too many licks

[dogbite]

my band debuts in a few weeks. we have been in heavy rehearsal going over and timing our set lists.
a few moths ago I had no trouble remembering all the new songs.
I am the lead player. I have licks in major and minors in every set. I have been working them out without much trouble.
this past week however my mind is playing tricks on me. I am hitting a wall or something. I draw blanks when it's time to solo. the lick I practiced seems to fade away. I fret the wrong frets when playing a song in C and forgetting everything when I have a three chord song in Em.
I know it is from over work. regardless, I feel a freak out happening when I go on stage soon.
do you have any ideas how I can keep my fingers and mind on track? what is a good way to sort out the licks for each song.?

[Laz]

I'm having the same problem with 3 songs that have similar transitions between F#, C#, and B. I get them confused all the time.

The only suggestion I have is to think of your solos as melodies instead of licks. That usually works for me.

[dogbite]

thanks. I know I need to KISS (keep it simple stoopid) and I am. it is just all those patterns blur into one mess.

[Cat]

You are becoming your own worst enemy, Randy. You're one of the better guitarists "out there" so just do your thing...damn the torpedoes...and full speed ahead!

Cat

[dogbite]

Cat. you nailed it. I am my worst enemy. my brain isn't playing the strings. it's should be my b%lls.

[Cat]

Being your own worst enemy is probably a good thing. Admitting your good points is always harder to do than your bad ones! Why? I don't know, really...maybe the Puritanical side of the Western World has predisposed us to this.

As far as your playing goes...what...did you pick up your guitar last week??? Geez, buddy...you've tossed close to 50 years into the freakin' scene!

Now go with it!

Cat

[Cat]

Re-posting:

This is a job for Super Chris.

You out there, Chris???

Cat

[TRGuitar]

Cat. you nailed it. I am my worst enemy. my brain isn't playing the strings. it's should be my b%lls.

I never think about scales and such while I'm playing a part. I do when figuring it out or what to play but when I'm jamming I just let it flow. (And sometimes it flows downhill)

[Cat]

Ha! True...but you left out the GOOD BIT: the next time downhill comes up again in the progression...do it again! Harder! Make sure the other guys know this and force it onto the floor! Works for me!!! (Good post, TR!)

Cat

[Nuno]

You explained it to me many, many times, I think it was the best thing I learned from you: internalize it.

I think you brain is playing the guitar, no your heart. You know how play the guitar with your heart. Just do it. Forget the scales, chords, and licks, just play and have fun!

[dogbite]

I will let you know. going into rehearsal in about an hour.

[Cat]

Listen to Nuno...

Cat

[dogbite]

rehearsal went well. we're all set. I remembered the cover licks and was able to come up enough of my own for some blues jams.
I kept my fills simple, playing behind the lead vocals and everyone liked it. I still have to figure out my my output levels on the pedals.
all in all; whew.

[TRGuitar]

Glad to hear Dog ....I have faith in you!

[Cat]

At last!!! People will go hear a local band that actually sounds GREAT!!!!

Cat