Updated Rules for Solo Acoustic Gigs - Avoid These Common Mistakes!

[@ghijkmnop]

#20 - After I played for three straight hours at a club in Albuquerque, I got this sage piece of advice from the owner, and have lived by it ever since: "Your break is not just for YOU."

[@FrankPersico]

I like that!!! Darn I wish you send me that one a day earlier we would have hit 20! 😂😂Thanks so much for the comment. Cheers

[@sseltrek1a2b]

yep...people can get fatigued by you as well...

[@ghijkmnop]

@@sseltrek1a2b Also, the longer you keep people there, the less the bar/restaurant makes, because they want to turn over tables every 30-40 minutes.

[@J.Blogsblues-ns4to]

@@ghijkmnop Hmm, maybe just knock out the first Ramones album!! On repeat...

[@gregiskat8354]

This is PURE Gold! Everyone doing solo acoustic gigs needs to watch this vid! I have your RULE # 20 THOU SHALT TAKE CARE OF YOUR BARTENDERS AND SERVERS!!! I never jones for tips for myself But I ALWAYS announce something to the effect of "Hey make sure you are tipping your bartenders & servers, they are working so hard for you" I try to write down the bartender's names and use them and at the end of the night something from my tip jar ALWAYS goes to the bartenders.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much and thanks for your tip as well. Thats a good one and I agree totally

[@DeutschlandGuy]

16:53 This reminds me of an old Bob Newhart routine in which he admitted his disdain for country music. He said the even though he doesn't like it, he never disparages anyone who does. Then he added, "and for any of you out there who do like country music, disparage means to "put down". 😅🤣😂

[@FrankPersico]

That’s funny lol

[@GrandpaJimSchaper]

#8 is worth a deep dive. If you walk into a room where a couple is arguing you sense the tension before seeing the couple. Energy in a room is always there and the center of attention (your music) is an important factor in influencing that energy. Don’t forget the visual. An overweight Elvis impersonator (did you smile just now?) will induce a reaction before opening his mouth. All of what you present, sight and sound, will factor in to the audience experience. Entrainment is your best friend. An audience will feel what you feel so go for the dopamine and feel the story you are expressing. Your “story” is everything they perceive when they focus their awareness on you.

[@FrankPersico]

Deep… but all true. I can deff relate to where you are coming from. Cheers

[@jerrythomas9041]

Frank. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. They are useful pertinent and a reminder of things we forgot.

[@FrankPersico]

You are very welcome

[@gangoa07]

Absolutely brilliant pal, If there was a mandatory training video for every solo acoustic player before they are let out into the world to play, this would be it 😂 brilliant 👏

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaah thanks so much

[@AaronLehmannLoops]

The tip jar point reminded me of a Funny story, I am a loop artist, but I rarely loop vocals because I don’t enjoy singing harmony that way. However, one time I was looping harmony on a chorus when somebody tipped me and I yelled out “thank you my man” without thinking about it. So for the rest of the song whenever the chorus came on thank you my man would sing in the background. It was more amusing to me than annoying, but I made sure to never do that again. For the record, the song was purple rain.

[@FrankPersico]

That’s hysterical! You should have saved that loop!!

[@richardfranklinmorse]

I got so used to not playing too loud, I started playing too quietly. The thing is, people will tell you if you’re playing too loud, but they won’t tell you if you’re playing too quiet.

[@FrankPersico]

Good point. Thanks for sharing

[@stevemcclanahan3845]

Always Such a delicate balance of volume control..…

[@tonyengel7124]

Thanks, Frank, for the great "thou shall not"

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure!

[@chadandrews98]

At Cafe Du Monde New Orleans, one band member walks through the crowd with a tip jar. Thanks Frank for the valuable tips.

[@FrankPersico]

Rock on!🤘 have a good one :):)

[@glennuhls9546]

I have one that annoyed me when I was in a band. I guess this could apply to solo musicians too....Don't noodle on your guitar in between sets.

[@FrankPersico]

Great one! ☝️

[@DeutschlandGuy]

In Frank Persico speak, "Thou shall not noodle". 🤣

[@JoeReblMusic]

Thanks for the shoutout Frank! :)

[@FrankPersico]

Any time!

