Be a Better Acoustic Guitarist: How to Build a Set List

A set of music is typically 10–12 songs, but it takes quite a bit of thought to choose the best songs and put them in the right order. A good set is not a grocery list. Nor should it just be a list of your 10–12 current favorite tunes. When putting together a set list you need to address your personal style and balance that with the needs of the person who hired you and the event itself. You also need to make sure you keep your audience interested. Generally, a good set begins with impact, ebbs in the middle, and ends in dramatic fashion. Along with this overall concept, here are some ideas that will enhance your set, so you can present a satisfying performance, for you and your audience.