In my time playing guitar, I have made several: 1- Never leave the guitar home and call your spouse to retrieve it for you so you don't disappoint your pards. (My wife was most gracious and brought it but boy was I embarrased) 2- An electronic tuner can help if you're just starting out. It'll save the cost of a set of strings. 3- If you forget the words two statements won't help: "Why did you let me do that?" and "I didn't like that verse anyway." You can justifiably claim you have CRS (Can't remember s**t) Or state that you're glad to be back on earth after alien abuduction and you hope they removed the probe. It wopn't help you remember the lyrics but you'll probably get a laugh and that will lessen the stage fright etc. 4- It helps to carry extra strings!!! Busted one, didn't have it, show over. I hate when that happens. Hope it helps and you all have a giood chickle, Kindest reguards, Neil