As a weekend warrior for the last 50 years it does my heart good to see musicians even thinking about playing to the room. More often than not it seems musicians tend to play what they want to play at any given moment. My hats off to you for your diligence! As a wedding band leader for years I had no choice but to learn to read a room - picking wrong songs at a wedding can be deadly. In general I would at least like to see musicians get a better sense of when to call a slow song, this is critical not just at weddings but all gigs. You've got to watch for that sudden drop in energy after a few up tempo selections. I think this is a good place to start for those who haven't put much thought into it. Thanx for your insights Frank!
I'm 65 yo...I first picked up a guitar at 13...I learned to play and chord one with a Beatles fake book...it was the best "etude" on the planet to learn chords, finger independence, chordal harmonies and melody...and just damn good song structure...this list of yours is uncanny, b/c I keep these same songs in my repertoire...I might throw in "Dead or Alive", "Norwegian Wood", and a few others...but yea, this is good stuff...thank you for sharing.
I have been playing guitar since 1974. I am a solo finger style melodic guitar player. I think James Taylor goes over very beautiful. Fire and rain and you got a friend knock them dead. And there’s nothing like the good old classic song on any Sunday. Beatles songs always are great and so are the Eagles. I haven’t been playing out in quite a while because Covid got the best of everybody. I need to get back out and play more, I’m a very experienced guitar player. I am 70 years old. Can learn and play just about anything I want. Harmonica solos never mind I play those on guitar. They really sound super cool but it’s really hard to do anyway thanks for the video. You got some great ideas. Have a great night.👍😄😎🎼🎵🎶🎸
1. Piano Man billy joel 2. Stand By Me John Lennon version 3. Here Comes The Sun George Harrison 4 Wonder Wall by Oasis 5 Layla (acoustic version) Eric Clapton
@@FrankPersicoIt takes all kinds, don’t it. Personally, I struggle doing the orchestra part. Have to put my guitar down to do that, but I lose all momentum every time I do it. So now I stick to Knocking on Heaven’s Door. ✅
Ah, there's anoher slightly dirty trick. It's the old rule that whoever pays the fiddler calls the tune and that's the landlord, not the audience. So to get return businees, make sure you plaese the manager.😉 But remember they are different. Some have particular songs or aetists they love, others are more into the sound of their cash register going wild.
72 now, but me and a buddy played clubs, house/yard/block parties, and you name it for several years in the suburban Detroit area. We're both self taught on acoustic, electric, and vocals. We had quite a following! Best times anyone could have with their clothes on!
Mate I like your honesty...I play both the electric and acoustic guitar.. I don't think I have enough guts to perform live professionally. But I do sing for family and small groups of friends.. I find your videos both insightful and educational. I'm happy that you are following your passion . So thank you and I look forward to seeing more content from you 🙏
Having played around the world for decades, and still, the iconic songs that never fail me, whether the audience is old, young, Chinese or English speaking. #1 Imagine #2 Country Roads #3 Stand by Me #4 Summertime After that you should have a pretty good measure of the crowd, genre etc.
I love hearing you say that. Especially coming from someone who is in the game as long as you. Many have commented how they will refuse to play those songs and i always find that funny. LOL refuse to play songs that people love. i don't get it. thanks for the comment
@@FrankPersico Staggering how many people know all the words to American Pie. Norwegians, Japanese. Aussies.... I play a lot of original music as well. ruclips.net/video/-07IhF1JKxY/видео.html
I have a completely different take on this. Given any audience, of any age group, among them they will have varying tastes in music. You cannot make guesses as to what they may or may not like. I suggest that you should first focus on selling yourself to the audience. Like any sales situation, your “clients” have to buy you first. If they like you they will buy what you have to sell. Secondly, I believe that you should select songs with which you have an emotional connection. Something that moves you. If you do, that emotion will be obvious to the audience. And they will connect with you. If you just select songs you think they will like, you will most often miss. Just my two cents.
I agree. The mom, dad, and Nanny with kids are going to eat the chicken fingers and leave no matter what. So are the old ladies. First of all, play what you connect with; and try to get to the portion of the audience who looks like they're going to stay a while. But stop trying to please everyone. Please yourself, have fun, and people will notice and hopefully join along.
Not being one person with a guitar, but a band. We make our set lists according to venue. If it's a restaurant, it will have a certain vibe, a bar, a different vibe.. more rocking and danceable. Outside festivals gets the huge crowd songs everyone knows and loves.
@@lehmansmith5863 You’re right. Venue has a great deal to do with it. Also whether a band or solo performer. As a solo, I would seek out a venue where the audience wants to listen to music. Not dance or drink or eat!
Good practical choices. To reciprocate, I'll provide five bankers of my own. 😊 1. I also always include at least one Beatles song in my set - most often it's 'Here Comes the Sun', but I sometimes use 'Hey Jude' (because everyone joins in on the 'Na-na-na- nanana-na' section which you can spin out for ages), 'Penny Lane', 'She's Leaving Home' or 'Norwegian Wood' depending on the venue/audience. 2. I don't do 'Wonderwall', but I sometimes include the Oasis song 'Half The World Away' (because I'm in the UK, and everyone knows it because it was used as the theme song here for a TV series called 'The Royle Family'). 3. 'Sunny Afternoon' - The Kinks 4. 'Rocket Man' - Elton John 5. 'Rotterdam' - The Beautiful South
Well spoken! I've had to learn so many songs that I didn't necessarily like but I knew I could get the crowd going. The trick is to find stuff you still like to play but people will gravitate to. My go to's: Gimme 3 Steps, American Girl, 2 tickets to Paradise, My Sharona, Jessie's Girl, things like that. Hell, even Friend in Low Places. Everyone has heard them and these songs make no one angry. Remember what you're getting paid for when you gig. People want to sing along and buy more drinks.
Absolutely true. It’s a balancing act. Of course we all want to play precisely what we want when we want but there are the times when you just gotta make em happy. And that’s fine w me
Great post! We all “profile” our audience. When the bachelorettes walk in Drops of Jupiter crushes wonderwall etc…older crowd dock of the bay….sometimes the 25yr old requests Cat Stevens 😂 you never know! We move the radio dial till it hits right
I can get really cliche but these work. Dock Of The Bay Otis Redding: I Can't Help Falling In Love Elvis: Whole Lotta Shakin' Jerry Lee Lewis: Norwegian Wood Beatles: Honky Tonk Women The Rolling Stones. People actually like certain chord progressions and you used them.
