How to Make Money as a Guitarist
Let’s talk about the part nobody seems to cover properly:
How do you actually make money as a guitarist?
Not theoretical money. Real, pay-your-rent kind of money.
I’ll be straight with you — it’s not always easy. But it is doable, and you don’t have to be a famous YouTuber or shredding on a sold-out arena tour to get paid.
I’ve done it. I know plenty of others doing it too. Here’s how.
First Things First: Diversify
Most guitarists who make a living do a mix of things, not just one.
Here are the main ways players make income:
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Live gigs – bands, solo sets, weddings, function gigs, cruise ships, festivals
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Session work – recording guitar for other artists, producers, or companies
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Teaching – in person, online, group classes, video courses
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Content creation – YouTube, Instagram, lesson packs, Patreon
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Licensing – recording music for stock libraries, sync, ads, film/TV
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Remote recording – people send you tracks, you record from home
It’s like being a freelancer — you build up your own mix of income streams.
A Quick Note on Gigs
Live gigs are often the first way people make money. The key is to:
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Be reliable (I know, sounds obvious — but not everyone is)
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Be prepared (know your songs like the back of your hand)
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Be someone people actually want to work with
One good gig can turn into five if people like having you around.
Session Work: Not Just for LA Pros
You don’t need to be in a fancy studio to be a session guitarist.
These days, remote sessions are a huge opportunity — all you need is a decent home setup and a solid ability to deliver clean, useable takes.
Start by offering to play for local artists, producers, or online collaborators. Over time, you’ll build a portfolio and word will spread.
Teaching: A Solid Income Option
Whether it's in-person, over Zoom, or via recorded lessons — teaching can be both rewarding and a stable source of income.
Best part? You don’t have to be the most advanced player in the world to teach beginners and intermediates. You just need to explain things clearly, with patience.
Build a Reputation, Not Just a Brand
I know the word "brand" gets thrown around a lot these days.
But in music, your reputation is your currency.
If people know you as the guitarist who:
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Plays well
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Shows up on time
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Is easy to work with
…you’ll get hired again and again. No massive online following required.
How Much Can You Actually Make?
It depends on how many income streams you’re running, and where you live.
Some rough examples:
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Function gigs: £100–£300 per night
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Remote session: £50–£300 per track
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Teaching: £25–£60/hr (more if you're niche or advanced)
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YouTube: highly variable, but possible with consistent growth
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Cruise ships: £2k–£3k/month plus travel covered
The money’s out there. You just have to be intentional about building it up.
Final Thoughts
Making money as a guitarist isn’t just about being “good” — it’s about being smart, adaptable, and open to opportunities.
No one owes you a career. But if you show up, stay sharp, and keep learning, you can absolutely make this work.
You don’t have to be famous to make a living. You just have to be useful, reliable, and consistently improving.
Want help building the skills that actually get you paid?
In Play Like A Pro, I teach everything I’ve learned from years of making a living as a guitarist — including how to get gigs, handle session work, teach effectively, and create real momentum in your career.
Check out Play Like A Pro here!
It's a tough game making money as a guitarist, but keep at it! I promise it's worth it!
Jamie
