Granted, times have changed since the session glory days of the ’60s and ’70s, but there is still a wealth of opportunities for the aspiring session guitarist who...
Granted, times have changed since the session glory days of the ’60s and ’70s, but there is still a wealth of opportunities for the aspiring session guitarist who is willing to put in the work and research to obtain and keep those gigs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro struggling with a sporadic session calendar, or you’re just getting started in the recording world, this article is designed to help you hone some necessary skills for succeeding in the new year.
TODAY’S SESSION JOBS
As in the days of Tommy Tedesco (Bonanza, Twilight Zone, The Deer Hunter), there is still highly lucrative work in the major recording studios for extremely versatile guitarists who can sight read anything put in front of them. These jobs are, of course, for a select few who have “paid their dues” over many years, but don’t be discouraged! There is a wide variety of session work out there that runs the gamut from entry-level to pro status. Here’s a list of jobs available in today’s scene:
• Demos for budding songwriters (from supplying basic rhythm guitar to coming up with riffs and solos)
• Sessions for composers putting together source libraries (short, medium and extended passages of composed music examples; sometimes improvised on the spot)
• Guitar recording for video-game soundtracks (this can be a good niche gig for metal players)
• Sessions for pre-recorded background music used for corporate presentations (such as for large company events)
• Sound-alike recordings of popular songs (Karaoke)
• Prerecorded music for Broadway-style productions
• Background music for cartoons, reality tv, daytime soap operas, etc.
• Session work for student films and small independent companies
TOP GEAR
All you really need to get started is an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar (both properly set up and intonated), a small