The thing that always makes the biggest difference to me when my wife drags me into a bar with a singer... does it seem like the singer loves the songs or is the singer bored? It's an honor to hear anyone who will buck up and play for an audience (it's an ego risk), but it's charming when its the former. (Btw, your voice is so solid, I would give my wife a nod hearing your first song and just settle in and enjoy... and there's no need for every song to be special. Sometimes you want one that's ho-hum so you can 'check out', as it were, and share some observations about the crowd, the drinks, the bar art, etc. ;)
Thanks so much for taking the time to post such a thought out comment. I appreciate your perspective. Helps me as a performer and as a RUclips content creator. Cheers!
All good suggestions. Maybe it's because I'm in Virginia, but Country Roads, Moondance, Friends in low places, and Friend of the Devil always get people singing along too
As a solo performer for over 40 years, I know 20 solo performers that would lay down 20 completely different set lists. It's all about the singer/salesman... not the song/product. A previous commenter is correct... If you sell yourself honestly,the crowd will listen to anything that you play.... Up to and including.... Your original material.
Great advice! I’ve performed with a lot of working musicians. The best of them know that our job is to entertain, not to feed our ego. 😊 But the good news is that all those songs have room for interpretation, giving us a chance to bring some of our own freshness to them. (Now, we just need some emergency classic songs for younger generations!)
Great tips. I'm actually learning to Stand by Me now to play at my students graduation. I know how to play the guitar for it for years but never learned the complete lyrics.
Hi Frank, you floated across my RUclips and I really like what you share- I play guitar and sing, and I love that you share all this great knowledge and skill with us. I will be catching up on all your content . Keep on keeping on !
Thank you so much. It means a lot to hear especially as a small channel. The vids take a good amount of effort and just knowing they are giving some value to people makes it all worth it. All the best to you
These are great crowd pleasers. I haven’t learned Wonderwall or Layla yet, but they’re going on the list. I didn’t see Johnny Cash mentioned in the comments. I’ve been surprised at the universal appeal of his hit songs
Pretty woman..You’ve got it..Don’t be cruel..Stuck in the Middle..Boot Scootin’ Boogie..I can Help..are in my regular setlist, along with a couple of yours. Thanks. I like your pace in this informative video !
Great video. Fantastic suggestions both here and in the comments. Copperhead Road, Steve Earle. I saw her standing there, Beatles. Cecelia Simon and Garfunkel always seem to fly 😊
Great list. You can probably add Brown Eyed Girl... they love to sing the chorus. I Could Walk 500 Miles by the Proclaimers also gets them going. Margaritaville and Mustang Sally are also good.
I like to pull out songs that are well-known and great songs, but not very often covered by others. Songs that the audience will clearly recognize, but aren't used to hearing in a club! For example, a great song to open an evening with a strange and varied audience is "Do You Want to Know a Secret". It has that dramatic Em opening bit that attracts everyone's attention: "You'll never know how much I really love you! You'll never know how much I really care!" You can ham it up on the drama of the lines! Then it goes into the comfortable cha-cha groove. Especially, if you can sing it well, people love it. They chime in on the "Doo-wah-doo" between phrases. You're absolutely right about one thing...When in doubt, play a Beatles song! Everybody loves the Beatles. And they have enough great songs that you can avoid the ones that are overplayed (Hey Jude/Come Together/Get Back, etc.) and pick slightly more obscure Beatle songs that people will still recognize. In general, I try to avoid songs that have been done to death. (Stand By Me/Brown-Eyed Girl, being examples) If I'm tired of it, I assume my audience might be as well. But anything you can sing with conviction will trump any other factor and win over an audience.
"Jumbalaya" especially if you live and or play where there are country music fans. If that works well then follow with a Johnny Cash song. I use "Folsom Prison Blues", pick the intro and nice hard driving 4/4 song. I am based out of Atlanta and play in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and North Carolina.
I hope I grow the gonads to finally book and play a solo acoustic gig soon. I've almost never played in front of an audience and I'm way, way, way past due at 47 y/o!
Hey, I don't know where you live, but try some busking to start. You are just a kid. I am 78 and have several gigs lined up that I got from busking on the street and people asked for my card. Try your senior citizen center or nursing homes and play some free gigs (but ask if the pay before you play free) to get used to playing in front of groups. Also toss in some gospel songs if you play senior citizen centers.
You're a mere child 😊 We do open mics at 79: started playing Uke (also some Harmonica) at 65. Singing with a Choir is a great way to get comfortable performing live 🤣
Hey Frank, here's your buddy Frank from germany ;-) Here are my secret weapons: I do : 1: Ring of fire by Johnny Cash- None of the audience can resist to the chorus, I sing one of them a capella, folks love it. 2: Personal Jesus also in the Cash version. Sometimes as number one, to bring the audience to clap their hands to the guitar intro, often works good and makes them comfortable. 3: I'm on fire by the BOSS! Evrybody knows the chorus 4: I can't help falling in love by the King! I can sing him pretty well, so I get the audience with that catchy ballad! And it also has some nice chord progressions. 5.Wish you were here-Pink Floyd An iconic intro, most people recognize, and I introduce the song as the song we want to remember all the loved ones, who are not here with us anymore. Please excuse my english, I don't know if every word is fine, but I think, you'll get the intention. A few mor songs I love to play : Homeward bound - Folsom prison blues - Heart of gold - Ghostriders in the sky - Wicked game- Won't back down- Heart of gold (here we go, harmonica champ ;-)) Bye!
As a Rock Bass player my five that always work without fail : R Stones 'Dead Flowers' ' It's All Over Now'. No matter how you play them they come out good. We did the second one by Molly Hatchet. 'Glory Days' Springsteen with two guitars, no keys. Geogia Satt 'Battleship Chains'. Clapton 'If I Don't Get There By Morning' (live) So thats my five.
