#16
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A friend of mine plays solo instrumental music (only) and stays as busy as he wants to be in the San Francisco Bay Area. Plays restaurants, weddings, etc.
But if you want to have sure fire success with every song, learn to play and sing Neil Young and Buddy Holly tunes. Last edited by 6L6; 06-18-2019 at 04:53 PM. |
#17
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Despite my love for a lot of the more progressive playing I would agree it’s not a good idea to start tapping and beating the guitar in any venue except the one where people pay to see you as an artist. Jazz definitely can seal the deal for a lot of places!
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Dustin Furlow -Award-winning songwriter/guitarist, Visual storyteller -D’Addario, G7th and K&K Sound Artist -Music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube: www.youtube.com/dustinfurlow -New album "Serene" (Oct '23) and tablature available at www.dustinfurlow.com |
#18
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Hi jklotz,
Here is the website of a fellow in my area who makes his full time living doing what you are describing. http://www.glennroth.com/ He is also a recording artist, and a protegee of Stephen Bennett. Some of his compositions, recordings and occasional formal concerts include some "modern fingerstyle" type stuff--but at his "bread and butter gigs" I've attended it has been Beatles, other recognizable pop tunes, and standards. It doesn't hurt that he has unbelievable chops and a very laid back approach.... Good luck!
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Bob https://on.soundcloud.com/ZaWP https://youtube.com/channel/UCqodryotxsHRaT5OfYy8Bdg |
#19
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__________________
Dustin Furlow -Award-winning songwriter/guitarist, Visual storyteller -D’Addario, G7th and K&K Sound Artist -Music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube: www.youtube.com/dustinfurlow -New album "Serene" (Oct '23) and tablature available at www.dustinfurlow.com |
#20
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#21
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I hear you. I'm not much of a tapping/beat the guitar kind of guy anyway. It has it's place, for sure, and it can certainly add something, but I don't have anything in my repertoire that it would fit with anyway.
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#22
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1. Bus Stop (The Hollies) 2. The Letter (Box Tops) 3. All You Need Is Love (The Beatles) 4. Carolina In My Mind (James Taylor) 5. No Matter What (Badfinger) 6. I Can See Clearly Now (Johnny Nash) 7. Live & Let Die (Wings) 8. Dream On (Aerosmith) 9. Time In A Bottle (Jim Croce) 10. Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) 11. Kiss From A Rose (Seal) 12. 316 (Eddie Van Halen)
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Bob https://on.soundcloud.com/ZaWP https://youtube.com/channel/UCqodryotxsHRaT5OfYy8Bdg |
#23
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I've been doing a solo finger style gig for about 10 years now after playing in a wide variety of groups playing just about all styles of music. I've been so very fortunate to land a steady gig at a local cafe, every Sunday morning for eight years. I love it!!! Gotten to know all the locals and because here on Cape Cod we are a tourist based economy and this place has a well-deserved excellent reputation it is always full. I've also connected with many local musicians through my thing there and many of them sit in with me from time to time, which is great. But I know the reality is that I'm very, very lucky to have it - home by early afternoon, very little equipment to lug, zero pressure or dealing with a-hole drunks in bars.
Also, to do this type of gig you must check your ego at the door. Your function is background music, although quite often I get compliments from people who do not appear to be listening. It kind of cracks me up when I read threads on this forum with people who get all huffy about indifferent audiences and state that they would never play somewhere where no one listens. Welcome to the real world of the gigging musician, folks! Rejoice in a good reaction and always play your best, even if you're essentially only practicing. I make a few bucks and few more in tips but that's not why I do it. I've toured nationally with a big deal fiddle player, played in front of audiences numbering in the many thousands, but I get more pure joy from my little cafe gig than anywhere I've ever played. I also do a fair number of wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and gigs at galleries and private parties. So the short answer is yes, you can make a go of it as a solo finger-style player. Gene |
#24
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You'd do much better if you added a vocalist and played Neil Young tunes, but I think this guy is doing alright despite what this forum might say about his playing. |
#25
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Not plentiful in my area, but I've landed decent corporate party gigs playing fingerstyle. Slack key, swing tunes, Beatles arrangements, etc.
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#26
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For me most bands should be back ground music. I quit going to some rock / pop music shows because it was boring. I like to hang with and talk with people. If I can't at least have the opportunity to converse if I'm in the mood then I'd rather hang in the next room or something. Performers need to bring the listener in with their music. Not over power them with some kind of sonic experience.
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Waterloo WL-S, K & K mini Waterloo WL-S Deluxe, K & K mini Iris OG, 12 fret, slot head, K & K mini Follow The Yellow Brick Road |
#27
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I am sure it's different from region to region, but I'm pretty happy that I've found a regular line-up of gigs at wine bars, breweries restaurants and a few weddings and other private events. And I just play guitar, no singing.
Business cards are easy to come by and if you're really interested in pursuing gigs, maybe a simple website with a few songs samples? Sometimes I will go into a venue that I know has music and just asked if them if I can play. You'd be surprised how many times that's worked. Oh, and practice, practice, practice of course. It's one thing to get a gig, but to get invited back you need to be good. Good luck!
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-Mike www.montaramusic.com https://www.instagram.com/mikemccall_guitarist/ https://www.facebook.com/Mike-McCall...-250327412419/ A few guitars, a uke, a banjo and a cajon Last edited by lodi_55; 06-18-2019 at 11:22 PM. |
#28
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Optimization is a different ball of wax entirely but having video and audio links along with plenty of visual impact helps with that somewhat. If you want to spring for Google Adwords that will help a bit too. Google also likes cross linking so if you do reach out an offer cross linking to venues you play, local music stores, community arts groups, etc. you will see added exposure. I abandoned print advertising long ago and now get probably 80% of my business via web searches and the other 20% via referrals. |
#29
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BINGO!!! Glenn Roth is amazing... 95% of his act is solo guitar with the remaining some vocals.
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