The term guitarist is a catch-all term that refers to anyone who can play the guitar. This means that learning to play the guitar is as easy as purchasing one and learning to play it well. The steps to becoming a professional guitarist, on the other hand, are more difficult and will require a significant amount of time, perseverance, and talent. Spend a significant amount of time learning to play guitar well before pursuing a career as a professional guitarist.
Some musicians practice for years before pursuing a career as a professional guitarist, while others are born with a natural talent for the instrument and jump right into it. In either case, significant skill and proficiency in one’s playing ability is required. If you are new to the guitar and are just getting started on your journey to becoming a professional guitarist, it may be worthwhile to enroll in some guitar lessons. Even if you are an intermediate player, you may benefit from lessons that will help you progress to the next level of your game. Once the guitarist has accomplished this, you must determine how best to put their skills to use.
A studio musician is one option for an aspiring professional guitarist. As a studio guitarist, you’ll be able to sit in on recording sessions for a wide range of artists, covering a wide range of musical genres. You’ll be able to play the guitar as a lead or rhythm guitarist, and you’ll be able to write and perform songs with other musicians. While recording or filling in as a temporary live player, studio musicians network with a variety of other musicians, which can lead to more permanent gigs. To request an audition, contact local studios. While this option may not provide you with long-term employment, it is an excellent way to get your foot in the door.
Joining a band and performing live is another option to consider when pursuing a career as a professional guitarist. While it is not easy to make a living as a musician, playing in a band can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to make important contacts in the music industry. Playing live can be a crucial outlet for getting your name out there for other musicians to hear, which is the best way to land a job as a professional guitarist. Open mic nights and band battles are good places to start.