We have to be mind readers. My fave thing is when I overhear someone tell their friend in the audience what song they like and then I play that song next. Then I watch them look in amazement like I read their mind. They don’t even realize that I literally heard them say the name of the song. Ahhhh people
Brilliant. I have analysis paralysis when it comes to a set list. When in doubt, play the Beatles. Funny. The wonder wall bit was spot on. It always felt like a place holder lyric and they couldn’t come up with anything that worked better…so they just left it in. Thanks
The 20 to 40 year old demographic don't have any money but the 40 to 80 crowd does, so aside from Piano Man and Here Comes the Sun... I have had good luck with Blue Bayou, Feather Theme (Forest Gump Theme), LOVE (corny but effective), and Happy Together. Thanks for the list you gave. The old joke is: when in doubt play Elvis or Mustang Sally...
Nice video. Had to check it out. Piano man is my go to opener LOL! Thanks for the reinforcement! This is good though you are a craftsman and you know your craft well!
Great first choice. But I wouldn't get away with the rest in my local bars. Some even have a no Oasis policy. My go to crowd pleasers, for most generations, is Bear Necessities. National Express by Divine Comedy. Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon. Staying Alive by The BeeGees and Take Your Mama Out by Sissor Sisters. I've loads more obviously, but they always go down well. And to finish Big Love by Lindsay Buckingham. It's a finger picking blaster of a tune which goes down a storm.
"Here Comes the Sun" is in my songbook. It really does brighten up a crowd. A couple of these I've been thinking on, and you helped affirm that, so thanks. "Wonderwall" ... UGH! But I see what you mean. It's the same thing in my area with "Wagon Wheel." "Sweet Caroline" works really well as a sing along most of the time for me. "Margaritaville" seems to be a favorite as well, and "Brown-Eyed Girl." I'm actually using an electric guitar in my set too now, sometimes with homemade or prerecorded backing tracks. Certain crowds gravitate more to that I've found than just acoustic. Great video. Very glad I stumbled upon this.
I find a new room, or sometimes rooms I have played many times, a song I can always start with is Bryan Adams Cuts Like A Knife. Gets the vocals going and is a good middle of the road song. :)
Del Amitri - Tell Her This. DADGAD tuning with Capo VI. Nobody does it. Especially well! Got more famous on an episode of ""Scrubs back in the day. Del Amitri really is a mostly unknown GREAT BAND!
@@tonysmith6464 In their remote video of All Hail Blind Love, I knew something wasn't right with the way Justin was moving. God have mercy. He can't be replaced and without him, there is no Dels.
Yes you have some good songs there. My "go to" songs..."Sweet Caroline"--I do it well (Got on Boston WBZ TV once) and can get the whole train singing on the way to Boston Red Sox Fenway Park, "Country Roads" another one that gets people singing, "Lean on Me" is liked by everybody (once got $50 tip for that one), "You are My Sunshine"--great one to dedicate to woman and children and everyone knows it, Instrumental "Heart and Soul" and "Fur Elise" are a good mood setter too. Just some of the songs I play. Got my first YT "strike" today after 18 years on YT---My non-monetized version of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer"--like I'm taking food off the Henley Family table. The copyright thing is out of control. 5 STARS! --Van
Thanks for the comment that’s some good stuff. I can’t believe that they gave you a copyright strike…absolutely ridiculous. I think just the laws in that need to be more reasonable where you can cover the song as long as you aren’t getting paid for it (which you weren’t) completely insane. Wish u the best
I love how you went through and replied on every single comment...I don't know how i got here, but i subscribed, I'm new to this gigging thing, I have an amazing guitarist and I sing and we are out doing our thing,... crowd pleasers for us are Amie, 3 AM and Brandy., and we do Stand By Me as well....I hope this channel blows up, I like your humor and your experience and talent really shows, and I will watch your other videos. Thanks
Dude! I really appreciate it. I try to respond as much as I can within the realm of possibility. Sometimes even to the haters and trolls if I think my response can provide value to everyone else. If not I ignore or delete. Channel been getting some traction and I’m happy of course and grateful. Thanks for commenting
When my band was still together we loved Stand by Me for that very reason. We mixed it up a bit sometimes playing it in 6/8, and sometimes, if we played in 4, we would go double time on the last chorus, in full rock mode... depending on the crowd tho :) Playing solo, one of my go to's is Under the Milky Way by The Church. Everyone seems to love it and it works really well.
I host a Live Music, Karaoke and Open Mic Show.....all in the same show. I play with a variety of Local Musicians and Singers. I have a 1st Chair Symphony Violinist that jams with me often. Weve fou d that anything Alabama is a hit, Mustang Sally, Spooky, and of course, Devil went down to Georgia. Those work anywhere, with ANY audience
Neil Diamond, sweet Caroline. In James Taylor Going Carolina in my mind. Johnny Cash, Sunday morning Coming down Keith Whitley, don't close your eyes. And Bruce Springsteen man on fire. These will bring a room to life. Plus Ray Charles Georgia These always work for me. God bless Have fun
Comment before watching video: Please don't let it be Mustang Sally! Comment after: (sigh of relief)... Very interesting. One song that always works for me, is Steve Miller's "The Joker". "No Woman No Cry" is also a guaranteed crowd pleaser if you have the voice for it and play it as a ballad the way Marley did it live. Then there's "American Pie", "Ring Of Fire" and "Nothing Else Matters". "Blowin' In the Wind" only works if you've heard Neil Young's version and play it in a mood like he did and "Knocking On Heaven's Door" needs a drunk audience (just like "Mustang Sally"). But there are several other Bob Dylan songs that are safe crowd pleasers - "I Shall Be Released", "Mighty Quinn" and "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" just to mention three. If you've got guitar chops a little bit beyond just trumming chords, you can try "Little Wing" and "Smoke On The Water". For "Smoke On The Water" you need to be able to play the riff and bass line at the same time. That sounds daunting (and impressive) but it's not actually that difficult. For "Little Wing" you need to be able to keep full chords ringing while you play some fill ins. You can keep the fills very simple though. In fact you should keep them simple, there's no room for guitar fireworks in an acoustic troubadour setting.
@@FrankPersico what if i did a parody where i change the lyrics to make fun of the arrogant brother?? sing along with me... "I am, a spoiled english brat, and i never ever worked a daaaay."
