Songster Tips: "Busking (Street Performing)"

[@benaaronmusic]

Pretending to be playing for no one but yourself is a great way to get started. When you get comfortable with this, start playing to a single person in the distance. After you can manage the one person, start singing to people that are walking by or, if you're lucky, sing to the crowd that has formed around you.

[@1000eyed]

Play it loud. Play it proud. I love that! Thanks for the great tips.

[@TheAshCooper]

Mate I've been a successful busker for three years and a total of 7. The amplification is a must! Outlets? Get a battery powered cube. Averagely you will x3 your earnings by doing this.

[@benaaronmusic]

Over the past years, I would go on to change my opinion on this issue and agree with the small amplifier. Some cities don't allow amplifiers, but a little cube amp isn't going to "Disturb the Peace". Thanks for commenting and have a good day.

[@TheAshCooper]

Ben Aaron I know exactly what you're saying, places seem to chop and change rules to suit them to be honest. but with a small amp your good either way I guess, if you can't use it can always double up as a chair.

[@benaaronmusic]

Ash Cooper Double the amp as a chair! Brilliant!

[@saxonsteve]

I agree. I'am not a very good acoustic player.I'am planning on buying cube and using my telecaster.

[@JordanMillsTracks]

my city *says* it doesnt allow amplifiers, however i wouldnt be heard without one and so everyone just uses them and noone cares :P

[@lastoftheurgents1965]

My top tip; Don't drink too much liquid before and make sure you go to the the toilet before busking. There won't be anyone to look after your stuff while you go to the toilet and you don't want to lose a good pitch or have to pack up, go to the loo and then set up again

[@benaaronmusic]

lastoftheurgents1965 Great tip! You don't want to leave a good space and definitely don't want to leave any equipment unattended.

[@gabbygosh3780]

Thank you for that advice haha

[@yising4u2qt]

I wear a depends diaper .It last for three hours.

[@yising4u2qt]

I wear Dpends

[@samlee2562]

ha your voice is classic dude, whatever it is you're selling I'm sold !

[@benaaronmusic]

You have a few options: You could be the Best Bassoon Busker on the planet, or you could use an amplifier to plug in a keyboard and microphone for your voice. I would scope out your location first to see if they have an outlet for an amplifier, or use a battery-operated amp if you want to go the piano route. I would highly recommend that you memorize the material by heart. It could get breezy and papers may fly away if you have them in front of you. I've had this happen to me one windy day. :)

[@benaaronmusic]

Great job! I always get nervous before I play anywhere. The only way to reduce the stress is to continuously perform in front of people. It gets easier the more you do it, but I always get nervous for the first song.

[@benaaronmusic]

Great advice! Pretending to be playing for no one but yourself is a great way to get started. When you get comfortable with this, start playing to one person in the distance. After you can manage the one person, start singing to people that are walking by or, if you're lucky, sing to the crowd that has formed around you.

[@willybologna]

Dress for success. Always look as good or better than your audience. Look like a beggar get beggar wages. Smile and make eye contact. Never leave the pitch a mess. Don't block traffic. Stand up and play. Don't stay in one place to long. Give others a chance to play and the neighbors a rest from your music. I use a cardboard box with out a bottom for a tip box. If somebody decides to snatch and grab my box the money stays there and all the get is an empty box. Have a business card so if someone wants to hire you they can contact you. Have a give away CD for the same reason, don't sell them give them away to people who are interested. Get to know store owners and vendors, talk to them, buy stuff from them so they will in turn support you. Most of all it is nice to be important but important to be nice.

[@crashnburnband]

Just made my first £20 busking in London today.I earn a lot more as a plumber but this is much more fun, To see peoples happy faces as they join in on your choruses. Just need to get the takings up a bit. So I have taken delivery of a busking amp today see how it goes. Thanks for all the tips dude.

[@chethiyakahawela5401]

Small tip is to always introduce the songs you play especially your own, people seem to definitely listen in more when you have you own material

[@robdonell9915]

What is your take on singing Gospel music in public? I live in the east side of the SF Bay Area.

[@ericrenquist6494]

@@robdonell9915 a lot of people could possibly be turned off by religious stuff

[@wyzapple]

Positive message songs, Gospel, Christian songs are welcome, but try to space it out between other covers or original. Yes, some individuals do get "turned off" by those songs, but others are hungry to hear them. (Maybe do 3 or 4 in a row, but not the whole time that you play) Besides, when you love playing a song...it shows. People see your heart. So, play what you like. (Not to mention that a few well placed gospel songs get $20's instead of $1's or $5's.)😉👍

[@ryanswiggs]

dude.. thank you. been playing guitar since i was 7, played in bands.. never busked. but as a fellow musician, every word you say makes complete sense. thanks for being cool :) bye

[@benaaronmusic]

That's great to hear, Ryan. Thanks for watching the video. Glad you could relate to what I said. PEACE.

