Here is a quick list of things musicians can do before arriving at a studio session. Performing these tasks before you begin recording can save you valuable time and headaches in the studio. This is a list I compiled after seeing the same problems repeated over and over again. Although most of these apply to the recording studio, you may find that these are useful for live gigs as well. If you are headed to the studio and are bringing your own hard drive or files you should read this separate list specifically for transferring recording sessions between locations.

• Put new strings on your guitar or bass a day or two prior to the recording session. Drummers are recommended to use new heads for recording session. Make sure you play with them for awhile to “break-in” the sound and ensure your are familiar with the new feel.
• Guitar and bass players – bring a tuner. Drummers – bring a drum key. I have seen an hour wasted as a single tuner makes its way around the room. By the time it gets to the bass player, guitar lead #1 is already back out of tune. Each musician should have their own tuner.
• Make sure all your equipment (amps, guitars, pedals, cords, drums, etc.) is in proper
  working order before the session begins. If you are getting a hum from your amp, squeak
  from your bass drum pedal, or your guitar cord has a short in it please get your gear fixed
  beforehand!
• Bring extra batteries for your guitar/bass pedals and active instruments. Bring extra
  sets of strings, picks, and drum sticks. Most recording studios will have this stuff on hand but the price really adds up! 9-volt batteries and extra cables are a must for any musician gig bag.
• Don’t forget your guitar and keyboard stands. Also, any power supplies for
  keyboards, guitar and bass FX processors.
• Arrive to the studio early and account for load-in time. this will differ between studios and how they accurately bill for a session so talk to them first. At most studio the clock starts at the time the session was scheduled/booked so arriving early will give you time to set up your instruments and warm up your vocals. In cold or humid climate you should let your instruments acclimate to the studio environment
• It is recommended to have your guitar or bass guitar’s intonation set up and general
  maintenance performed by a professional before entering the studio. This is just routine maintenance and to keep your instrument in top shape you should have it inspected annually.