@FrankPersico You betcha’. Best to you as well. It’s even better than “The crowd loves a cliche”, which is so true. West of the Mississippi I think we’re all contractually obligated to play “Wagon Wheel” lol. Whether we want to or not. Really dig the “must play” and “never play” series. They’re spot on.
You are right about Sweet Caroline. I was at an open mic night, and another older guy played this, and the whole crowd came alive! They were singing those iconic parts and having a blast! There were some great guitar players that night who were mesmerizing, but everyone was talking about the old guy who did Sweet Caroline. Gotta give the people what they want!
I just played it last night at a gig. Bar was full of young-ish people and I was playing shit like Green Day. Chili Peppers and everyone was digging it. I said to myself let me try sweet Caroline not being sure how it would go over on the younger audience. They went crazy lol
@@FrankPersico That says it all. Thank you for helping change my perspective. Music is a performing art. It's about them. Excited to learn Sweet Caroline and add it to my repertoire this very day! You are a superb artist.
My friend, I’ve been playing guitar for many years professionally I just kind of stumbled upon your gracious site. I can’t tell you how humbled and greatful I am that I met you. You are such a beautiful soul for sharing your wisdom. You’ve made me a better player overnight and gave me some valuable knowledge that not only helps me play better but I’m having so much more fun. I am a slow learner and my focus was mostly Rythm guitar lead vocals. You are a very cool dude and make the world a better place. Thank you sir. If I ever hit the lotto or have an extra 10. I’ll kick ya down. I appreciate what you are doing, music is a special gift. When you share it like this. It makes God happy!
Yeah. Totally agree. sometimes there are songs you don't want to play but usually, the reaction from the crowd is so positive that it doesn't matter. We're there to entertain them and surprisingly some songs can't be overplayed. Great tips for spicing them up, really love your videos!
"I believe you are there to make people happy" ... YES!!! I don't enjoy listening to every song that I play, but I can find a way to enjoy playing it, simply because the listeners are enjoying it. "Sweet Caroline" is in my setlist constantly. Always good for getting a crowd to sing along. The other 2 are in my songbook and rotated as needed. The songs I've had requested the most are "Midnight Rider" and "Turn the Page." Great video and tips!
I'm a lazy bastard so thank God for the capo (or, more specifically, the person who actually invented the capo). I play 'Brown-Eyed Girl' with a capo on the fifth fret -- that way you can use suspended chords to move around all those licks that are on the record with going to too much effort. Likewise, with 'Take Me Home Country Roads', I could never hit that note in the line... "to the place, I be-LONG', so I've simply shifted the capo down to the 1st fret and I'm sweet. I do more sing-a-long stuff with older people than actual gigs in pubs etc., and they appreciate the slightly lower key too. I'm in Australia, and yep, 'Country Roads' and 'Sweet Caroline' are must-do songs every single time. Some of the people I play to are in their 90s and they still sing along with every word. Loving your content. Cheers mate!
Hi and thanks for the comment and the input. I meant to mention in the video how all the songs can be transposed to suit your voice via moving the capo but of course I forgot and didn’t realize until I published. This comment is very helpful and I (and I’m sure the other viewers) appreciate it
Tony Rice was one of the most tasteful, innovative, and skilled acoustic guitarists of all time. He often used a capo. Nobody but a fool would call Mr. Rice 'lazy'.
Excellent video Frank! Love that you show us where to dig and we can grab our shovel and see what we can add to our guitar playing! Will be definitely adding several gold nuggets found in your lesson. Thanks again!
Been playing all three for 25 years myself. You are so right we forget/omit these in shows unless requested. These are Bangers should use them when the crowd doesn't seem involved.
Such a cool way to start the intro to Sweet Caroline! Never thought of using the capo to get that open low E string! I was playing without a capo and looping the intro chord and playing the riff over it. But I like not using the looper sometimes and quickly getting into the song. Thanks again!
Where I am in country NSW, Australia, I often get asked for the same old stuff... Brown Eyed Girl, Summer Of 69, Jessie's Girl, plus Aussie favorites like Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel, Eagle Rock by Daddy Cool, Flame Trees by Cold Chisel... in fact, they usually just yell out "play some Chisel!!!!" I have all those in my repertoire but usually only play them if I am asked, or if the floor is pumping and I want to keep them up.
