Pop/Rock Guitarists for Hire

Hire a Pop/Rock Guitarist in the UK

This is the largest guitarist sub-category on Last Minute Musicians, and for good reason. Pop and rock covers are the most requested style for events of all kinds, from wedding receptions and birthday parties to corporate functions and pub gigs. The guitarists listed here range from acoustic singer-guitarists performing stripped-back live lounge sets to instrumental fingerstyle players and electric guitarists who perform over backing tracks for a fuller, band-like sound. If you already know you want a vocalist who plays guitar, our singing guitarists page focuses specifically on that format. For a broader search including classical, jazz and flamenco styles, see our main guitarists for hire page.

Background music or party set

One of the biggest advantages of booking a pop/rock guitarist is the ability to switch between modes during an event. Most players on this page can provide relaxed, acoustic background music for a drinks reception or meal, then step up the energy for an evening set with singalong covers and a more performance-driven approach. This dual capability means a single guitarist can cover several hours across different parts of your event without needing a second act. If your venue has sound restrictions, an acoustic guitarist can manage volume levels far more effectively than a full band while still delivering a strong live music experience.

Loop pedals and the live lounge sound

Many pop and rock guitarists now use loop pedals, beat boxes and vocal harmonisers to build a layered, multi-instrument sound from a single performance. This live looping approach can produce something surprisingly close to a full band, with bass lines, percussion, harmonies and guitar all stacked in real time. It is one of the best options for events where you want big sound without the footprint, cost or volume of a full band. When browsing profiles, look out for live video clips that show the loop pedal setup in action, as this gives the most accurate impression of what the performance will sound like in your venue.

Pop/rock guitarists for weddings

Weddings are a core booking for pop and rock guitarists. A typical wedding day might include acoustic instrumental covers or soft vocal numbers during the ceremony, upbeat pop for the drinks reception, and a livelier party set over dinner or into the early evening. Some guitarists also offer a DJ or playlist service between sets and after their performance, which can save you booking a separate evening act. If you are planning entertainment across the whole day, our wedding musicians and wedding singers pages list other acts that work well alongside a pop/rock guitarist at different points in the day.

What to expect from the repertoire

Repertoires on this page typically span several decades, from 60s and 70s classics by The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones through to modern chart hits by Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi and Harry Styles. Many guitarists also cover indie and alternative favourites from Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and Mumford and Sons, as well as soul and Motown crossover tracks. Most players are happy to learn specific requests for key moments such as a first dance, ceremony entrance or birthday dedication, provided you raise them in good time. Not every song translates perfectly to solo acoustic guitar, but experienced players know how to adapt arrangements to work in that format, and the best ones will be upfront about what will and will not suit their setup.

Pricing for pop and rock guitarists

Pop and rock guitarist prices currently range from £75 to £4047, with an average of £319. The main factors that affect price are the length of the performance, the day of the week, travel distance and whether extras like a DJ service or lighting are included. Weekend wedding bookings in peak season command the highest fees, while shorter sets for birthday parties, corporate events and midweek bookings tend to be more affordable. Use the price comparison section on this page to see how rates vary, and contact individual acts for an accurate quote based on your event.