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Our experienced team book live acts for thousands of events every year, so if you're in need of some friendly advice, please feel free to get in touch.
We've outlined some of the most common queries our clients have when booking a guitarist for their special day.
Why hire a guitarist?
Having a live musician perform just for you and your guests is always incredibly special. Hiring a guitarist is no exception, and although small in size, the guitar is a hugely dynamic and versatile instrument that can span any genre of music.
What sort of music can a guitarist play?
Many of our guitarists perform music from a wide array of genres. Most have a preferred style, for example, folk, classical, jazz, Flamenco, pop or soul.
Browse through the guitarist's repertoire to see exactly what's on offer.
What type of events do guitarists usually play?
Guitarists can fit into any event or occasion. Their role is usually to provide background ambience. A musical ice breaker, if you will. The placement of a guitarist tends to be at the quieter parts of an event. For example, the ceremony, drinks reception/welcome drinks, or the wedding breakfast/meal.
Our guitarists are regularly booked for the following events:
- Weddings / Civil Partnerships
- Corporate Events
- Award Ceremonies
- Birthday Parties
- Anniversary Parties
- Bar Mitzvahs / Bat Mitzvahs
- Charity Events
- Hotels and Restaurants
- Festivals
- Outdoor Events / Garden Parties / BBQs
- University Events / Graduation Balls
- Military Events (Army/Navy/RAF)
- Holiday Camps
- Cruise Ships
- Exhibitions / Trade Fairs
- Sporting Events
- Funerals
- Pubs and Clubs
What equipment will the guitarist bring?
Most guitarists, like other musicians, will need some form of amplification, which will usually be in the form of a guitar amp or compact PA system.
The instrument played will either be a classical guitar (nylon strings, ideal for fingerpicking) or a steel-string acoustic guitar (more suited for contemporary styles and strumming).
Will the guitarist take song requests?
Most musicians will be happy to take one or two requests. Please confirm this when booking and give the musician plenty of notice.
Do guitarists also sing?
If your guitarist is also a vocalist, it will be listed on the profile as 'Singer/Guitarist'. Feel free to confirm this when enquiring. Browsing the repertoire and listening to the demos is the best indication of the artist's sound and style.
How much does a guitarist cost?
The average price to hire a guitarist is between £250 and £500. However, the cost does vary from artist to artist and is dependent on location and travel. Please see the guide price on each profile and contact us for an exact quote.
What should I expect when hiring a guitarist?
We only work with a select number of guitarists that meet our exceptionally high standards. When booking through Bands For Hire, you can expect a talented and professional guitarist, both on the day and prior to your event.
Our guitarists will endeavour to accommodate your unique requirements and fulfil your vision for the day. Communication is key to ensure you, the musician, and the venue are on the same page. Just let us know what you're looking for, and we can advise on what's possible.
How long does a guitarist perform for?
Most musicians offer up to 2 x 60 min sets with a short break in between and usually over a 3 hour time window. The exact schedule can, of course, be discussed and arranged to your needs.
When will the musician arrive on the day?
Your guitarist will usually arrive an hour before they are due to perform, leaving adequate time to set up, change and warm up.
What are popular song choices for a guitarist?
Our guitarists perform songs from every genre, but of course, there are a few favourites that come up time and time again.
Below are some of the most popular songs for guitarists...
- Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
- Somewhere Over The Rainbow
- Canon In D - Johann Pachelbel
- Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran
- Mendelssohn: Wedding March
- Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
- Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles
- Georgia On My Mind - Ray Charles
- All You Need is Love - The Beatles
- All Of Me - Ella Fitzgerald
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