[Universalis]

I used to have some problems too, some years ago. I agree with what most people wrote here, the more you play in front of stranger the more you can fix that.
With the years I personally developed the opposite attitude: when I play alone it's ok, when I play for a few friends or audience is fun, but when I play for bigger audiences I go berserk and I really enjoy it

Well, also remember that some days your fingers work well and some days not...

[Michael]

Suck it up and have some fun.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Mawdyson

Suck it up and have some fun.

[Grom]

Originally Posted by Mawdyson

Suck it up and have some fun.

Just relax dude. I've been playing for 7 years now and I still get sweaty when I play in front of my friends ... But not anymore when I play in front of 500 persons. You want to succeed in front of your teacher and it's normal to be a bit nervous ... But I believe that your teacher knows that you are better in your bedroom than in front of him

Just let it go !

[TheMasterplan]

I don't take lessons, but I get a similar thing in front of my friends and whatnot. I think it comes from a subconscious notion of "I came here to show them something and they want to see it." But you know, in time it should dissipate. Or, if you're like me or most of the people I know, you kind of fade out of your surroundings. Like one time I was trying out some amps at Guitar Center and some dude came up to me and was trying to talk to me and I didn't even realize it. Hell, the only reason I know is cause they told me how hard they were laughing because he was trying to talk to me and I was concentrating on playing. I still feel bad about that. Anyway, if you concentrate more on what you're doing, you should end up being more focused on what you're playing over the person who's watching you do it.