I'm a lead guitarist. What could I do for a living, musically, when I grow up?

Question

i won't get paid much flipping burgers

Answer 1

Right now, you're a "lead guitarist" in a local teen band that plays a particular style of music.  But if you want to make a living as a guitarist, you're going to have to become as versatile a musician as you possibly can.

You need to be able to play rhythm and lead guitar (either/or, or both) proficiently in a wide variety of musical styles -- rock, pop, metal, blues, jazz, bluegrass, folk, country, etc.  

You need to be able to hear a song once or twice, or be given a lead sheet for the song, and come up with a solid rhythm part and a lead solo if asked, that is stylistically authentic and appropriate for the song and the style of music, and nail it on the first or second try.

You need to be able to sight-read and play from standard music notation and do so, fluently and up to tempo, in any musical style a band leader, arranger or record producer might ask you to play.

You need to be a pleasant, polite, no-ego, "can do!" personality that gets along with everyone, shows up for rehearsals, gigs and recording sessions 15 minutes early so as to be set up, in tune and ready to play on time, and who is totally professional in his work ethic.

These skills will be necessary whether you're a sideman in someone else's band, or a studio musician, or a teacher giving private lessons, or a leader of your own band.

You'll most likely need lessons from some really good teachers, and some college level musical training, and thousands of hours of practice.  Don't just play lead guitar with your band.  Make a point of getting out and meeting as many musicians as you can, in all different styles of music, and jamming with them as often as possible.  

And always remember that there are thousands of other guitarists out there who are seeking to make a career of music just as you are, and most of them are either as good, or better than you.  Don't ever get cocky; you CAN be replaced.

Answer 2

Here are some options for your situation.

1. Become a Session Player - Bands/ Artists hire them to work on albums with them and they sometimes go on tour with them too.

2. You could also teach guitar to other people as a guitar Teacher too.

3. You could become a Solo Artist too like many other guitarist have done.

4. Work at a Record Label, a Rehearsal or aeven a Recording Studio too helping other Bands.

I've done it before. I worked at Sound Arena Rehearsal studios in 2002 for 3 months till I quit. Don't feel too bad about flipping burgers...it's only a temporary thing to make cash. In 1987 or 1988. I too was flipping burgers at Mcdonalds for 2 weeks and they made me cut off my long hair. So I was fired and moved to many other odd jobs to make money.

Good luck

Answer 3

"When I grow up" means you are now a student - and quite young.  And "lead guitarist" means, in that context, that you are a lead guitarist for bands of other kids.  You are NOT a "lead guitarist" in the professional competitive sense - yet, if ever.  You are  LONG way from even having enough education and experience to be asking such a question, and making such a choice - yet.

Most people in performing "make it look easy" - that is part of what we do.  Therefore, many people ho hear us - in the audience, or aspiring musicians such as yourself, think "that does not look THAT hard - I bet I could do that!"  remember the old song "money for nuthin' and chicks for free"?  

You have time to explore EDUCATION ( and the leads and contacts that will come from that) if you start NOW.  Find good colleges that emphasize YOUR style of music.  That means, you have to develop a killer transcript and resume - and AUDITION - to get it!  Study with the FINEST teacher you can - even if it means a long commute - and this will not be CHEAP.  Poor teachers are a waste of money, and great teachers are a bargain!  I wish you much luck - I have been a full-time professional (classical) musician since 1971 - and have NEVER flipped burger or done ANYTHING except work full-time in music!

Answer 4

Over the long run, you will make more flipping burgers than you will playing lead guitar.

Unless you either become famous or hook up with someone who becomes famous... you won't get rich.  Being a professional musician is not for everyone... for one thing, you are an ITINERANT MUSICIAN... which means, you just go from place to place playing your music.  If you get good enough, you may get a permanent gig, but there are at LEAST 300 UNEMPLOYED guitar pickers in Nashville at any one time... and every one of them can play guitar better than you can.

Answer 5

Flip burgers.

It is rather unlikely that you will be able to support yourself on your music. Only a tiny percentage of musicians honestly say they play for a living - most play for extra income or rather because they love to play.

So, for a living - flip burgers. For a hobby, try getting a lead guitarist gig in a local band.