[falseta]

Hi Everyone,

To kick things off let's talk about how to make your first money. Some of you have made money playing guitar and can share your first gig experience. Maybe you are getting ready to play your first gig and want to ask a few questions.

Let me share my experience:

My first gig was at a small coffee shop. Man was I horrible. If I wasn't playing I would have walked out on me!

The coffee house had an open mic night were anyone could sign up to play for the night. I think I made a few dollars. In fact I still have the very first dollar I made on stage. Getting the gig was not hard at all, it was getting through the gig.

After the first couple of songs everything went smoother as I got more and more comfortable. Plus people started clapping and enjoying the music I had practiced hard to play for them.

Although it's been many years since that first gig I never seem to forget it.

Share your story on how you made your first money or ask your questions about making your first money. I look forward to reading your stories and questions.

[DreadGod]

I have played at several open mic nights but just drop ins, never for pay. My one attempt so for to earn money from playing was to try busking in downtown Vancouver. Unfortunately, I had no amplifier and there was so much car traffic that I couldn't make myself heard above the noise. I got 75c from two little kids and dollar from a guy wanting directions to Joe Fortes Chop House...hahaha. At least I got a slice of pizza.....

[falseta]

+Rep points for being the first to post your story!

I bet that pizza slice was tasted great after earning it playing music in front of others.

Thanks for posting your story.

[flamencita]

My first gig was at a small show in a venue. There were about 10 other people there that were my age and when I went up to play they all listened so quietly, I wish a gig could always be that personal when it comes to the audience. I have seen clips from Paco Pena's "A Compas" and I believe shows like that are perfect because the audience has to constantly react in their minds to what is going on, thus keeping their interest. Anyway, I ended up not getting paid because the venue owner was very poor, which was ok because overall is was so much fun.