The main differences between practice and performing?

My perspective is that practicing / rehearsing / performing have different purposes, and I agree with much of what people have said above regarding the focus of each (learning / integrating / delivering). I will add that it's important to practice and rehearse the same way you will perform.
  • Use the same equipment. Don't go with a stripped-down setup because it's more convenient. Practice and rehearse at stage volume.
  • Set up your gear the same way you do onstage.
  • If you stand while performing, stand while practicing.
  • Rehearse with your ensemble being set up in the same stage configuration you use live. Each musician should face the same direction they do onstage. Get thoroughly accustomed to WHERE the sounds are coming from with respect to your position. Even if you don't have a PA / monitor system, find a way to hear each other the same way you will live.
When you perform, there will be enough variables... the room, the PA, the excitement of playing live, people in the crowd, etc. If you practice and rehearse in the same setup and performance mindset, you'll reduce the number of distractions that will trip you up while playing live.

One more thought: if you have a big show coming up, consider doing a tech / dress rehearsal. Wear the same stuff you will wear onstage. Play your set, without stopping or hesitating between songs. The same way you'll do it live. If you are comfortable having friends come listen, that's great. But do it. Iron out the bugs, get your levels dialed in, and perform the show as if it were Madison Square Garden.

It's never "just another gig". Every show is precious. Deliver the performance and energy you would expect from your favorite band.
 
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dsouza said:
One of the key differences is distractions in a live environment.

How do you deal with punks coming up to you and placing their beer bottle on your amp when your in the middle of a complex solo?

How do you deal with a screaming crowd when you’re trying to focus on your lead?

How do you deal with poor vision in darker environments where you can barely see the strings without squinting?

Are there people who use earplugs to combat distractions? How about special sunglasses for musicians that improve sight on the guitar even in dark environments while at the same time disguising you as cool and unreachable so punks in the crowd accept you as a rock star and don’t try to challenge you?

In a noisy environment how many of you have access to security or a police officer with the press of a button on a protection device or mechanism? For example somebody trying to stomp on your fm9. Kick your amplifiers or even physically assault you while drunk?

Because of all these reasons I’m leaning more into live streaming but can you make a six figure income streaming your setlist? If so, how?
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Personally I would just shoot the guy who dared put a beer on my equipment...Nah, not really!
It's called "experience".................Which no matter what anyone says here will help you. Only YOU can by GAINING THE EXPERIENCE...........
 
dsouza said:
Do you really think muscle memory can be sustained and even improved on COMPLEX solos by playing them ONCE and only at concerts 3-4 x week? I believe the details and fine elements of the solos would deteroriate over time. You still need to fine tune and repeat each lick you've mastered through repetitive practice on a regular basis for muscle memory to remain sharp.
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Nope-that's why it's called Muscle Memory. I have been playing for 40+ years and as an example, I never practice how to bend a note properly, haven't for 30 years. It's part of my muscle memory. I imagine sooner or later my memory will fade but it hasn't yet..................Well, not as far as the guitar goes anyway
:cool:
 
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