There we go! Been looking for a proper acoustic cover of Sweet Caroline for busking. Thanx dude! Gonna figure this out now because of you! If they throw me money while I play this I’ll come back and throw you a super like
@@clementineforever Just like everyone in the UP did when I played there. If I’m in the crowd and have already talked to the musician, then I will be the guy yelling “Free Bird” as soon as they are done for the night lol. I think it’s obligatory for the ‘70s child in me. You’re right, and I do yell it as a joke, but we always found it was actually the best encore song ever. It gave everybody one last slow dance with their girl, and they got to rock out so they were winded and ready to go home afterwards lol. And let’s not forget how much the bar owner enjoys all those extra last call orders and “to go” sales from everyone working up a thirst.
I was playing along without a capo handy so I tried playing Country Roads in A with open strings, A9, D9, hammer-ons on the E and F#m and I really like it. I'm going to play it in open A from now on.
Yes, good tunes to play. I did 2 of those 3 songs....Boston Celtics Championship Parade today...My "Little Martin" Guitar in hand and 2 Katana Boss mini amps (tied to my belt)--one amp for guitar other for singing. I went in by train and subway. Funny thing, On the train going in I couldn't get anyone to sing "Sweet Caroline" w/ me--that happens...different story once on the crowded Subway, I got the whole train singing. I also did "Country Roads"...good sing alongs...the women love those songs....also in the repertoire for today was "You are my Sunshine" for the young ladies/ children and women police officers--they like it. Also got a lot of mileage out of "Lean on Me"--everyone knows it. I play those songs well. I had a lot of women said to me today "I love you" --lol 5 STARS! --Van P.S. I get quite a few people taking pictures of me...I wear a black cowboy hat, sunglasses and guitar...sang "On the Road Again" on the way home...another winner!
You’re right, I never play sweet Caroline because I think everyone is sick of it, but when I do play it, everyone gets happy. I’ll have to remind myself of that. The intro is better if you add the second and third notes as the riff progresses. You might’ve shown that as an alternative.
Excellent recommendations (as usual) I remember being on a shuttle bus after a wedding going back to the hotel and people spontaneously broke into “Country Roads” there is nothing quite like that sing a longs are the best! Thank you for doing this 👍
Frank, you are class mate. Thank you for your no nonsense professional lore. I did get the sense ye don’t like brown eyed girl that much when ye ramped through the words lol. But more respect for teaching it. And it’s just what I needed. Played brown eyed girl for years and play it occasionally at open mics. But just the chords Your intro and fills with the loop made perfect sense to me. Practising it now. Cheers. Love the other two as well🙌🏻
Good Video! You made a really good point that I think we (as performers) sometimes forget: our "JOB" is NOT to impress other musicians, it's to entertain!" Many years ago, when I first started gigging, I worked up fairly complex intros/riffs in some songs. Some of them were quite difficult (for me) and required a lot of concentration. A VERY experienced performer advised me, "Forget that crap, nobody cares. Just sing the song!" ;) I've sometimes done the "impress other musicians" song choice and the reality is that the audience...except MAYBE for the one or two musicians that might be there - doesn't give a rat's a$$ about that stuff.
Very true they don’t know the difference between easy and hard. They either like it or not. If you can play something technical that is difficult to the point that it is effortless then so be it but very few in the audience know or care. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Totally agree 👍
Sweet Caroline… I am learning guitar, our band project is figuring out a set list. This pops up, while on vacation in Mexico I was out on the street when from a bar I hear Sweet Caroline…the street became alive. I’m not sure if “alive” is the right description. Maybe “Return of the Living Dead” is what I am thinking… That tune has powers, powerful powers…
Thanks Frank for sharing you gifts and insights, you do such a great job! A few gigs ago "Take me Home Country Roads" was requested by a table (Family?) when I played it many of them linked arms and Sang along with absolute Joy!
your channel just rolled into my algorithm today and you've got a another sub from it 👍 .. I enjoyed the humour at your intro and didn't mind discovering the 3 songs. Not a single frame was skipped.. I rather enjoyed your candor and very much appreciated the brevity where things are going to be repeated ..yadda yadda ..blah blah ..so to speak .. excellent work!
Great advice for open mic in Washington State. The mini guitar in the background is great. I actually make mini guitars as a hobby. Thanks for excellent video. The Guitar Carpenter.
Your song choices are right on... Regarding Sweet Caroline... the ladies like that one (maybe because of the Elvis cover)... Where I am (down south) Happy Together by the Turtles also works great. Lastly, anything by Sam Cooke seems to interest customers... Only Sixteen still connects with the older crowd...
Here in Germany you need these four songs: Country Roads, Sweet Home Alabama, Wonderwall, Hallelujah. These are absolute must haves in a Germany based troubadour‘s repertoire......
