How To Make Money Playing Solo Acoustic Gigs -Make Over 500$ a Month Playing Guitar

[@clydespangler4904]

Been playing since 12. I'm 70 now. Have 2 CDs out. Have over 400 songs in all genres except metal, rap and opera including those you suggested, but still can only get a senior center about once every 3 months. My agent gets me gigs at country (golf) clubs a few times a year. I belong to "The Bash". Everyone wants a DJ. I have lots of videos on youtube. So glad I'm a worship leader at a church because that allows me to play regularly. Clyde Spangler

[@happytobehere1111]

Since you said that you lack gigs, yet have CDs, lots of videos on YT, etc, I had a peek at your channel & I've some suggestions for you. - Create a new YT channel for gigs. - Upload videos of classic singalong songs like Brown Eyed Girl, Sweet Caroline, Stuck in the middle, Country Roads, etc for your new channel. Nothing else! - Ensure the camera work, lighting, audio recording, etc are pretty good. Experiment, use a few cameras (phones) if possible & do whatever to make it visually interesting. - Better shoot you playing at home with an interesting background in full "flow state", than standing at the back of a large hall with just 5x people dancing. - People want to know that performing means something to you, so look happy, or deliver passionately, or whatever, just give them something to connect with - Definitely sing as well as you can. I hope you take this in the spirit intended, IMO "Solo Entertainer" gigs with tracks these days are really about singing & projecting a vibe.

[@FrankPersico]

I definitely know what you mean about the competition from DJs. They also charge way more… go figure

[@LearnEasyGuitarTunes]

If you are thinking about making money with your guitar then you need to believe every word this man says. I wouldn't correct him on anything. I have two shows this weekend and I will easily clear $500. Lastly, to give you more of a prospective, I bought a Taylor 814ce Builders Edition in May of this year for $5,000. All of my gig money is going towards paying it off. After 6 months of playing....I only owe $500 on it. Lastly, you can have all the equipment and talent in the world, but it needs to be mixed with confidence while you play. Not cocky but confident. Thanks Frank!

[@FrankPersico]

Hey great to hear your input as usual. And I hope your channel is doing well too!!! Congrats on the Taylor!!

[@LearnEasyGuitarTunes]

@ going slow I need to change things up….btw I actually cleared $800 this weekend

[@Aptmusicuk]

Great advice, got my first gig next month

[@FrankPersico]

Good luck!

[@ghaus1961]

You're my # 1 favorite Frank , your content is always great and inspirational, and you're a down to earth and a great man with compassion.

[@FrankPersico]

Wow that’s nice of you to say! I appreciate it

[@chrisgoodenough1374]

Good job again…Gear: When I was deployed to Afghanistan 14 years ago, I helped out with the chapel music ministry but their guitar was pretty bad. I went to Musician’s Friend and bought a used Ibanez acoustic for about $225. They shipped it to me for free and it’s been my main instrument ever since. It stays in tune very well…I’ve had experienced sound engineers tell me the Fishman electronics are the best they’ve heard…built in tuner…AND has a 1/4” and XLR jack built in so no need for a direct box. Making contact with booking person: sounds like you’ve had better luck than me…it’s very rare to get email responses. I live near a couple ski area and have played a few of the ski lodges’ Apres Ski hours (awesome gigs) but getting in touch with surrounding venues (restaurants and bars) before they’ve filled the calendar is very challenging. Keep them coming Frank…great info.

[@Theodicy101]

Great story. Thank you for your service to our great nation, sir...and thank you for going above and beyond with the volunteer music ministry. My best to you and your family!

