I’m often asked the question “do you use a set list when you play concerts?” This brings up the question of how to put a set together for a good show. I use a loose set idea with a game plan which I will describe.
But first…has the following ever happened to you…?
The Dilemma
- You go to see a band, and their first tune sounds great, but as the set goes on it all the songs start sounding the same.
- You go to see a singer-songwriter who has written all originals. She’s cute, her guitar skills are not quite up to par, and other than a smile, the music has nothing you can sing when you get home.
- You hear a rapper and the beat is loud, energy is good. But, after 3 songs it all blurs together.
- You hear a jazz band, and they solo endlessly.
- You hear a solo guitarist, and after 10 minutes it all sounds the same. (whether it’s percussive, new age, classical or whatever)
Get the idea?
It’s not the style that’s problematic – it’s that musicians can very easily fall into the trap of all material sounding the same – without realizing it.
The problem is twofold…
- You need good material.
- You need to use variety in, tone, tempo, dynamics, and groove in your set.
RELATED: 8 Tips for Playing Fingerstyle Guitar Without Making Mistakes
The Solution – Melody and Contrast
You’ll first need to choose the “what” (good songs), then you’ll need to present it all in the proper proportions, and sequence (making the set list).
Melody
First off, you need good melodies that are memorable whether they are your original songs or covers. The basic theme of whatever you play should be singable, like:
Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, “Billie Jean”, “Yesterday”, “Isn’t She Lovely”, Your Own Song(s) Here.
Cool percussive stuff is not the melody. The endless stream-of-consciousness lyrics from rappers and songwriters is not melody (no matter how heart-wrenchingly profound it may seem). Different guitar tunings and/or fret locations may be fun for the performer – but do not necessarily make melody for the listener.
Whatever you play should have “a theme” that your mother could sing back after hearing it once.
Contrast
I plan my sets knowing that I want contrasting “musical colors” to break things up and provide satisfaction for the listener.
These are personal to me…yours can and should be different.
I use the following – (take note of the variety):
- funk grooves
- jazz swing grooves
- Brazilian grooves
- a blistering boiling fast song – to raise excitement
- something bluesy with bending strings
- a few ballads for a dose of “pretty”
- a percussive / beatbox song – i.e. getting different sounds from the guitar & visual contrast
- some midrange easygoing material for the middle of the set
That covers the “what” I’ll play.
How to Plan Your Set List
Now – set planning. Don’t try to do it from the first to the last song…plan in order of “important moments” in the set, and let the order take shape from both ends to the middle!
- First I plan the last song. I always end the set with a BANG! (Which of your songs could do this for you?)
- Next, I plan the first song. I start the set groovy and get the people’s heads bobbing, it helps them (and me) relax.
- For the first 3 or 4 songs, I entertain!
- The set middle is the “journey” – ups & downs are OK. Mid-intensity material OK.
- Have at least one pretty ballad midway – to let the set breathe.
Anyone “type” of song for a whole set is way too much – whether it’s a ballad, funk, or uptempo. Too much is too much!
Maybe you are starting to think about your own set…thoughts like… “I need more ballads” or “I need an uptempo” or “wow, all my stuff is similar” – and that’s good, for you to start this process.
Now your practice sessions can be used to choose and “round out” your repertoire so you can provide more variety for a set.
Rock on, practice hard, and let me know how your journey goes!
RELATED: 10 Tips for Healthy Guitar Practicing
Ready to take the next step in your guitar journey?
Learn fingerstyle guitar from a world-class guitarist and teacher. Let Adam guide you and show you exactly how to improve your guitar skills. Grab the rarest opportunity to Study With Adam FREE for 14 days, right now!
Thanks for the insight. As a church musician and worship leader our team often plans sets based on song content or intensity and we generally do not do more than 5 or 6 songs per service. The issue of rhythm, melody or style sometimes is secondary. Thanks for the insight. It will be fun to try to broaden our approach.
Hi Adam,
i see youre in the netherlands atm, unfortuatly i cant make it to your gig; yes, i know: i’ll never forgive myself. I hope you have a good time!!
I have a question and ill post it here for i dont know any other way to get in touch with you. I saw your vid about warming up exerccises on you tube today: playing the G maj scale, then the 4th, etc. My question is; do you think it is important that the finger of your left hand, when you press the string to produce a note, should not touch another string?
eg when you play the first note, g, may your index finger of your left hand touch the a-string? Do you think this is importand?
PS. im on your email subscription list.
I am going to breakdown my set list and probably do alot of rearranging according to the guidelines you mentioned Adam.Thanks!
Thanks! I am a licensed architect who is breaking into the music business. My background is folk and traditional, I am also a classically trained vocalist. I accompany myself. I like that your suggestions will work with any kind of music. One question, about how long should a set be? Thank you!
thanks Adam, great that you impart and share your experiance’s
it will help my own endevours…..thanks jw
I’m in Montreal. Set length for the bar scene here is 45 to 50 minutes. Thanks for the post… helpful to me.
Michel – that’s about the same everywhere I think..groove on! AR
i am entertaining the idea of putting a funk/smooth jazz / R&B band together. I hear it’s a lot of work so how can I make it easier for myself or what are some suggestions you can give. Thanks for any advice!!
Great
Playing without a set list can be fun, especially if we’re performing for an already adoring crowd that knows and loves our material. But if we are trying to build a following or make an impression, having a set list is essential..
Appreciated your post. As a songwriter (only) I’m designing a set list for the band that’ll be playing my originals (note to self: more up tempo’s needed!) Just released an inspriring social anthem, “We Go High!” Pls check it out at my website.