So strange that they would want a song like Sweet Home Alabama in Germany. Was this at a military base full of people from the US or a bar full of Germans?
Thx Frank. I really enjoy your videos and tips. A couple more good sing along songs, Have you ever seen the rain, by CCR. I capo up to fifth fret and play a C shape chord. And, Chicken Fried by Zac Brown.
First of all excellent video as always. I started learning Brown eyed Girl and it was a very fun song for me to play but I never finished learning it. Country roads might have been the first song I ever learned on the guitar at least first complete song. I actually went to college in West Virginia so a country friend of mine who's also a great musician taught me it. I'm a special ed teacher in New York City and the kids had a show where Sweet Caroline was one of the songs. The kids went nuts over it.
Another great video. Thanks I included "Brown-Eyed Girl" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" on my set list when playing for a private party last week. The crowd absolutely ate them up. Wanted to get to "Sweet Caroline", but the clock ran out!
@@FrankPersico I include "I Can See Clearly Now" and "Time After Time" in my acoustic setlists whenever possible. Both are familiar, have a beat, and have a positive vibe. People sing along.
New sub. Solid advice. Entertain, not impress. These are 3 of my goto songs. I have @150 songs in my active set list and move them around to fit current crowd.😊
Geez you make me want to grab my guitar 😦..but my grandkid asleep next room over..(Marty getting boring 🫢) I’m watching this again this week end..thanks Frank .
Hi Frank, hope you don't mind me hijacking your video comments, but yesterday I played my little four or five song interval set at my local bar here in Brazil. Anyway I started with, for one time only, Hotel California, the idea being my wife would film it and put it on instagram (or whatever she uses) to see if 'you know who' comes a fighting!! Well I started singing and something didn't feel right, halfway through the first verse I realised I was singing the Jethro Tull version of the song that you had pointed out in an earlier video. I thought I would be able to rescue it with the chorus, but no I carried on with the same slightly different tune for the whole song. So I wondered if you have ever accidently sang one song to the tune of another one???
Thanks for sharing. Hmmm I don’t think that situation ever happened to me per se. But I have had my share of “happy accidents” to quote the late Bob Ross..
Great videos, thank you for sharing all your experience! In future when making chapters, could you use the actual song titles instead of “song 1” etc? Cheers and best wishes!
Great video Frank. Got a request for you if you deem it something you'd like to help with. Your loop video has already gotten me to start using my RC-1, what I am really having problems with you touched on in this video inadvertently. When showing your double stops over the 'A" (G shape) you looped, here's the problem. Some of us have problems with starting a loop then stopping it mid song and at the end. Many times while stopping my loop I'll end up with just part of the next chord. Stopping to change to a bridge etc.
Margaritaville is a song I hate but get ask a lot to play. I have to know it. Country Road is the other one which is fun play. Wonderwall is the song hate the most but I know how to play it just in case. 😅😅😅
lol, before you even got to the song I was thinking BEG, my friend owns a few bars in the US and I remember him telling me this is the most played song in all his bars on the jukebox
Great video lesson. noticed Nashville Tele and replica in the back. I make guitar replicas too (my retirement Hobby) and just made the Tele in the background shelf. where did you get yours? Anyway, I appreciate the clear and helpful lesson. Jay the guitar Carpenter.
I played a gig introy new york in the eoghties they had a list of songs not to be played. Brown eyed girl was on the list as was Amie. I remember thinking oh crap.
Frank - can you do a video on what you do when a song has a guitar solo - but you’re playing alone? Do you just play the chords of the solo without singing?
Check out this video i made on how to go about looping. And at the end of this video there will be a link to a more basic looping video. I will do more vids covering the subject you mentioned more specifically at some point in the future as well. Using A Looper With Acoustic Guitar -Solo Acoustic Tips and Techniques ua-cam.com/video/MaVNiOyYQTY/v-deo.html
I hate when solo guitarists just play the chord without singing. I'm not a fan of looping, either. There are other techniques. Listen to players who you admire.
Thanks so much. When you play or sing in any particular “key” you are basically using the chords and scales that are rooted and based off of that said key. There are 12 tones in music so therefore there are 12 keys tonally speaking. The major scale for instance is build on 7 notes .. if we are in the key of “A major” our tonal center would be A and our diatonic notes are A B C# D E F# G# A
@@FrankPersico Thank you for taking the time to give such a detailed answer. I have a pretty decent singing voice, I can accurately match the notes going quite high on a real piano. But practically no experience singing with other musicians. Of course you always hear the singer ask, “Can I have that in the key of…”. Not sure how I would know what key to ask for!