[@FrankPersico]

First of all thanks for your service! Yeah it’s a great feeling when you find a guitar that just does the job you need and you can end the search so to speak. The Gibson songwriter that you see in all of my gigging vids is that guitar for me. I paid 900$ for it used and bought it off of a young man in brooklyn some years ago who wasn’t playing anymore. It sounded so good at my gigs and had been so reliable I have t gigged with any guitar since. I probably should look for a backup but eh. I’m too busy making these vids to do anything else lol!! 😂

[@neugentcycling938]

I am about ready to do gigs. I am 76 and started playing in the mid '60s and focused mostly on Folk. I believe, as you do, that I am there to entertain, not show my guitar prowess but met set list is very Folk/guitar dominant. Your song suggestions are a wealth of info for both the '90 era (I wasn't playing or listening in the '90s) and for upbeat, easy to play, good sounding songs. I am also starting a KZbin channel and will use your channel as an inspiration. One thing you may suggest is to do a promo video with very short snippets of 8-10 songs so a venue knows the type of music you do - but keep it short.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the comment and glad to know that you are getting some value from this channel! A new video is coming soon that will begin to focus on videoing your shows. I will definitely take you suggestion and work on teaching what I know about how wo create content reels etc. best of luck with your channel!!

[@channelz2929]

I've been "re"-training as a solo Trad Irish performer (acoustic guitar and vocals). I have been learning all of the drinking songs plus other traditional Irish songs. It's been a long process. I subscribed to your channel.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the sub and I wish you the best in your musical journey!

[@bradhapa]

Thanks for your various videos on solo acoustic gigging! I recently started doing this and am trying to now learn what I can from experienced performers such as yourself. Your videos are both very informative and motivating! Thank you for making them. And yes to the “how to record (video and audio) at a live gig” video! I’ve been using my phone. Not so great but functional. I’m considering getting a Tascam Model 12 mixer so I can record directly through the mixer. Thanks!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for commenting. There will be a video coming shortly regarding cameras and video!

[@Joshua_Wanders_1]

Thanks, Frank! Always appreciate your tips and the confidence boost. I started watching your videos in August. I sat down and was determined to focus on this hobby I have always had. Now I am up to 15 songs and adding more. After, Christmas I hope to be traveling around in my RV and doing a few gigs all over the country. So thanks, man! Really do appreciate! Take care!

[@FrankPersico]

That’s awesome man! Good for you for committing to it.

[@joeycosentinomusic]

Frank, as always, you are the man ✌🏼

[@FrankPersico]

Haha thanks! Rock on!

[@peternuss8682]

FRANK...YOUR NOT ONLY A TRUE TROUBADOR . BUT...A REAL BRO. THANKS FOR SHARING ❤

[@peternuss8682]

I'm doing full day outdoor events with contests adding canned music MC and about 3hrs live. Hitting avg 400. I do pay for the awards but not a bank breaker

[@FrankPersico]

Awww thanks dude. Much appreciated

[@MichaelGunter-jy6cn]

Frank, your videos are "must-have" training for beginning solo artists like me. Love the content and the way you deliver. I've played a lot of electric guitar in bands, but 2025 is the year I go solo. Thank you for your instruction and encouragement.

[@FrankPersico]

I appreciate that! You got this!!

[@tylerfraziermusic1091]

Appreciate your insight!

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure!

[@gregsmith29]

Great advice as always, the editing video would be great!

[@FrankPersico]

Noted! I do have a video coming out soon on camera tips for videoing your shows. Slowly going to incorporate this into the channel

[@GodsStoryteller]

Pretty useful video. Been hanging out in a few places. I am able to take home some change, almost everyday.

[@FrankPersico]

That’s awesome! I’m glad you’re having success!

[@GodsStoryteller]

@FrankPersico Thanks for the renewed energy your video brought.

[@guitarnuccio]

Great practical video. Thanks!

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure

[@marklewis94]

Greetings from Texas! Frank, I enjoyed this video. The advice is sound. The only thing I would add is that you don't have to be a really good player/singer to get started. You need to find places that give you the opportunity to learn and improve. The money probably isn't good at those places, but they'll let you get your feet in the water, and ultimately, doing is the only way to learn. A recording/editing tutorial video would be great. Finally (at least almost finally), a thought/question regarding set lists. Setup: It's early November. You get a short notice call for the year's first "non-religious) Christmas gig. Your set list? I will say, that in Texas, it better include Robert Earl Keen's "Merry Christmas From the Family." Great videos. Please keep making 'em!

