So you're in a band. You've got a handful of songs and you're ready to hit the road. What can you do to improve professionally? Who would be better to answer that question than one of the greatest guitar players of all time -- Slash!

I got the opportunity to ask him that question and several others during a phone interview this week.

"I think the best thing is to get your material together," he said. "It's rock 'n roll. You're not supposed to take it too seriously and overthink it, but you've gotta make sure you've sort of got your gig down. You can't go up there and fall apart. You've got to know your songs. And the most important thing is just to play a lot, so that you get the experience under your belt, so it becomes a little bit more second nature."

For a guitarist looking to go from hobbyist to paid professional, Slash has this advice.

"Really just being involved in a band, either your own band that's got all the components in it that you need to go out and play live," Slash said. "And just playing all the time. That's the main thing, is just getting into a band situation."

Slash said things are different for today's up-and-coming bands than they were for him when he started out.

"It's almost like the Wild West. I don't even know what kind of advice to give," he said. "But one thing holds true. If you're gonna go out and actually tour, either as an opening band or you're touring clubs or something as a headlining band, chances are you've got material out there. You just have to be professional. The best thing is know what you're doing and don't be a burden to whoever else you're working with, be it the headlining band or be it the crew, or the promoter or the people who work in the venue. And just go and do your thing and get in and get out, but kick ass while you're up there."

Slash and the guys will be at House of Blues in New Orleans April 28, and Southside Ballroom in Dallas May 24.

Check out the video I put together of our complete interview:

 

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