Is it the right time to start playing gigs?

[danwin]

Hi, first off I waited about 15 years to long to finally start playing guitar. I am 33 years old and have been playing for about a year. I can't always practice on a regular basis so I'm probably not as advanced as most players who have been practicing as long as I have. My question is if you can play the rhythm parts to several songs like lets say, "Same old Song and Dance" by Aerosmith. But, can't play the solos, am i good enough to start playing live. I can play entire songs but I'm just not to the point of being able to nail the solos.
My wife used sing for a living, and I must say is very good, so i have a lead singer. I sure I can find a lead guitarist, a bass player, and a drummer. So my question is, should I just start playing live now or wait till i can nail the solos. Any comments or tips would be greatly appreciated.

[hammer]

Hi danwin, welcome.

I think if you can get gigs playing live just do it. Playing live will teach you heaps and you are only going to improve. Performing, jamming and audience interaction all take practice as well. So in short if you can... then do (I think I allready said that). It's heaps of fun so it will probably inspire you to practice more an so that will help as well. I can't really think of one reason not to. Happy giging. :riff:

[bcjames]

If the likes of busted can do it, then anyone can :D

Seriously, you dont need to be able to solo to be a wicked guitarist. Nail your rhythm stuff and let someone else take care of the lead!

[FlyingNC]

Yeah, I agree with the above. Just find a lead player and go for it.

[tiredollie]

i agree with all of the above, i mean my first gig i had been playing guitar for like 5 months, and also i had to play bass in one song and it ended up being a complete shambles. But it gave me the like super confidence and jst made me want to be real good the next time

[danwin]

thanks, i really want to play live. i just want other people to hear what i can do even if its not the best. thanks for all your feedback.

[Rayman]

If you're making good music, get out there and share it with people.

I don't mind watching bad guitarists, but I can't stand watching bad musicians. That is - if the music is interesting and melodic, it'll usually sound good, no matter how well-drilled the guitarist is. Whereas if the music is dull, sits on the same riff 16 times in a row, and is just a bunch of cliches thrown together because the musicians are playing it safe so they don't embarass themselves - that's when I'll finish my beer and go home for some sleep.

[GustavLesPaul]

get out and play!

[supercobra]

Like Gustav says, get out and play. So what if its a train wreck. So what if you feel a little embarrassed. Chances are, you're good enough to impress somebody. And even if you're not, you've got to get out of the woodshed sometime.

You say you play guitar, ...so play guitar.

[Pick_Master]

I mean even if u do mess up chances are ul never c any body u performed to again
or u could change ur name to ludovic and leave the state.....

[suiroc]

Hi danwin, welcome.

I think if you can get gigs playing live just do it. Playing live will teach you heaps and you are only going to improve. Performing, jamming and audience interaction all take practice as well. So in short if you can... then do (I think I allready said that). It's heaps of fun so it will probably inspire you to practice more an so that will help as well. I can't really think of one reason not to. Happy giging. :riff:

I totally agree with hammer. One of the best ways to learn is playing live. And a good experience on stage inspires you to carry on playing in a band and to get better.

The sooner the better.

[Peaceful]

I expect to be crossing that Rubicon soon. I plan on NOT telling anybody I know about it. At least, the first time out. Maybe, after I get some confidence...

[Peaceful]

Hey. I just noticed. I am a "Club Regular" now - no longer a "New Patron"