While there are doubtless many guitarists reading this that have done shows and experienced "being in the pit", there are many others who probably haven't and that's why I'm happy to contribute this article to Guitar Sessions.

Each type of job in music is unique, band gigs, casuals (weddings, bar mitzvahs etc.), recording tv/film or records, concerts as a solo artist. or shows (Broadway style comedy, musical, or drama), and doings shows is what we'll be discussing here.

Currently I'm doing a show here in Los Angeles that's being prepared to open on Broadway in April called 9 to 5 (based on Dolly's movie 20 years ago. It's a comedy and it's very funny and because Dolly has written some new music for it there are some country flavorings that are being added to the music. I've been called to play 2nd guitar which is the utility chair so there are a few other instruments involved beside guitar including Mandolin, Dobro, Pedal Steel, and acoustic guitar.

When you do shows certain things are mandatory to be successful in the pit and they are:

1. Being Organized - On the music stand having the music perfectly organized and knowing which (if any) charts needs to be opened up before the show starts so you wont have to take time later.
2. Choreography - Shows almost always require switching between instruments at some point- especially for guitar and woodwinds players. Sometimes it can just be as simple as going from electric to acoustic or visa versa while there's a few bar break in the music. Other times it can be way more complicated and needs to happen in a very short time and sometimes for a key entrance. Thinking ahead is absolutely vital. In a conversation recently with a friend of mine named Paul Viapiano ( currently the guitarist for "Wicked" running here and one of LA's absolute best players), he said that he doesn't put his electric guitar down untill he switches to his NEXT sound coming up (he's thinking ahead).

To illustrate the need for this I thought I would just give you a basic overview of what the 1st Act looks like from my chair at 9 to 5.

1.) Begin on Elec switch to Acou midway for 8 bar featured part the back to Elec to finish.
2.) Tune begins w/capo on 1st fret on Acoustic for ringing effect then capo off midway staying on acoustic but then switching back to elec.
2a.) stay on elec.
3.)Switch to Dobro - verify mic is on.
3a.) stay on Dobro
4.) Elec
5.) switch to acoustic-capo on 3rd fret solo beginning vamp- switch to mandolin
6.) back to acoustic (verify tuning) prepare for unison solo with clarinet.
7.) Back to Dobro for short cue
8.) Switch to pedal steel
9.) Back to elec
9a.) stay on elec
9b.) Begin on elec and switch to Pedal Steel
9c.) Pedal Steel feature on beginning then switch to acoustic
9d.) elec
10.) Begin on High Strung Acoustic (tuned as high strings of a 12 string refer to my book for further info) (verify A/B box witched to B
position then switch to electric for gospel section doubling lines w/horns.
11.
11a.
12. All Electric

At the end of act 1 I then detune 6th string of the Acoustic in preparation for the 3rd cue of the 2nd act that features acoustic. This all happens in an hour and a half and all starts from the conductors cue which I watch from a video monitor attached to my stand ( see photo).

Anyone who does shows knows how vital it is to always keep one eye on the conductor because timing can change with actors in a scene and the conductor is responsible to be right with the flow. That's why he or she relies on the players to be with them at all times.

Which brings me to the the next component of doing shows - Focus.In this show you've got allot to do and there's very little down time but in some cases you might have long breaks in the action and you have to stay on top of it mentally.

I was once doing a show with another GREAT guitarist here in town that had been going for just over a month and when it came time for our entrance he was just staring into outer space and about 8 bars later came in. I later thanked him for being willing to join in and we had a good laugh.

I wish I could say this had never happened to me but man do I have stories...just like all of us. I hope this has provided a little insight to playing "in the pit" and until next time, God Bless !

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