Got a gig coming up? First-time performers and seasoned pros alike need to pack smart. The right gear makes your show run smoothly. Forgotten items can turn your big night into a mess. This guide will help you pack everything you need for your next show.
Essential Gear
Your core equipment forms the backbone of your performance. These items must travel with you to every gig.
Instrument
Pack your main instrument first. Check it works well before the gig day. Fix any issues now, not minutes before you play. Change old strings on guitars or basses. Tighten loose parts. Clean it well.
Your instrument should look as good as it sounds. Bring the right picks, slides, capos, or other small items it needs. Keep these extras in a small case in your gig bag.
Amplifier
Your amp gives your instrument its voice. Choose the right size for your venue. Small clubs need less power than outdoor stages. Test all knobs and inputs before you pack.
Know your amp's power needs. Some venues have limited outlets. Ask ahead about power access on stage. Bring amps with fresh tubes if yours uses them.
Cables
Cables link your whole setup together. They often fail at the worst times. Pack more than you think you need. Check each cable before the gig for cuts or bad ends.
Label your cables with tape or tags. This helps during fast setups. Coil them properly to prevent damage. Keep them in a separate bag for quick access.
Microphones
Singers need their own mic. Many pros bring their favorite model even when venues provide them. Dynamic mics work best for live shows. They handle loud volumes well.
If you play acoustic instruments, you might need instrument mics too. Pack the right mic clips and proper XLR cables for each one.
Setlist
Write your song list on paper or card stock. Make the text large enough to read in dim light. Include notes about key changes or special cues.
Tape your setlist where you can see it during the show. Make copies for each band member. Number your songs to help everyone stay on track.
Backup Instrument
Bring a spare if you can. Strings break. Electronics fail. Your backup doesn't need to match your main instrument's quality. It just needs to work in a pinch.
Keep your backup tuned and ready. Nothing wastes time like tuning a cold instrument on stage.
Sound and Tech Equipment
These items help you sound your best and stay in sync with your band.
Tuner and Metronome
A good tuner is must-have gear. Clip-on tuners work well for most string instruments. Pedal tuners let you tune silently between songs.
Bring a metronome for sound check. It helps set tempos right from the start. Some tuners include built-in metronomes to save space.
DI Box or Audio Interface
Direct boxes convert your instrument's signal for the main sound system. Bass players and acoustic guitarists often need them most. They prevent hum and noise in long cable runs.
Some venues provide DI boxes, but having your own ensures quality. Active DIs need power, so pack fresh batteries or the right power supply.
Extension Cords and Power Strips
Never count on venues for enough power outlets. Bring your own heavy-duty cords and power strips. Place them where they won't get stepped on.
Use bright tape to mark your cords on the floor. This prevents trips and keeps your gear plugged in. Avoid cheap dollar store cords that can fail mid-show.
Mic and Mic Stand
Your mic needs a good stand. Boom stands offer more position choices than straight stands. Check that all knobs and threads work well.
Pack any clips or adapters your mic needs. Some venues have stands but too few clips. Bring a spare if you use wireless mics.
Music Stand
If you read charts or lyrics, pack a sturdy music stand. Test how it folds and unfolds before the gig day. Cheap stands collapse at the worst times.
Clip-on lights help in dark venues. Battery-powered LED lights work great. They cast enough light without blinding you or the crowd.
Backup Gear and Parts
Problems happen at gigs. Smart musicians plan for them with spares of key items.
Spare Cables
Guitar and bass players need extra strings. Drummers need spare sticks and heads. Wind players need reeds. Keyboardists need backup memory cards. Pack at least one extra of each cable type you use. Keep them in good shape and test them often. One bad cable can stop your whole show.
Wind your spare cables neatly. This makes them easy to grab when you need them fast. Store them in their own marked bag.
Spare Batteries
Many modern music tools run on batteries. Effects pedals, wireless systems, and active pickups all need power. Pack fresh batteries for everything.
Organize them by type in a small case. Check expiry dates. Dead batteries cause weird issues that waste time to track down.
Spare Tubes (for tube amps)
Tube amps sound great but tubes can fail suddenly. Learn which tubes your amp uses. Bring spares for at least the power tubes.
Know how to change tubes safely. They get very hot during use. Wait for them to cool before you touch them. Pack them in padded cases.
Tools and Supplies
These items help you fix problems fast and keep your show on track.
Multi-tool
A good multi-tool saves the day when gear acts up. Look for one with screwdrivers, pliers, and wire cutters. Keep it in your gig bag at all times.
Learn how to use each tool part. Practice quick fixes at home. You might need to work fast in dim light during a show.
Gaffers Tape
Every musician needs gaffer tape. It holds cables down, marks stage spots, and fixes loose parts. Unlike duct tape, it peels off clean.
Black tape blends with most stages. Get quality tape that sticks well but doesn't leave gunk. Keep a full roll in your kit.
Tool Kit
Build a small kit with the exact tools your gear needs. Include hex keys, tiny screwdrivers, and string cutters. Pack a small flashlight too.
Keep tools in a compact case. Make sure you can find each tool by touch. Speed counts when fixing gear between songs.
Personal Comfort & Health
Take care of yourself to play your best. These items keep you feeling good through the whole show.
Ear Protection or In-Ear Monitors
Protect your hearing at every gig. Foam plugs work in a pinch. Musicians' earplugs offer better sound while cutting volume.
In-ear monitors give you clear sound at safe levels. They block stage noise too. Invest in good ones if you play often.
Water Bottle and Snacks
Stay hydrated on stage. Bring a water bottle that won't spill if knocked over. Place it where you can reach it between songs.
Pack small, non-messy snacks for energy. Nuts, energy bars, or dried fruit work well. Avoid sticky or crumbly foods near your gear.
Towel and Extra Shirt
Stage lights make you sweat. Bring a small towel to stay dry. Dark colors show less sweat and look more pro on stage.
Pack a fresh shirt for long gigs. A quick change makes you feel better for the second set. Choose breathable fabrics that move with you.
Meds and Personal Items
Bring any meds you need. Headache pills can save a show when the noise brings pain. Allergy meds help in dusty venues.
Pack what makes you comfortable. Throat lozenges help singers. Eye drops help with dry, smoky rooms. Think about your needs.
Other Considerations
These final tips help your whole gig run better from setup to tear-down.
Gig Bag
Invest in a good case or gig bag. It should cushion your gear while making it easy to carry. Check straps and zippers often for wear.
Pack your bag the same way every time. This helps you spot missing items fast. Keep small things in inner pockets so they don't get lost.
Check with the Venue
Call ahead about what gear the venue provides. Some places have house drums, amps, or PA systems. This could save you loading work.
Ask about stage size and shape. Know where power outlets sit. Learn load-in routes and parking rules. No surprises means less stress.
Test your Gear
Test everything before you leave home. Plug in each piece. Turn knobs. Strum strings. Press keys. Fix problems before the gig, not during it.
Do a full sound check at the venue. This catches issues the home test missed. Listen to how your gear sounds in the actual room.
Conclusion
Being ready means more than just having gear. It means knowing your gear works. It means quick fixes for common problems. It means comfort on stage. The best shows happen when musicians focus on the music, not on missing cables or dead batteries. Pack smart. Play great. Your fans will notice the difference in your sound and your stage presence.