What is airness?

Airness is a somewhat elusive concept, but it's been a part of competitive air guitar since the world championships began in Finland in 1996. The US Air Guitar organization defines it as “the extent to which a performance transcends the imitation of a real guitar and becomes an art form in and of itself”. Nat Hays adds, “The difference between… what you should see on stage and what everyone else does for fun is true airness” (interview, 2009).Airness, then, is what takes a performance beyond mere technique and preparation into the realm of greatness, a concept the AGWC founders used to get at the ineffables of performance. But what does airness look like? And how can you and I achieve it? Take a look at some great air performances to get an idea.

1. C-Diddy's famous performance, which won the championship for the U.S. for the first time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoAnMxlMh0I

2. Ochi "Dainoji" Yosuke, 2006 world champ from Japan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r10UbGC6RI&list=PL9C19A3728CCFC3C9&index=8&feature=plpp_video

3. Hot Lixx Hulahan, 2008 world champ from the U.S.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efNdI8uzWN8

4. William Ocean at the 2009 US regional competition in NYC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djiQK-3Tw8o&list=PL9C19A3728CCFC3C9&index=5&feature=plpp_video

5. 2011 winner, The Devil's Niece from Germany: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMIws86ZLyk

The Final Countdown!!

Only six days to the Second Annual Syracuse Air Guitar Competition! If you're thinking of competing, don't forget to PRE-REGISTER to reserve your spot.

If you've never been to an air guitar competition before, you may be wondering what to expect. Here's what happens:

• In the first round, the air guitarist performs a prepared piece or medley lasting exactly one minute.
• In the second, compulsory round, contestants must play along (improvise) to one minute of a mystery song.The order of contestants in the second round is based on first-round scores, from lowest to highest, giving those who did better the first time the advantage of hearing the song many times before having to perform.
• Scores are given as in figure skating, from 4.0 to 6.0, by an expert jury.
  

If you're competing, you probably also want to know what you'll be judged on! There are three main categories:

• Technique: does it look like you're playing a guitar? Do you forget you are holding a guitar and occasionally let it fall to the ground or drift away?
  
• Stage presence and choreography: how compelling are you as a performer? Do you have the moves? Is the audience convinced that you're a rock star?
  
• Airness. This is really the most important. I'll discuss it in a later countdown post, so be sure to check back regularly!
  

There aren't too many rules, but here they are:

• No instruments allowed
• A pick is OK, though.
  
• No back-up bands or group performances
• One air roadie is permitted

It's also good to show the judges that some thought and preparation went into your performance. Respect the art form and show us your airness!