[@FrankPersico]

Hi thanks for the input: for Christmas I do most of the standards. let it snow, Santa Claus is coming to town (Bruce’s version), it’s beginning to look a lot like Xmas, I even do Feliz Navidad!!

[@jameswoodford2628]

Good constructive advice.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for watching!

[@peternuss8682]

With the portable amp im doing the coolmusic and luv it. Individual controls for 2 instruments. 2 mics. Aux & bluetooth. Plus the battery has an output. 80watts.

[@FrankPersico]

Nice!!! Best of luck to you

[@richardfromcornwall5492]

Frank, yet another great information packed video relevant to both sides of the pond! I’ve not yet played any gigs but I’m told I just need to get the first one under my belt to kickstart ‘getting the taste for it’ and increase my confidence and possibly the day centre/retirement home/coffee shop idea is the way to go? Keep the vids coming my friend, thank you!

[@FrankPersico]

Glad it was helpful! Definitely agree to just get one or two u see your belt. Then you will have a clearer picture.

[@kwaktak]

I will definitely check out some of these very great ideas! I’ve been playing since I was a kid (just before 1980) and definitely have the gear and a repertoire of over 30 songs - just not the nerve or hustle to get paid for it!

[@FrankPersico]

Haahah I totally get it.

[@Theodicy101]

Hi. Great video & advice, & funny in parts..."You mean I get PAID for this?!" hehe (Which would be MY response. 🙂) Came to music late in life...for realizing exactly how much it means to me. Had I time to redo, I would have focused a TON on music early in life, including singing/songwriting/performing...but we have to move forward. So, we'll see how it goes. I took piano for about six months at two points in life--childhood & as a young adult, but haven't played in years. Took a year of classical guitar in my late 20's, but that's been a long time ago, & I've forgotten everything. But, I've been thinking about & realizing I HAVE to try to get decent at piano & guitar so I can accompany myself and write better. This inspired me a lot! Thank you!

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure and thanks for commenting. I wish u luck w your music!! 🎵

[@stringmantony]

Very good video with lots of information. Thanks, frank!

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure!

[@CarlosAcoustic]

great video. I'd love to see your tips on creating promo tapes from gigs

[@FrankPersico]

I can do that for sure!

[@ghijkmnop]

Another great video, Frank-- it's great getting perspective from another point of view. Cheers, good sir. 🙂

[@FrankPersico]

Many thanks!

[@NickJardine]

This was really helpful! Thanks man.

[@FrankPersico]

Glad it helped!

[@ethantanatsiwasesedza8305]

Really appreciate this Frank. Thanks a lot man🛐👏🏿💯

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure!

[@pastorsharpie]

Metalica and Megadeath at the Seniors Home!! LOL!!

[@FrankPersico]

lol I’m warped

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Thanks Frank cool as always and yes do the editing vid that would be cool

[@FrankPersico]

Ok will do

[@JasonMckellMusic]

@@FrankPersico awesome thanks I'lll look forward to it.

[@John-s8s8q]

What do you think about playing a few songs on a uke or a mandolin at a guitar gig?

[@FrankPersico]

I see no reason why not. I’m sure the audience would see it as a refreshing change of pace

[@grillingido3941]

Frank, what do you use for backing tracks and harmonizer? Are they necessary? How about a looper?

[@FrankPersico]

I don’t use any vocal effects or backing tracks. I only use a ditto x4 loop pedal

[@grillingido3941]

@FrankPersico cool thanks man!

[@jeffcollins1172]

I’m planning on going solo soon; I head a bluegrass/country band presently. We narrowed down our gigs to Nursing homes/ Senior communities. They’re only 1 hour, always appreciated and afternoon gigs. We average $250 per gig, which we give to charity. As a solo artist, I would average $150-$200, not bad. I already have a core of places to play that enjoy my present act.

[@FrankPersico]

Wow that’s very generous of you! Thanks for posting

[@deannemiller891]

This was encouraging. All I ever hear is that making money as a musician is working all day every day for maybe $80 a month. Maybe those people are splitting with a band or something IDK Thanks for another great video!