I have tossed the idea around. Someone was using it at a resort gig I played over the winter and it did sound good. He was doing some pretty cool stuff with it
***correction A6 is the chord for “touching warm” I realized the mistake after upload on the Neil Diamond song!!! 😮
You got the F# haha
“Remember: You’re there to make people happy, not impress other musicians”. Hands down the best reminder ever lol. Well said my brother.
Thanks for the comment. All the best to u
@FrankPersico
You betcha’. Best to you as well. It’s even better than “The crowd loves a cliche”, which is so true. West of the Mississippi I think we’re all contractually obligated to play “Wagon Wheel” lol. Whether we want to or not.
Really dig the “must play” and “never play” series. They’re spot on.
Jep!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
You are right about Sweet Caroline. I was at an open mic night, and another older guy played this, and the whole crowd came alive! They were singing those iconic parts and having a blast! There were some great guitar players that night who were mesmerizing, but everyone was talking about the old guy who did Sweet Caroline. Gotta give the people what they want!
I just played it last night at a gig. Bar was full of young-ish people and I was playing shit like Green Day. Chili Peppers and everyone was digging it. I said to myself let me try sweet Caroline not being sure how it would go over on the younger audience. They went crazy lol
@@FrankPersico That says it all. Thank you for helping change my perspective. Music is a performing art. It's about them. Excited to learn Sweet Caroline and add it to my repertoire this very day! You are a superb artist.
@@dowaliby1 thanks so much. you will deff. see a good reaction with that song
My friend, I’ve been playing guitar for many years professionally I just kind of stumbled upon your gracious site. I can’t tell you how humbled and greatful I am that I met you. You are such a beautiful soul for sharing your wisdom. You’ve made me a better player overnight and gave me some valuable knowledge that not only helps me play better but I’m having so much more fun. I am a slow learner and my focus was mostly Rythm guitar lead vocals. You are a very cool dude and make the world a better place. Thank you sir. If I ever hit the lotto or have an extra 10. I’ll kick ya down. I appreciate what you are doing, music is a special gift. When you share it like this. It makes God happy!
Wow what a sweet comment! I appreciate it Joe. Glad to know I could help.
Take Me Home Country Road - is cherished around the world. Everywhere I go, people love to sing it at karaoke. It’s a true phenomenon.
It sure is …
“Don’t think you’re too cool to play anything” at 8:58. What a great comment that we should all take to heart!
Hahaha 😂 some people didn’t like that I said that
Great Video! Your humor is only surpassed by the content, only surpassed by your commitment to people and music!
I appreciate that!
You are a good man, Frank...good people. Thank you!
My pleasure
this is exactly what i needed. where to dig to spice it up. wow suddenly I m doing what i want to be doing. 😮
Enjoy! Thanks for commenting
Yeah. Totally agree. sometimes there are songs you don't want to play but usually, the reaction from the crowd is so positive that it doesn't matter. We're there to entertain them and surprisingly some songs can't be overplayed.
Great tips for spicing them up, really love your videos!
Totally!
"I believe you are there to make people happy" ... YES!!! I don't enjoy listening to every song that I play, but I can find a way to enjoy playing it, simply because the listeners are enjoying it. "Sweet Caroline" is in my setlist constantly. Always good for getting a crowd to sing along. The other 2 are in my songbook and rotated as needed. The songs I've had requested the most are "Midnight Rider" and "Turn the Page." Great video and tips!
Thanks so much for the kind words and for sharing some of your picks as well!
I'm a lazy bastard so thank God for the capo (or, more specifically, the person who actually invented the capo). I play 'Brown-Eyed Girl' with a capo on the fifth fret -- that way you can use suspended chords to move around all those licks that are on the record with going to too much effort. Likewise, with 'Take Me Home Country Roads', I could never hit that note in the line... "to the place, I be-LONG', so I've simply shifted the capo down to the 1st fret and I'm sweet. I do more sing-a-long stuff with older people than actual gigs in pubs etc., and they appreciate the slightly lower key too.
I'm in Australia, and yep, 'Country Roads' and 'Sweet Caroline' are must-do songs every single time. Some of the people I play to are in their 90s and they still sing along with every word. Loving your content. Cheers mate!
Hi and thanks for the comment and the input. I meant to mention in the video how all the songs can be transposed to suit your voice via moving the capo but of course I forgot and didn’t realize until I published. This comment is very helpful and I (and I’m sure the other viewers) appreciate it
Tony Rice was one of the most tasteful, innovative, and skilled acoustic guitarists of all time. He often used a capo. Nobody but a fool would call Mr. Rice 'lazy'.