[@TGTG-lb7bn]

This is awesome! Fellow buskers here. Love the positivity and great advice overall!

[@benaaronmusic]

AGREED! I would much rather be out on the streets playing music than in a cubicle. It's not easy to get started, but if you want to make a living busking on the streets, you MUST be a GREAT performer. Very true.

[@pickinpedaler]

Ben, you almost stole my mantra - "Sing Loud, Play Hard"! Also, most municipalities' statutes are available on-line. F'rinstance, the only reference in St. Paul is no amplification. Keep it up, good stuff.

[@christianascribe1592]

Thanks for the great advise! I am a contact juggler, not a musician but I think a lot of these tips still apply. Thanks again!!

[@GuyGGormanandtheGMen]

Thanks for the tips! I agree that busking is the best practice. Sometimes when the money is not coming, I look around and think how lucky I am to be outside on a beautiful day, contributing to the world, doing what I love to do. Often that increase in positivity leads to more attention and donations from passersby.

[@nickn1316]

🎶🎸🎶💕🙏

[@ReinhardtBuhr]

depending on where you are, you need a amplifier to capture your audience ears especially if you play warm tones.

[@joshuabecker6357]

Very helpful brother!

[@benaaronmusic]

+Joshua Becker - I'm glad I could help. Thanks for stopping by, friend.

[@gigsandbusking8959]

I am afraid around the cities amplification is much much better even if it is to save your voice from damage caused by trying to be heard though being too loud can annoy shop owners and even the public who are shopping so yes keep your volume reasonable. Be well rehearsed (very important) Be dressed ok, don't be scruffy. Try not to look like a begger like sitting on the kerb. Most importantly Entertain!!!. Those are my contributions though I am no expert it is common sense, good luck

[@benaaronmusic]

GREAT advice! I agree that if you can, set up a small combo amp with a mic and instrument input. Some areas don't allow for an amplifier, but I thought I'd make a video for beginners who don't have an amp right off the bat. Thank you for commenting. Have a good day.

[@boondocker571]

I agree with most of what you say especially "Play from the heart" However I definitely disagree with your opinion on amplification. I have been busking for many years and I have found that I earn far more money when I use an amp and a microphone. It also has the advantage that you can enhance your sound with a touch of reverb or delay. Apart from that I think that anyone encouraging busking get my vote. Thumbs up

[@talithasmith9854]

I found this really helpful as I am thinking about starting to busk soon. Hoping these tips will come in handy.

[@benaaronmusic]

+Talitha Smith excellent! I'm glad I could be of service. If you have/can use an amplifier, I would recommend doing so. In my city it's not allowed, but different rules may apply. Just an update from this video.

[@robsgirl6465]

Talitha, did you do it? How did it go?

[@LouiseSteelMusicSite]

Great tips Ben! Busking is something we'd like to do too at some point! :)

[@tbawds8563]

Thanks man, you have a great video

[@Kiatamau]

Bro love your style great video sound advice your experience shared is appreciated

[@taylorsmusic1415]

I just began busking and every time I get ready to go I get so nervous but as soon as I start it's so much fun! I even had some kids stop by and form a crowd!! One thing I need to work on is playing loud though😂

[@eggybaby84]

great line: "if your not having fun, you shouldn't be playing music"

[@songsbygreg]

Great video and advice. I'll have to try it someday - sounds like fun.

[@7550375503]

I agree with the organic - all acoustic.

[@benaaronmusic]

Right! I've learned that it depends on the environment, but acoustic is easier to manage.

[@benaaronmusic]

I'm really happy I could give you encouragement. That means a lot to myself. Thank you.

[@thesophiegu]

i busk quite a lot and i can't believe how generous some people are! i've been given a $20 note from a few people and altogether i make about $180 in 3 hours on average! its amazing i love it

[@cloruske]

Been busking a long time..every word you say is spot on the money....except I personally don't seed my case...I love seeing the first one go in ...been looking at busking videos this morning as it's raining here ..so much rubbish spoken..my rules..know your songs, no books in front of you , no mike stands and large amps .., dress well but characterful..be nice as behaviour breeds behaviour ..thanks again .Richie , touring Spain...

