.

[@robertstewart8431]

As a member of a working band, all of this advice is invaluable. Our band always shows up much earlier before a gig (we have to set up all our sound system, etc.) just in case something goes wrong. Also being prepared for any issues (cords, stands, whatever). Finally, we are old enough to be over the drugs and alcohol thing. Nothing wrong with an occasional beer, but that's about it. Thanks for the post.

[@rabbirelax]

Great video! Regarding the drummer who couldn't take a little constructive advice, which was given for the better of the song I'm sure : he needs to watch this video. As a 30 year working bassist/guitarist, I have, on occasion, been "corrected" by fellow musicians. I have always let the individual know that I am grateful for the help.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Yes but that takes emotional intelligence and I’m afraid he lacks what you, and many great musicians, have.

[@rabbirelax]

I dig. Keep up the great work.

[@vooveks]

Yeah, but it depends on how they do it. There's a very fine line between being diplomatic and patronising. I've been the giver and receiver of advice and, done wrong, it just pisses people off or knocks their confidence. You have to imagine yourself being talked to in the way you are talking to others. It's actually one of the most difficult things in a band. I've been guilty of it, so I know!

[@wheeltrouble]

I think the most meaningful correction I ever received was from Barry Ross, when, in front of the ENTIRE ensemble, stares right at me, and politely stated "There are only 12 notes. Pick one." I never showed up unprepared again.

[@bubba4001]

Great advice Mike and thank you.