How to Make Money as a Guitarist

Make money with your guitar and follow your passion.

Guitarists can make a living if they diversify. You don't have to make all of your money doing just one thing. You can choose a variety of paying activities that not only boost your income but keep your work interesting. This requires you to think in new ways about the type of music you will play, and the types of venues in which you will perform. Examine some ideas for putting together your own repertoire of gig possiblities.

Instructions

1. Play solo jobs. Restaurants and bars often hire a solo guitarist to add atmosphere to their place of business. You can make more money doing this than you would in a band because you don't have to split the income with anyone else. Learn some instrumental songs that you would enjoy listening to if you were dining out or having drinks with a friend. Then call some neighborhood establishments to see if they are interested in augmenting their atmosphere with some guitar music. Solo jobs pay $100 to $300 per night, for a four-hour night.

2. Play weddings. Guitar music at a wedding can be just the right romantic touch to make the event special. Learn some popular wedding songs, as well as some radio songs that you an adapt to a wedding setting. Place some ads at bridal shops and with online bridal services. You can call some working wedding musicians to get an idea of what to charge.

3. Teach guitar lessons. This is not a step down for a good musician, it is a way to help others learn to enjoy what you enjoy--good guitar music. You can charge $25 to $50 per hour for lessons, depending on your locale. Call some music stores and tell them you are offering lessons. They may provide you with space to teach in exchange for a percentage of what you make. You can also place ads online and in local papers, and teach out of your home or visit your students' homes.

4. Play cruise ships. Cruises constantly need musicians and other performers for cruises. You will get a salary, see parts of the world you've never seen before, and make new friends on the high seas. You can go as a solo act or join a band that plays cruises. Salary is by contract and varies by cruise company, but you can expect to make enough money to take some time off when you get back.

5. Play in the studio. Studio musicians make from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on what city they are in. Call local studios and tell them about what you do, and offer your services. The studio won't hire you, but they can tell their clients about you. If you are good at arranging and learning new songs, you can make money helping singers and songwriters record their tunes.

6. Make a business plan. Take all of the ideas for making a money as a guitarist, and explore the market in your area. Begin making some estimates of what you could earn through each outlet. Make a to-do list for each category of guitar money-making, and start checking off the items on that list.

References

• Guitar Habits: 5 Ways to Make Money Playing Guitar; Kluaus Tol
• UltimateGuitar.com: How To Become A Professional Guitarist & Musician; Tom Hess; 2006
• Musician Wages: Average Income of a Musician; David Hahn