How Much Do You Really Make Playing Gigs In Nashville?

[@dhRzztt]

Been playing drums 45 years and never had a guitar player help me set up or break down. Subscribed!!!

[@foylebutler8952]

Ive never had a drummer help me set up my guitar rig.

[@a_dubs_]

Tim, keep with the “Nashville guitarist” vibe for this channel. Just raw and uncut. This style is so much better than the typical KZbin guitar channel. You, Uncle Larry, Guthrie, Justin O perspective is so much better and way more down to earth and relatable.

[@UseTheSupeRsonic]

I'd advise against ever being a "nashville guitarist". The best thing you can be is a singer and songwriter yourself, who plays guitar. Do not EVER be just a guitarist in a town like this, otherwise you will forever be at everyone else's mercy. I learned from my early 20s mistakes and took up singing myself in my mid-late 20s so that I could do and go wherever I wish with my music. A lot of Nashville guitarists are all scratching and clawing for the gig. If you sing and write, you're a golden egg.

[@Adipsia1]

@@UseTheSupeRsonic I guess that everyone should listen to their muse. If/when she turns up, there's a decision to be made... until then it's about food on the table and a roof over your head.

[@chrisarrington5550]

Very informative wish you the best

[@kewkabe]

Thanks for sharing pay numbers! To summarize: helping songwriter record demos (3 songs) $100; playing in cover band on the road: $175/gig with travel and lodging paid for; playing in cover bands in Nashville on the Broadway bar scene: $50 per 4-hour set base pay plus tips ($20 per song request is going rate) so another $30-$400 if you have a prime slot like 6-10pm; touring with minor celebrity doing their originals (maybe as opener for bigger act): $250 per gig, $150 per rehearsal, $100 per travel day, plus $50 a day for food (with travel and lodging paid for).

[@gamesforone4105]

That's poverty level stuff. As much as restaurants/bars are charging for food nowadays, c'mon the $50 figure is just ridiculous.

[@louisgerald3336]

No way in hell I would play for these numbers. If you’re doing this, you’re the problem. Playing for chicken wings won’t do anything for your lousy career or “exposure.” All it will do is keep the cost of bands artificially low because there’s always some amateur willing to do it for less pay.

[@CordScott]

Kinda ridiculous. $50 for 4 hours? I mike more than that in a small market in one of the poorest states in the US.

[@monmixer]

@@gamesforone4105 Made the same sort of cash playing in the bars up here in Ohio back in the 80's and 90's and playing clubs up here now doesn't pay much more these days.

[@tp8566]

Who would pay $20 to request a song from a cover band?

[@NathanaelPittman]

I have no aspirations to move to Nashville or even perform live in my own city but that guitar caught my eye, your playing kept me, and I stayed for the whole video because of your humble, honest, personable demeanor. Good video man. I wish you continued success in your musical pursuits.

[@gregeddins5854]

I just found your channel. I like it! At 21 yrs old I considered moving to Nashville from Texas to try to do exactly what you're doing (back in the early 80s...). I didn't do it and that was the right thing for me (there's another guy that hit town about that time, last name of Mason...not sure if he ever made it or not) 🙂. But I think about it often and I love watching videos like yours. It takes an old man back in his mind to think about "what might have been", and that's a fun diversion. I'm terribly happy with my life choices and enjoy playing guitar every day and in our church band on Sundays....I still work hard at being good at playing the songs we're doing and take a ton of pride in always putting my best effort forth. Great channel....PS...I hit the bell too.

[@TimAvenMusic]

Thanks for sharing some of your story in a great comment, and thanks for hitting the bell! haha

[@garyhunter2496]

Your genuine sincerity shines. Great intro to Nashville musician life, thanks. Great guitar work! Cheers from New Hampshire!

[@usatourpros]

You are so well-spoken and extremely easy to listen to. I’m not a musician, but I am a gig worker in the tour industry. So very often no one in our business will talk numbers and I know how much speaking about it, like you do, can help someone “take the the plunge” into the industry (or, even stay out) if that info is shared by a professional they trust. If I were a new musician on the scene in Nashville I would really appreciate your sharing of information. Well done, Tim!

[@bflo5210]

Maybe do a day in the life of a Nashville musician? All us music nerds love the behind the scenes stuff

[@SherMusician]

Yeah this!

