Musician's Gig List!

(edit note: This article originally published at Skinny Devil Universe, July 2022)

I'm gearing this checklist towards guitar players (so I won't mention extra drum sticks and drum heads, for example), especially of the singer-songwriter sort, but its easy to modify this to your personal needs.

Now, whether you're brand new to gigging or been doing it a long time, its good to have your checklist either at the forefront of your mind or physically written down to look at before you drive to the gig. And as a bonus.....This same list - with mild modification - can be used for your recording studio checklist (though you can subtract the merch & stage announcement stuffs).

Let's jump right in with a Baker's Dozen:

GEAR & PERFORMANCE

1) Guitar....back-up guitar and, if possible, backup amp (& PA/lights if you have to provide your own - and don't forget your mic, mic stands, guitar stands, cables, etc....and maybe a feedback buster for acoustic guitars)

2) Extra strings and picks/fingerpicks, batteries, guitar tuner, capo, earplugs (for louder gigs), flashlight

3) Extra/backup cables for guitar and mic(s) and a direct box

4) Your songbook (whether its electronic like a tablet or a physical printout of your charts & lyrics in a notebook)...AND stage notes (any info you need to say from the stage, or even just notes for stage banter)

5) Pens & sharpies & TAPE (many use duct tape, though gaffer tape is a better option)...plus blank paper

6) Basic guitar tool(s) like a multi-tool or small kit containing anything needed for changing strings, tightening connections, etc. (players, screwdrivers, string cutter, etc.), WD-40, contact cleaner, fretboard conditioner, and the like

7) Extension cord(s) to reach your power source AND a power strip 

8) Stage towels &/or hankies

9) Water bottle plus any extras you like to have on-hand (snacks, cough drops, etc.)

MARKETING & MONEY

10) Any promo materials (banner, posters, table flyers, biz cards, TIP JAR, web & socials URLs or QR codes, means of collecting emails & phone numbers, etc.)

11) Any merchandise like CDs, download cards, t-shirts, posters, etc. (plus cash, in addition to your preferred mode of electronic payments)

BUSINESS & OUTREACH

12) Venue info (address, on-site contact, etc.), gig contract (if applicable), stage plot (if applicable), gig calendar for additional bookings

EXTRAS

13) Change of clothes, emergency cash, AAA card, phone/tablet/laptop chargers, and your usual "oh shit" gear bag...just in case!

If you think of anything I've left out, drop me a line (comments below or email or DM) and I'll add it to the article!

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