[@benaaronmusic]

Thanks for the comment, Richard, and sharing the good advice you've picked up. I've been noticing that most professional buskers have their own preferences and there is no right or wrong. We all find what works best for us and no video, book, or blog can tell us what our most successful path will be. We have to make that path ourselves. This is a very entrepreneurial endeavor. Get out there and play! CHEERS!

[@saxonsteve]

been unemployed now for 4 months and its been brutal finding work. Going to put 40years of playing on the streets. I hope they like the blues!!!!!

[@lifeinaustralia8552]

@@saxonsteve I have been jobless in Brisbane for 3 months now, the idea of going back to the factory from 6am to 3pm makes me sick. Plus we have to ask for permission even to go to the toilet. Busking give us freedom of moving. BTW, I notice that your comment has been there for 1 year, how have your busking career been going? Can u give me some advice? I play the guitar and can sing some old songs from the 80s. Thanks and cheers.

[@saxonsteve]

@@lifeinaustralia8552 I'am sorry that you are out of work. Working in a factory has got to be tough. I never really started Busking. I myself only work part-time and i just haven't had the extra cash to get the equipment needed.Someday, i want to busk! Just keep at it and continue practicing. I use to hear a guy playing here in Boston and use just jam over the same riff. That works as well. Keep the faith my brother.

[@alejandroaguanta-classical2901]

Awesome, thanks a lot Ben!

[@benaaronmusic]

You're very welcome, Alejandro. Keep on playing music.

[@benaaronmusic]

Thanks for the love. Much appreciated, bro.

[@nickn1316]

Whoa Ben you are a wise sage , Great tips for places I would never of thought about , " plant seed money " & "plastic people" love those - Thanks a lot 🎶🎸🎶

[@lrproductions2097]

From what I understand, the main requirement for needing a permit, if at all is only if you are in fact using amplification. (US)

[@tedparker2164]

Thanks Man! I am a newbie to this, but I do have heart! Any help is good help and you just gave me a lot! Thank you!

[@Fortyball]

Thanks dude, needed that encouragement!

[@russkendrickmartin7257]

Thanks for the info Ben. I plan to put it to good use. I'm incorporating busking into my summer travels. I've booked paying shows in several cities in July. I'll also busk in a handful of places, including: Ashville, Athens, Memphis, Nashville & New Orleans. I'm really looking forward to it... Thanks Again

[@benaaronmusic]

Great to hear, Russ. Best of luck to you and I hope the travels will pay for themselves. You got this!

[@robsgirl6465]

Nice tips. Thanks!!!

[@moseseseseses]

Also for $250 Behringer puts out a combination PA system and amplifier together and it has its own battery pack that lasts for about 17 hours that you can charge at home before you leave and it's got wheels underneath it and a handle that extends upward so you could take that with you also you can play your guitar and sing through it and it even comes with the microphone but just remember whatever you bring out there with you you need to set your equipment up near a fence or steel rails that you could chain your equipment to while you're performing or if you have your own box on a dolly that you carry everything with chain your equipment to that box because I'm telling you there are drug fiends out there that need that next fix and if they see your amplifier there they don't care about you standing right 3 foot away from it or not they will come up close and pretend like they're watching you or listening to you and enjoying the music as soon as you turn your head or even if you don't turn your head they will grab that amplifier and run so fast with it because that's something they can bring to a pawn shop to get that next fix so please whatever you do make sure your equipment is Chained down you can cover the chain with plastic or so and make it decorative so they can't see it but they really do need to see that it's chained

[@benaaronmusic]

Thanks, Josh! Appreciate the comment. Glad I could help out.

[@MrMelty94]

I'm from the UK and I've been very skeptical about busking. What would you say is the best way to not get "stage freight". Great video by the way. You seem like a really nice guy!

[@strawberrv]

I really want to try and go busking in my local park. Would a ukulele work?

[@benaaronmusic]

I think a ukulele would be just fine! Good luck and I hope you have fun.

[@kstezewski]

I've done it with a ukulele before! All I had was a ukulele, a bucket, and a lawn chair. It was a good experience.

[@TheOwenmc]

Preach brother- this is on point from a fellow musician!

[@benaaronmusic]

TheOwenmc Thank you, my fellow musician! Keep on making music, brother! I'll keep an eye out for more music from you.

[@JayPeek]

yes. the basics. right between the eyes. great job dude.

[@benaaronmusic]

+Jay Peek Thank you, Jay. Simple basic tips. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@RogueCamera]

Great vid! Never busked, (but I'm thinking about it.) Thanks.

