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Play Blues Guitar On The Street In The Old Tradition

Before We Begin To Play, Some Basics!

I recollect reading years ago about the way of life of the old guys men  who travelled around to play the blues on street corners and in parking lots near tobacco warehouses to make a living. They would also perform at ‘house rent’ parties and saloons, where maybe the reward might have been a meal, some drinks and a place to sleep for one night.

As they travelled around from town to town, their music improved and evolved according to the needs of the people who came to hear them. A street player was barely a distraction from a difficult, drab way of living and for man, a pan handler, who could be distained and ignored.

In the folk revival in the 60s, the life of a wandering musician was romanticized even more . What is the actuality of playing blues guitar on the street , and what should we have to make it a success? (I’ll take it that you can already play blues guitar, or at least knock out an hour’s worth of decent tunes!)

Is It important What I Wear ?

Of course! Try to put yourself in the shoes of a man or woman passing through a busy thoroughfare, presented with a man or woman making music in the open air. The first look they give you is extremely vital , no matter how excellent the music. Of course, the music itself must be top class – just because we play blues on the street doesn’t mean it can be a lower standard. If anything, the music should be higher quality, in order that people are pleased by the sound.

The way you look at first sight speaks volumes. You’re not a beggar, but a blues ma , so dress with respect to yourself and this gives respect  to the folks listening to you. It also helps a lot if you stand out from the crowd a little. I favor a black suit, with white shirt , thin black tie and a wide brimmed black hat.

This way of looking reminds me of the old black and white studio photos of classic blues men, and is also a bit different in today’s world. Call yourself by another name (even make up an alter ego) and show your new name on a poster fixed to your amp, for example.

The Hardware

Here’s a list of some items I think are vital for playing blues guitar on the street:

Guitar (duuuh!) – Chair- Amp and microphone – Guitar tuner – Something with wheels to carry everything – Cool shades!

Of course, you can include other items you feel you need, but don’t forget that you’ve got to carry it all. I take a sturdy trolley and secure the items to it with elasticated bungie ropes. I can have it ready to move in under five minutes (if necessary!)

What Type Of Amplifier Should I Use ?

A basic amp with at least two channels, assuming that you will be singing. I started with a mic with a stand, but it was too heavy and big. Nowadays I prefer a headset mic , which comes in at around 50 dollars for a half decent voice reproduction.

My present amplifier has 30 watts output power and was purchased from Thomann. features a lead acid battery inside and it takes maybe six hours to recharge, which provides an operating time ( using two channels ) of between six to eight hours, depending on the volume used. It’s quite heavy at 22 pounds, which is why I use my little trolley.

The first channel has basic tone and volume controls – this is for the voice, and channel two features volume, gain, low, medium, and high gain controls. The 2nd channel is perfect for balancing the string sounds of an acoustic guitar. Price is real value at $120.

The Guitar

Keep in mind where you will be performing with your guitar. Ask yourself, could it get damaged? It’s quite likely! Could it get stolen? These things happen – anything’s possible. I once lost a special guitar on the metro in error, as I was tired and not paying attention . Needless to say that I never saw it again.

Luckily, it’s possible to get a reasonably good guitar these days without breaking the bank. For some time I played a Vintage parlor acoustic guitar , complete with on-board Shadow equalizer and tuner unit, which cost around $200!

My latest street guitar is a Martin 000X1AE, which incorporates a strip pickup under the saddle and volume/tone controls inside the sound hole. The spruce top is not varnished (or not a lot ) and could be quite scratchable, but the neck, and rest of the body is some kind of man made material – not wood at all!

Martin don’t say what the material is, except that it’s not plastic or a wood based product. No matter what it is, it’s really tough. I’ve knocked it a few times without any evidence of the contact. I carry it in a soft carrying case strapped to my back. The sound is definitely Martin no doubt about it, with sonorous basses. This small bodied guitar is great for finger picking , which is all I play. Current price is around $500 – get one! (No, I’m not trying to sell them.)

Where To Play

This is a tough one, as it depends on your location. Let me tell you how I approach it. First of all, if you see a some folks performing outdoors, then you can assume that it’s at least tolerated by the authorities. After that, what’s left to do except get out and do it!

I walk around a a fair bit and observe people when they traverse intersections, etc, or on the edge of a pedestrian shopping precinct. It’ll help your cause a lot if people can stop and listen without obstructing the flow of other pedestrians, or cars. I mostly play near in proximity market areas in the city centre – this is superb spot for a street blues man.

Let’s Go !

I prefer to feel something at my back (removing the possiblity of someone doing something you don’t like behind you, or trying to take something while you perform. Stay vigilant, this is the city!)

You will attract some funny looks while setting up, as folks are really curious. It may require some gumption when you first start to do it, but becomes easier each time. It’s good if you bring an attitude to what you are doing . For example, I’m generally smiling and talking to people and give the feeling that I should be there.  It’s my place, it’s where I perform and I have every right to go there. In truth, you don’t have any right at all, but if you put out some good sounds, and not oppressively loud, the authorities may (possibly!) let you play as it brings a bit of interest to the community and to the general ambiance.

Start with a piece that’s simple and attractive – it won’t help your cause if you try and play something very complicated and make a mess of it! Play to 75 per cent of your capabilities before you start to loosen up. In that way, your playing will be confident .

Can I Make A living ?

Making a living playing blues guitar is always difficult and can only be managed by earning quite small amounts from a few similar activities. For me, street playing has really played a significant role.

That said, playing outside just for donations won’t cut it. You need to offer something physical, like a CD at a cheap price. This option increases the amount earned on the street. Some of my other activities include live gigs and teaching, and I have a lot of contacts from the street. Very often musicians may enquire about blues guitar lessons and others give me gigs at private events, parties and in their bars and cafes. I’m pleased to say that playing guitar is the way I make my living.

About the Author

Spreading the news about the very best acoustic blues guitar lessons online and all about the blues. Travelling Blues Guitar Player

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