How To Perform A Guitar Spin

Showmanship has always been a big key for bands in the music business.  Musicianship will take you far, but being able to perform a show that is memorable for an audience is just as important.  For guitarists, one of the best tricks to perform on stage is the famous guitar spin.  It takes faith and skill, and I wouldn't try it with your best guitar first.  I found a feature on the successes and failures of the guitar spin.  Work on those tricks to be the rock star that your fans will immortalize.  Have fun with the videos.

Swinging electric guitar

These videos may encourage you to try the guitar spin yourself, or may convince you to never try it.  Regardless, these videos will make you laugh and cry.  Take a look here at http://www.guitarworld.com/5-tips-help-you-execute-perfect-guitar-spin-move.

A huge part of being a guitarist is the attitude, right? And we all know that spinning the guitar is probably the second-best achievement on your way to rock 'n' roll stardom. The first one is smashing a guitar, but we'll get to that later, if you don't mind.

Here's one thing you don't want: Messing up your guitar spin trick! Unless you are aiming to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Shame! So here are five tips to make sure you will execute the perfect guitar spin. Violate them at your own risk ...

1. Make sure the guitar is correctly attached to the strap.

This probably is the most useful tip to execute the perfect guitar spin. Guitars can fly pretty well, but the landing is always a problem. Check it out for yourself; that second spin attempt was fatal.

2. Find your center.

Guitar spinning is not a martial art, but you can apply principles from martial arts. Yes, you can think hula hoop instead of martial arts if you're not afraid to be a wussy.

Find your center of gravity. Be sure you are focused on your center. Are you focused enough? Ready ... steady ... spin it! Not quite there yet!

Yes. If you don't focus on your center, your guitar can get back at you to bite you in the ass. Or hit your face in this case!

One little warning about the martial arts thing, though: Don't be too martial! Don't try to throw it far away from your center of gravity judo-style! This shows you how well a guitar can fly and how disastrous the landing can be.

3. Employ your coordination.

Guitar spinning is a serious matter. You don't want to get fancy until you are sure you've mastered the gist of the guitar spin. Never try to dance when you flip your guitar -- especially if you didn't find your center yet. 

4. Establish a security perimeter!

Guitars can be as dangerous as any blunt object. You don't want your singer to end up at the emergency room. It doesn't matter that your singer is a tough one to knock out. Please make sure you have enough space around you when you spin your guitar.

5. Never use your most expensive or favorite guitar.

You don't want to end up crying just because you wanted to show off. That's against that rock star attitude you are desperately trying to achieve. 

It's only after applying all these tips that you'll be able to be like this guy: three spins in a row! He is a master guitar spinner! Respect !

The guitar spin is just one example of a stage performance that will impress an audience.  The opportunities are endless for showmanship on stage.  Find out what you can do best for your fans and become the successful rock star you want to be.

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Have fun and stay tuned!

Mike