Question 1

How long does a guitarist usually perform for?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can a guitarist learn a specific song for my event?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Can a guitarist play outdoors?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

How much space does a guitarist need to perform?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Which parts of a wedding can a guitarist play at?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What are the different types of guitarist I can hire?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What is a singing guitarist?

Accepted Answer

A singing guitarist is a musician who plays guitar and sings at the same time, giving you a vocalist and instrumentalist in a single performer. This makes them one of the most versatile and cost-effective options for weddings and events, as they can cover multiple parts of the day and adapt their style from quiet background music to higher-energy entertainment.

Most singing guitarists play acoustic guitar, though some also use electric guitar, loop pedals, or backing tracks to create a bigger sound. They typically perform seated or standing with a microphone and PA system, and their setup is compact enough to fit into most event spaces.

Question 8

What equipment does a singing guitarist bring?

Accepted Answer

A singing guitarist typically brings more equipment than a purely instrumental guitarist. As well as their guitar, they will usually provide a PA system (portable speakers and an amplifier), a microphone and microphone stand, a guitar amp or DI box, and any effects pedals they use such as loop pedals or reverb. Some also bring basic lighting, though this is less common with solo performers.

Setup takes around 20 to 30 minutes. The total equipment footprint is still modest compared to a band, fitting comfortably into an area of around 2 metres by 2 metres. The singing guitarist will need access to two or three standard 13-amp power sockets near the performance area. If your venue has specific power limitations, let the performer know in advance.

Question 9

What is the difference between hiring a singing guitarist and booking a singer and guitarist separately?

Accepted Answer

A singing guitarist is a single performer who does both roles, which means less equipment, less space, a simpler setup, and a lower overall cost than hiring two separate musicians. The trade-off is that a single performer cannot play guitar and sing in exactly the way that two dedicated musicians can. A separate singer can move around, interact with guests more freely, and project more vocally when not also playing an instrument.

For most weddings and events, a singing guitarist provides an excellent balance of quality, versatility, and value. If your priority is a powerful vocal performance for an evening party, hiring a separate singer with a guitarist or backing tracks may give you more impact on the dance floor. If you want relaxed, engaging live music across multiple parts of the day at a reasonable cost, a singing guitarist is usually the better option.

Question 10

Can a singing guitarist fill a dance floor?

Accepted Answer

Many singing guitarists can work effectively as evening entertainment and get guests dancing, particularly those who use loop pedals or backing tracks to create a fuller sound. A loop pedal allows the guitarist to build up layers of guitar, percussion, and vocal harmonies live, producing a sound closer to a full band from a single performer.

Singing guitarists who perform with high-quality backing tracks can deliver a full-band sound with drums, bass, and keys alongside their live guitar and vocals. This format works well for evening receptions where you want live music and a dance floor without the cost and space requirements of a full band. Check the guitarist's profile and listen to their audio or video samples to gauge whether their evening set has enough energy for what you have in mind.

Question 11

What type of music does a singing guitarist play?

Accepted Answer

Singing guitarists typically have broad repertoires covering pop, rock, indie, soul, folk, and acoustic covers. Popular choices include songs by Ed Sheeran, Oasis, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Van Morrison, Jack Johnson, and many other well-known artists. Most perform in a relaxed acoustic style for daytime sets and can raise the energy for evening entertainment.

Some singing guitarists specialise in particular genres such as jazz, blues, country, or folk, so it is worth checking their repertoire if you have a specific style in mind. Many are happy to learn new songs for key moments such as a first dance or bridal entrance, provided they are given a few weeks' notice.

Question 12

What should I consider when hiring a guitarist for an event in Edinburgh?

Accepted Answer

Edinburgh is a hilly city with a mix of historic and modern venues, and access can vary considerably depending on where your event is taking place. Venues in the Old Town, near the Royal Mile or the castle, often have narrow streets, cobblestones, and limited vehicle access, so it is worth checking load-in arrangements with your venue before the guitarist arrives. Some venues may require equipment to be carried some distance from a nearby drop-off point.

Parking in central Edinburgh can be difficult, particularly in the Old Town and around popular event areas. If your venue does not have a dedicated load-in bay or parking arrangement for performers, let the guitarist know in advance so they can plan their journey and allow extra time. Providing clear directions to the nearest practical parking or drop-off point will help the day run smoothly.

If your event falls during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe or another major city event, expect significantly increased traffic and reduced parking availability across the city centre. Guitarists travelling from outside Edinburgh may also factor in travel time and any associated costs, so it is worth discussing this when confirming the booking.

Question 13

How much does it cost to hire a singing guitarist?

Accepted Answer

The cost of hiring a singing guitarist depends on the length of performance, the day of the week, the time of year, and travel distance to your venue. The average price across our listed singing guitarists is currently £330, with prices ranging from £170 to £1,050.

Singing guitarists who offer additional services such as a DJ set between live performances, or who provide all-day coverage from ceremony through to evening reception, may charge more than a standard two-set booking. A singing guitarist is generally more affordable than hiring a separate singer and guitarist, making it a popular choice for couples on a budget.

Question 14

How far in advance should I book a singing guitarist?

Accepted Answer

Booking a singing guitarist as early as possible gives you the best choice of performers, particularly during peak wedding season from May to September. Singing guitarists are one of the most popular solo act types for weddings, so Saturday dates in summer fill up quickly.

Shorter-notice bookings are also possible. We have arranged singing guitarist bookings with just a few days' notice. If your event is approaching, it is still worth enquiring.

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Singing Guitarists for hire in Edinburgh, Midlothian

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