Beginning Musician's Gig Equipment List

So you've got a gig!

But now you're wondering what equipment you're gonna need to bring...


Well, it's not too complicated for musicians who are small-time and just starting out.

First, what instruments are you looking to play? For most spotlight-name artists, there will be keys and/or a guitar as the main instrument(s) played by the artists. If you want to play an instrument, you should have an electronic (acoustic guitars can be equipped with readers) version of what you play. Many venues will have a nice piano tuned for you, but it can't make all the different sounds a keyboard can, and it's always best to be prepared.

What instruments are in your band? A typical band has at least a bass player, electric and rhythm guitarists, and a drummer. Drum kits are expensive, but if your drummer is good, he/she probably owns one that he/she can take down and put up. If you want (and can afford) sound-boards with pedals for the guitars, go for it.

How many members are singing? If your band has four members, you probably only need two microphones, but I'd have three to be safe. If your band has seven or more members, you likely still won't need more than five microphones.

You want stands and cases! Mic stands, music stands, guitar stands, and cases for EVERYTHING. Trust me.

You need amps, at least two, for the bass and the electric guitar.

Quarter-inch and XLR cables, one of each per instrument at least. Better to have more than enough.

DI (Direct Input) boxes are necessary for the guitars, bass, and some drum mics to avoid blowing amps or (worse) the soundboard.


Although the venue will try to accommodate you, it's always best to have what you know you need on hand and ready to go!