[@yodaTVmedia]

This would be so cool

[@JLamont45]

Great video, I really love the current observations! Joe Lamont here, I played in Nashville either touring or down on Broadway in the off-season from 1990 until about 2016 although I still do occasional gigs with a bunch of other side men in a group called Beaker Street on occasion. I now live in Southern Alabama and as I am 58 years old, I have gone we’re all old piano players go and I work for Royal Caribbean cruise lines as a solo pianist and that pays the bills. When I’m not on ship, I also play some local gigs just to keep the chops up. My experience in Nashville was overall positive although networking and staying by the phone were prerequisites to making a living, especially before cell phones. I fell into the position of being a sideman during the tour seasons, and then doing three and even sometimes four gigs a day down on Broadway during the winter months. In the early days, it was relatively easy, and I want to stress relatively, to get gigs on the road that paid scale as I was very good friends with a lot of cats that had those gigs and had connections to those gigs. For instance, my last gig was a short run with Justin Moore and I got that gig because I was very good friends with his manager Pete Hartung as we had played in the studio often with a very specific songwriter so we knew each other. So getting those connections I assume is still, extremely important. The chops are a given, you either have them or you don’t. But staying with the theme of the video it’s important to make every connection, take cards write down phone numbers, know peoples names and faces and offer to be hopeful when you can. Set a standard with price, especially during studio gigs because it says a lot about you! Make sure you’re solid in every key! Strive to know every tune in your genre under the sun, and even those outside of that genre! But at the same time, find your style and integrated into what you do. I found it very helpful to be stylistic as a piano player, and yet still be able to copy licks when that’s what the gig demanded. I could say a lot of stuff about Nashville, it has gotten a lot younger, and I have gotten a lot older, in many ways I miss it terribly, the friendships, camaraderie, and memories will last a lifetime! As a sidenote, now that I play on my own and my history was as a sidemen who would occasionally sing harmonies if they needed, I find it interesting that I have to go back through all of my charts and memorize the lyrics now that I’m the guy who has to handle that! It gives you a whole new perspective on the band leader, and their responsibilities whether it be keeping their voice, healthy, being able to read a crowd, having sense of humor and quick wit will come in handy! It will also keep you sane in the long run! I wish all of those following their own paths through the world is Nashville, success and always remember, keep your nose to the grindstone and rock on!

[@TokenTombstone]

Interesting insight thanks for sharing.

[@CarlOlsonOldTimePiano]

I love hearing your perspective as a musician working in and around Nashville. I would love to hear more content like this!

[@TimAvenMusic]

Thank you! There is absolutely more to come!

[@TreetrunkVneck]

Perhaps I’m in the majority here: Just south of 70, and never quite had the focus and drive to live that dream. Thanks for taking us along the road we wished we’d traveled. All the best to you, my good man!

[@petermeleg8826]

What a wonderful treatise on your Nashville experience. Enlightening would be an understatement. I was a late starter, and did my Trios first ever paid gig at 701/2, at a seniors residence, street busking gig at 71 1/2 my second at 71 3/4. Drummer is only 81, and still plays his 1956 kit, a gift from his Dad . Our Nashville gigs will be on hold for the immediate future,lol. Keep up your most informative channel.

[@gben2457]

Great video. I played bars and night clubs for 18 years.... that was over 20 years ago. $100-$150 per night for four hours was average back then. Had a blast but never had any money in my pocket.😅

[@randyanderson1278]

Absolutely love your transparency! This is so helpful to those who inspire. God has good things in store for you, keeping humble, working hard, and eyes on Him.

[@TimAvenMusic]

Thanks for the nice comment!

[@HackandTinker]

Favorite new channel right here. You dont need fancy cameras or high production value to put out great content, and this is proof.

[@LoveLee-jz1tj]

I concur. ❤

[@MrCrstine]

Good video. Everything Tim says seems accurate. You have to love it immensely to do this for a living; be young, and have the drive with little owed debt. Tough life. I was blessed to have a great career and always played in bands as I worked while being a family man. I retired at 61 and started playing out a lot more for the love of it. My wife and I live very comfortably. I like to buy vintage guitars, play out with my band, and still go out to jams when I feel like it. And I have been playing in church for 27 years. Life is good, thank you Lord!

[@louiscerulli5676]

What a insightful video, My wife and I and friends had a vacation in Nashville in 2019, I am a local musician that just turned 60 and love music!! We took one of those trolley tours and the driver said that the bands only make tips. We stumbled into a bar called Rippy's which became our go to place. There was a band that probably had 1 or 2 songs left, we asked for our check while the next band was doing a sound check. We loved them so much we opened our tab and stayed for they're entire set. We must have gave them 80 to 100 bucks in tips and I bought them a round of drinks. I believe the leader's name was Jason Gobel and the lead guitar player's name was Ethan Ellis. I cannot wait to go back to Nashville!!!

[@donnabailey2693]

Bring more money, Nashville has changed! Development is over the top. Crime is out of control, so enjoy but be smart.

[@nohillforahighstepper]

I would strongly advise using an accountant to figure your taxes. Also, if you are traveling, keep at least 1 receipt per day to prove you were traveling. I don't know how much the government currently allows each day but they will reimburse things like mileage and meals. You can also depreciate your gear. These are some things that a good accountant will be able to help with. My last year of playing bars, in 1991, I was making $300 a week. I owed almost $3 thousand to the IRS. But I was able to almost break even with IRS per diem, mileage and gear expenses. If you are a hired gun, it may be worth your time to set up a business with a separate account. That might save your personal finances if you fall in hard times. Record EVERYTHING in a ledger or a notebook or in your phone. Gig dates. Travel dates. Business meetings or meals. Gear expenses. EVERYTHING. And keep your receipts. You could scan them into a thumb drive. Before the internet, I had trash bags full of receipts sitting in my apartment, which I seldom got to live in.