Great list, I have brought the house down with Stand By Me. Occasionally you get requests for “Free Bird!!” Or “Elvis Presley!” So it’s fun to for once…actually do Free Bird (talk about sing alongs)….or Jailhouse Rock. Another couple the girls like are Tiny Dancer, and Old Love (from Unplugged also). Thanks!
The Joker is a go to, and great for a few simple loops. Playing that slide guitar solo on a standard tuned and picked acoustic six string kind of sucks though lol. Same with Night Moves. Or Dream on down in Dm. The lyrics even give the implied directive to “Sing with me, sing for the year”
Most mortals cannot come close to singing the high parts of "Dream On"! Especially at the end. Even going falsetto, we can't hit those amazing highs. You are a ballsy dude with great pipes to go there!
@@brushstroke3733 Just average pipes lol, but I play it in open Dm and start like an octave lower than standard. Imagine Rich Sterban (Oak Ridge Boys Oom Papa) singing it. Like Frank said about Stand By Me, “Do what’s best for your voice”. A lot easier in open Dm for sure. I learned (kind of) Yoni Schlesingers solo acoustic version, but play it without a capo. Frank says in another lesson to remember “We are there to make people happy, not impress other musicians”. The nice thing about this song is the crowds accessibility to the chorus in a lower key aaaand you can impress your guitar playing friends at the same time lol
Hindu Love Gods' (Warren Zevon + REM) version of Raspberry Beret. Also, Try Here Comes the Sun in the style of Richie Havens. Hey Jude, but take it down to D. People can't wait to get to the na na na na na na na coda.
"The Quiet Beatle" Thank you so much for honoring George that way. That's exactly how I like to remember him. I love that guy.
Same here. He was one of a kind
As a weekend warrior for the last 50 years it does my heart good to see musicians even thinking about playing to the room. More often than not it seems musicians tend to play what they want to play at any given moment. My hats off to you for your diligence! As a wedding band leader for years I had no choice but to learn to read a room - picking wrong songs at a wedding can be deadly. In general I would at least like to see musicians get a better sense of when to call a slow song, this is critical not just at weddings but all gigs. You've got to watch for that sudden drop in energy after a few up tempo selections. I think this is a good place to start for those who haven't put much thought into it. Thanx for your insights Frank!
Thanks so much for the response. Especially considering you are out there in the field it carries a lot of weight.
I'm 65 yo...I first picked up a guitar at 13...I learned to play and chord one with a Beatles fake book...it was the best "etude" on the planet to learn chords, finger independence, chordal harmonies and melody...and just damn good song structure...this list of yours is uncanny, b/c I keep these same songs in my repertoire...I might throw in "Dead or Alive", "Norwegian Wood", and a few others...but yea, this is good stuff...thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for the comment.
I have been playing guitar since 1974. I am a solo finger style melodic guitar player. I think James Taylor goes over very beautiful. Fire and rain and you got a friend knock them dead. And there’s nothing like the good old classic song on any Sunday. Beatles songs always are great and so are the Eagles. I haven’t been playing out in quite a while because Covid got the best of everybody. I need to get back out and play more, I’m a very experienced guitar player. I am 70 years old. Can learn and play just about anything I want. Harmonica solos never mind I play those on guitar. They really sound super cool but it’s really hard to do anyway thanks for the video. You got some great ideas. Have a great night.👍😄😎🎼🎵🎶🎸
Thank you for sharing with us all
1. Piano Man billy joel
2. Stand By Me John Lennon version
3. Here Comes The Sun George Harrison
4 Wonder Wall by Oasis
5 Layla (acoustic version) Eric Clapton
🙏
On a whim I pulled out “Day in the Life”. After the show I got kudos from the manager who was apparently a big Beatles fan. Great tune!
I bet you did. Good call
@@FrankPersicoIt takes all kinds, don’t it. Personally, I struggle doing the orchestra part. Have to put my guitar down to do that, but I lose all momentum every time I do it. So now I stick to Knocking on Heaven’s Door. ✅
Ah, there's anoher slightly dirty trick. It's the old rule that whoever pays the fiddler calls the tune and that's the landlord, not the audience. So to get return businees, make sure you plaese the manager.😉
But remember they are different. Some have particular songs or aetists they love, others are more into the sound of their cash register going wild.
Good songs. Blister in the Sun was always one to get a response, even from the mortuary crowds.
Ooooh stealing lol
Everyone always sings along "LayyyyyyLa" Can't help it.
Got me on my kneeees … beggin darling pkeeeze lol
Bleh. Too repetitive. Nice song, not really a sing along except for the "leyylaaa'" part.😕
The performer enjoys that song way more than the listener.
72 now, but me and a buddy played clubs, house/yard/block parties, and you name it for several years in the suburban Detroit area. We're both self taught on acoustic, electric, and vocals. We had quite a following! Best times anyone could have with their clothes on!
Ahahah playing music is deff a blast!
Mate I like your honesty...I play both the electric and acoustic guitar.. I don't think I have enough guts to perform live professionally. But I do sing for family and small groups of friends.. I find your videos both insightful and educational. I'm happy that you are following your passion . So thank you and I look forward to seeing more content from you 🙏
Dude. You have no idea how much it means to hear that. Inspires me to continue trying to grow my small channel. All the best to u
Having played around the world for decades, and still, the iconic songs that never fail me, whether the audience is old, young, Chinese or English speaking.
#1 Imagine #2 Country Roads #3 Stand by Me #4 Summertime
After that you should have a pretty good measure of the crowd, genre etc.
I love hearing you say that. Especially coming from someone who is in the game as long as you. Many have commented how they will refuse to play those songs and i always find that funny. LOL refuse to play songs that people love. i don't get it. thanks for the comment
@@FrankPersico Staggering how many
people know all the words to American Pie. Norwegians, Japanese. Aussies.... I play a lot of original music as well. ruclips.net/video/-07IhF1JKxY/видео.html
I have a completely different take on this. Given any audience, of any age group, among them they will have varying tastes in music. You cannot make guesses as to what they may or may not like. I suggest that you should first focus on selling yourself to the audience. Like any sales situation, your “clients” have to buy you first. If they like you they will buy what you have to sell. Secondly, I believe that you should select songs with which you have an emotional connection. Something that moves you. If you do, that emotion will be obvious to the audience. And they will connect with you. If you just select songs you think they will like, you will most often miss. Just my two cents.