[@garryjohnson8911]

Thanks ever so much Frank, so helpful!!

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure! Cheers

[@rubenzamora9383]

G Great !!! Thank you very much!!

[@FrankPersico]

Thank you too!

[@jimross9429]

Great advice I’d also like to see your thoughts on what not to do at open mics.

[@FrankPersico]

Noted! Will try to make that happen

[@NigelParryMusic]

Easy: Respect the other performers. Always. What does that mean? Be there for their performances too (don't play then immediately blow the joint, especially if you're there with friends and take them with you). And actually listen to them (don't talk loudly to your friends while others are performing - you should be there to support and listen to them, otherwise why the hell should they listen to you?) And don't come in late, clattering and banging your gyitar case on the way in. Don't sit there grumpily waiting for 'your turn' either, people notice. Open mics are a great community but if you act like an entitled ah you won't be part of it.

[@J.Blogsblues-ns4to]

Another enjoyable video Frank, thanks. Have to admit I started watching your channel to see if I could up my game to playing full solo gigs rather than just the (no.7 rule) artists breaks fill in. As i realise I break most of your rules I think I'll stick with what I'm popular for!

[@FrankPersico]

You can definitely do it. All depends what you want to work towards… thanks so much for commenting

[@DeanMatthewMusic]

Great content brother! I am just getting back into this and this all great stuff.

[@FrankPersico]

Welcome back! Thanks for commenting :)

[@martybaer3050]

I arrived to a gig recently an hour early and realized that i forgot my IPad!!!!!!!! I took 30 minutes with a pen and paper to write down my set list and key lyrics, chord changes from memory...very glad that I was early!!!!!!!

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha wow! Panic moment I’m sure

[@richardfranklinmorse]

If you knew them from memory, why did you have to write them down? Learn the material and ditch the crutch.

[@BlurredTrees]

#11 is a good one.

[@FrankPersico]

🙏 appreciate it

[@kellydelf]

just in time...im going to an open mic night saturday evening. my first performance since paid gigs two years ago. but am inspired to get back on it since i found your channel.... practise practise practise . i feel like ive got the tools now to do a better job and have a new confidence.

[@kellydelf]

I actually left my set list at home for my first ever gig. had to stand there trying to remember what I'm going to play next for 3 hours . when I got back to my list I'd missed some right classics that I'd practised right up specially. but I managed to not repeat myself. I never made that mistake again. 😂😂😂😅😊😢😢

[@FrankPersico]

That’s great to hear. Let me know how it goes

[@kellydelf]

@@FrankPersico it went very well . I thought I'd only be doing 3 songs but I went prepared with a list all practised up so I could vary it according to the audience as per your advice and was kept on for 10 songs so that was cool.

[@maxscialdone4572]

I have one. Have a pedal tuner. I couldn’t even imagine a gig without it

[@FrankPersico]

Nice!!👍

[@maxscialdone4572]

@@FrankPersico it goes along with your last point I guess lol

[@TheLockdownKidNYC]

#20: Never acknowledge any mistakes. With the exception of people there to see you specifically like friends and family and you can have fun with it - assume nobody at a bar or small venue would be attentive enough to hear it. If you forget the words, just keep going. Lots of songs are mostly about the chorus anyway. Obviously, you don't want to be a hack and purposely skip out on learning a section you struggle with but a mistake in the moment is something that happens. Let it pass and keep going.

[@FrankPersico]

Love it. Dammit! I would have had 20 cuz this is a good one and deserves to be there. Thanks for sharing with us all.

[@TheLockdownKidNYC]

@@FrankPersico Absolutely. I play every week in a rowdy Irish Pub in NYC with a different crowd each gig and my goal is to be as consistent as possible because I never know who has seen me and who hasn't.

[@J.Blogsblues-ns4to]

Ok, no. 20 could be if you have two harmonicas MAKE sure they are clearly marked with their key, as picking up the A harp instead of the C harp in low lighting leads to some very confused expressions (starting with your own).

[@FrankPersico]

I saw a video with Neil Young where he could not find the right harmonica and was checking all his pockets lol

[@JRLNeal]

Also clearly mark the top of the harmonica. It might be the correct key but very hard to play upside down.

[@stringmantony]

Great video, Frank! Thank you.