@@jimwing.2178 one of my jazz teachers used always badmouth my capo lol.
@@FrankPersico That proves to me that your jazz teacher is a fool.😀
@@jimwing.2178 To be quite honest it did used to rub me wrong when he did it.
Excellent video, Frank! Another absolute must for any artist or band is learn the "Happy Birthday" song
I agree! That one comes up a lot too.
Thanks for this Frank. Same philosophy I have.... there to make people happy and entertain them.
Absolutely. Things changed once I really started to feel this way … I didnt so much when I was younger
Excellent video Frank! Love that you show us where to dig and we can grab our shovel and see what we can add to our guitar playing!
Will be definitely adding several gold nuggets found in your lesson. Thanks again!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment
Love everything about your channel. Thanks! I don't comment often so that's really saying something. ❤
I very much appreciate the kind words. Comment as much as I want and any opinions are welcome.
Hi frank really great vids really appreciated 😀🎸
Glad you like them!
I would agree those are the top 3 I get as well to the point I just make sure I add them to every set list.
Thanks for the comment!
So much truth man .. great advice for the youth 🙂
Thanks for the comment. Trying to pay it forward
Well presented seminar. “Who doesn’t like “ Brown Eyed Girl”!?!
🙏
Been playing all three for 25 years myself. You are so right we forget/omit these in shows unless requested. These are Bangers should use them when the crowd doesn't seem involved.
Exactly. We Need to take a step back sometimes
Great lesson, easy to follow, full of useful tips, thank you!
You're very welcome!
Great stuff....I cover these and they're crowd favs for sure....thanks man
My pleasure
Such a cool way to start the intro to Sweet Caroline!
Never thought of using the capo to get that open low E string!
I was playing without a capo and looping the intro chord and playing the riff over it. But I like not using the looper sometimes and quickly getting into the song.
Thanks again!
My pleasure. Thanks for the comment
Amazing, thank you!!!
You're so welcome!
Where I am in country NSW, Australia, I often get asked for the same old stuff... Brown Eyed Girl, Summer Of 69, Jessie's Girl, plus Aussie favorites like Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel, Eagle Rock by Daddy Cool, Flame Trees by Cold Chisel... in fact, they usually just yell out "play some Chisel!!!!" I have all those in my repertoire but usually only play them if I am asked, or if the floor is pumping and I want to keep them up.
Nice… thanks for sharing !!
There we go! Been looking for a proper acoustic cover of Sweet Caroline for busking. Thanx dude! Gonna figure this out now because of you! If they throw me money while I play this I’ll come back and throw you a super like
Sweet! Best of luck and thank you
Great vid, you are an excellent teacher
Thank you kindly, I appreciate it!
Frank, I agree with your thoughts as those are 3 songs that when I play get a great audience participation. Thank you for the embellishments.
My pleasure .. cheers
Favourite : Dream Suite Opus 4 ... Yngwie Malmsteen
lol. 😂 I saw him live at a small club quite a few yrs back. Amazing
The #1 song I always get requested is Free Bird
😂 People love to yell out that one for sure- here in Wi. I think it’s just a joke. ❤
Me too but I never know if people are being serious.. 🧐
I just tell them they should be careful what they wish for and start playing it. Haha
When someone shout free bird, I play Three little birds by Bob Marley.
@@clementineforever Just like everyone in the UP did when I played there. If I’m in the crowd and have already talked to the musician, then I will be the guy yelling “Free Bird” as soon as they are done for the night lol. I think it’s obligatory for the ‘70s child in me.
You’re right, and I do yell it as a joke, but we always found it was actually the best encore song ever. It gave everybody one last slow dance with their girl, and they got to rock out so they were winded and ready to go home afterwards lol. And let’s not forget how much the bar owner enjoys all those extra last call orders and “to go” sales from everyone working up a thirst.
Excellent thank you 👏👍
Welcome 👍
Great lesson on what our goal is at a gig.
Thank you
I was playing along without a capo handy so I tried playing Country Roads in A with open strings, A9, D9, hammer-ons on the E and F#m and I really like it. I'm going to play it in open A from now on.
That’s great. Yeah deff put it in whatever key is best for you. Thanks for the comment
Great stuff, thanks bunches
Thanks for watching!
Hallelujah house of the rising sun
Great picks! Thanks for sharing
Well done Frank!
Thanks so much
You hit the nail on the head, if u ou play these songs Everyone will love you !!!😊
👍🤘
This is amazing!