Fantastic input and very applicable. So in case of emergency dig in deep… perhaps a new video idea. Thank you for commenting:):)
I agree, many of these songs I would never play.
I agree. The mom, dad, and Nanny with kids are going to eat the chicken fingers and leave no matter what. So are the old ladies. First of all, play what you connect with; and try to get to the portion of the audience who looks like they're going to stay a while. But stop trying to please everyone. Please yourself, have fun, and people will notice and hopefully join along.
Not being one person with a guitar, but a band. We make our set lists according to venue. If it's a restaurant, it will have a certain vibe, a bar, a different vibe.. more rocking and danceable. Outside festivals gets the huge crowd songs everyone knows and loves.
@@lehmansmith5863 You’re right. Venue has a great deal to do with it. Also whether a band or solo performer. As a solo, I would seek out a venue where the audience wants to listen to music. Not dance or drink or eat!
Good practical choices. To reciprocate, I'll provide five bankers of my own. 😊
1. I also always include at least one Beatles song in my set - most often it's 'Here Comes the Sun', but I sometimes use 'Hey Jude' (because everyone joins in on the 'Na-na-na- nanana-na' section which you can spin out for ages), 'Penny Lane', 'She's Leaving Home' or 'Norwegian Wood' depending on the venue/audience.
2. I don't do 'Wonderwall', but I sometimes include the Oasis song 'Half The World Away' (because I'm in the UK, and everyone knows it because it was used as the theme song here for a TV series called 'The Royle Family').
3. 'Sunny Afternoon' - The Kinks
4. 'Rocket Man' - Elton John
5. 'Rotterdam' - The Beautiful South
Great pics! Thanks for sharing with us all
Well spoken! I've had to learn so many songs that I didn't necessarily like but I knew I could get the crowd going. The trick is to find stuff you still like to play but people will gravitate to. My go to's: Gimme 3 Steps, American Girl, 2 tickets to Paradise, My Sharona, Jessie's Girl, things like that. Hell, even Friend in Low Places. Everyone has heard them and these songs make no one angry. Remember what you're getting paid for when you gig. People want to sing along and buy more drinks.
Absolutely true. It’s a balancing act. Of course we all want to play precisely what we want when we want but there are the times when you just gotta make em happy. And that’s fine w me
Dude.... Sweet Caroline, Old Man, House of the rising sun, Margaritaville, Nothing compares to you.
Sweet Home Alabama,, I could go on.
Great picks!! Thanks for sharing
I did solo and duo acoustic gigs for years, and you had me reliving a few of the more challenging clubs. And, by the way, you do not talk too much.
Thanks for the knowledge kind words. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Great post! We all “profile” our audience. When the bachelorettes walk in Drops of Jupiter crushes wonderwall etc…older crowd dock of the bay….sometimes the 25yr old requests Cat Stevens 😂 you never know! We move the radio dial till it hits right
For sure I do drops of joop (as I like to call it lol) it deff always wins/. Great tune
I can get really cliche but these work. Dock Of The Bay Otis Redding: I Can't Help Falling In Love Elvis: Whole Lotta Shakin' Jerry Lee Lewis: Norwegian Wood Beatles: Honky Tonk Women The Rolling Stones. People actually like certain chord progressions and you used them.
Great songs become cliche for a reason. Because they are great!
The thing that always makes the biggest difference to me when my wife drags me into a bar with a singer... does it seem like the singer loves the songs or is the singer bored? It's an honor to hear anyone who will buck up and play for an audience (it's an ego risk), but it's charming when its the former. (Btw, your voice is so solid, I would give my wife a nod hearing your first song and just settle in and enjoy... and there's no need for every song to be special. Sometimes you want one that's ho-hum so you can 'check out', as it were, and share some observations about the crowd, the drinks, the bar art, etc. ;)
Thanks so much for taking the time to post such a thought out comment. I appreciate your perspective. Helps me as a performer and as a RUclips content creator. Cheers!
I’m glad I found your videos today my friend you are a treasure thank you for the tips 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Oh wow you are kind to say that. Made my day
All good suggestions. Maybe it's because I'm in Virginia, but Country Roads, Moondance, Friends in low places, and Friend of the Devil always get people singing along too
Thanks for commenting. It’s about time I add low places. I play the other two and I agree they are great. Maybe I need a part 2 ???
Thumbs up for Friend of the Devil. I bet they would like a little Jack Straw too!
Got bored during a gig and played Alice’s Restaurant (original version 29min.)…the last time I ever played that venue!
oMg that is just fantastic … I’m dying lol
As a solo performer for over 40 years, I know 20 solo performers that would lay down 20 completely different set lists. It's all about the singer/salesman... not the song/product. A previous commenter is correct... If you sell yourself honestly,the crowd will listen to anything that you play.... Up to and including.... Your original material.
Way to go out with a bang!
This is awesome. Wow.
Thank you kindly.
Great advice! I’ve performed with a lot of working musicians. The best of them know that our job is to entertain, not to feed our ego. 😊 But the good news is that all those songs have room for interpretation, giving us a chance to bring some of our own freshness to them. (Now, we just need some emergency classic songs for younger generations!)
Absolutely! And that is a good idea for a video. This Friday I have one scheduled covering some songs from the 90s. Stay tuned :)
You are amazing!! Great video and great suggestions! I played clubs for 30 years and you nailed it!!!!
Thanks for the kind words. All the best
Great tips. I'm actually learning to Stand by Me now to play at my students graduation. I know how to play the guitar for it for years but never learned the complete lyrics.
Awesome! It will serve you well
The Holy ONE 1⃣ of Blessings 🎉...
Can make Your Guitar play You while you are playing Guitar ...HalleluJah❤
Wow, thank you!
Country Roads is my first pick
This is a great choice and one I NEED to add myself. Thanks for comment
Oh yes, that one is always a winner!
Good choice. But the best is "Sweet Caroline". Greatest sing-a-long song ever.
@@howie9751I never really liked Sweet Caroline. Now I hate it. Heard it too many times
@@DBCooner I think it's a below average pop song. But it's great for audiences. Especially at Fenway Park.
I like your impressions of B.Joel and G. Harrison.
Thanks 🙏
My band just started doing a hard(ish) rock version of Stayin Alive. It's been killing. Stuck in the Middle is a long proven ear worm too.