[@FrankPersico]

You are welcome. Thanks for commenting.

[@lindapeterson2892]

Your originals are awesome! I have a few of your cds myself. It might be fun for people to see a video or two on KZbin of you actually playing, kinda like you did during covid! ✌🏻🤩

[@FrankPersico]

That's a great idea!

[@robertgrimsted877]

Love the vids frank always helpful

[@FrankPersico]

Much appreciated

[@monty5066]

Words to live by, and all true.

[@FrankPersico]

Cheers!

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

I tend to take about 5 minutes or so as a break between sets, just enough to rest my voice and retune, have a drink etc, otherwise I’m standing around looking awkward

[@FrankPersico]

I know what you mean. Sometimes I don’t even bother with the set break because I don’t know where to go lol

[@stillwateracoustic]

Me too - breaks are pretty short for us. If I am out, I may as well be playing. :)

[@johnmcelroy7726]

@@stillwateracoustic dont forget the break is not just for you ,

[@JRLNeal]

Make a list! Pilots and astronauts love check lists and so should musicians. Cables, mic stands, pads, extension leads. Just make a list and check them off as you load the car.

[@FrankPersico]

Very good suggestion! Thank you

[@wfarmer1000]

I agree with the not drinking one. I went to a show called Emo Nights in Reno, Nv and the guitarist got drunk on their break. I honestly think he was drunk before the show started. However, their 30 minute break turned into 2 hours, may have been even longer because the wife and I got upset and left. We complained to the venue and requested our money back. The band started 45 minutes late, turned a 30 minute break into over 2 hours, and ruined the entire show. I will never go back.

[@FrankPersico]

Whoah. No bueno. Thanks for sharing with the community. Shane hopefully he never did that again.

[@kennethjohnsonart]

I'm guilty when it comes to the tablet. I am crap at memorizing lyrics. Always have been.

[@FrankPersico]

See u at confession lol. Jk. Thanks for chiming in. All the best to u :)

[@johnparker2636]

@@FrankPersico I agree using a tablet just isn't a great look - I have no problem learning songs but I really struggle to learn lyrics -any tips?

[@JRLNeal]

@@johnparker2636yes try and look up at the audience as often as you can. That way the lyric sheet is just a prop not a distraction. I learnt this when reading aloud to kids in class.

[@johnparker2636]

@@JRLNeal Thats a good way to think about it - thanks. I was more thinking about how to memorise lyrics removing the need for a 'prop'. Having said that lots of big stars use teleprompters (Jagger, Bowie (did) etc. I play a lot of Dylan songs and saw a recent clip where even Bob seemed to be making up new lyrics to old songs, so maybe there's hope after all!!

[@TheLockdownKidNYC]

​@@FrankPersico I think also it becomes blatantly obvious when people are reading the words off the tablet instead of actually having grasp on the syntax and phrasing of the words. I find it be utter hack if a performer is incapable of performing an entire song without the tablet. I don't use one but at best, I have to peer at words for only a few songs when I'm first adding them.

[@NigelParryMusic]

No talk or gaps bewtween songs - yes absolutely. Gaps between songs while you talk, search for your capo or flick to a song sheet that you don't know? FIRED!

[@FrankPersico]

For sure

[@dcool2u2]

Idk...if I have to tune or look for a song that's been requested, I find that talking or joking about the situation works for me. Much better than complete silence that makes the gap seem longer

[@TravelinBoneSC]

@@dcool2u2 I agree on that. I think that that discreet and well though out actions can be accomplished. Planning ahead is also crucial for those tiny details that can be easily overlooked. Capo is on the mid stand, backup capo in my pocket or in the bag next to me. Capos do break or get misplaced. Picks on the mic stand or in pocket. Etc!

[@stephenmartin6995]

I remember taking a backup guitar to a gig. A family member and other half of the duo told me I was being "pretentious" 🙂

[@FrankPersico]

Lolol cmon. No way … 😂😂

[@stillwateracoustic]

I often take a second - particularly in a duo where I do more soloing on one guitar. Also, if I happen to break a string I can quickly pick up the other guitar. If I get a smaller body/parlour guitar, I will definitely use it as a second for different playing (from a jumbo). Not pretentious. Practical.