Homemade UA-cam at its roots!
Thanks for the lesson!
You're very welcome!
Man, what a find, your channel! I love it, thank you!
That’s great to hear!! My pleasure
My go-to tunes to grab the crowd: Moondance, House at Pooh Corner, Helplessly Hoping, and a mashup of Evil Ways-Woodstock-Solitary Man.
Thanks for sharing!
Yes, good tunes to play. I did 2 of those 3 songs....Boston Celtics Championship Parade today...My "Little Martin" Guitar in hand and 2 Katana Boss mini amps (tied to my belt)--one amp for guitar other for singing. I went in by train and subway. Funny thing, On the train going in I couldn't get anyone to sing "Sweet Caroline" w/ me--that happens...different story once on the crowded Subway, I got the whole train singing. I also did "Country Roads"...good sing alongs...the women love those songs....also in the repertoire for today was "You are my Sunshine" for the young ladies/ children and women police officers--they like it. Also got a lot of mileage out of "Lean on Me"--everyone knows it. I play those songs well. I had a lot of women said to me today "I love you" --lol
5 STARS!
--Van
P.S. I get quite a few people taking pictures of me...I wear a black cowboy hat, sunglasses and guitar...sang "On the Road Again" on the way home...another winner!
Hey thanks for sharing your story. Pretty cool indeed!
You’re right, I never play sweet Caroline because I think everyone is sick of it, but when I do play it, everyone gets happy. I’ll have to remind myself of that. The intro is better if you add the second and third notes as the riff progresses. You might’ve shown that as an alternative.
Yeah we have to remember they are not musicians just regular “civilians” lol
Nice job Frank.
Thanks!!🙏
Only just discovered your channel Subbed straight away you are truly an impressive guitarist 👍 thanks for the content
Thanks so much and welcome to the channel!! Happy to have u here
Excellent recommendations (as usual) I remember being on a shuttle bus after a wedding going back to the hotel and people spontaneously broke into “Country Roads” there is nothing quite like that sing a longs are the best! Thank you for doing this 👍
Thanks so much. And I very much appreciate the super thanks 🙏
I love your channel - glad i found you
Thanks so much and welcome 🙏
I was never wild about playing it, but the instrumental part you showed on Sweet Caroline made the song fun for me!
Cool. Yeah you can’t take it too seriously when u play it lol. Otherwise u won’t want to
Frank, you are class mate.
Thank you for your no nonsense professional lore. I did get the sense ye don’t like brown eyed girl that much when ye ramped through the words lol. But more respect for teaching it. And it’s just what I needed. Played brown eyed girl for years and play it occasionally at open mics. But just the chords Your intro and fills with the loop made perfect sense to me. Practising it now. Cheers. Love the other two as well🙌🏻
Much appreciated. Keep up the practice and let me know how you make out and if you have any questions.
Good Video! You made a really good point that I think we (as performers) sometimes forget: our "JOB" is NOT to impress other musicians, it's to entertain!"
Many years ago, when I first started gigging, I worked up fairly complex intros/riffs in some songs. Some of them were quite difficult (for me) and required a lot of concentration. A VERY experienced performer advised me, "Forget that crap, nobody cares. Just sing the song!" ;)
I've sometimes done the "impress other musicians" song choice and the reality is that the audience...except MAYBE for the one or two musicians that might be there - doesn't give a rat's a$$ about that stuff.
Very true they don’t know the difference between easy and hard. They either like it or not. If you can play something technical that is difficult to the point that it is effortless then so be it but very few in the audience know or care. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Totally agree 👍
Great advice. And a well taught lesson thank you Frank
Very welcome 🙏
Way to go Frank; thank you.
My pleasure
Sweet Caroline…
I am learning guitar, our band project is figuring out a set list.
This pops up, while on vacation in Mexico I was out on the street when from a bar I hear Sweet Caroline…the street became alive. I’m not sure if “alive” is the right description. Maybe “Return of the Living Dead” is what I am thinking…
That tune has powers, powerful powers…
Hahaha yes it really does have that effect on people
Ok ok I’m subscribing after listening to your take on Neil Diamond’s classic!
Awesome. Happy to have you on the channel!! Welcome
Very good instruction! You do UA-cam lessons very well!
Thank you kindly!
loved it. thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you Frank
My pleasure
Thanks Frank for sharing you gifts and insights, you do such a great job! A few gigs ago "Take me Home Country Roads" was requested by a table (Family?) when I played it many of them linked arms and Sang along with absolute Joy!
Nice. Thanks for commenting. It’s great when people interact with the performance!
