How to Get Over Your Fear of Playing Guitar in front of Other People

This guy may have played live once or twice (Photo by Hector Bermudez on Unsplash)

Let’s face it: playing guitar in front of other people can be intimidating.

Especially if you are fairly new to the instrument or have never been on stage before. It’s incredibly easy and natural to let the nerves get to you. What if I mess up? What if I play the wrong note? What if I sound awful?

Jerry Seinfeld had a famous standup bit about how public speaking was most people’s worst fear — and death was only second. He made the observation that for most of us, then, we’d rather be in the coffin than doing the eulogy.

But playing the guitar in front of a crowd can be just as scary as giving a speech. So how can you overcome that fear and get out there on stage? How can you address the negative voices in your head that cause anxiety and fear?

As someone who has played live more times than I can count, I have a few different tips and methods to help you take a step of faith and perform for others. Or if you already do play to audiences but still struggle with stage anxiety, hopefully these tips can help you be a little less nervous next time.

Remember that people think you’re amazing

My main venue for playing in front of people is when I’m on the worship team at church. This…