Oh wow. Would like to hear that
Hi Frank, you floated across my RUclips and I really like what you share- I play guitar and sing, and I love that you share all this great knowledge and skill with us.
I will be catching up on all your content .
Keep on keeping on !
Thank you so much. It means a lot to hear especially as a small channel. The vids take a good amount of effort and just knowing they are giving some value to people makes it all worth it. All the best to you
These are great crowd pleasers. I haven’t learned Wonderwall or Layla yet, but they’re going on the list. I didn’t see Johnny Cash mentioned in the comments. I’ve been surprised at the universal appeal of his hit songs
Awesome brotha . Try em out
OK, it may not be a good opener, but I've learned that EVERY demographic loves Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
Good pick. True. I love it. But I’m a bit corny lol
Pretty woman..You’ve got it..Don’t be cruel..Stuck in the Middle..Boot Scootin’ Boogie..I can Help..are in my regular setlist, along with a couple of yours. Thanks. I like your pace in this informative video !
Thanks for sharing and thanks for the supportive words. All the best
Great set list.....
How about My Maria, since you're already doing Boot Scootin'
@@bigtam462❤
@@koontzman123will check it out ! Thanks.!
Awesome Voice ...I'm Melting 🎶 😊😅
Thank you so much 😄
Great video. Fantastic suggestions both here and in the comments. Copperhead Road, Steve Earle. I saw her standing there, Beatles. Cecelia Simon and Garfunkel always seem to fly 😊
Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your suggestions
GUITAR TOWN !
Great list. You can probably add Brown Eyed Girl... they love to sing the chorus. I Could Walk 500 Miles by the Proclaimers also gets them going. Margaritaville and Mustang Sally are also good.
I’m going to have to do a part 2… heck maybe even a part 3!! Thanks for the picks.:)
I learned "Something" by the Beatles to play anytime someone says "play something." But then I never remember to play it when it happens!
Ahhaha maybe you need to put a post it in your guitar lol
I like to pull out songs that are well-known and great songs, but not very often covered by others. Songs that the audience will clearly recognize, but aren't used to hearing in a club! For example, a great song to open an evening with a strange and varied audience is "Do You Want to Know a Secret". It has that dramatic Em opening bit that attracts everyone's attention: "You'll never know how much I really love you! You'll never know how much I really care!" You can ham it up on the drama of the lines! Then it goes into the comfortable cha-cha groove. Especially, if you can sing it well, people love it. They chime in on the "Doo-wah-doo" between phrases. You're absolutely right about one thing...When in doubt, play a Beatles song! Everybody loves the Beatles. And they have enough great songs that you can avoid the ones that are overplayed (Hey Jude/Come Together/Get Back, etc.) and pick slightly more obscure Beatle songs that people will still recognize. In general, I try to avoid songs that have been done to death. (Stand By Me/Brown-Eyed Girl, being examples) If I'm tired of it, I assume my audience might be as well. But anything you can sing with conviction will trump any other factor and win over an audience.
That is always the goal for sure. But sometimes cliche saves the day …
Thanks for all of these tips man, I love your channel.
That’s great to hear!! Enjoy
"Jumbalaya" especially if you live and or play where there are country music fans. If that works well then follow with a Johnny Cash song. I use "Folsom Prison Blues", pick the intro and nice hard driving 4/4 song. I am based out of Atlanta and play in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and North Carolina.
There definitely are regional variations I’m sure .. this is a science and case study in human behavior lol. Thanks for the reply
I hope I grow the gonads to finally book and play a solo acoustic gig soon. I've almost never played in front of an audience and I'm way, way, way past due at 47 y/o!
Hey, I don't know where you live, but try some busking to start. You are just a kid. I am 78 and have several gigs lined up that I got from busking on the street and people asked for my card. Try your senior citizen center or nursing homes and play some free gigs (but ask if the pay before you play free) to get used to playing in front of groups. Also toss in some gospel songs if you play senior citizen centers.
It’s never ever too late. I hope you stick around on my channel and get inspired to go out there !
Great advice and perspective
Just do it!! You'll thank me later!
You're a mere child 😊 We do open mics at 79: started playing Uke (also some Harmonica) at 65. Singing with a Choir is a great way to get comfortable performing live 🤣
Hey Frank, here's your buddy Frank from germany ;-) Here are my secret weapons:
I do :
1: Ring of fire by Johnny Cash- None of the audience can resist to the chorus, I sing one of them a capella, folks love it.
2: Personal Jesus also in the Cash version. Sometimes as number one, to bring the audience to clap their hands to the guitar intro, often works good and makes them comfortable.
3: I'm on fire by the BOSS! Evrybody knows the chorus
4: I can't help falling in love by the King! I can sing him pretty well, so I get the audience with that catchy ballad! And it also has some nice chord progressions.
5.Wish you were here-Pink Floyd An iconic intro, most people recognize, and I introduce the song as the song we want to remember all the loved ones, who are not here with us anymore.
Please excuse my english, I don't know if every word is fine, but I think, you'll get the intention.
A few mor songs I love to play : Homeward bound - Folsom prison blues - Heart of gold - Ghostriders in the sky - Wicked game- Won't back down- Heart of gold (here we go, harmonica champ ;-)) Bye!
Much thanks to my German counterpart! Lol. Great songs and thanks for sharing with us all
As a Rock Bass player my five that always work without fail : R Stones 'Dead Flowers' ' It's All Over Now'. No matter how you play them they come out good. We did the second one by Molly Hatchet. 'Glory Days' Springsteen with two guitars, no keys. Geogia Satt 'Battleship Chains'. Clapton 'If I Don't Get There By Morning' (live) So thats my five.
