How to I prevent shaky hands on stage?

Question

When you are in front of all those people and your hands are trembling, it makes it very difficult to play guitar or drums or bass or whatever accurately. My band's first performance is coming up and we're concerned about this. I am in the school band and in practice I can always play perfect, but when the concert comes, the nervousness causes me to miss notes. I'd hate for our guitarist to miss a string or our drummer to miss a cymbal or whatnot.

Any tips? So far my only ideas are Kava and Valerian Root pills, muscle relaxants, (do those take a prescription?) and alcohol, Metallica's personal favorite.

Thanks

Answer 1

BREATHE! slowly in and out as deeply as you can. If you start breathing too fast - you will hyperventilate  - so keep it slow. you already KNOW YOU CAN PLAY IT PERFECT FROM DOING IT IN PRACTICE-

SO JUST TELL YOURSELF THAT - "I CAN DO THIS PERFECT - I ALREADY DO IT PERFECTLY - I DO IT PERFECTLY ALL THE TIME"

AND JUST KEEP BREATHING.

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE A MUSCLE RELAXER OR DRINK -

( METALLICA OR NOT)

THAT WILL CAUSE YOUR TIMING TO BE OFF BECAUSE YOUR BODY WILL NO LONGER BE CONTROLLED BY YOU.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Answer 2

I am a classical flautist and I always take Bach Rescue Remedy before I go on stage. You can get it from any health food shop and it's a natural relaxant. you put a couple of drops underneath your tongue and it really takes the edge off. It is gentle and it won't get rid of your nerves completely but it makes you calm and focused.

I would go with anything stronger than that because the side effects would outweigh any benefits.

Good luck with your gig!

Answer 3

Imagine you are somewhere else. Or imagine the audience are people you relax around.

Answer 4

Stage fright is common.  I suffered for years. When I changed my approach to music it went away.  It does not make any difference I play the same at home as I do in performance.  

I concentrate on each sound and what the music is doing. It not only ended my stage fright, I instantly became a better player. Most players just sit back and try to enjoy the music.  I do enjoy the music, but I do not sit back and relax. I work at my performance.