Guitarists (Jazz) for hire in London

Performance times depend on the type of booking. For a wedding ceremony, a guitarist typically plays for around 30 to 45 minutes, covering the arrival of guests, the processional, the signing of the register, and the recessional. For a drinks reception or wedding breakfast, most guitarists perform two sets of 45 minutes to an hour, with a short break in between. For evening events or corporate functions, the same two-set format is common, though many guitarists are flexible and can adjust their schedule to suit your event. Some offer all-day packages covering the ceremony through to the evening, with breaks between each part of the day. Discuss your preferred timings with the guitarist when booking so they can advise on the best arrangement.

The repertoire depends on the type of guitarist you book. Classical guitarists perform pieces by composers such as Bach, Albeniz, Tarrega, and Villa-Lobos, as well as popular classical crossover pieces and film music arranged for solo guitar. Jazz guitarists draw on the Great American Songbook and standards by composers like Gershwin and Cole Porter, often in a bossa nova or swing style. Pop and rock guitarists play contemporary covers of artists such as Ed Sheeran, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Oasis, and many others, usually in a stripped-back acoustic style. Many guitarists are versatile enough to cover more than one genre. It is common for a guitarist to offer a mix of classical pieces for a ceremony and pop or jazz for a drinks reception. Check the act's profile and listen to their audio or video samples to get a sense of their range before booking.

Most professional guitarists are happy to learn new songs on request, provided they are given enough notice. Two to four weeks is usually sufficient for a straightforward pop or rock song, though more complex pieces or songs that were not originally written for guitar may take longer to arrange. Some guitarists offer this as part of their standard service, while others may charge a small arrangement fee for songs that require significant preparation. If you have a specific song in mind for a key moment such as a bridal entrance or first dance, raise this as early as possible when making your enquiry. The guitarist can let you know whether the song works well on their instrument and how long they would need to prepare it.

Most guitarists can play outdoors in the right conditions, but there are some practical considerations. An acoustic guitar without amplification is suitable for small outdoor gatherings where guests are seated close by, but for larger groups or noisier settings, the guitarist will need an amplifier and access to a mains power socket or extension lead. Rain is the main risk for outdoor guitar performances. Even light rain can damage an instrument, so a covered area or gazebo is strongly recommended. Direct sunlight and high temperatures can also affect tuning stability, particularly on acoustic guitars. Most professional guitarists will make a judgement call on the day about whether conditions are safe for their instrument, and a backup indoor location should always be available. Wind can be an issue for sheet music and can affect the sound for quieter acoustic performances. Discuss your outdoor plans with the guitarist when booking so they can advise on what will work best.

Most professional guitarists are self-contained and bring everything they need to perform. An acoustic guitarist typically brings their guitar, a small amplifier or PA speaker, any effects pedals they use, and a music stand. Setup is quick, usually 10 to 15 minutes, and the total footprint is modest. Electric guitarists bring a guitar, an amplifier, a pedalboard, and leads. Classical guitarists performing to a small audience may play unamplified, but for most events they will bring a small amplifier or clip-on microphone system to ensure the sound carries across the room. The guitarist will need access to at least one standard 13-amp power socket near the performance area. If your venue has specific power supply limitations or the socket is some distance from where you want the guitarist to play, let them know in advance so they can bring an extension lead.

A solo guitarist needs very little space compared to most other types of live music. An area of around 1.5 metres by 1.5 metres is usually sufficient for the guitarist, their amplifier or PA, and a music stand. Most guitarists perform seated, so an armless chair should be provided unless the guitarist has confirmed they will bring their own stool. The performance area should be on a flat, dry surface with access to a power socket. If the guitarist is performing during a drinks reception or dinner, position them where they can be heard but are not blocking the flow of guests or staff.

A guitarist can cover most parts of a wedding day. During the ceremony, they can play as guests arrive and take their seats, accompany the bridal entrance and exit, and provide music during the signing of the register. For the drinks reception, they can play background music while guests mingle and have photographs taken. During the wedding breakfast, a guitarist can provide a relaxed musical backdrop to the meal. Some guitarists also play during the early evening before a band or DJ takes over. This works particularly well with singing guitarists or pop/rock guitarists who can raise the energy as the evening begins. If you want the guitarist to cover multiple parts of the day, discuss this when booking, as longer bookings may affect the price.

There are several types of guitarist to choose from depending on the style and atmosphere you want. A classical guitarist plays nylon-string guitar and specialises in composed pieces from the classical, Spanish, and flamenco traditions, making them a popular choice for wedding ceremonies and formal dinners. A jazz guitarist plays standards, bossa nova, and swing, and is well suited to drinks receptions and corporate events where a sophisticated background atmosphere is needed. A pop or rock guitarist plays contemporary covers on an acoustic or electric guitar, offering a more relaxed and modern feel. A singing guitarist combines vocals with guitar, giving you a vocalist and instrumentalist in a single performer, which is a popular and cost-effective option for weddings. Some guitarists use loop pedals to build up layers of sound, creating a fuller texture from a single musician.

A jazz guitarist typically performs standards from the Great American Songbook, including songs by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Styles range from smooth bossa nova and cool jazz to swing, bebop, and gypsy jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt. This type of music is ideal for creating a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere at drinks receptions, dinners, and corporate events. Many jazz guitarists also play Latin jazz, blues, and contemporary jazz arrangements. Some include jazz-influenced interpretations of well-known pop songs, which works well at events where you want a jazz feel but also want guests to recognise some of the material. Discuss your preferences with the guitarist when booking, as the style can range from very traditional to modern.

Many jazz guitarists offer the option to add extra musicians to create a duo or trio. A common combination is guitar and double bass, which gives a classic jazz club feel with a fuller rhythmic foundation. A guitar, bass, and vocalist trio is another popular option, particularly for events where you want recognisable jazz standards sung as well as played instrumentally. Other configurations include guitar and saxophone, guitar and violin, or guitar with brushed drums for a laid-back swing feel. Adding musicians increases both the volume and the richness of the sound, so a duo or trio can fill a larger room more effectively than a solo guitarist. Check the guitarist's profile or ask when enquiring whether they offer these options and what the additional cost would be.

The cost of hiring a jazz guitarist depends on the length of performance, the lineup (solo, duo, or trio), the day of the week, and travel distance to your venue. The average price across our listed jazz guitarists is currently £351, with prices ranging from £100 to £2035. A solo jazz guitarist is the most affordable option. Adding a second musician such as a double bassist or vocalist to form a duo or trio will increase the cost but creates a richer, more dynamic sound. If you are considering upgrading to a duo or trio, ask the guitarist for a combined quote when making your enquiry.

The cost of hiring a jazz guitarist in London depends on the length of performance, the lineup, and the day of the week. The average price for jazz guitarists available in London is currently £351, with prices ranging from £100 to £2035. Travel distance affects pricing, so jazz guitarists based near your venue will generally quote lower travel expenses. Availability varies by area, and booking early is advisable for peak-season dates.

Booking a jazz guitarist as early as possible gives you the best chance of securing your preferred performer, especially for weekend events during the busy summer months. Many jazz guitarists accept bookings several months in advance, and popular dates can fill up quickly. That said, jazz guitarists are also available for shorter-notice bookings, and we have successfully arranged performances with just a few days' notice. If your event date is approaching, it is still worth making an enquiry.