You've been playing guitar or bass for a while,  you joined a band and are ready to play gigs.  One important factor to keep in mind is your 'total performance' on stage.  Most musicians will practice their songs for hours so that they know every note by heart, but one thing that band members may not practice or even think much about is their VISUAL performance on stage.    Most people coming to see a band want to be entertained.  They want to hear good music, but they also want to SEE the band having fun on stage.  They want to be entertained with audio and visual fun. 

    The band needs to set the tone on stage and let that catch on with their audience.  If all of the band members play their songs perfectly but stand stationary on stage like statues, then you may lose your connection with the audience.  Eye contact is not only important in public speaking, but it is equally important with live band performances.  The audience wants to see you make eye contact and facial expressions.  Smile at people, wink at attractive members of the opposite sex - show them that you are playing for them. 

    You also need plenty of movement on stage: ie. dancing, bobbing your head, moving your body - simply move to the music.  As a musician you already have a built-in sense of rhythm, so just make movements to the beat of the song.  Sway back and forth, jump up and down, etc.  Practice certain moves that the entire band does simultaneously. When the band does movements simultaneously and your music sounds great, you look 100% polished as entertainers.  That polished look and sound will catch on fast, give you more followers and get you more gigs.  Be creative and have fun with it. 

    In the meantime goto: www.stores.ebay.com/da-vez-music to purchase Extra Life color-coated guitar or bass strings which will help to enhance your sound, prolong the life of your strings, and allow your instrument to look cool on stage.  Dazzle your friends with high-quality strings colored: blue, black, red, pink, or green.