[@FrankPersico]

Some make 80$ some make hundreds, some make thousands, some make millions and some make billions. :) thanks for the comment. People tend to repeat what they hear.. “musicians don’t make any money”…. Some don’t some do. Like ANY other business

[@themusicbox500]

Is that a Martin DE16? Appreciate the tips.

[@FrankPersico]

Hi there. The Martin in this video is a D35.

[@JohnstownJohnny]

​@FrankPersico why Frank? Why? What do you like about that model? Is that Koffee? Or Coffee? 😂🎉🙏🏻

[@anotherrobot3076]

The factory stole all the mojo, energy, time, and bandwidth I needed for this. I had everything else.

[@FrankPersico]

👍👍🤘

[@4gcole]

Yes cover video and editing ❤

[@FrankPersico]

Will do!!

[@elc1109]

This is EXACTLY what I'm trying to do...just struggling to put my setlist together

[@FrankPersico]

That’s great. Little by little just keep plugging away and before you know it you will have a large repertoire !!

[@Theodicy101]

Discovered your channel 30 minutes ago & watched this & another video. I've subscribed and "thumbs up" &, as mentioned in another post to this video, since I'm going to try to go from almost zero guitar ability to fairly decent in about six months (fingers crossed, & don't know if that's realistic...but we'll see), I'll be frequenting this great channel with all your advice. I do have a question IF you see this post...I think I have a decent voice & have been told that by friends & strangers too who might approach me after soloing in church or similar (but I realize I'm perhaps not objective or hearing myself as others do, & also that others could be just being kind)...So, before I hopefully can accompany myself, do you have advice for someone like me who only sings but would like to find someone--a pianist or guitarist--to accompany them to perhaps play gigs? I have absolutely no music contacts. Thanks!

[@FrankPersico]

It's awesome you're diving into guitar! That's a great goal. For gigs, I'd recommend just starting small and networking at open mics and local venues, you'll find some musicians!

[@leighcecil3322]

A little vox amp great for busking..& battery powered

[@FrankPersico]

Nice!!👍

[@SteveAuger2021]

For me, I like the idea of using an iPad Pro during the gig, but I’m also making up a list of all the songs that I know of my heart so I don’t have to rely on the iPad as much

[@FrankPersico]

For sure. I have an iPad for the newer material in my repertoire that I’m not 💯 familiar with yet. In a 4 hr gig it may be used for 3 songs tops

[@MrGratefulEd]

Thanks for your content, but I need some help. I spend too much on gear. Can you do a $500 a week video? ;)

[@FrankPersico]

Haahah … I feel your pain!

[@JoeReblMusic]

Interesting- re: hourly rate- I always tell people I don't get paid to play, I get paid to load my gear from the basement to the car, drive to site, unpack gear, set up, then break down and reverse the process. All in all a 3 hour gig could require 5 hours (or more) of your time but if you truly love playing - which I assume people on this site do, it is still a good hourly rate and better than Doordash ;-) Also- re: guitars- always go at least "middle of the road" quality/price for the reasons Frank mentions in this video. However, I usually shy away from having a $3000 guitar in a crowded bar that could get beer spilled on it, knocked over, or even worse- stolen. As an established acoustic guitar player, I can confidently say Frank's suggestions are spot on as always!

[@FrankPersico]

Hey Joe! Thanks for commenting. It’s funny I say the same thing to clients. Usually when they can’t understand why I charged them x amount for only an hour. I tell them it’s the drive and setup. I will play longer for the same price lol. Great to hear you are out there doing your thing!!

[@jimblackwell8762]

Your tuning? Down two?

[@FrankPersico]

I tune down one half step

[@johnainsworth9699]

@@FrankPersico How does tuning down help Frank?

[@FrankPersico]

@@johnainsworth9699 it gives me more options with the vocals. some songs are easier to sing down a half step. but i can always put the capo back on 1st fret (or any fret for that matter) and get the guitar back to "standard".... having that extra half step is big

[@davedukes4069]

@@FrankPersico half step down can make a difference as we age and it gets a little harder to hit the higher notes!

