Checklist for your first gig
Gear, backups, soundcheck and, if you want, a merch table for your first show.
Your first show always brings surprises. This checklist covers the things most often forgotten, so you can focus on playing.
Gear
- Instrument, cables and strap.
- Tuner and, if you use pedals, their power supply and connection cables.
- Picks or sticks, spare strings and a stand for the lyrics or setlist.
- A printed song list with keys and order.
Backups
- A spare cable for every instrument that plugs in.
- Fresh batteries for the tuner or any pedal that uses them.
- Extra strings or sticks in the case.
- A copy of the setlist on your phone, in addition to the printed one.
Soundcheck
Arrive early. Connect everything, test each instrument and ask for the monitor mix you need to hear yourself. Play the opening song through in full to check levels and entrances. If you can, also check how the vocals sound through the microphone you will use.
Merch table (optional)
If you want to sell something, keep it simple: stickers, a card with the band name and where to hear you, a cash box or a clear payment method, and a pen. You do not need a big stand to start.
The most important thing is to play the first two songs well. Once those go right, the rest of the show usually flows.