Get Started Playing LIVE SOLO ACOUSTIC GIGS (Complete Guide for Beginners)

Everything you need to know to get started playing live solo shows is in this video.

I also have MANY resources including the timeline for getting started playing live solo gigs below.

To get the most out of this guide to playing live solo gigs, here's what I recommend:

- Get a notepad and take notes during the video (feel free to pause or go back to re-watch if you miss something)

- Take your time going through this video; there's no rush

- SAVE this video in your favorites or a playlist on your channel and watch it as many times as you need to (you'll probably find yourself going back to this video several times as you go through this process of getting ready to play live solo gigs)

Here's the timeline:

00:00 - 00:57 - Intro
00:58 - 04:48 - Learn 5 Songs
04:49 - 07:37 - Perform at Open Mics
07:38 - 09:35 - Tips from Open Mic Host
09:36 - 10:17 - Film Your Open Mic Performances
10:18 - 11:06 - Go See Other Solo Performers
11:07 - 13:17 - Your Style and Path
13:18 - 15:11 - Your Image
15:12 - 17:15 - Building Your Set List
17:16 - 28:13 - Your Music Gear
28:14 - 33:19 - Your Online Presence
33:20 - 38:16 - Landing Your First Gig

Here are some more helpful videos for you to watch in your journey of playing live solo shows:

Live Gear and Setup Tips:

Crowd Engagement Tips:

Your Set List:

Making Promo Videos for Gigs:

How to Keep Your Gigs (and Get New Gigs):

PLAYLIST FOR ALL LIVE SOLO GIG TIPS (new videos are constantly being added to this playlist):

Here's the gear that I go over in the video:

Mackie ProFX 10v3 Soundboard:

Electro-Voice ZLX 12BT Powered Speakers:

Electro-Voice PXM-12MP 700W 12-inch Powered Floor Monitor:

Ultimate Speaker Stands (I recommend these over On Stage brand):

Line 6 POD Go:

TC Electronic Ditto X4 Looper:

Shure Beta 58a:

Shure SM58:

K&M Mic Stand:

TC-Helicon Mic Mechanic 2 Vocal Effects Pedal:

Bose L1 Pro Portable System (I'm looking to get this soon):

***You can also check out my Gear Page for everything thing that I use both in the studio and on stage here:

Links to other solo musicians I mentioned in the video:

A Traveling Gentleman (Seve):

Dean Johanesen:

Mallory Moyer:

Brian Ray:

Tourist Bob:

Thank you so much for watching this tutorial on how to get started playing live solo gigs.

I truly hope this helps you. Now get out there and start making an income doing something that you love!

Keep Playing Music,
Jason

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[LadyAxe]

I love that you address having an image, because I absolutely cannot take a band's dedication seriously when they walk up on stage with bermuda shorts and high tops. Lemmy was right - an audience doesn't want to pay for a show where the band/ artist looks like they just walked out of the garage, fixing a lawnmower.

[shaymiantewhau]

This guy can sing, play guitar and has big biceps. Goals man

[billanderson]

Thank you Jason. 66 years old with first solo gig next eeek after many open mics for me. You have a nice style and demeanor for this.

[Zach-lsif]

I’m terrified, I feel like puking and having diarrhea just from watching this and thinking of doing open mic or a gig

[undercrackers]

Excellent advice. May I add then when going to Open Mic venues, be sure to support the other acts, no mater how inexperienced they are. Don't be judgmental.

[BrettGaertner]

Hey Jason, I’m an 8 year full timer doing the “up to 4 hours” sets as a singing guitarist.
These are all the things I did to get started and I’m here watching it now because… the grind never ends. Watching this is a great reminder for me. Thanks for posting.
-Brett

[davidscotbrown]

Don't forget extra cables (mic & guitar) in case your main one(s) crap out; extra strings; spare capo etc.

[ClaudioLessa]

Congrats, Jason! Great, informative video! I am moving back to the US in the near future and I will be following your footsteps as much as I can. My main interests are Beatles, Sinatra and Nat King Cole... Let's see what happens! All the best, and happy holidays!

[drive-byguitarlessons]

Excellent info. I’ve been doing the solo acoustic thing for a while now. For any beginners watching this and reading the comments, pay attention to this video. He’s dead on.

[srileysr]

Thank you Jason. Great information. Much appreciated!🙂

[gustavocoimbradosreis]

After 15 seconds I became your fan! What a load of genuine and generous advice! Thanks so much for doing this!

[jamesford]

As a musician that has had multiple restarts in different areas of the country and 10+ years of performing and a well established business in solo acoustic music, this guide will work 100% of the time given you put the work in to build the talent to a certain point. If it’s not working immediately don’t get discouraged, just keep learning!

[VictoriaSarinelli]

This is gold. Thank you SO much for so generously sharing all your knowledge. Not a lot of solo act tips like these out there. I'm gonna watch all your videos.

[JW]

I've been building up some songs recently to branch out as a solo acoustic act and really appreciate the honest and no nonsense advice here. As far as image goes, I'm your doppleganger form the North, so I'm good there lol 😂😂

[HVACRTECH-]

You really are the best teacher on YouTube that I have found, and I've been watching and learning by YouTube for years, always trying to find something new. I think I prefer to learn from you for a couple reasons, one, you're really good obviously, but I think more importantly is that you come across in such away that I feel trust in you if that makes sense idk, it's like we are great friends even though we've never met just because of the way you talk to all of us like we are equal and never talk down to us, ya know? Keep it up brother, been watching a couple years and will always

[renelorelaigoodale]

I appreciate your clear and systematic layout of steps to snagging gigs. A few comments, appreciate your response
1. Open Mics as “auditions” for gigs, especially at the same venue. I’m in a duo and we regularly attend 3/wk
a. Time: 2 song/10 minute limit
b. In-House Gear: No DI box for instruments or any personal gear, even though most lack the gear capability to present ourselves/sound in the best possible fashion
1. Been accused of not understanding purpose of open mics, no time to cater to each performance, all acts end up
sounding the same.
2. Monitor wedges-often way too loud, boomy
c. Want originals, not covers

2. Gig Inquires
a. Need to be made 6-9 months out
b. 90+% go unanswered even with EPK link to website/social media.
c. DIY bookings; some success, a venue provides the space, we do the advertising, bring our own gear, money collection
1. Join with 2-3 other acts, split proceeds, usually for exposure/networking, not making money

[jamesdeschenes]

You're very generous with your time and talent. I learned a lot from your video. Thank you. I wish you all the best

[jeffreychampion]

Really glad I find this. I’m currently working towards playing out again and it’s difficult for me to account for the numerous aspects to not just start playing but maintain and grow, and this really breaks it down into an easy sequence.

[KISSGreatestFan]

Spot on Jason about Key Progression to sing comfortably and have the Audience Love you!
I have always used the highest note of the song I want to perform to figure out what Key is best.
Doing it for 45 Years! Always works.
🎸

[JT-mlqg]

Great videos. Have been taking a lot of notes. I live in a small town and it’s touristy during the summer. I can’t believe how many people give $$ to a solo guitarist who isn’t really all that good (yes, I am making a judgement). Then it dawned on me that they don’t care about improving their craft because they are hauling in over $100 a day for playing a few hours. Then I saw your videos and I was blown away. You are a man who knows his craft. You are always improving and always teaching others. You inspired me to play this summer but instead of collecting a 100 a day for myself, all donations will go to helping people financially in my community. Thank you again.