It’s time to get ready for the show!

There’s is a lot to remember and if your show is far away,  there’s no turning back to get something you forgot.

Get directions.
Look up the directions and find out how long it takes to get to the gig.  If you don’t have access to some kind of gps device, you can find most places with Google Maps, or something equivalent.  In this day and age that will be what most venues will expect.  I once called up a business  to ask someone for directions and the person on the phone said “I’m not really from around here, so I won’t be much help.”  Also, if you’re driving make sure to give your self enough time to get gas and  try to show up an hour before the show.  Some venues will require the band to show even earlier.

Bring water and a snack
Some venue will provide the band with a stipend and most will at least give you water for free, but an open container filled with liquid on stage can easily be knocked over.  This can make a big mess of equipment.  Also, bring a small snack.  You may not even eat it, but if you’re hungry at least you will have something to eat.

Tuner, wires, cables, and batteries
Even if you can tune your guitar by ear, you should bring and use a tuner.
Double check that you have all wires and power cables needed to run your equipment.  If you use a battery for a pedal or a wireless mic, be sure to bring extra.

Backup guitar
Have a backup guitar ready to grab in case a string breaks.  Whether you have it on a stand or in a case nearby, have your backup guitar in tune with a strap, so you can jump back in the song as quickly as possible.

Amplifier
A small amplifier can easily be missed, so make sure you have it.

Stands
Guitar stands, amplifier stands, tablet holder, and Mic stands.  All of these can make or break a show.  If you use a music stand or a tablet for your chords or lyrics, the show might stop before it even gets started if you forget to bring them.  An amp stand can make it easier to be heard on stage when using a small amplifier.  Propping up a guitar on a wall or amp is a quick way to damage your guitar.  Also, if it’s on a stand you can get to it quicker if you need to change guitars.

Smart Devices
If you use a tablet on stage, make sure it’s fully charged before the show.  Have your charger with you in case you do need to charge up.
A portable battery makes a great back up, but you will have to remember to charge it up as well.

Also, if your car breaks down after the show.  You may be stranded for a very an exceptionally long time.  A phone without power only makes matters worse.
If you do breakdown and you happen to have a smart phone, find your exact coordinates (Latitude and Longitude) through someone like google maps. When you call the wrecker company, you can give them your exact location.  I’ve waited on the side of the road for hours because the tow truck driver couldn’t find me.

Picks, Strings, Capos, and slides.
Keep some extra picks in your pocket or on your amp in case you drop one while playing.  Picks are not easy to find on a dark stage.  If you use a Capo or a Slide, you might be able to figure out a workaround,but it will affect the performance if you have to change the way a song is played at the last minute.

Pedals
A pedal board makes it easier to keep all your pedals together and you won’t easily forget any of them.  Also, if you have a pedal board with some pockets, you will have an extra way to carry the aforementioned items.

Now you might be thinking “That’s a lot of stuff!”  When you itemize everything, it can be, which is why you want to have a checklist.  When everything is all put together it won’t seem like much and should fit easily in a small car.