Staying Cool

Jim Nee · Post by **Jim Nee** » 12 Oct 2006 12:02 pm

I seem to have difficulty getting relaxed to play. At home, no problem or in a 3 to 4 set evening I can get dialed in. It is the rush in, set up, play and tear down for the next band situation which is most common in my area.
I just wondered if anyone has any mental or physical exercises that helps them in these situations.

Jim Peters · Post by **Jim Peters** » 12 Oct 2006 12:06 pm

Breathe deep and slow. Take a Tai Chi class, they are excellent for relaxation techniques. Some people just drink a beer.

JP

Michael Haselman · Post by **Michael Haselman** » 12 Oct 2006 12:37 pm

Hey, Jim what part of Minny? Anyway, I've done this too many times to count, actually doing it tomorrow night at the Cabooze, opening for Shooter Jennings. Answer: there is no answer. It's always hectic, some events are better run than others. You just have to get your mind set for these, and make sure you leave the stage with everything you came with!! Lost many stands, cords, etc. in the hustle and bustle.

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Mullen RP, Webb 6-14E, Peavey NV112, Hilton volume.

Jim Nee · Post by **Jim Nee** » 12 Oct 2006 1:11 pm

Thanks Michael,

Its not a big deal, I just need to get my right hand loosened up before the end of the third song.
I have gotten very good at the idiot check and arive home with no more or less than I left with.
We opened for Shooter down at the Surf Ballroom last year. The guys in the band were very nice . The guitar player did a few songs on a national lap steel.

Jim Nee · Post by **Jim Nee** » 12 Oct 2006 1:14 pm

Michael,

I live in Eagan right next to the zoo which somehow seems appropriate.

Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 12 Oct 2006 7:25 pm

Jim, I used to put my picks on and, while sitting down relaxing before going on, I'd tap out some patterns on the arm of a chair (preferably fabric type). It got my hands loosened up pretty good. Also finger/wrist/lower arm stretches help.

Al Udeen · Post by **Al Udeen** » 13 Oct 2006 9:31 am

Jim! A six pack of scotch does it for me!

Gary Lee Gimble · Post by **Gary Lee Gimble** » 13 Oct 2006 10:46 am

Al, would you settle for a duce pack?

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 13 Oct 2006 10:55 am

Yoga Nidra.

Jim Nee · Post by **Jim Nee** » 13 Oct 2006 11:20 am

OK, I think I've got it now.
Arrive 2 hours early, order 4 boilermakers, make 3 trips to my backup unit which is hidden behind the spare tire well in the trunk, get a massage, stop whinning and play.

I knew the answer was just a question away.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 13 Oct 2006 11:31 am

Attaboy.

Gene H. Brown · Post by **Gene H. Brown** » 18 Oct 2006 9:05 pm

I think you're gonna be a very fine picker, we all had to go through the phases and you'll make it, I'm sure. After all, the worst that can happen is you might get fired, and you were looking for a job when you found that one, right?

Gene

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If You Keep Pickin That Thing, It'll Never Heal!

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 18 Oct 2006 10:46 pm

On the bandstand try breathing out right before you play a phrase. It helps me stay relaxed.

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Bob
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