Gig Hand Signals

Musicians use a variety of head and hand signals to communicate with each other in the middle of songs. Below are some of the common signals that you will see on the gig.

Gesture	Meaning
Head nod toward a player at end of chorus	You have the next solo.
Finger pointing to head	Play the head of the tune.
Both hands held up with fingers extending out and palms up	I'm lost.
Finger pointing toward watch and circling counterclockwise	The bass player is dragging the tempo. Again.
Middle finger raised and pointed toward audience member	No, we will not play "Feelings".
Index finger inserted into mouth in a gagging gesture	Stop emptying your spit valve in my hair.
Hand held out waiting for $100.00 tip	OK, we'll play "Feelings".
Right index finger sliding into circle made by thumb and index finger of left hand	Bend over, boys. The club owner is stiffing us.