[@realboltfan]

This is a good video. Interesting take on no amplifier because let’s be real, plugged in always trumps not. Presence and reverb on the vocals really make it. I did however enjoy your point about bringing people in by keeping it basic. Cheers lad.

[@benaaronmusic]

Well said! I've certainly changed my tune on the amplification problem. It can be so helpful to have better sound.

[@El-Leion]

Excellent advice ben

[@benaaronmusic]

Thank you. Take what you will from my advice. Just what I've gained through experience.

[@MyNewZealandMaxLines]

busking for 20 years best lifestyle on this earth . Have worked for the boss and been treated badly bit like a dog really who needs it id rather be on the street . This world needs more GOOD buskers if your not good go home and work at it it will pay off big time but you got to be a good performer .

[@BenRobinson01]

Will I get less money if I have a music stand in front of me? I've been busking for a while and I do pretty well but I'm just wondering if I would do better without it?

[@benaaronmusic]

I think it looks more professional without a music stand, but what really makes a difference in tips, is being entertaining. That's really hard to smile, dance and look happy while playing, but it might give you more money in the case.

[@jakobglassstories]

That was actually very good advice. Thanks man!

[@benaaronmusic]

I'm glad you think so. After all these years, I still believe most of what I said to be helpful.

[@conartist267]

Thanks Ben!

[@marciavox8105]

Love this! I am a high school student in need of money, so this is super helpful! I loved the phrase, “It’s better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.” Thanks! Do you have any advice for how to handle confrontation with people?

[@OrToeMatTick]

Im trying to pluck up the courage to do busking! :)

[@davidmcleod1760]

I'm a busker myself mate and i still get nervous before i start playing. Don't worry though as soon as you start playing the nerves fade away, just enjoy yourself and the audience will start enjoying themselves

[@OrToeMatTick]

brilliant thank you for that advice :D keep the vids coming bro :)

[@benaaronmusic]

Max Hilleard The hardest part is everything leading up to the first song. If you can just arrive, set everything up and play that first song, you've made it. It's all downhill from there.

[@gabbygosh3780]

Same I'm plucking up the courge and working myself up so I really have the urge to perform (that's if I get a busking permit)

[@benaaronmusic]

Gabby Gosh good luck to you, Gabby

[@benaaronmusic]

You are more than welcome, Elisa! Have a good day and I hope you do well busking.

[@JohnStardust]

I've performed in the park recently and it was cool, I liked the vibes. I have an audition for a busking license for our forks market where I live, it's a big deal, a lot of people try for this license. I'm pretty confident but still a bit nervous, I play and sing well but I'm not pro, I sing from the heart. any tips? also I'm a self taught musician. Cheers :)

[@jacquelinekeeton5743]

Congrats on being self taught!

[@moseseseseses]

Also a box on a dolly that has a back to it that you can open up or shut with a lock on it is something that you can also put a car battery in a real heavy duty one with an inverter and that you can actually plug amps or equipment into if you don't have the battery type amplifier already and just a regular amp you can plug a regular amp into an inverter or a PA system into an inverter and the inverter and the battery could be hidden in the boxed in unit that you have on the dolly that you roll out there just some more tips

[@ShaniaDeville]

on yy first busking, I was singing and I was sooo nervous hahah I never researched any tips for busking so I didn't know a thing but just sing and play the guitar. But looking back it was pretty funny and I earned $16 and I learned a few things. Next time is definitely going to be better

[@bensleeper7847]

Hey just letting you know, I almost got a $1000 ticket in Charleston, SC for busking

[@benaaronmusic]

Ben Sleeper Bummer, Ben. It sounds like you need a permit in your area. They usually give you a warning and tell you what you need to perform in public areas that require licenses. That's where my "ask for forgiveness" line in the video comes from. Hopefully it's not a hefty amount or a complicated procedure in your local government to obtain the right permission to busk.

[@kilometer501]

thanks mate, you are right..play it loud and play it proud...

[@markobjelovar]

you said that it's better to use an acoustic guitar than electric. well i want to ask if it's ok to use a small amp like ms-2, its really small and doesn't require floor space.. so, in your expirience, are people more entertained seeing el. or acc. guitar? i'm planing on playing in novalja (adriatic sea), it's a popular place for german, italian and other people for vacations, so..do you have any tips?

[@lifeinaustralia8552]

I think a small amp will not hurt anybody. Let's go and busk.

[@MrBrixon10]

how many songs should i have under my fingers?

