Using my guitar skills to make a buck.

[Scars]

So I don't live very far from a very popular city. One that is visited by thousands of tourists every year. From all over the United States and even other countries. I pretty much decided every couple weeks or so that I want to sit outside with a tip jar and my acoustic guitar and request songs from people and play them. It essence, it would be a "live juke box". Now, I realize it's impossible to know every song out there. I already know a bunch, but this is where I need your help. I want to gather up a playlist that people can view and select songs that I would already know. But I want to hit a lot of different genres, eras, and even different cultures. For instance, just for fun not too long ago I learned the Justin Beiber song "Eenie Meanie Miny Mo Lover". I don't personally like it. But if some 14yr old girl walks by with her mother I can play it gladly and probably get a pretty decent tip. I also know various 80's song. Aint Talkin About Love by Van Halen is one I'm currently working on right now. So basically.. if you were walking by and saw my human Juke Box what song would you request? I want to get an idea of what kind of songs people might want to hear. Thanks.

-Scars

 

[Marvin Gaye]

Youtube is a great way to learn many classics; if you sing you'd have more songs at your command too.

It depends on the city I guess, but I think people would typically request oldschool stuff, like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, stuff like that....

it would be cool to know R&B, James Brown all that stuff

 

[joverby]

Not to rain on your parade but I think you would be a lot better off just joining a band and gigging dude. I thought about the live juke box as a band thing before and realized there is just WAYYY to many songs to learn.

I think it would be a better use of your time to learn the standard 40+ song set list w/ a group of guys and go out on the weekends and make some cash. I"m sure you had to of thought of this possibility but I just don't know how well it will go over unless you learn like a thousand songs.

Or just learn a sh1t load of the "top 40" songs and also all the classics and make your own list for people to browse and request as your playing one song already?

I know the benefit of this is you can do it by yourself and on your own time so if you really want to I think the request list idea would be most practical. I'm about to rejoin my cover/original band, we're playing around our local area at festivals and bars etc.

 

[Scars]

Marvin: I'm learning every song with the intention of singing a long to them.

Jov: Yeah, it crossed my mind, but I've tried jamming with other musicians here and it never works out. I've found the only person I can really count on is myself. Learning top 40s is a good start. And yes, I wanted to make a LIST of songs that people can request from. Of course, if I get a song request frequently I will just go and learn/add it. But for now, I need some to start with. The top 40 sounds excellent though.

 

[joverby]

It is really difficult to find good / reliable musicians who are willing to put in the time and dedication to get sh1t done. But trust me, they are out there man. In my area it's almost impossible but they are out there.(60K+ Population city with like 30Kish surronding cities)

But I did find one group of guys, was with them for about a year and ended up getting kicked out. I was at a low point in my life and wasn't putting forth all the effort needed and was too depressed to really care to change anything.

But now I am working /driving again and taking guitar lessons again.(I've been playing for 3 1/2 years, took lessons for like 9 months before) And I'm re-joining that band, one guys getting kicked out after a show next week.

If you got the money I would reccommend lessons. So much easier when someone is showing you.

But I just love jamming w/ people (even if they aren't as good as me). But when you get w/ a full group of guys were everyone is good, it's magic. And the potential for money is a lot higher. But it is one of those, takes money to make money things. Lots of expensive equipment needed and also LOTS of time needed to practice by yourself and as a band.

 

[Atom Smasher]

There's no money to be made around where I live (NYC northern suburbs). I would make a lot more money "busking" (as they call it) than in a band. No one's into live music around here. It's a wasteland for entertainment.

 

[r0cky]

Learn the most popular Beatles and Led Zep songs, also Kings of Leon are pretty popular.

 

[Scars]

The city I'm talking about is actually Vegas.

I know it's possible because I watched by buddy (who is already an established musician) sit there play original songs. Maybe like a 8 song set, and got about 50 dollars. Then he started gambling his money in roulette, got up to about $800 dollars and lost it all. 50 bucks is plenty for me, for only playing 30 min to an hour set. I'm just kind of thinking of all the possibilities. The hardest part would be not spending it on beer or gambling..

I started learning some stones now. My fingers are hurting so now I'm back taking a break on the internet. Lol.

Edit: Good idea R0cky. I want to also incorporate some new age stuff as well. I actually like Kings Of Leon, never really tried playing them though. Thanks.

Time of day, holidays, weekends and such could also be a factor as well.. I'm thinking it will take a lot of trial and error at first, but I think it's completely possible to sit outside for 2 hours playing a guitar and pocket $100+ dollars, as long as you're professional about it. I also realize that being social, charisma, and interacting with passerbys is a key factor as well.

 

[Drdeee]

You will achieve high if you aim high, low if you aim low, average if you aim average.


Just watching TV here. In Moscow they teaching millionaires how to use iPad. How to setup and use skype, etc.. 10,000 to 30,000 per lesson. Want to pay $1k for 1 lesson on how to use your iPad?

You have game, and you live in Vegas. If you position yourself right, you will do great.


I think you need website, and I think you should teach rich people how to play guitar. Meanwhile you could play on street if you want to.

 

[joverby]

There's no money to be made around where I live (NYC northern suburbs). I would make a lot more money "busking" (as they call it) than in a band. No one's into live music around here. It's a wasteland for entertainment.

Ya, I guess it depends where you live. My ex-gutiar instructors band(3 people including him) would make 1K a night at a bar, I believe they rented their PA system though. They were also pretty established for the area. Just saying I know theres potential for it if everyone is really good and puts in the time. You will rise above the rest eventually.