Great choices! Dead flowers always works well for me as well
Mr. Jones. Unexpected gems
Ahhh yes. Tough to get through vocally lol
Always Sweet Home Alabama
Ya got one thing for sure. You have to play what's already in peoples heads. It's almost not fair to the audience..... we know whats in there.. ❤❤❤
We have to be mind readers. My fave thing is when I overhear someone tell their friend in the audience what song they like and then I play that song next. Then I watch them look in amazement like I read their mind. They don’t even realize that I literally heard them say the name of the song. Ahhhh people
Brilliant. I have analysis paralysis when it comes to a set list. When in doubt, play the Beatles. Funny. The wonder wall bit was spot on. It always felt like a place holder lyric and they couldn’t come up with anything that worked better…so they just left it in. Thanks
I know what you mean about the analysis paralysis. Not fun lol. Thanks for the comment. Time to go play some Beatles lol
Here comes the sun great idea
The 20 to 40 year old demographic don't have any money but the 40 to 80 crowd does, so aside from Piano Man and Here Comes the Sun... I have had good luck with Blue Bayou, Feather Theme (Forest Gump Theme), LOVE (corny but effective), and Happy Together. Thanks for the list you gave. The old joke is: when in doubt play Elvis or Mustang Sally...
My pleasure and thanks for your input . We all appreciate it
Piano Man was my first guess!
We must be on the same frequency lol 😝
This is actually a pretty excellent little list. Thanks.
Appreciate it Dave thanks
You, me and Julio down by the schoolyard works well for me; if, like me, you can't whistle, then just go La la la la.... works fine 🙂
Agreed. I play that song and was thinking of adding it. I need to do a part 2 to this video
Nice video. Had to check it out. Piano man is my go to opener LOL! Thanks for the reinforcement! This is good though you are a craftsman and you know your craft well!
Hey there. Thanks for the comment. Wish u the best
Great first choice. But I wouldn't get away with the rest in my local bars. Some even have a no Oasis policy. My go to crowd pleasers, for most generations, is Bear Necessities. National Express by Divine Comedy. Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon. Staying Alive by The BeeGees and Take Your Mama Out by Sissor Sisters. I've loads more obviously, but they always go down well. And to finish Big Love by Lindsay Buckingham. It's a finger picking blaster of a tune which goes down a storm.
Haahah yes I get it. I know of some places with a no tolerance for Sweet Caroline
Great advice and songs. Mr Brightside by the Killers always gets folks singing and dancing
Wish I wrote it lol
Folsom Prison Blues has NEVER failed to go over no matter where I play it. Also, Seven Nation Army. Acoustic of course.
Very true. I have had great luck with that song as well
Frankie !! You rock thanks for sharing ! Loving the channel !
Thanks brother! Hope all is well w u!
"Here Comes the Sun" is in my songbook. It really does brighten up a crowd. A couple of these I've been thinking on, and you helped affirm that, so thanks. "Wonderwall" ... UGH! But I see what you mean. It's the same thing in my area with "Wagon Wheel." "Sweet Caroline" works really well as a sing along most of the time for me. "Margaritaville" seems to be a favorite as well, and "Brown-Eyed Girl." I'm actually using an electric guitar in my set too now, sometimes with homemade or prerecorded backing tracks. Certain crowds gravitate more to that I've found than just acoustic. Great video. Very glad I stumbled upon this.
Thanks for the comment. We all appreciate the input
Great suggestions. I find Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard to have a similar effect with crowds. That opening riff always gets their attention.
Yes! I was tossing around putting that one in. Do you do the whistle part?
Yes and I always ask the audience for some help with the whistling
Wow, I'm surprised the audiences know that one.
Did this with a band regularly..but need lots of energy. It chugs along.!
In that situation, I would play "Jet Boy/Jet Girl". Everyone loves it. The kids love it. Grandpa and grandma love it. Everyone loves it.
Thanks for sharing the tip
Here comes the sun yes and sweet Caroline La bamba twist and shout hey jude
Great additions! Thanks for the comment
I find a new room, or sometimes rooms I have played many times, a song I can always start with is Bryan Adams Cuts Like A Knife. Gets the vocals going and is a good middle of the road song. :)
Great suggestion
Excellent video
Thanks so much. All the best
The Beatles here comes the sun has always got a reaction when I play it.
People come from 100 yards away and are like heeeeyyyyy
Yessss👍👍👍
Del Amitri - Tell Her This. DADGAD tuning with Capo VI. Nobody does it. Especially well! Got more famous on an episode of ""Scrubs back in the day. Del Amitri really is a mostly unknown GREAT BAND!
I will check it out thanks for sharing
I used to do 'Always The Last To Know' by Del Amitri, and it always went well.
Try ‘Be My Downfall’……..Del Amitri are a fantastic band…..devastating news about Justin Currie though
@@tonysmith6464 I certainly will.. thanks for the suggestion
@@tonysmith6464 In their remote video of All Hail Blind Love, I knew something wasn't right with the way Justin was moving. God have mercy. He can't be replaced and without him, there is no Dels.
Yes you have some good songs there. My "go to" songs..."Sweet Caroline"--I do it well (Got on Boston WBZ TV once) and can get the whole train singing on the way to Boston Red Sox Fenway Park, "Country Roads" another one that gets people singing, "Lean on Me" is liked by everybody (once got $50 tip for that one), "You are My Sunshine"--great one to dedicate to woman and children and everyone knows it, Instrumental "Heart and Soul" and "Fur Elise" are a good mood setter too. Just some of the songs I play. Got my first YT "strike" today after 18 years on YT---My non-monetized version of Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer"--like I'm taking food off the Henley Family table. The copyright thing is out of control.
5 STARS!
--Van
Thanks for the comment that’s some good stuff. I can’t believe that they gave you a copyright strike…absolutely ridiculous. I think just the laws in that need to be more reasonable where you can cover the song as long as you aren’t getting paid for it (which you weren’t) completely insane. Wish u the best
no, Mr Henley is out of control lol
I love how you went through and replied on every single comment...I don't know how i got here, but i subscribed, I'm new to this gigging thing, I have an amazing guitarist and I sing and we are out doing our thing,... crowd pleasers for us are Amie, 3 AM and Brandy., and we do Stand By Me as well....I hope this channel blows up, I like your humor and your experience and talent really shows, and I will watch your other videos. Thanks
Dude! I really appreciate it. I try to respond as much as I can within the realm of possibility. Sometimes even to the haters and trolls if I think my response can provide value to everyone else. If not I ignore or delete. Channel been getting some traction and I’m happy of course and grateful. Thanks for commenting
This video is very helpful to me
Glad to hear. Thanks for commenting :)
No doubt. Long Islanders are like this
👍👍
Thanks 😊🎸
My pleasure
My very first thought as you were talking was piano man. It’s freaky that I guessed it.