[@benaaronmusic]

I would definitely have at least a 30-minute set to start with, or about 6-8 songs. Some people might stop to listen and you don't want to play the same song over and over.

[@saxonsteve]

as many as you can remember.

[@elisarivas5470]

Thanks dude

[@benaaronmusic]

I hope you consider busking in the future, Aaron. I have used an amplifier in certain situations where there were large open areas. For me, at the time of this recorded video, I was not able to ride my bicycle and carry both my guitar and amplifier. Maybe I was a bit harsh on the idea of an amplifier. Best wishes, -Ben

[@JustTavia]

KZbin just recommended this video to me: it's funny to see a baby Ben!

[@benaaronmusic]

@dacrazycanadian Thank you for the kind words! Have a good day.

[@wyzapple]

If you play thru the nerves, and your true ability comes out, people can tell the difference. Cha-ching!🤑 If you play what you enjoy, your energy level picks up. People can feel that. Cha-ching!🤑 Most people are passing-by, unless they are sitting down to eat they don't stay too long (not even a whole song)...just have fun with it. You can repeat the songs that you are most comfortable with and work well with people. (Maybe, 15 minutes apart or so.) Cha-ching!🤑

[@RobbiePfunder]

Excellent

[@benaaronmusic]

Robbie Pfunder Rock on!

[@fsadz2765]

Thanks mate!!! I have my first busk tomorrow!! Its an audition due to city council law :P ... Thanks again Ben!

[@benaaronmusic]

Frano Sadlier You're welcome, Frano! Hope I helped. How did your audition go?

[@masterdoctorten]

i want to try busking, but I don't really play the right instruments, i only play Bassoon, Recorder, Piano and I sing. I need advice, also do I need to know the songs by heart?

[@HackaPackaPunch]

Hey ben! I'm 15 soon to be 16 in 2 months and I am desperate to be a busker! But where I live (Brisbane, Australia) I require a buskers license. Should I bother to apply for one or just go out and risk it?

[@lachlanlangmead6689]

I'm the same age and in Darwin, i think you should probably get one and not risk it, they aren't that expensive and one busking session could easily pay it off.

[@HackaPackaPunch]

***** thanks! Yeah I'll probably do that then. :)

[@benaaronmusic]

HackaPackaPunch It may be more beneficial to get a simple license. If you keep at it, I'm sure it will pay off like Tamboh said. Good luck to you! Get out there and play!

[@ryanbeery7341]

what do you think of busking with a bari sax?

[@benaaronmusic]

Limitless Are you kidding? That would be awesome! That's really unique (at least here in Minnesota, USA). I'm sure if you just played some great popular melodies, people would really appreciate your music. Go for it! Stay safe and keep on playing!

[@aarongwynaire7970]

Loving your vids man! Really considering getting into a bit of busking eventually :) Although Ive been advised to perhaps use a battery powered amplify for my electro acoustic and microphone - but I really get what you mean by pulling people in! :)

[@lifeinaustralia8552]

I think to pull people in, we need to be very good at what we do.

[@Musicislove623]

My 2 friends and I went out and happened to have a uke with us... so we decided to start singing and ended up making $25 and getting 2 gigs!

[@moseseseseses]

Also that 45 watt Behringer combination PA amplifier I'm telling you about has a Bluetooth connection and you can send music right from your smartphone to it and play along with the music

[@biometrix1000]

cheers man !!!!

[@Unidentifying]

What do you think of improvising ?

[@DIGamusicallife]

One good spot around town is outside of the wedge. It can get competitive though. How do you suggest dealing with that competition?

[@lightworker1606]

Sweet video dude!

[@kwst4kys]

How many hours should I busk and how many songs should I play per day?

[@benaaronmusic]

As much as want to. I have memorized 200 songs and can busk for about 10 hours, but that's a lot. You could learn 12 songs and play for an hour. That's fair. Whatever you want.

[@benaaronmusic]

I would contact the property owners at this location. It may involve talking to a store manager or a farmer's market operator. If they don't own the location then it will probably be up to your city's code. You can find more detailed information by searching "Municipal Code of (YOUR CITY)". You should be able to find any contact information about your Municipal Statutes. Good luck and let me know if I can help any more.

[@jonasverbelen8654]

Wow that's a nice guitar you've got there. A j50? Or a j35 maybe? Cool.

[@kolyawastaken]

Probably a j35..

[@tomichiblue9686]

What about kazoo?

