Play Guitar Like a Good Scout and "Be Prepared"

<p>I was the victim of a freak accident on a gig recently and it really drove home the point of how important it is, as a guitar player, to be prepared for anything.</p><p>Whether it's playing guitar on a gig, rehearsing with a band, or just jamming in the basement with some buddies - there is always the possibility that Murphy will rear his ugly head and turn an otherwise pleasant musical experience into a nightmare.</p><p>The freak accident happened as I was setting up for a recent outdoor gig. I had pulled out one of my guitars and was getting ready to put the strap on it, when I realized that the strap button on the guitar was loose and needed to be tightened.</p><p>With the guitar in my right hand, and the strap in my left, I reached out to toss the strap over the top of my amp so I could free up my hand to work on the guitar.</p><p>Here's where the "freak" part comes in. When I tossed the strap on to my amp, the strap lock button of the strap swung down and into the open back of the amp. As soon as that happened I heard a "poof" sound, followed by the tinkling of glass shards.</p><p>Instantly knowing what happened, but still in a state of denial, I went around to the back of the amp to take a look, and my worst fear was confirmed.</p><p>The metal strap lock button of the strap had swung around and made contact with one of my power tubes. The 6L6 took a direct hit, and there was nothing left but the tube socket, and shattered, jagged glass.</p><p>I could never have repeated that accuracy again in a million years!</p><p>My first thought was, "uh-oh, I don't have a spare tube".</p><p>To make a long story short, fortunately the other guitar player had an extra tube and the rest of the gig went off without a hitch.</p><p>The fact that I was so unprepared was inexcusable. As a gigging musician with over 30 years under my belt, I knew better.</p><p>To make matters worse, I have written a number of columns, and instructed numerous students in the benefits of being prepared for any eventuality. Guess I should practice what I preach!</p><p>The moral, of course, is to sit down ahead of time and think about all the things that could go wrong on a gig, rehearsal or recording session - and make a list of things you should have on hand if something should break.</p><p>Take a chapter from the Boy Scout manual and "Be Prepared"</p><p>Think especially about having spare guitar strings, batteries, cables, picks, duct tape, screw drivers, fuses...oh, and...tubes!</p><p>Over 40, 50, 60? For Free Video Guitar Lessons designed for Active Adults go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.adultguitarlessons.com/amember/free_lessons-1225ez.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.adultguitarlessons.com/amember/free_lessons-1225ez.php</a></p><p>Keith Dean is founder of <a target="_new" href="http://www.AdultGuitarLessons.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.AdultGuitarLessons.com</a> and a 30 veteran of stage and studio. He toured extensively as a road musician throughout the US and Europe, was a former lead guitarist for Jason Aldean, and has shared stages with Little Big Town, Wild Rose, Winger, Confederate Railroad and more. He is a published songwriter, owned and operated a successful music store, and has instructed numerous students in guitar.</p>