[@mattmurray517]

Good advice

[@AJMjazz]

Truth! When you're a musician, you're "not a musician", you're a business. Having a business plan, with alternates and "plug in" options, ready to go. Having a bookkeeper or accountant and building a relationship with a lawyer is a must.

[@stevec9972]

Especially if your math is 2x175=325😮 lucky Nashville Numbers only go up to 7 @dangerousdylan6262

[@liamphillips7315]

How cool is YT that we get to hear from our legendary Uncle Larry on one channel, but now we get the young gun perspective on yours! Really great stuff, Tim, thank you 🤘

[@isaacjohnson1615]

I’m a musician from Iowa. It’s so interesting to hear perspectives from Nashville musicians I earn a very comfortable living with a band that I started when I was 19 I’m 25 now I think one thing that needs to be said is that consistency is key. staying with the same people creating a tighter sound and playing music that you love and making a show out of it is very important. The grind is real, no matter where you play at. I remember the days where we started and playing for $100 in a case of beer in a five piece band and it tickles me to say that I can support my family off of this. A few points I’d like to make. Is be professional no matter what situation you’re put in and always be kind to everyone you meet. Not a lot of musicians talk about this, and I know not every musician has good experiences with agents, but an agent and having a different source of representation other than you saying that your band is good to a perspective. Buyer is a huge thing. At the end of the day, it’s a job showing up on time being courteous and loving what you do get you super far. You might not be a household name, but if you play music for a living, that’s a reward enough and sometimes I even need to be reminded of that. A lot of people don’t get to experience that.

[@iddddaduncan]

What's your bands name?

[@wr5347]

I feel like this content is a micro detail level, non-hyped version of what Rhett Shull did a while back vlogging gigs and what not, thanks for the straightforward simple conversation-like walkthrough of your experiences...doesn't feel like you're trying to sell anything. Keep it up and stay true to yourself!

[@TimAvenMusic]

I’m glad you’re liking the format and enjoying it, more to come! Thank you!

[@phatguitarman]

I’ve been playing in nashville for 9 years. Thanks for this. It feels like I’m having a real conversation with a friend about real things we deal with. Great breakdown brotha.

[@bigshowradio_550]

I have a buddy , a singer/song writer, who went to Nashville. His struggles were quite similar. Looking back now, he said those struggles were instrumental to his writing. He did well and is busier than ever currently. He's written for many of the greats including George Jones and produced Charley Pride's last album. Longevity. The longer you hold out, the bigger your circle. In our local area, bands have been replaced with karaoke. Clubs and bars just don't want to pay bands. Many of the band members are now doing solo acoustic sets to fall into the pay category of the karaoke guy. Small town life I suppose. Thanks for the vids Tim. An interesting perspective.

[@TimAvenMusic]

Thanks for the interesting comment! I agree with this, thanks for watching!

[@nealegordon]

Hi Tim, listened to this in UK. Loved your honesty and in particular your clarity of thought and lack of arrogance. Would love to hear you play something each time you do a chat. Even some of your own stuff would be awesome. As a failed song writer, I know you’ve got songs stashed away!

[@TomKloseMusic]

Thanks for putting things into perspective! I love professional musicians talking openly and in detail about things like pay, that's not very common! I'm a professional musician myself (singer-songwriter), except I'm from Germany and for instrumentalists in a band here it's pretty much the same (like 150 - 300 Euro). But for solo artists, it is very different and I would love to know how it is for solo players in Nashville? Do you know from fellow singer-songwriters? I'm happy to tell you exactly how much I make over here in Germany, if you care to know, but I don't wanna disclose that information publicly. ;)

[@bradlovette9899]

Hey Tim. Thank you for your insight to the workings of a musician in Nashville these days. I’ve often wondered about the things you talked about. I’m an old dude drummer, but still looked upon as one of the cats that can Play. Thank you for sharing your experiences. In my 20s I dreamed of being a professional drummer in a successful band. At 20 years old I was in a successful popular band, with roadies a truck and a farm House we rented to practice. Truth is when I had kids I needed better insurance and a weekly paycheck, so I gave up my dream.Still managed to build and run a couple project studios throughout my 35 years slaving in Ohio steel mills. Have a small studio now and only take on projects that I want to. I like the band you’re with now and wish you much success. For me, I know I made the right choice. I’m not a Tenor Singer, could not add any background that was above a baritone. Had I’ve been a tenor, I would’ve probably taken the gamble and chased the dream. Best of luck to you Tim.

[@kalesr1]

Really great insights for all these young folks looking for an understanding. Well done. I'll check out Lanco for sure.