[@benaaronmusic]

Go for it. Kaaaaaaa-ZOOOOOOOOOOO

[@gregemmm]

MrMelty94 i was busking in Edinburgh today (made over £60 pound in an hour) and a load of people passed, the way i get over 'stage fright' is by just pretending your just on your own, just focus on the music, in frontof

[@benaaronmusic]

Didn't mean to infringe on your mantra. It must have rubbed off in my mind. Good advice for the future with checking out the statutes. Thanks, friend!

[@waynelinton5831]

If anyone can awnser my questions it would really be appreciated but how many songs should you have? How do you know where you can and should perform and do you really need a microphone and an amp?

[@benaaronmusic]

I think you should have about an hour worth of material. That might be 10-20 songs. If you only go busking with 3 songs, and someone sits down to listen or walks by twice, you won't be repeating the same songs. I have been doing this for 8 years, and I have about 6 hours of songs memorized. You don't need an amplifier in a quiet place, but traffic and other noise might require that you need an amp with a microphone.

[@MissMyoozikal]

I am thinking of busking this summer, and I have an ideal place in mind. Its really the perfect spot, The only thing is I'm wondering why I don't see other buskers around my ideal place, does that mean it's probably prohibited to busk in this area? How do I find out? Thanks for the video!

[@antsholland757]

How good are you and what did you play?

[@pickinpedaler]

All Good

[@joelriddington3935]

My freind and i are thinking of starting to busk so i was wondering would acoustic pop punk covers be a good idea?

[@benaaronmusic]

Joel Riddington Personally, I would want you to play your favorite songs that you feel the most comfortable with. Just some helpful tips about performing in public: Don't use a lot of profanity, don't be politically charged, pick the most popular songs that your favorite pop punk artists wrote, and be loud and proud. Get out there and make it happen! (be safe)

[@gabbygosh3780]

Hell yes

[@ianholt7284]

You go busking with your gibson j50? Hope you chain it to your wrist. Somehow the plastic people and the seed money seem to fade into fantasy island. The hat's kind of swinging sixties too.

[@danieledanny9625]

i started busking 2 years ago,it was a little dream,so when i lost my job i wanted to try.When i was young i played bass guitar,but too many years gone,so i take lesson for 1 year,i buy a cheap bass guitar harley benton and an ampifier roland micro cube,result is failure!! i played with musical base,just music no voice (i'm stoned better i don't sing! ) nobody hear me,so difficult to hear well a bass guitar,i made too many attempts,i buyed an amplifier 80 watt for hear well! but very difficult to move in rome with all weight. So i get it that it's better a guitar,so i started to learn guitar and ukulele and i've had more luck,but i must work for to be decent,i'm playing with a little percussion too,of course who can sing it's better,people hear,anyway i want try again!

[@AnarchyandEquality]

Can't use amplifiers where I am. You need a permit to play amplified music.

[@robdonell9915]

Am thinking of learning well Gospel based country songs to play outdoors. Have over a dozen once-popular soft rock songs to play.but those songs go against my current level of commitment to reaching out with the Gospel of Christ.

[@RichCjam]

don't wanna raise any tension but not really agreeing on the 'no amp' part. i think amp is one of the most important thing for busking regardless electric or acoustic. i play electric guitar with a battery powered amp on streets and it's been working pretty fine. but i think the thing is to play some family friendly materials. for example for electric guitar i found it's better to put on clean tone and improvise some funk/jazz -ish melody and rhythm rather than kicking on the distortion pedal and go all rock n' roll and most parents with kids would just be like ..meh. to sing with an amp also means you don't have to shout and strum the acoustic guitar really hard to make things unmusical just to be heard. this busker called daniel docherty plays acoustic with delay&loop pedal and amp and it works way better than most people without an amp could.

[@benaaronmusic]

No tension here. Most comments on this video are about the "No amp" part. I say if you can use it, and it makes you sound better, GO FOR IT! Some city statues won't allow it, so I decided to play it safe and say "No amp" in the video. I should have said: "Use an amp if you can, but don't abuse it". Thanks for commenting. I'll admit I get a few more tips with a small combo amp.

[@benaaronmusic]

Do you speak of the Co-op in Minneapolis? I haven't played there. As for the competition, I can say, "The early bird gets the worm" where the worm is the place with the most foot traffic.

[@chihuahuaman4321]

A friend and I are playing in a few nights

[@NintendoGamez24]

I have no choice but to busk. Better do it right

[@benaaronmusic]

Good luck! Don't give up.

[@NintendoGamez24]

Thanks bud.

[@CaitLeary]

I want to go busking with The Songster!