Looking to hire a guitarist for an upcoming event? At GigSalad, we’ve connected thousands of people with the best musicians in their area. Choose a city below to browse guitarists for hire near you. We also have frequently asked questions about booking a local guitar player. Let us help you find the perfect entertainment to make your event unforgettable!
Of course! Most guitarists can work with you to pick out the best songs for your event. Be sure to discuss these details with the guitarist before booking. If you have special requests that they will need to learn or practice, be sure to ask your musician about those as early as possible.
On average, a solo guitarist costs $200-$450 to perform for two hours. This price can vary depending on location, length of performance, travel costs, and the guitarist’s skill level. Professional guitarists who play acoustic sets oftentimes charge less than those that require a PA system. When researching pricing information, keep in mind that travel costs may also be added to the total.
Guitar tracks can be very soothing, which makes them an excellent option for all kinds of events. An acoustic guitar is perfect for romantic settings like wedding ceremonies and marriage proposals. They can also create beautiful background music at corporate events and non-profit events.
If you're looking for something more upbeat, consider a jazz or singing guitarist to provide live music at your restaurant or private party!
Your setlist options depend on the guitarist you’re booking. Most professional guitarists will have a wide repertoire of songs with a mix of genres like pop, rock, country, and even classical.
If you have a request for a specific song or list of songs, ask the guitarist if they would be willing to play or learn those songs for your event. But be sure to do this far in advance so your musician has plenty of time to practice them.
Guitarists typically play in “sets” of 30-45 minutes. If your event is several hours long, you will want to discuss the length of their performance as well as the break times they’ll need in between sets.
Some guitarists will take requests from guests, but most typically create a setlist specifically for your event.
Experienced guitar players are experts in their field, and most are happy to help in any way they can. If you aren’t sure which songs will be best for the type of event you are throwing, they will usually have the insight and knowledge to guide you. Give them some general direction on the vibe you want, and they will curate the perfect setlist to make your event a success.
Most guitarists will bring all they require to play at your event. If the venue you’ve chosen has some equipment available, you will want to outline what is provided by the venue vs. what the guitarist is expected to bring in your contract or booking agreement.
In addition to equipment, consider the guitarist’s needs for the performance space as well, such as electrical outlets for an amp and/or microphone if they are using either. Discuss this all with your musician in advance to ensure your event goes smoothly!
Travel preferences depend on the specific guitarist you’re booking for your event. Some guitarists will travel hundreds of miles for a gig. Others play solely in their local area. If you’re looking to book a guitarist outside of your location, be sure to discuss their travel fees and include these details in the booking agreement.
Yes! Guitarists, on average, make between $250-$450 for a 2-hour gig. If you’d like to take advantage of all the gigging opportunities in your area, join GigSalad and connect with event and party planners near you!
There is no set amount of experience you need to become a guitarist, but it’s wise to know your instrument well before taking on gigs. The more experience you have performing, the more reviews, referrals, and opportunities you’ll have for future gigs.
Most successful guitarists start out by covering popular songs that are heard frequently at events like weddings and private parties. For weddings specifically, here are 10 songs to consider including in your setlist!
We highly recommend having high-quality media to show potential clients what you have to offer. Include audio samples, videos of you performing, and a variety of photos from headshots to stills from live shows. If you have a GigSalad profile, you can add audio clips, embed YouTube or Vimeo videos, and create a full photo gallery.
If you have merchandise to sell, it’s good to bring it with you to gigs. However, you will want to discuss with your client whether or not they want your merch out on display at their event.
As a guitarist, if you’re covering another artist’s songs, a license is required from a performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) to pay royalties to the appropriate parties. For live performances at a venue, the venue owner is typically responsible for paying the licensing fees that allow them to host guitarists and bands that play cover songs. For recording cover songs, the artist is responsible for obtaining a “mechanical license” which allows you to create a new version of a copyrighted song. If you’re covering copyrighted music in your performances, make sure you do your research and have the right licensing agreement.
Annapolis, MD 
Grateful Dead Tribute Band / Guitarist
1 Verified Booking A heavy dose of Grateful Dead mixed with some tasty Reggae, Blues and Funk. Some Soul Infused Gumbo that Smolders and Burns.
Arlington, VA
Singing Guitarist / Guitarist
Anne R. said “Taylor was a total delight to work with from the start. When I listened to some tracks from his own albums, there was no question we had to hire him for…”
Alexandria, VA
Singing Guitarist / Guitarist
49 Verified Bookings Jennifer C. said “Steve played during our conference reception and was great! He played a wonderful assortment of music and helped make the event more lively. He was easy…”
Herndon, VA
Singing Guitarist / Guitarist
133 Verified Bookings Nick D. said “Matt was very pleasant to have for our event. He saw the vision and executed. Would highly recommend.”
Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday, holiday party, or corporate event, guitarists are a great live music option that won’t break the bank. Book a guitarist to provide background music or offer accompaniment to other musicians and performers. From acoustic and electric to classical and rock, there are solo guitarists that will work for any event!
When hiring a guitarist, be sure to browse profiles to see photos, watch videos, and listen to audio samples. This will help you learn more about their music and style. Then read reviews from past clients to make sure they will be a good fit for you and your event. Once you find a guitarist you want to book, get the details in writing with a contract or booking agreement. When you book through GigSalad, your payments are made securely through the site and are protected by our Worry-Free Guarantee!
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Using data from quotes sent through GigSalad, we’ve gathered average nationwide pricing for hiring Guitarists.
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