[@ReaperCH90]

A total different life than mine, tousands of km away, even the Atlantic between us, but it's so interesting to listen to your way of life and work.

[@seekersofrhythm]

Totally impressed with your outlook on being a jobing musician in Nashville. I have been working in the music industry on and off for as long as I can remember and I have worked with so many bands and solo artists and your perspective of the life of a musician or singer/songwriter is the most honest I've heard. I look forward to the next installment. Best wishes. stay safe J.

[@yannqueffeleant8243]

Hi Tim, this is Yann Quefféléant from Brittany (France). I'm an acoustic and electric guitarist and really liked your first video on Nashville, so went on to the second and third ones - no nonsense yet passion intact, and yes Drop D can be so musical. Obviously not going to try and find a job in Nashville but find your approach so right, like talking to musicians before being able to sit in; it worked great for me during the year I spent in Ireland long ago. Keep going! Cheers, Yann

[@elitefighter15035]

Very informative for all aspiring musicians. I have played drums for many years. I could never live this life style. But support all that do. Thanks for the perspective.

[@bflo5210]

As much as i love it, I'm too old for the Nashville scene.... I'm a weekend warrior down here in Tampa... I have a 4 piece band, me & my piano player have a duo & I do acoustic solo.... solo pays the most 3-4hr sets pays $250 plus tips... I did 4 gigs in 2 days one weekend...I was exhausted and my voice was shot by the last gig, but I made $1200! Duo we make less $350-400 plus tips but it's less pressure on me to carry the whole show usually we'll get $75-100 each in tips.... bands make the least... tons of work, I setup the pa & run sound and I'm the frontman 4hr gigs pay anywhere from $500-800 on average....some private gigs pay more...just booked a 3hr gig for $1500... that all being said I'm a full time truck driver and I make good money so the music is a hobby I get paid to do...great video keep up the good work!

[@jfinester]

Do you know a bass player in Tampa named Greg Seitz? He and I were in a road band in 1980-‘81. If you know him, tell him Jon Fine sez “Hey!”

[@bflo5210]

@@jfinester the name doesn't sound familiar, but you know how it is, you meet so many people along the way & I'm terrible remembering names too!

[@mrmooch2163]

Very similar to my setup really, I'm a fiber tech though not a truck driver.😂 gigs are always a good way to spend a weekend and makes "work" feel like play.

[@MemphisMike901]

I was FT UPS guy for 40yrs and side hustled gigging. I almost wanted to walk away from UPS to gig gull time. Glad I did not. Retired at 58 and absoultely LOVE my Teamster/UPS pension and 401k. Now i am trying to come back and get back into gigging. Dont need the $$ but hey, it can keep me out of the ATM and i could gig at 2 in the afternoon or 9 at night and sleep late next day!

[@annunacky4463]

@@MemphisMike901Nice! I worked in a paper mill for almost 30…saved like crazy and retired at 57. My little amateur band plays only here in my kids old bedroom. All the equipment is upstairs and stays there! We walk in and everything is there for us. We love it. So glad I did what I did.

[@damirzanne]

In the early 90’s when I first moved to Nashville, my first gig was at Tootsies front room , Tuesday morning , we made $2 a piece for 4 hours lol …

[@dukeofearl4117]

I used to live in Nashville. I loved all the different types of music there. There was all types of musicians living in my apartment complex.

[@TimAvenMusic]

Cant throw a rock without hitting one of us!

[@donnabailey2693]

I have always told my kids that once you leave Nashville, you will never find or hear the talent, and various great music like you will here!

[@burlingtonbill4687]

In our 54 years together Rosie and I have visited Nashville many times. Broadway is always fun! We RV so I'll throw a couple tips out there. First there is a Corps of Engineers park just outside of Nashville which is an awesome place to stay and is close to everything. Second, for parking downtown use Titon Stadium. If there isn't an event there parking is always available and free. Just walk over the bridge and you are downtown. Thanks Tim for your site. I love all the inside info. Burlington Bill

[@reidschilling4453]

Great video man, rarely leave comments, but you really gave me a lot of insight. -21 year old with a cover band/working on originals band in STL

[@joseegonzalez4894]

Great video sharing your experience hustling in Nashville. I used to do the same thing in Texas and I know what you’re going through. Keep on going, you’re great guitarist and you’ll make it To the promise Land. Remember that when The Beatles played in Hamburg they used to do 8 to 10 hours sets daily 7 days a week!

[@sferguson1130]

I love that at the time of the video, your goal was 1,000 by the end of the year, and 3 months later, you’re already over 10k. Shows that you’re a talented, likable cat, and people wanna take this journey with you. Look forward to it. Cheers man ✌️

[@rksg2003]

Thanks for sharing. I have asked others in or around Nashville here on KZbin and they just want answer or act like they never see the post. I appreciate the openness and I’m sure other aspiring musicians will also.

