Finding the perfect setlist for a guitar duo can be both exciting and challenging. Many guitarists are on the lookout for Good Guitar Songs that will resonate with audiences and showcase their musicality without falling into clichés. If you’re in a guitar or mandolin/guitar duo and looking to expand your repertoire for bar gigs, coffee shops, or open mics, you’re likely searching for fresh ideas beyond the typical “two dudes with guitars” tracks. Let’s explore some excellent song choices that can elevate your duo performances.
Bluegrass & Old-Time Essentials for Guitar Duos
Building a solid foundation with bluegrass and old-time music is a great starting point. These genres are rich with good guitar songs that are both fun to play and appealing to a wide range of listeners. Consider these classics, which are already part of a successful duo’s repertoire:
- Old Joe Clark
- Arkansas Traveler
- Whiskey Before Breakfast
- Blackberry Blossom
- Eight More Miles to Louisville
- Church Street Blues
- Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar
- All The Good Times Are Past and Gone
- Last Train From Poor Valley
- The Old Home Place
- Hard Times
- L.A. Freeway
- Sing Me Back Home
- Wagon Wheel
- Wayfaring Stranger
- Coal Dust In My Soul
These songs provide a fantastic base and are widely recognized as good guitar songs within the acoustic music community. They offer opportunities for instrumental breaks and vocal harmonies, perfect for a duo setting.
Diving into Bluesy Guitar Songs for a Duo
To add depth and variety to your set, incorporating bluesy tunes is an excellent move. Blues offers a different flavor and can highlight the versatility of your guitar playing. When searching for good guitar songs with a blues influence for a duo, think about songs that translate well to acoustic instruments and two voices. Consider exploring artists like:
- Mississippi John Hurt
- Big Bill Broonzy
- Blind Blake
- Rev. Gary Davis
Their catalogs are filled with good guitar songs that are rhythmically engaging and emotionally resonant, ideal for creating a more dynamic performance.
Adding Country Classics Beyond the Usual Suspects
While avoiding overplayed “two dudes with guitars” songs, venturing into older country music can unearth some gems. Instead of Dylan, Dead, or Neil Young, think about delving into the catalogs of artists who offer a more classic country sound. Seeking out Uncle Tupelo or early Son Volt material is a great direction. Furthermore, exploring earlier country artists can reveal good guitar songs that are less common in typical duo sets but still highly enjoyable. Consider artists such as:
- The Louvin Brothers
- Hank Williams (lesser-known tracks)
- Carter Family
These artists offer a wealth of good guitar songs that can bring a unique and authentic country vibe to your duo performances, setting you apart from the usual coffee shop musicians.
Building Your Perfect Duo Setlist
Expanding your repertoire is an ongoing process. By exploring bluegrass, blues, and classic country, and consciously looking beyond the typical song choices, you can curate a setlist filled with good guitar songs that are both engaging for you and enjoyable for your audience. Remember to choose songs that you and your duo partner genuinely enjoy playing, as that enthusiasm will always shine through in your performances.
