ive been playing guitar for a few years and i think im pretty good but whenever i play in front of a guitar teacher or somthing i get really nervous n suck at guitar lol wtf?

ne one else? how to get over it??

Just be calm.
when you're alone, pretend that you're in front of a crowd
When you're in front of the teacher/crowd, be calm.

Edit: get a family or friend to watch you play, it'll help because you get use of someone watching you

This post was edited by slinpy_hoe on Sep 22 2011 01:15pm

Try to think it differently.

You are probably actually thinking that they will judge you. Think that you are not there to be judged but that you are about to give pleasure to the listeners.
They are here to listen to you, share something with the listeners.
Also, take your time before playing, take deep breaths, think about something related to what you're going to play to enter an environment in relation to what you're about to play or play for someone, and only once you feel ready, GO!

When I play in public I take about 30seconds after I've sit and before I start playing. This is very important, it's concentration.
You can take more time if you need, remember that music comes from silence ( and ends by silence)

This post was edited by unid_element59 on Sep 22 2011 01:51pm

Sometimes when I'm playing infront of some people, I smile like a retard while i'm playing lol. But the advise in this thread is good, just relax! You know you can do it - so do it!

its called anxiety

just read up on it, and try some solutions.

I have had same problem. But I've noticed that the more you perform and play gigs, the less you get nervous.

It just takes time. I was lucky since my mother entered me into many song competitions and talent shows since I was 4 so I got really used to playing in front of people very quickly, and I was playing in public places like bars/restaurants at least once a month after I turned 16. However, with that train of thought, you just gotta keep putting yourself on the spot until you are used to it. It is like everything else in life.

Also one thing is, you can't be afraid to make mistakes. I know a lot of people are terrified of hitting the wrong note, but once the music is playing and the crowd is listening, no one will hear your mistakes and it won't ruin the song. Your brain will automatically go on.