Do you think that was that due to Jerry really only using 1 guitar per show in most cases, with a wildly eclectic/different types of songs throughout out the show? Or was it Bobby being Bobby and overthinking everything? Or just "their way" of doing things - it is not like they exactly followed SOPs.
Well, sometimes Jerry would bring an SG or his custom guitar on stage. (Tiger is the name of his custom guitar.)
But, yeah... I blame Bobby for a few things. ;-)
As much as I love 'em, I really don't appreciate them tuning on stage. I do get a kick out of a particular incident where Bobby said, "Let me makes on my own." He was tuning and someone told him to fix it. He then said, "That's what I'm trying to do."
They got away with it - but it's really not something I recommend. I actually recommend the exact opposite! LOL No audience wants to hear that.
As much as I love the Dead, and I've sported a Dead tattoo since long before it was fashionable, I'm definitely not a fan of that.
No, not even they should have done that. In fact, doing so (and doing so by ear) made some of their live stuff absolutely horrific.
Granted, they got away with it - and did very well commercially. I'd still not recommend it.