How to Get Gigs as a Guitarist (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)

how to be a pro musician Jun 03, 2025

One of the biggest questions I get asked is:
“How do I actually start getting gigs?”

Whether you're dreaming of playing in bands, backing artists, or even doing your own solo thing — getting your first few gigs can feel like trying to get into a club without a valid ID.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be the best player in town — you just need to be good, prepared, and easy to work with.

Let’s break down how to get started, even if you're new to the scene.

1. Start Local and Small (That’s Not a Bad Thing)

Forget stadiums — your first few gigs might be:

A local open mic night
Backing someone else’s original set
Filling in for a cover band
Playing acoustic at a café
Performing at a mate’s birthday or wedding

That’s all great. Gigs like these build your confidence, teach you how to play in front of people, and (this is key) start getting your name around.

2. Let People Know You’re Looking

Seriously — this sounds simple, but it works:
Tell people you’re looking for gigs.

Post a short video of your playing on Instagram or TikTok (See what I do here!)
Message a few mates in bands or music circles
Talk to sound engineers, bar staff, other musicians

You’d be surprised how often people are looking for a reliable guitarist but don’t know who to ask. Be that person.

3. Learn Songs Quickly (and Properly)

When someone does call you up for a gig, they’re probably going to send you a setlist or a bunch of tracks to learn.
This is your moment. Learn those tunes properly. Nail them. Show up prepared.

If you become known as the guitarist who:

Learns fast
Turns up on time
Doesn’t make it about ego

…you’ll get so many more gigs just by word of mouth.

4. Always Be Ready to Say “Yes”

Sometimes you’ll be asked to fill in at the last minute.
If you can pull it off — do it. Those situations are stressful but make a huge impression. Having a large repertoire of songs under your belt is a great way of being ready for most situations!

A lot of my best opportunities came from saying yes, being ready, and just doing the job well without drama.

5. Build a Simple Online Presence

You don’t need to be an influencer — just have:

A few solid videos of your playing (reels, YouTube, TikTok, whatever works for you)
A way for people to contact you
A short bio that says who you are, what you do, and what styles you play

This isn’t about going viral — it’s about being findable.

Final Thoughts

Getting gigs as a guitarist isn’t magic. It’s about putting yourself out there, being prepared, and making people’s lives easier when they hire you.

You don't have to be famous. You just have to be consistent.

The gigs are out there. Show up, stay sharp, and make sure people remember you for the right reasons.

Need help getting your skills gig-ready?
In Play Like A Pro, I teach everything I’ve learned from years of gigging — from learning songs fast to getting the first call for gigs. Whether you want to go pro or just get out of your bedroom, I’ll help you make it happen.

Check out Play Like A Pro here!

Keep practicing!

Jamie