[@bryandraughn9830]

Im happy to see someone in your position and behaving like a true professional. I got lots of tremendous opportunities that way. Here's the thing I wish I would have known. I was working with a band that was doing pretty well and I was convinced that they would have my back. I was sure that they were my brothers for life. We had a following, they all had family, friends and again, i couldn't see any signs of what people are capable of doing when they let greed infect them. I won't go into all the details because it's so atrocious, you probably wouldn't even believe me. Just keep your eyes on the people who are close to you. You don't want to feel the insidious betrayal that I went through. I don't know how i could have been so trusting. I still don't see where there were any signs of what happened. It just happened, and it takes a very long time to find forgiveness so I don't have to carry around the hatred anymore. It takes a very long time to not feel like a complete sucker. I guess im still not completely over it cause it HURTS. You're doing great and i really appreciate your videos man.

[@Johnny-re9kg]

I just found you Tim. You are a good speaker. You communicate well in a free form non-stop kind of way. I'm a songwriter and I learned a lot from you in this first vlog. Subscription earned! Look fwd to watching you as this all moves forward. The wall color of your room provides a good reflective light. I like the lo-fi nature of it all.

[@pickin6]

@ 27:42 you make a good point about 2 out of 3 factors that make playing a gig worthwhile. Charlie Christian put it very succinctly years ago when he told Barney Kessel that he only took his guitar guitar out of it’s case for three reasons, 1: to make $, 2: To learn and 3: to have fun.”

[@jessbrannon7243]

Fresh breath of air of cool videos from a working musician killer thank you brother

[@danthegeetarman]

I would love to see a video talking about your journey of learning how to transcribe songs with the Nashville number system. Also maybe some tips in hindsight for those getting into learning it. Lastly maybe a general recommended consistent routine to sharpen your transcription Nashville number chops. Digging the videos look forward to more 👍

[@thomascordery7951]

Practice in prep for the rehearsal, because you don't want to be the one who's totally unprepared. Travel time and expenses, meals on the road (way more expensive than eating at home). For one gig that's slim pickings. Much better to get into more regular gigs, and yes, tips make a difference. Lots of good info and good advice. You've put together an important video for those just getting into it!

[@stevemercure902]

Hello, I just kind of stumbled across your channel. I spent many years working behind the microphone as a country dj in my younger years, but never knew how things worked for musicians fighting their way up the ladder. I really enjoyed hearing how it works, how it pays, and the actualy life style of a working musician. I've started learning to play guitar late in life, and playing for others is not a realistic goal, but it was great fun and informative for how life works for those who do share their music.

[@davebenson7329]

Thanks for doing this Tim.... super interesting. I'm a player from near Dayton, Ohio. I've been coming to Nashville since 2007 and spent tons of time on Broadway marveling at the talent there. I've been lucky enough to make a few friends who have given me a chance to sit-in occasionally too. I've often pondered how much of a grind it must be, but have found it's often hard to get a straight answer from some players when you ask them about it. Some insist they are paid only thru tips, with no base pay. So it's good to get a transparent & honest take on things from somebody that has lived it. Nashville is the favorite place for my bandmates and I to come spend a few days writing too. Plenty of our music has been conceived there in downtown condos or VRBOs on the east side. We've done a lot of cool gigs over the years, but my favorite probably will always be from a couple of years ago. We took acoustic guitars, a cajon, and battery powered keys up on the foot bridge and played for people for about an hour. Nobody had any idea who we were, but we drew a small crowd, plenty of applause and even a few tips, even though that wasn't the point of doing it. It was really just about the reward of playing music and being a part of something bigger than ourselves, and no more special place to do it than Music City. Of course, I don't need to tell you about that. Glad to see you're doing well with LANCO. Keep the videos coming!

[@trick58]

This is really great, and you are a natural. If you keep it real, occasionally toss in a lesson or fun riffs, you can add this to your income stream. And as a retired guy with nothing to do about music, but successful, your stories about working life are universal. 99% of people pay their dues.

[@jimolson2557]

You have a lot of great insight for a young man. One of the things you said that I can relate to (aside from very low pay starting out) is the first time we did a festival and our equipment was unloaded, set up, sound checked, all for us, then taken down and they helped load it back into our trailer. I felt a little guilty for not having to work so hard that time!

[@TimAvenMusic]

It’s a weird transition to make, just have to learn that those people are paid to help do that and you’re paid to play!

[@davidnilles3117]

Great playing. I also use a Blues Junior. You just can’t beat a tube amp. Glad to find your channel. 👍

[@tommybyrne732]

I am an original musician from NJ. Now in my 30s with the American dream complete. I put my dreams on hold to start life and a family. But I still have a little fire left and I’m getting back on the horse. One regret I had in my 20s was never moving to Nashville. But it seems like the money might be a little better in NJ, even doing covers. My buddy opened up for Lanco a few years back at the Stone Pony. Would be great to hear them on the radio again. Need a follow up to Greatest Love Story. Thanks for the insights

[@TimAvenMusic]

Thanks for watching and leaving a great comment! I wasn’t with the band then but I’ve heard them talk about that venue. There’s more music to come this year!