Smart minds think alike lol
When my band was still together we loved Stand by Me for that very reason. We mixed it up a bit sometimes playing it in 6/8, and sometimes, if we played in 4, we would go double time on the last chorus, in full rock mode... depending on the crowd tho :)
Playing solo, one of my go to's is Under the Milky Way by The Church. Everyone seems to love it and it works really well.
Thanks for the comment. We all appreciate the input
I host a Live Music, Karaoke and Open Mic Show.....all in the same show. I play with a variety of Local Musicians and Singers. I have a 1st Chair Symphony Violinist that jams with me often. Weve fou d that anything Alabama is a hit, Mustang Sally, Spooky, and of course, Devil went down to Georgia. Those work anywhere, with ANY audience
Great input for the group thanks so much
Glad the algorithm brought me here. Subscribed today.
Welcome aboard!
Thank you sir! this is awesome! I was really looking forward to learn some new songs.
Enjoy!
Great suggestions!
Thanks so much
Neil Diamond, sweet Caroline. In James Taylor Going Carolina in my mind. Johnny Cash, Sunday morning Coming down Keith Whitley, don't close your eyes. And Bruce Springsteen man on fire. These will bring a room to life. Plus Ray Charles Georgia These always work for me. God bless Have fun
Thanks for sharing with us!!! All the best to ya
I like your laid-back style of presenting. And maybe some of these tunes might work on sax as well.🙂
I hope so! Thanks for the kind words
😂 Death of a Troubadour...yep...but it kept me going for a while... The Boxer was a good la-la-la thingy...
Thanks for commenting
Top notch content, the best giging advice I've found on RUclips. Thanks!!
Wow. I’m really happy to hear that. Thanks for making my day!
Thanks for the video. I especially appreciate when in doubt play anything from the Beatles. I have had success With I’m a Believer.
Rock on!🤘
Fun take on things. Subscribing.
Awesome… welcome. To the channel I appreciate it
Love your semantics 😂❤🙏🙏🎵🎵🎵🎵
Thank you
There's a great cover of Madman across the Water
Yo must add Country Roads which is the worlds most beloved song in my experience.
Good point. I am gonna do a part 2
Comment before watching video: Please don't let it be Mustang Sally!
Comment after: (sigh of relief)... Very interesting. One song that always works for me, is Steve Miller's "The Joker". "No Woman No Cry" is also a guaranteed crowd pleaser if you have the voice for it and play it as a ballad the way Marley did it live. Then there's "American Pie", "Ring Of Fire" and "Nothing Else Matters".
"Blowin' In the Wind" only works if you've heard Neil Young's version and play it in a mood like he did and "Knocking On Heaven's Door" needs a drunk audience (just like "Mustang Sally"). But there are several other Bob Dylan songs that are safe crowd pleasers - "I Shall Be Released", "Mighty Quinn" and "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" just to mention three.
If you've got guitar chops a little bit beyond just trumming chords, you can try "Little Wing" and "Smoke On The Water". For "Smoke On The Water" you need to be able to play the riff and bass line at the same time. That sounds daunting (and impressive) but it's not actually that difficult. For "Little Wing" you need to be able to keep full chords ringing while you play some fill ins. You can keep the fills very simple though. In fact you should keep them simple, there's no room for guitar fireworks in an acoustic troubadour setting.
Great response and awesome suggestions. Thanks for taking the time to share with us all
I WILL NEVER EVER PLAY WONDERWALL!!!! like your vids brother.
Cmon… there must be some situation where you could be enticed to do so:):) lol thanks so much … ps I used to say the same thing
@@FrankPersico what if i did a parody where i change the lyrics to make fun of the arrogant brother?? sing along with me... "I am, a spoiled english brat, and i never ever worked a daaaay."
This is a good list
Thanks so much
Great list, I have brought the house down with Stand By Me.
Occasionally you get requests for “Free Bird!!” Or “Elvis Presley!”
So it’s fun to for once…actually do Free Bird (talk about sing alongs)….or Jailhouse Rock.
Another couple the girls like are Tiny Dancer, and Old Love (from Unplugged also).
Thanks!
Thanks for commenting and sharing your picks. They are good ones at that!
Good vid, you have a new subscriber
Thanks for subbing!
The Joker is a go to, and great for a few simple loops. Playing that slide guitar solo on a standard tuned and picked acoustic six string kind of sucks though lol. Same with Night Moves. Or Dream on down in Dm. The lyrics even give the implied directive to “Sing with me, sing for the year”
Most mortals cannot come close to singing the high parts of "Dream On"! Especially at the end. Even going falsetto, we can't hit those amazing highs. You are a ballsy dude with great pipes to go there!
I’m with you on that on regarding dream on!!
Great picks for those brave enough!
@@brushstroke3733 Just average pipes lol, but I play it in open Dm and start like an octave lower than standard. Imagine Rich Sterban (Oak Ridge Boys Oom Papa) singing it. Like Frank said about Stand By Me, “Do what’s best for your voice”. A lot easier in open Dm for sure. I learned (kind of) Yoni Schlesingers solo acoustic version, but play it without a capo.
Frank says in another lesson to remember “We are there to make people happy, not impress other musicians”. The nice thing about this song is the crowds accessibility to the chorus in a lower key aaaand you can impress your guitar playing friends at the same time lol
Something by the Beatles after playing here comes the sun just like the album
ooh i love doing things like that. then you get to see in the audience who is a real listener
Really enjoy your videos
Thanks so much. Keeps me motivated to make more
This was so cool to see! I never like to play covers however I don’t have gigs so this will help!
Hopefully you get gigs soon and you can do your originals! But if you need to mix in covers it’s good to have a few in your pocket
Agree with everything but Wonderwall lol
Hahaha I am not surprised
Hindu Love Gods' (Warren Zevon + REM) version of Raspberry Beret. Also, Try Here Comes the Sun in the style of Richie Havens. Hey Jude, but take it down to D. People can't wait to get to the na na na na na na na coda.
Nice. Thanks for the suggestions!
Bossa Nova Baby, Muskrat Love, Mama Look A Boo Boo, wows em every time
For sure
Another great video.
Thanks so much
Wonderwall is my John Belushi smashing a guitar against a wall song! ;)
Rotfl. We all need “that” song 🎶