Hi Nick,
I have been playing for audiences since I was 12 years old. I enjoy being able to come up with something when there are requests. Of course, it may be an "alternative" to the exact request, but I feel it shows you are trying. Some requests make me chuckle, but I know enough tunes to be able to punt. Well, there was one time when playing for my daughter's class where a young lady asked if I knew any Taylor Swift songs, specifically: Tears On My Guitar...
I was having a tough enough time coming up with songs that were appropriate for a 12 year old audience.
I looked the Shorty over after the evening, and she looks just fine. This guy wasn't abusing the guitar, he was just a bit heavy-handed compared to my style. It was still a fun evening. Without knowing the player, I made an executive decision (my guitars, my rules
), and it all turned out fine.
Jim