[@kenimelby8560]

Great video! I’ve been playing professionally for 43 years in the mid Atlantic region. I’ve never done the Nashville thing but my mother did and she had great memories that she shared with me over the years. I’m finally in a band that pays me and my band mates what close to what we are actually worth. We are doing dance covers and the members are great musicians and equally great people to hang out with! I guess we have hit the jackpot in that sense. Our pay has increased every year since I started this band 6 years ago. Even with a pro sound engineer ( he used to tour with AC/DC, Ziggy Marley, the B52’s) and roadie/light tech we are still averaging $250-$300 a night per person with lots of shows paying more. My engineer gets a full cut and my roadie makes bank for his efforts! Life is good!😊

[@TimAvenMusic]

Awesome to hear, keep crushing it!

[@22ndfret]

Great to listen to a talented honest and articulate guy. Do what you love

[@chefboyrv57]

The real deal, thanks dude. It's hard to fathom such talent and time vested doesn't demand more money. Kind of like commuter airline co-pilots, low pay but great skills required.

[@TimAvenMusic]

It's true, a lot of people spend a lot of time and are incredibly talented and dont ever make more than what I talked about in this video. I'm very fortunate to making more than all those years playing those gigs!

[@chefboyrv57]

@@TimAvenMusic Glad to hear that Tim. I'm a guitar player but not a pro. I have friend that I grew up with 50 yrs ago that are pros and still gig constantly, for some it's full time employment with several bands. Love this kind of insight on KZbin, well done my friend! TYVM

[@davidwhitman772]

Your honesty, integrity and humility really come through, I'm sure that is why you are succeeding in addition to your playing skills. Really enjoyable video. Oh, and...having to work harder and do more for less pay at the beginning is true for most people in most professions. And yes it is called paying your dues. It weeds out the untalented (who may work hard, but need to find a different line of work that can leverage their true talents, which lie elsewhere) and the lazy (who just need to get a life).

[@bretmosley]

Good stuff, man. I appreciate you being so real about it. "If the work is unfulfilling, the money will be too." - Jerry Seinfeld

[@kaoquinn]

We sometimes make considerably more on a local / regional show here in Coastal area of SC in our Yacht Rock / 70s, 80s band. anywhere from $250 to $600. Not that I want it, but I also make $125 playing on Sundays in Church as well. However, we are all professionals, own business, ect., and we don't play as often as what it sounds like you do. This video is consistent with what other guitarist have posted in Nashville. You are correct, you have to love playing, sounds like you are living your dream, great video, enjoy it while you can!

[@TomKloseMusic]

Also the rule of thumb with the 3 factors is great! I myself get to play a lot of gigs playing good music for good pay but there's hardly anyone paying attention, it's more background. Does that qualify as "bad people"? ;) Funnily enough: "good people" gigs generally pay less... It's interesting how the kind of gigs where you feel least needed as a flesh and blood live musician pay the best. 🤷‍♂

[@RonBaker456]

Really fun insight. Thanks for sharing. Love Nashville and visited the Country Music HOF for the first time last year. As an acoustic solo guy I would collapse if I had to play 8 hours in a day. God bless you young folks with lots of energy! Good luck with your career.

[@spkay31]

Thanks for the inside scoop Tim. Really not that different from many professions, you gotta' "pay yer' dues" before you are accepted into the mid or upper level working class musicians. Nothing wrong with that and those that love what they do actually stick it out like you did to get to the level where you make a decent living playing. Nothing comes easy without working for it, but loving it and putting in extra time and effort in the beginning opens the opportunities for your career as you progress and meet more people.

[@cjsmith8319]

Got some serious “Gravity” vibes in the intro. Definitely hearing some Mayer influence. Love it!

[@mikemcf33]

this is an amazing, insightful video Tim. thanks. the 2 out of 3 rule at the end hits the nail on the head. good luck to you.

[@MrBlueskyguy]

Your story is very similar to mine but i am on the production side. I moved to Nashville in 1999 trying to be a camera operator. I volunteered a LOT starting off. Now, I am doing ok! Toured with Jeff King and Jim Kimball!