[@RockAndDoubleBassWithAaronJoy]

There's a jazz club in town where the waitress will walk around with the tip jar. They'll also say at some point something like "We recommend tipping $20". This is all the musician gets, though maybe they get a free drink. I don't like it being pushed in my face nor told how much. So, I don't go there. Normally I have no issues with a tip jar.

[@FrankPersico]

I’m like you when it comes to this…

[@sachachanyan]

20. Fine tune often enough. Too many people neglect to tune between songs or when putting the capo on or taking it off....

[@FrankPersico]

Good one. I find I have to adjust my tuning every time I move the capo. Guitars are far from perfect instruments. Thanks for commenting

[@Jeffertoya]

If I am sharing the stage with other musicians… Then I will often have a friend of the band count the tips while we’re tearing down. But when I play a solo gig, I take the tip jar to my car in my first load of gear and it stays there until I get home.

[@FrankPersico]

Great way to go about it for sure

[@thomasewart-c9g]

I told my wife one of your stories, showed your picture, and said you reminded me of Bruce Willis. And, she said, no, he (Frank) is way better looking.

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha I bet she is the only person who would say that out of a million lol thanks for the comment

[@CapoTripps]

You absolutely cannot have more than 2 octaves of rules. Bonus points if rules 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17, 19, and 21 are the "thou shalt absolutely under no circumstances..." kind of rules.

[@FrankPersico]

lol… I think I’m done after this vid 😂🎵😜

[@CapoTripps]

@FrankPersico 🤣🤣🤣 fair, my friend, fair

[@johnritchi]

Where exactly IS the bridge you're selling?

[@FrankPersico]

Ummm not sure lol . I didn’t expect anyone to call my bluff. Lol

[@johnritchi]

Dang... I've been looking for a bridge. Hahaha!

[@kerryfromaj9032]

Be careful with the soloing. We have a speed metal player in our band and the screeching blindingly fast solos belong I don’t know where. We try to keep our songs simple, recognizable and not church them up. More experience will change things hopefully for the better. Has everyone practiced enough prior to the gig? Thanks Frank for the Commandments 👍🏻

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure !

[@Tobi_A.]

#20 Dress above the audience. There is difference weather you play a wedding or friday night in a sportsbar. But always dress above your audience. Don‘t come around, just like in your sparetime. Greetings from Good Ol‘ Germany. 🇩🇪👋

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@CozBoogie]

Housekeeping! Tidy up your stage/performance area. Stow your cases, neatly wrap your cords, stow the hand truck, etc. Ensure your stage area looks professional and neat. No one wants to see your detritus strewn about.

[@FrankPersico]

Good one!!!!☝️

[@stillwateracoustic]

This is one that I like - If i have a large equip case to set my mixer on, I even bring something to cover it with . Cases tucked away etc.

[@NigelParryMusic]

Yes, this! ^^

[@NigelParryMusic]

TUNING - yes absolutely, silent and asap. 1. HAVE A GUITAR THAT STAYS IN TUNE. Honestly, if your guitar won't stay in tune, ditch it for one that does. That 12 string you love to play? Nobody cares, but they do care if it goes out of tune while you play, and it can put players off their stride. And give your guiutar time to acclimatise before you start the gig; differing temperatures and humidities can change the tuning on your guitar, don't whip it out of the case at the last minute. 2. CHANGE YOUR STRINGS. I see guitarists keep their old trings til they break. But one of the tell tale signs that a string is getting old is that it's hard to keep it in tune. A string break during a gig too often is unprofessional. And new strings sound better too. Don't be cheap, be professional.

[@FrankPersico]

I excellent excellent excellent. Great advice. Thanks for sharing

[@NigelParryMusic]

There's a reason why the drummer get's the blame for too loud gigs - it's true.

[@FrankPersico]

Lolol

[@richardfranklinmorse]

My commandments, don’t sit down while playing, don’t wear shades that hide your eyes from the audience, don’t use an iPad or any crutch to remember your songs. Don’t use fake harmony vocals. Be a pro.

[@FrankPersico]

All good stuff! Thanks for sharing

[@NigelParryMusic]

Yup. Sitting down while playing (even on a stool) really sucks the energy out of the room. Unless you're at a folk club, don't do it.

