If time allows , my band and I usually have a jam session at the end of sound check , something funky normally , and that helps us all to get loose before the set . Sometimes though if there ' s no time or if sound check is way before the gig this isn ' t feasible . Along similar lines if the band and I are playing at a bar or restaurant or whatever from 92 , I ' ll hop up there on my own at 9 , loop a progression or even multiple parts , and let the rest of the band get their drinks while I play to a mostly empty bar for 3 or 4 minutes . Then about the time most of the customers are coming in I ' m warmed up . Short of that my system is an energy drink during sound check , and then getting slightly buzzed during the first and second sets so I ' m not thinking about the numbers and technical stuff , sober by the final set so I can get things loaded out and get home . It really all depends on the people around me unfortunately , if my band mates and the crowd are in it I will be and if they aren ' t I can drink all I want and not find it .