Session Guitarist - Dominic V

Famous guitarist Jimmy Page, known for his work in Led Zeppelin and the Yardbirds, was actually a session guitarist before he reached his fame.

Creative & Visual Skills
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Critical Thinking & Judgement
Emotional Intelligence & Personal Traits
Professional & Technical Knowledge
Organizational & Operational Skills
Physical & Situational Readiness

Where does this job happen?

Session Guitarists tend to work in recording studios, live venues, broadcast studios, or even remote home studios. They are hired and sent wherever professional music is being performed or recorded.

What do they actually do?

A Session Guitarist might perform for live concerts, record well-fitting parts for albums, songs, commercials, or even movies. With this wide range, a Session Guitarist often may work quickly, and must adapt well to their given conditions.

What kind of person does this?

Those who may be musically inclined, flexible, creative, able to work under pressure, able to collaborate, and learn over long periods of time are great fits for session guitarists.

What skills do you need?

Skills are a necessary part in being a session guitarist. Some skills that make session guitarists excel at their job would be: excellent technique, sight-reading or strong ear training, versatility, studio experience, professionalism, teamwork related skills, and strong communication.

How much money can you make?

Session Guitarists and Musicians alike tend to be paid by the project, instead of a steady income. Per every project, a Session Guitarist could make between $400-$1,000+ in United States Dollars, due to union rates. Annual income could open at around $20,000, but be up to $100,000 or more.