Everything I need to know to capture the ACDC essence.

[WingerRules]

I talked to my first ever bandmate. We have been really good friends forever. I told him exactly what I am doing and he thinks that 3 hours is too long and that I should back it off to 2 hours with 14 songs. He was saying that a 3 hour show would be too much and to go smaller to test the waters. Good idea or not?

I was at the beach and missed about the last page of this thread. I had a strong opinion on this, but wanted to ask a friend of mine first. He has done everything over the last 40 years from play lead guitar in a regional southern rock band, to solo acoustic gigs. Several “almost made it” bands. Then, he played in a band that if I mention the name, everyone here has heard of them. Pretty big name, national act. He’s now producing and working in a studio. I asked him your question.

I’ll share some of his remarks. These are some of his quotes. “When I was in the touring national act, we never played more than two hours at even our biggest shows. (He did say that with talking and audience engagement added, it could be 2 1/2 hours total show). We usually had one or even two opening acts, but our show as headliner was 2 hours, rarely more. When I did solo gigs, they were either 45 minutes to an hour, to some later (after his band, when he was a “name” performer) maybe 90 minutes.”

He said that as a solo act you have to stop and engage the audience a LOT between songs to keep them interested. Even with talking between songs, he said his longest solo gigs weren’t over 1hr 45 minutes, to max 2 hours.

I’m not discouraging you in any way, but a 3 hour set is a monumental task, AND more than most people would even watch a pro solo act. He asked me how well you played and how well you sang. I said I didn’t know if you sang or not. I told him that I thought you wanted to perform with backing tracks. He suggested a maximum of 90 minutes. He said to have a couple more tunes ready in case it goes really well, but depending on the setting, etc. even 90 minutes might be a bit much. He asked if there would be a lineup of other performers, and if this was currently a place people come to specifically because it is a happening live music scene location. I told him I didn’t know any of that. He said a few more things, but for now, that’s enough.

 

[Lola]

@DreamTheaterRules i have already sliced my set list to 2/45 minute set lists. I am still in touch with one of my very first bandmates from almost 14 years ago and he was even saying to cut it back to maybe 5 or 6 songs per setlist. He said to stop and talk to ppl in between songs. I am very confidant talking to ppl and smiling. Engaging ppl. No problem there. But because when I get in the groove hopefully my joy and energy will rub off on the ppl watching. Hopefully by that time I will have a wireless system for my guitar. And I can walk in amongst ppl and engage them.

 

[veinbuster]

I don’t think 5 or 6 songs is enough for 45 minutes in most situations. A bit of talk is fine, but but people are probably not there to listen to you have a conversation.

 

[WingerRules]

i have already sliced my set list to 2/45 minute set lists.

He suggested something similar. He actually followed up with me after his initial reply, to see if I had asked you any of those questions about the spot, if it's a "promoted gig" or just a spot you chose to play music, and if others perform there, if others go there specifically to see music, etc.

He said you have to keep your audience engaged... so what Peter said goes along with the way he said it. You have to engage them, but don't talk for too long at a time. Get them laughing if possible (they want to enjoy it!) and don't tell long stories.

We saw a performer recently (while at Myrtle Beach) at one of the restaurants we went to, that was OBVIOUSLY a season performer. He was the most engaging act of that type I've seen. Solo singer/acoustic guitar. He cracked jokes in the middle of songs, would engage passers by (we were right on a boardwalk along the ocean) and was very funny. People would walk by on the boardwalk and he'd introduce them as celebrities, or right in the middle of the song say "how many want to see these two kiss?" And of course, the crowd would cheer them on... We were actually at the restaurant next door, but outside, only 40 feet away from his little stage, and many including us, went over from the neighboring restaurants to his spot to leave him a tip. The guy clearly knew his audience and how to keep them engaged. I told my wife that's what I want to do when I retire. Live on the beach, and make a little extra coin playing at beach restaurants for tourists. That would be a lot of fun for sure!

 

[Lola]

I am all about engaging ppl when I play. When I play I have an ear to ear grin and I am dancing, having the best time of my life. Ppl I find react to my actions. I have little kids when they see me dancing it’s in their DNA to move with the music and I will encourage them. I need to support my supporters for giving me a listen.

This place is very well know for all types of entertainers. The boardwalk is huge. There’s always troupes of dancers doing whatever. Last summer there was a mime which was really cool. It’s a hot spot for ppl, diverse kinds of food, a beautiful beach and great over all ambience. The beach is well maintained, the white sand travels for miles down the lake.

Going to figure out exactly what I am going to do for my sets, 45 minutes per sounds about right.
The problem is I won’t want to go home if it’s gorgeous out I am staying. I will just play other stuff. My permit allows me to play from 8 am until 11 pm anywhere I want to.

Last year I had the perfect spot under a tree for shade.

 

[show_a_little_faith]

I'm just catching up on this thread now, thought I'd add my 2 cents on what I can:

I know a lot of the rhythm parts in a lot of their songs but it’s the solos.

AC/DC was one of the main reasons I picked up a guitar in the first place. At first I used to play the rhythm parts using Power Chords. Took me quite a while to realize that "cowboy chords" sound much more accurate on the majority of their material (although not everything!)

I have this strap on and the nose dive is just ticking me right to h*ll I have play sitting down now.

As others have said Suede straps help a lot. You could also try using a lace/string and tying it around the headstock behind the nut (like on many acoustics). It'd take some getting used to, but might balance out better than using the strap button at the end of the neck.

You also mentioned finding the right settings for your Katana. I use that myself (the Mk II), and I have a rhythm sound that I really like for AC/DC. Crunchy, but not too much gain. I have it uploaded on the Boss Tone Exchange site here: https://bosstoneexchange.com/liveset/815de5a4-7ca3-4396-a2e4-1d92f955286b/ If you have the MK II, you can download it and try it out, see if you like it (and if it's not for you, there's lots of other patches on there to play around with too). Then I use a pedal for a gain & volume boost for solos.

I think it's great that you're so enthusiastic about this project and playing guitar again - keep it up!

 

[Lola]

I have the MK1 or the original version of the Katana amp. I have the GAFC foot switch but I don’t really need it. I just play their stuff fairly clean with just a touch of reverb and distortion. The sound I really don’t have to dial it in.

When I first got my pedal board I was elated. Now it’s a big PITA. I use my Box of Rock by itself if I want some major gain. Metallica comes to mind.

This has brought back my enthusiasm 10 fold.
Thx for inspiring words!!

 

[Lola]

@DreamTheaterRules i know you like the “Bon” era so here you are.

They’re so young here!

I have listened to a ton of different versions just trying to get the solo right. He plays it slightly different sometimes.

 

[JMintzer]

Angus Young of AC/DC has said, "I'm sick to death of people saying we've made 11 albums that sound exactly the same. In fact, we've made 12 albums that sound exactly the same"

 

[aamefford]

Angus Young of AC/DC has said, "I'm sick to death of people saying we've made 11 albums that sound exactly the same. In fact, we've made 12 albums that sound exactly the same"

Could be my favorite quote ever!

 

[Lola]

Wow, beginning to realize Angus’s solos style. The repeating licks, for the most part it seems to be generally major and minor pentatonic scales. It makes it easier just be able to make up similar solos if I can’t complete the original one. Back in Black is extremely hard for me.