What songs should i play on acoustic/classical guitar in a restaurant setting?

Question

I'm playing a gig at a small restaurant/bar. i am bringing a classical and acoustic guitar and i plan on singing some too. what are some easy songs that i can play to please the audience of all ages?

Answer 1

this depends on the restaurant, the size and ambiance of the room, the customers, and the preference of the owner / owners. I always take a request book with me whether I play Guitar or Piano. I keep track of what the customers ask for, and it helps to keep people from interrupting in the middle of a song. You have to decide what you are willing to do of course, but it never hurts to have a couple good Real / Fake Books along for those special requests that can be so meaningful for customers and lucrative for your tip jar.

You should be ready to play at least fifty to seventy five tunes from whatever ethnic background the Restaurant features, plus standard songs for Anniversaries, Birthdays, Reunions, etc. Find out if you are a featured performer, or whether the owner/manager would prefer background music. If you are a featured performer, it is more important to pick music that you are familiar with, and that best shows off your skills as a performer. If you are playing background music, play the music that best highlights the personality of the room, and supports the atmosphere.

Another thing that works great for a friend of mine, is to have a list of your favorite, or most requested tunes. Often when a requester comes up, they will see the list and choose one from there. This eases your burden, since you don't have to play an unfamiliar song, and gives the requester a nudge on the right direction as well. I posted a couple of links below to get you started. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Usually, people going to restaurants appreciate entertainment that is not intrusive to their conversations at the tables. Play any music that may fit into background music--never too loud and distracting.

Much of the Spanish/Flamenco genre, both old and new, will fit in--provided your guitar expertise can handle it. Check out the old standards because many of the customers are senior citizens that grew up in the 40s, 50s, and the 60s. Be prepared to play music from those eras--both instrumentally and vocal.

Good luck and have fun.

Answer 3

this song Hey There Delilah bye the plain white t's u can search it it is awsome

Answer 4

try something from amos lee.

Answer 5

the beatles is always a good choice.