[@SteveAuger2021]

Hey Frank, this video is invaluable. I wanna get out there and start finding ways to get gigs and this information really helped out a lot.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much, wish you the best in your playing

[@RonBaker456]

I enjoy gigging but there are much easier ways to make more than music pays. Too many amateurs booking with friends that don't know the difference. If you play music it's because you love music. Not because you love money. My advice would be get a career you love that pays the bills and then supplement with music unless you like being mostly broke and alone.

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

Very hard, I've been playing and singing 35 yrs, people are hard to please.

[@FrankPersico]

They definitely can be!

[@crucifixgym]

I only want to play songs nobody knows and that are highly inappropriate in most settings.

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaha yes!!! That’s the spirit lol

[@Greenjagsurf]

If I can busk and make just 4 dollars and just do it 125 times, I'm there! This might just work even if I can't play songs or sing.

[@FrankPersico]

I actually met a couple at a gig the other day who says they do quite well busking on the train station here in NYC

[@havingfun1421]

Have this vision of me annoying everyone, everywhere I go. I think I’d either end up in jail or they might pay to get me to stop 🤪

[@EtienneLawnga]

Hey, if you have no talent, you can still make money playing guitar. Follow these steps -- Drive to a suburban, out of the way Park & Ride transit station. -- Set up about 20 feet from the people waiting for the bus/train. (YAY - a captive audience. They can't leave or they'll miss their bus/train) -- Play like crap -- Here's the key. Put out a tip jar with the following note attached -- "For $25, I will move to the next transit station" -- Trust me, some dude is hungover or stressed about his/her job and will gladly fork over the mullah to get you out of there. -- Go back to your car and chill until that load of passengers is picked up, then go back and repeat these steps for the next load of suckers, er, travelers. -- By the time someone has actually reached the Transit Police to complain and they actually show up, you'll have made at least $150 and can go hit the bar for the rest of the day -- Good luck and you're welcome!

[@FrankPersico]

This is classic! Lol

[@davenelson859]

When I get out this weekend for my first gig, It will not matter if people don't like me, I am going to LOCK thew door, NOBODY is going to be leave for free. Enter for free, but it will cost you $10.00 to Exit .......

[@FrankPersico]

I like your strategy! lol 😂

[@thomasewart-c9g]

Only one problem. I CAN'T SING. My wife freaks out whenever I sing anything at home. I torture my guitar students by singing while they strum.

[@J.Blogsblues-ns4to]

If your wife can sing go out as a duo!

[@fretworkband3204]

And if your wife can’t sing, find another guitarist that can (think Jim Croce with Marty playing lead) and your off and running.

[@FrankPersico]

Hmmmm I bet you can improve this with some vocal training

[@Bombastic-ahhh]

Hey dude! Loving your videos and solo acoustic wisdom you provide 🫵 I have a Boss acoustic singer amp, and a couple really nice Breedlove acoustics. My problem is breaking away from the tribute band i perform with. Doing solo acoustic would be more fullfilling and pay better. It's just hard giving up that high energy crowd engagement when the show is on point with a full band.

[@fretworkband3204]

I get it. Back in the day I played in a 7 piece band, was a sideman for others, and fronted my own. But some of the best, low stress, times was playing solo acoustic or with another guitarist. In your situation you can have your cake and eat it too. Look at solo gigs as a side hustle apart from your band. You’ll find a way to work it in if that’s what you want. Regardless, rock on!

[@FrankPersico]

I get that for sure. Mix it up. So a little of both. There’s no doubt it’s fun playing with a band. I do find it takes up way more energy ..

[@DaddySantaClaus]

bro i make that in 3 gigs of 1,5h i live in the uk tho

[@FrankPersico]

Nice!!!!

[@DaddySantaClaus]

@@FrankPersico is america that bad for music??

[@LearnEasyGuitarTunes]

@@DaddySantaClaus I had posted on here earlier that I played 2 hrs this past Friday and 3 hrs on Sat and with tips and all cleared $800. I don’t know that America is hard up for music but it is working. I make more solo than I ever did with a band