[@RayMurray-nq5oh]

I play a couple of places where I’m starting during peak dinner hour. So for my first set, I start with quieter tunes, and often sit. I feel it lets the customers enjoy their meal and “ease” into the evening. Then I’ll up the tempo, do more sing along stuff, and stand up when I sense the audience is ready for a “show.”

[@drvee1983]

Don't replace your strings with new ones the day of the gig. If people are dancing? Keep playing, and merge your next song that one at a similar tempo.

[@FrankPersico]

Excellent tips!! Thank you

[@marcgonzales4250]

Like the thought but there is now way I’m memorizing 175 songs just so I don’t glance at the iPad

[@FrankPersico]

I hear ya! :) that’s a lotta tunes

[@NigelParryMusic]

Try 700 😁

[@benisplayin]

I wanted to chime in on the extended solo commandment. A musician has a higher appreciation and understanding of musical ability. a complicated JAZZ ess solo can be interpreted like fingers on a chalkboard or a cat on the piano. KISS. keep is simple stupid!

[@FrankPersico]

Excellent … thanks for posting

[@Patrick-ryan-collins]

Any tips for those of us hopelessly addicted to sheet music? 😂

[@FrankPersico]

I would say if you wanted to start breaking away start by not allowing yourself to use it when practicing at home and see how far you can get. Wean yourself off of it one piece at a time ..

[@DeutschlandGuy]

How about "Thou shall not be philosophical when people don't care." It reminds me of a comedian joking about this years ago. He imitated being a hard rock stoner front man who approached the mic between songs with ... "A long time ago..... there were a lot of people......" Followed by a long silence, then added, "That's all I'm sayin". 🤣😂😅

[@FrankPersico]

Haahah that’s great. Thanks for sharing

[@mikew42906]

Try to make eye contact with your audience but don't hold it too long or they will feel uncomfortable.

[@FrankPersico]

Good one.

[@JRLNeal]

Don’t let an audience member join in. It might work and you don’t want to appear ungenerous but usually they are drunk and it ain’t a karaoke gig, so,politely turn them down.

[@FrankPersico]

Yes I totally agree!

[@TheLockdownKidNYC]

Much like a stand-up comedian, never relinquish your mic and the power it weilds. Also, it's usually your personally owned equipment and no one is entitled to use it.

[@sachachanyan]

Yes, play one of your own tunes every 7-10 songs or so....

[@FrankPersico]

For sure. I need to get back to this!

[@sachachanyan]

@@FrankPersico Me too! 🥴

[@JRLNeal]

Tune once before you play then never again unless absolutely essential. Some performers tune between every song. If you need to do that buy a better guitar. My Martin hardly ever goes out of tune day after day. If you have to tune then keep talking, it’s hardly multitasking.

[@FrankPersico]

I agree except for one thing. when you capo the guitar it almost always needs a retuning at least somewhat. then again your guitar may be a unicorn guitar. if so how much do you want for it?? lol. thanks for posting

[@JRLNeal]

@@FrankPersicoI have a 20 year old Martin DM that has frequent maintenance, been partly refretted and set up two or three times. It’s now in its prime. Just this morning I played outside in the street and tuned it to start, not that it needed it and played for two hours, capo in and off. No problems. Elixir strings btw. Pricey but worth it.

[@sachachanyan]

Yes, count the money in the car or at home. It does not look good when people see you.

[@FrankPersico]

👍👍👍for sure

[@mattstanley8944]

Politics…..🤦🏼‍♂️

[@FrankPersico]

lol

[@hegen8705]

If you are male; thou shalt not wear shorts while performing!

[@FrankPersico]

Depends on the gig as far is I’m concerned. I’ve played beach bars in the Caribbean and wouldn’t even think of wearing long pants lol.

[@hegen8705]

@@FrankPersico Of course I respect that Frank, and shorts obviously much more acceptable in a hot country, but personally, I think long trousers on stage always looks more professional,. Just my opinion.

[@stillwateracoustic]

outdoor patios I find that shorts are suitable.

[@TheLockdownKidNYC]

I did a gig 100 degrees hotside and I refused REFUSED to wear shorts. Keep in mind, this wad a rock band but I always believe a singer and frontman should never wear shorts.