Great! Thank you!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting …cheers
Very nice mate, my kind of guy! Instant sub!
Thanks for the sub!
Thanks for brown eyed girl reminder
For sure
Nice, thanks for making the vid.
Any time!
your channel just rolled into my algorithm today and you've got a another sub from it 👍 ..
I enjoyed the humour at your intro and didn't mind discovering the 3 songs. Not a single frame was skipped.. I rather enjoyed your candor and very much appreciated the brevity where things are going to be repeated ..yadda yadda ..blah blah ..so to speak .. excellent work!
Welcome aboard! I really appreciate
Good one! Many thanks!
Thank you too!
Great advice for open mic in Washington State. The mini guitar in the background is great. I actually make mini guitars as a hobby. Thanks for excellent video. The Guitar Carpenter.
Very cool! I like the mini for traveling sometimes: real easy to get on the plane
Your song choices are right on... Regarding Sweet Caroline... the ladies like that one (maybe because of the Elvis cover)... Where I am (down south) Happy Together by the Turtles also works great. Lastly, anything by Sam Cooke seems to interest customers... Only Sixteen still connects with the older crowd...
Thanks so much for the additional songs! Maybe I need another video part 3!
Here in Germany you need these four songs: Country Roads, Sweet Home Alabama, Wonderwall, Hallelujah. These are absolute must haves in a Germany based troubadour‘s repertoire......
Pretty much the same here: these songs are universal in appeal … thanks for sharing
und Ze Boxer von Simon und Garfunkel! I played the Irish pubs in Germany for 21 years
So strange that they would want a song like Sweet Home Alabama in Germany. Was this at a military base full of people from the US or a bar full of Germans?
@@ricomajesticGo figure! 🤷🏻♂️ I have no idea how it became so popular. It was popular when I moved here in 2002 and still is.
@@sachachanyan Some creepy twilight zone stuff right there!
Been playing this for a while but now adding these extras as add some spice! (West Virginia)
Awesome. Great to get ideas from others in this profession… how we all stay inspired :):)
Number one earthbound by Rodney Crowell, number two Dead Skunk by Loudon Wainwright III, number three Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley.
Great pics … I have t played hallelujah in a minute. Maybe time to bust it out
The crowd LOVES cliche' ... especially after a few cocktails
For sure 👍
Thx Frank. I really enjoy your videos and tips. A couple more good sing along songs, Have you ever seen the rain, by CCR. I capo up to fifth fret and play a C shape chord. And, Chicken Fried by Zac Brown.
Definitely great ones. They will probably find there way into part III. Thanks for sharing
First of all excellent video as always. I started learning Brown eyed Girl and it was a very fun song for me to play but I never finished learning it. Country roads might have been the first song I ever learned on the guitar at least first complete song. I actually went to college in West Virginia so a country friend of mine who's also a great musician taught me it. I'm a special ed teacher in New York City and the kids had a show where Sweet Caroline was one of the songs. The kids went nuts over it.
Oh wow… great story man thanks for sharing… time to finish up Brown Eyed Girl Lolol
@@FrankPersico absolutely
Another great video. Thanks I included "Brown-Eyed Girl" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" on my set list when playing for a private party last week. The crowd absolutely ate them up. Wanted to get to "Sweet Caroline", but the clock ran out!
Rock on!
@@FrankPersico I include "I Can See Clearly Now" and "Time After Time" in my acoustic setlists whenever possible. Both are familiar, have a beat, and have a positive vibe. People sing along.
@@kenrothacker thanks for sharing.
New sub. Solid advice. Entertain, not impress. These are 3 of my goto songs. I have @150 songs in my active set list and move them around to fit current crowd.😊
Thanks for the sub!
If you add a 4th, I'd say in the last set "Friends In Low Places." Always elicits a sing-along.
Great suggestion. Thank you
I do sweet Caroline and love van Morrison I like hear comes the night as well really helpful vid thanks frank
Glad you enjoyed it
Are the Chorus chords on Country Roads G-D-Em-C, G-D-C. Doesn’t come back to the Em the second to time?
That is correct
Sweet Caroline, County Roads, Twist and Shout
Thanks for sharing
Margaritaville, take me home, country roads, agree with brown eyed girl
Excellent. Thanks for commenting :):)
Geez you make me want to grab my guitar 😦..but my grandkid asleep next room over..(Marty getting boring 🫢) I’m watching this again this week end..thanks Frank .
Ok so early morning practice lol. Thanks so much for tuning in
Read the room. Enjoy yourself. Get the crowd involved.
