{"id":1617,"date":"2019-01-26T19:16:34","date_gmt":"2019-01-26T19:16:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/how_to_get_gigs\/?p=1617"},"modified":"2026-03-29T08:58:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T07:58:45","slug":"writing-a-set-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/how_to_get_gigs\/writing-a-set-list\/","title":{"rendered":"How to write a great set list"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For all bands, regardless of their popularity, a strong setlist is the foundation to putting on a good show.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst it can be fun to perform without a setlist (especially for bands with a pre-existing following) a well designed setlist allows a band to win over an audience that might not have heard them before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means they can focus on their sound, rehearse the performance to perfection and put on the best show possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"register\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is a set list?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are new to performing live, a setlist (or set list) is simply a list of what songs you would like to play, and in what order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While that is its simplest form, putting together a great set list that really works can be a bit of an art form in itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the right setlist will look different depending on the type of gig. A pub gig calls for energy and familiarity from the off; a wedding set needs to build the mood carefully across the evening; a festival slot demands big moments and instant impact. Always consider your audience and the event before you start planning your song order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long should a setlist be?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The length of your setlist will depend on how long you have been given to play. As a rough guide: a 20\u201330 minute set will typically include around 5\u20137 songs; a 45\u201360 minute set around 10\u201312 songs; and a 2-hour set (common for function bands) somewhere between 20\u201325 songs, usually split across two or three sets with short breaks in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re an up-and-coming band, less is often more. A tight, punchy 20-minute set that leaves the audience wanting more is far better than an hour of material they’re not yet familiar with. Know your time slot and plan accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"ExampleJohn Mayer’s setlist for April 7th 2017 at Wells Fargo Centre, Philidelphia PA. Photo Credit: Daniel Prakopcyk <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As such, here is Last Minute Musicians guide to putting together a truly great set list\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Begin with a bang<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First impressions are extremely important and the first song on your set list should give the audience an overall impression of your bands sound \u2013 a real \u201cstatement of intent\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, before you even get to the first tune, there are a couple of tricks you can use to kickstart your performance;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a rock or metal band, consider kicking the evening off with a \u201cwash\u201d (No, we aren\u2019t talking about a shower, although that might be a good idea after the show!). Taken from the drumming phrase \u201ccymbal wash\u201d this generally means all of the band just making a bit of coordinated noise before they all kick into the first song in order to up the tension. Plenty of cymbals, a nice low rumble from the bass and even a bit of guitar feedback won\u2019t go a miss here! Although it\u2019s actually a tough thing to describe, for good examples, check out Catfish & The Bottlemen\u2019s live festival sets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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