Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Kenny Barnwell · Accepted Answer

“Go start as a Stagehand. If you are already a Stagehand and you’re working in local production, I would say learn about everyone’s position because it’s going to help you, specifically as a Guitar Tech. It’s all working together. Go get practical experience in production as a whole before you think about jumping out onto the road as a Guitar Tech.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Kenny Barnwell · Accepted Answer

“Thinking that you’re friends with the artist. I know that sounds a little harsh. Always be friendly with the artist, but it’s a level of respect. It’s a multimillion dollar business and I’ve seen so many people get discouraged when they get close and all of a sudden something happens out of your control–whether it’s management or the artist goes into the studio–and you’re out of a job and you go ‘What happened? I thought we were friends.’
The #1 mistake is people thinking they’re secure with any one artist when you’re really only secure because you’re good at what you do. You’re your own artist, so to speak. You’re your own brand, especially as a Guitar Tech. You have to hustle up your own work from tour to tour or artist to artist.”

Question 3

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Kenny Barnwell · Accepted Answer

“Perseverance, because of the fact that there is a lot of resistance. The first tour I went on I was disrespected and mistreated, just had resistance from my inner crew people. That alone could’ve made me give this up and made me get something more secure, somewhere where I could be respected.
[Maintain] perseverance through all the crazy variables you just can’t control. Also, attitude. Negativity spreads thick, so it’s easy to come into an already difficult day and hear your Production Manager say ‘this sucks.’ It can take you down when realistically you can say, ‘it doesn’t have to suck.’”

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