Simple and effective … thanks for sharing
Thanks. Your a great help
I appreciate
Hi Frank, hope you don't mind me hijacking your video comments, but yesterday I played my little four or five song interval set at my local bar here in Brazil. Anyway I started with, for one time only, Hotel California, the idea being my wife would film it and put it on instagram (or whatever she uses) to see if 'you know who' comes a fighting!! Well I started singing and something didn't feel right, halfway through the first verse I realised I was singing the Jethro Tull version of the song that you had pointed out in an earlier video. I thought I would be able to rescue it with the chorus, but no I carried on with the same slightly different tune for the whole song. So I wondered if you have ever accidently sang one song to the tune of another one???
Thanks for sharing. Hmmm I don’t think that situation ever happened to me per se. But I have had my share of “happy accidents” to quote the late Bob Ross..
Great videos, thank you for sharing all your experience! In future when making chapters, could you use the actual song titles instead of “song 1” etc? Cheers and best wishes!
Great suggestion!
Great video Frank. Got a request for you if you deem it something you'd like to help with. Your loop video has already gotten me to start using my RC-1, what I am really having problems with you touched on in this video inadvertently. When showing your double stops over the 'A" (G shape) you looped, here's the problem. Some of us have problems with starting a loop then stopping it mid song and at the end. Many times while stopping my loop I'll end up with just part of the next chord. Stopping to change to a bridge etc.
Thanks so much. I’m going to try to do more loop videos in the future as well.
Margaritaville is a song I hate but get ask a lot to play. I have to know it. Country Road is the other one which is fun play. Wonderwall is the song hate the most but I know how to play it just in case. 😅😅😅
All true
lol, before you even got to the song I was thinking BEG, my friend owns a few bars in the US and I remember him telling me this is the most played song in all his bars on the jukebox
Something with that song… people love it
Invaluable.
Thanks so much
Great video lesson. noticed Nashville Tele and replica in the back. I make guitar replicas too (my retirement Hobby) and just made the Tele in the background shelf. where did you get yours? Anyway, I appreciate the clear and helpful lesson. Jay the guitar Carpenter.
Hi and thanks for the comment. That tele is a fender 52 reissue I got about 10 years ago from Sam ash here in NY.
My eyes rolled as soon as you said brown eyes girl. I get why it's asked for - crowed please. But shit man, I'd sooner play wonderwall
Hahaha I feel your pain.
I played a gig introy new york in the eoghties they had a list of songs not to be played. Brown eyed girl was on the list as was Amie. I remember thinking oh crap.
👍😂
Frank - can you do a video on what you do when a song has a guitar solo - but you’re playing alone? Do you just play the chords of the solo without singing?
Check out this video i made on how to go about looping. And at the end of this video there will be a link to a more basic looping video. I will do more vids covering the subject you mentioned more specifically at some point in the future as well. Using A Looper With Acoustic Guitar -Solo Acoustic Tips and Techniques
ua-cam.com/video/MaVNiOyYQTY/v-deo.html
I hate when solo guitarists just play the chord without singing. I'm not a fan of looping, either. There are other techniques. Listen to players who you admire.
@@jimwing.2178 thanks for the input.
Subscribed😊😊😊
Great to hear. Welcome 🙏
exactly. people want to hear the hits
For sure!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for the Super thanks. Much appreciated
You are welcome! God Bless!
So practical! Definitely worth a like and subscribe! Btw, what does it mean when people say, to play or sing “in the key of A”? Always wanted to ask…
Thanks so much. When you play or sing in any particular “key” you are basically using the chords and scales that are rooted and based off of that said key. There are 12 tones in music so therefore there are 12 keys tonally speaking. The major scale for instance is build on 7 notes .. if we are in the key of “A major” our tonal center would be A and our diatonic notes are A B C# D E F# G# A
@@FrankPersico Thank you for taking the time to give such a detailed answer. I have a pretty decent singing voice, I can accurately match the notes going quite high on a real piano. But practically no experience singing with other musicians. Of course you always hear the singer ask, “Can I have that in the key of…”. Not sure how I would know what key to ask for!
So you ever use a beat buddy or other drum machine? If not. Why not? Thanks
I have tossed the idea around. Someone was using it at a resort gig I played over the winter and it did sound good. He was doing some pretty cool stuff with it
Tenderness by Steppenwolf
Thank You by Led Zeppelin
Dairy Air by Tom Grocki
Great picks!
I love you man
hahah thanks :)
don't know what that means.
Blisters in the sun, creep, I'm a beliver
Thanks for the input!