In my previous band I was one of three singers and the sole guitarist, but in my current band I'm the sole singer and one of three guitarists. In all honesty my guitar doesn't really need to be there, but I'm too used to it hanging round my neck and it gives me something to do during solo's/long intros. It has been suggested to me that I "lose the guitar and be a Frontman". I'm definitely not a dancer, or a poser, what does that leave? If there's a lot of solos, you can always pick up a cowbell. 'More cowbell' is the rallying cry of the new millenium, as I'm sure you've heard.
Otherwise, since you don't dance, just grab a stool and shake your head to the groove, go out and high-five audience members, reach for your water bottle, etc. A 'frontman' is nothing in particular, because it's YOU and if you just be yourself, do what the moment dictates, then you'll be fine. Roger Daltry has his microphone cords all taped up with heavy duty duct tape so he can swing the mike around like a circus performer, grooving to the absolute groove of the band.
Having your guitar there and finding a way to involve yourself with the rhythm section without upstaging the solo is probably the best thing to do, it keeps you inside the song. I've seen guys push their guitar, still strapped on, out of the way so they could hold the mike with both hands while singing.
The important thing to you, it seems, is being a member of the band, and not the center of all the attention, so the guitar is probably your best bet you don't have to be a 'poser' to be an entertainer. You wont be a very good front man if your not moving around or interacting with the audience. If anything, the guitar being around your neck will help you not to just stand there. If you want to loose the guitar, do it. but keep in mind you will have to do something on stage, like, jump around, or something, you have to have energy.
for practice maybe you should try doing karaoke. or- watch some videos of bands onstage. like go to youtube and search for story of the year or some other punk bands. they give the best stage preformances. Scott Weiland of Velvet Revolver-study his moves |