[@nashvillecalling]

your use of the thumb is mindblowing. that was my missing link, makes my day

[@mattwinans7418]

Great Video Man !!! I always wanted to do the Nashville thing but never took the leap...I've been to Nashville a few times and love that town and I would have been a Broadway guy for sure... Now I'm an old man and my chord hand is starting to freeze up a bit. But I have played 45 years in little bars, resorts, clubs all over Northern Michigan...Places like the bars up and down Broadway as a single act making $150.00 per night... + tips and CD sales 4 hr shows with 3 breaks... I set that price many years ago and that's what it was... I've played so many free shows to raise money for this cause or that person's hard luck and those are always fun because there are acts with people I have met over the years... Like old home week..... I have written songs that I really liked and recorded them... They sold into the dozens... LOL... I sold them from the stage and people loved taking my music with them. I did it some years as a side job... Other years I had to hustle because it was my only income that I had and I was lucky to be blessed with the talent I could count on to earn hard cash... .. Good luck with your future... Remember this... Words and music kid... Always Honor the song

[@lcandothat]

Rarely get through long videos like this, this was great to hear, cheers man 🤙

[@dphotos007]

Just like any job when you are freelance. You have to pay your dues. I just retired as an editorial/advertising photographer. When I first started in 1980 right out of photo school. I would assist other established photographers for $75.00 a day. Then you start moving up the ladder shooting for department stores. $200-500 a day. Then I was working for magazines and I would make a bit more and then when you start shooting for advertising agencies the pay goes way up. I would also shoot for various TV networks where you are paid union rates. You are so correct when you mention networking. Going out to lunches, art openings, galleries cold cooling photo editor and industry parties etc. It can be a real drag but that is part of it too. Good advice to young guitar players. I have been playing guitar as a hobby since 1976.

[@michaeloberly6129]

This was fascinating. I really love your manner of speaking, so honest and relatable. I gotta admit, I almost got cold sweats when you spoke about your first road gig, and having to learn a boatload of songs in two days (not ‘kinda’ learn, but really learn). Sounds like you’re doing really well now, more power to you. I know how much work that takes.

[@tedparkinson6892]

Thanks for your honesty and "behind the scenes" perspective. You are a nice guy.

[@dongiannico]

Oh Yeah...big time subscribed here...talk about good people-you would be in that category...thanks for taking the time to give us a visual overview on what it's like to be a musician in and around Nashville-Puts me right there on Broadway-Captivating

[@jmdmusicstudios2026]

This video was wonderful and super insightful ! Thank you! Just subscribed. I’m a Berklee alumni (graduated in 2019 as a sax performance major) and had toyed with moving to Nashville after college but the pandemic and financial issues put a pin in that dream for the time being. These days I live with my family in my home city of London (UK) and work as a musician doing weddings, studio work, occasional low level artist gigs and private parties. I’d love to know more about the studio gigs in Nashville and how much session players get paid per session. Any chance you could do a video on that?

[@choiceblade]

I just started in a small town on the Gulf Coast of Texas and this was great information. My former duet partner just moved back to Nashville so this was cool.

[@TimAvenMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robarmstrong2494]

Bro, I don't even gig, nor care to, I just love live music and randomly stumbled upon this video. What a fascinating insight to the live gigging world! Thanks for all that you do and for sharing.

[@Yelbomsirhc1]

I love the good music, good people, good money analysis. Even little old me, doing local gigs, can totally relate.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

As an old guitar slinger living in Australia this story is Gold to me, I have often dreamed of moving to Nashville and being a professional player, sell some songs, all the best to you young fella, thank you

[@seanmormelo01]

2013 and 14 when I was on the road with my band there we got 250 per gig plus per diem. All hotels, travel and food was covered. Sometimes the gigs paid more but that was the minimum.

[@REKlaus]

I played gigs on Lower Broadway (usually 400 block, 1/2 block from the Ryman) in the mid 1970's. You usually played "for the door", another words for tips. My first gig I got $2 for the night (6 until midnight) and had to give the singer a ride home. Later on doing weekend bar gigs (again for the door) you would play from around 5pm to 2am Friday, 2 until 2 Saturday, and 2 until about 8pm on Sunday and would average $100. Unless you knew the bar owner well, you would pay for your food and drinks too. You where responsible for paying taxes and any other expenses. The real "pay" was in the education you would get working with several different people, doing songs you never heard before you had to do them on stage and the occasional Opry star that would sit in.

[@cbguitar9770]

Great video. I currently play Broadway and the Broadway type road gigs and all of these points and examples are spot on.

[@Johnnygigdrummer]

Midwest drummer I had to work hard to reach the higher paying jobs but I’m glad to be doing as well. Thanks for these videos Tim I like the authentic real person videos.

[@Billdemtp]

Found your channel completely by accident, really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing

[@kenbagwell8551]

Wow, thanks for a peek into a whole different world! That was really interesting. You have a really relatable style. I'm sure your one of the 'good people' other musicians like to work with.

[@TimAvenMusic]

Thanks for the nice comment! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@mleon1958]

I have been doing the work/gig thing since '79. I started doing this my second year in the Air Force with a bunch of GI's for about a year, and most weekends, we played the three base clubs in the area. When I got out in '81, I joined a local band and off we went. Keep in mind that I was working a FT job going in at 6:30 in the morning. I don't drink and never drugged, so health wasn't an issue because I was active at work and tried to eat good. Looking back, sleep didn't seem to be an issue because if I happened to gig on a weeknight, I made up for it the next night! The difference between the 80s, '90s and now, is definitely more money, but also the amount of gigs I do now. I'm still doing this work/gig thing and I will say that it is better financially, but the early period was like school, in that the experience gained was well worth it!

