Guitarists for Hire

Hire a Guitarist in the UK

The guitarists listed on this page span a wide range of styles and settings. Some are pure instrumentalists trained in classical or jazz technique, while others are singer-songwriters who perform acoustic covers with vocals. Many use loop pedals and effects to build a full, layered sound from a single instrument, making them a surprisingly powerful option for events where space or budget is limited. If you already know the style you want, you can also browse our dedicated pages for classical guitarists, jazz guitarists, pop and rock guitarists or singing guitarists.

Choosing the right guitarist for your event

The style of guitar music that works best depends heavily on the event and the mood you want to create. For a wedding ceremony or formal dinner, a classical or fingerstyle guitarist playing instrumental arrangements will set an elegant tone without overpowering conversation. For drinks receptions and garden parties, acoustic pop covers or bossa nova work well as relaxed background music. If you want something with more energy for an evening event or birthday party, a guitarist who sings and uses loop pedals can fill a venue with a sound that punches well above what you might expect from a solo performer. When browsing profiles, listen to both the audio samples and any live video clips, as these give the most honest sense of how an act sounds in a real room rather than a recording studio.

Guitarists for weddings

Weddings are the most common booking for solo guitarists on our platform, and for good reason. A single guitarist can cover multiple parts of the day without the logistical demands of a larger act. A typical wedding booking might include classical guitar during the ceremony, acoustic pop for the drinks reception and a more upbeat set over dinner. Some guitarists offer all three in one package. If you are looking for a guitarist specifically for the ceremony and earlier parts of the day, our wedding musicians and wedding singers pages are also worth exploring, as many of those acts play guitar alongside vocals.

What to expect when you book

Most solo guitarists are self-contained and bring their own amplification, so you will not usually need to arrange a separate PA system unless the venue is particularly large or you expect more than 200 guests. A standard booking covers two sets of around 45 minutes within a two-to-three hour window, with background music played through a speaker between sets. Some guitarists also offer a DJ or playlist service for the rest of the evening at an additional cost. Always discuss your event timeline in advance, including any specific song requests for key moments like a processional, first dance or speeches, so the guitarist has time to prepare.

Pricing and what affects it

Guitarist prices currently range from £75 to £1000, with an average of £306. The main factors that affect price are the length of the performance, the day of the week and the distance the musician needs to travel. Friday and Saturday weddings in peak season (May to September) command higher fees than midweek or off-season bookings. If you have a tight budget, searching for guitarists based near your venue will keep travel costs down. Use the price comparison section on this page to see how prices vary across the listings, and contact individual acts for an accurate quote based on your event details.

Styles and genres

Solo guitarists on this page cover virtually every genre. Acoustic pop and rock covers are the most commonly requested style, with repertoires typically spanning artists like Ed Sheeran, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles through to newer chart hits. Classical guitarists draw on traditional repertoire from composers like Tarrega, Bach and Villa-Lobos, while jazz players lean towards standards and bossa nova. Flamenco guitarists bring a distinct energy suited to Mediterranean-themed events and Spanish-themed entertainment. Many guitarists cross genre boundaries, so if you want a mix of classical for the ceremony and pop covers for the reception, that is often possible with a single performer.

Acoustic vs electric

The majority of solo guitarists for hire perform on acoustic or classical (nylon-string) instruments, which suit most event settings. Electric guitarists are less commonly booked as solo performers but work well for corporate events, product launches or parties where a rockier sound fits the brief. Some acts switch between acoustic and electric during a performance, giving you the best of both. If you are considering a fuller sound for your event, you might also want to explore acoustic bands that feature guitar-led lineups.