[@tomman2]

I'm in Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA) and first visited Nashville a few years ago. I loved the live music buzz and vibe everywhere in Nashville. I described it as the buzz of Vegas, but it all comes from the live music scene - and that the quality of musicianship is pretty solid at most places, often great - and sometimes absolutely outstanding. I made a point to tip every performance I saw and only had one request get rejected because the artist didn't know it ('Me and Bobby McGee', BTW). I appreciate hearing you sharing your experiences and guidance for those musicians considering the path forward. It's also enlightening for an enthusiastic audience member like myself. Thank you for sharing - and all the best to you!

[@paulmaitlandmusic]

Damn, that seems like a pretty safe bet as far as requests go too 😂

[@zman5970]

Enjoy listening to your experiences! Played bass over 52 years. Always wanted to do Nashville but was just a pipe dream after doing the family gig! 👍

[@BenCDaugherty]

Hey bro I’m a Chattanooga musician who is starting to commute to Nashville to gig. Your videos have given me great insight and inspire me as well. Keep at it brother!

[@TimAvenMusic]

Great to hear that Ben! Best of luck to you!

[@ParkerPPipe]

Had a showcase at 3rd and Linsley a few years back. Did the broadway runs where you’re tearing down at tootsies while the next band is setting up. 3-4 gigs a night in the same square mile block. Background noise for tourists you are. I remember seeing this unbelievable female singer there. Came back 4 years later she was doing the same thing. Don’t go to Nashville. That’s where dreams go to die. Go to Austin

[@orlock20]

Nashville has too much talent and to little demand. Beth Hart was trying out a second guitarist and then he was working for another artist paying $100,000 per year. He was very good, but she was able to find somebody just as good as him.

[@jimauter1075]

Is Daniel Donato into the real money now? He started this way ?

[@ratwynd]

Lanco, kool. They caught my ear couple years ago with "Born to Love You". Great band. Nice to hear your perspective on gigging.

[@chrisg5271]

Dear Tim I loved your honest talk, you play beautifully and have a lovely attitude towards your career. Thank you for a lovely cast and I have subscribed because it was lovely to listen to you.

[@harryadam7679]

Super cool video Tim. Kept my attention the whole time. Give us some more pickin

[@randychang6751]

Hey Tim, just discovered your channel and I love it! I’ve been a professional musician for over 50 years. Your experience has not changed much from earlier days which I think we got paid more money than today. I also toured for a number of years domestically around the US and internationally, Canada, Europe and Japan just to name a few. How about the musicians union, are you a member and are most musicians? Keep up your true experience stories because I relate to it a lot and I love the memories it brings out in me!

[@cowboy7x]

Great vid bro! We love Uncle Larry and Justin, but there's always a different perspective. I'd love to see the performer/backstage/on stage, perspective at your Broadway gigs like we used to see from Rett Shull. Those of us who can't do what you do, or dream about what you do, really love this kind of video. I think your channel has the potential to be HUGE!

[@Bmorrissinging]

Great job Tim! Thanks for all the insight into the music industry! Really cool man! Keep at it. You’re really good at expressing yourself, you should write. Just how you feel. About anything. And everything.

[@willslaughterguitar]

You should do a rundown of the rig you play if you're playing on Broadway vs the rig you use with the main band! (If they're different rigs ofc)

[@UncleBillyBob732]

Good info. I have an old friend in Nashville who's been doing that for years. He appears to be doing OK.

[@Docsjeff]

The first week I lived there I got an offer to play lead guitar in an older gentleman’s band but in Europe 3 weeks later. I wasn’t a lead player,I’ve always played rythym and lead singer and I turned it down.I got that offer because of the people I’d met a couple months earlier before I moved to town. Brother,you’re right at 5000 now. Really liked this vid. You’re spot on about everything.

[@mjolnircarlssen4211]

Love the channel, great subject. Thanks for opening up.

[@georgemartin5612]

Great breakdown of financial reality in music/ I'm 59 now and just sing for fun because I know better God bless PS my first singing job was the Adams mark hotel circuit/$ 300 a week for me six shows a week we will played for three weeks at a time/ they owned multiple hotels across the country and then in between the band would do one week shows at Sheraton and Hiltons but food and lodging and travel was included/ I was in my 20s and yes I loved it that was success to me but if you broke it down to hourly pay I was a very poor man but very rich at the same time LOL. I never got my big break but you will never quit

[@doobiedoghousewilson]

As a VERY part-time gigging musician, I was very curious about this. Glad I have a great day job! 😊

[@moebloggs7219]

this is super valuable information for other up-and-coming musicians! Your video volume is quite low.... keep it up brother!!