Guitarists for Hire in New York

Q: How much do guitarists cost in New York?

The average price for guitarists on Gig Heaven is $380, with rates ranging from $120 to $1,150+. Cost depends on performance duration, the guitarist's experience and whether the booking is for background music or a full live set. Guitarists on the platform cover a wide range of styles including classical, jazz, blues, rock, flamenco and pop.

Q: What styles of music can guitarists play?

The guitarists for hire cover a huge range of styles including classical, jazz, blues, flamenco, rock, pop, folk, fingerstyle and acoustic covers. Many guitarists are versatile performers who can switch between styles during an event to suit different moments.

Q: What events are guitarists suitable for?

Popular occasions for hiring guitarists include wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions, corporate dinners, private parties, restaurant entertainment and ambient background music. A solo guitarist provides versatile, elegant live music that suits both intimate and larger settings.

Q: Can a guitarist learn specific songs for an event?

Most guitarists are happy to learn specific songs for key moments such as a ceremony entrance or first dance. Many have extensive repertoires covering popular songs, classical pieces and jazz standards. It is advisable to discuss song requests with the guitarist well in advance.

Q: Do guitarists play electric or acoustic guitar?

Many guitarists on Gig Heaven play both electric and acoustic guitar and can choose the instrument that best suits the event. Acoustic guitar provides a warm, intimate sound for ceremonies and dining, while electric guitar is better for rock, blues and higher-energy performances.

Q: Do guitarists need amplification?

For small, quiet settings, many guitarists can perform acoustically. For larger venues, outdoor events or noisier environments, a small amplifier or PA system is usually needed. Most guitarists bring their own amplification. For the best experience, discuss the venue size with the performer.

Q: Can a guitarist cover both the ceremony and the drinks reception?

One player can usually cover the whole day, moving from processional and signing music during the ceremony to background playing over drinks and dinner. Timings are agreed in advance, since the ceremony music has fixed cues while the reception is more flexible. Where the ceremony and the reception are in different spaces, allow time to move and set up between them.

Q: How long does a guitarist usually play?

Most bookings run to two or three hours of playing time, split into sets with breaks, though the total time on site is longer once setup and soundcheck are added. Shorter ceremony-only bookings of around 40 minutes are common and are priced differently. Ask for playing time rather than hours on site, as the two are not the same.

Q: Will a guitarist play outdoors?

Outdoor playing is common for ceremonies and garden receptions, and most players are happy to do it given shade and a level surface. Direct sun and damp both affect a wooden instrument, so a covered area is worth arranging even in settled weather. Wind carries sound away quickly, so amplification is usually needed outdoors even for a small number of guests.

Q: Can I contact multiple suppliers at the same time?

Yes, either add suppliers to your favourites and contact them all at once, or use the find a supplier wizard .

Browse 613 guitarists available for hire in New York, United States, from acoustic soloists and instrumental performers to singer-guitarists covering pop, rock, jazz and more. Rated 5 out of 5 across 1,285 reviews from real clients.

Of the 613 suppliers listed here, 29 are based within 30 miles of New York. The other 584 are willing to travel there.

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How much does it cost to hire Guitarists in New York?

$Low price

from$120USD

$$Average price

from$380USD

$$$High price

from$1,150USD

Guitar players mostly quote per set rather than per hour, with rates in New York starting from about $120 for a single instrumental set, typical bookings around $380 and singer-guitarists bringing their own PA reaching $1,150+. Longer performances, weekend and peak-season dates, and sets that include vocals all push quotes up. When comparing quotes, check what each includes: amplification, travel and time to learn requested songs are sometimes itemised separately. Booking ceremony and reception music with the same performer often costs less than hiring two separate acts. Contact the supplier you like for an accurate quote.

What our enquiries show

Based on 860 enquiries for Guitarists at events in the United States, made through this site in the last two years. Updated 21 October 2026.

Most requested for

Private events

28% of enquiries, with weddings next at 24%

Typical first reply

Within 12 hours

56% of enquiries get a reply within a day

How early people enquire

About four weeks

52% enquire less than a month before the event

Busiest months

All year round

No month has more than 13% of events

How far suppliers travel

About 30 miles

For the 86% based outside the event's town

Reviews of Guitarists based near New York

5/5 from 49 reviews

Desmond Ivey "Richard C. November 14, 2021 Verified review Beautiful Music Provided By An Authentic Gentleman Desmond performed for me and my loved ones last night while we gathered to celebrate my close friend's 50th Birthday. He arrived on time and spent the first few minutes setting up his equipment. I was expecting only a guitarist. I had no idea I had hired a singer too! Desmond performed many classic pop tunes by artists such as Neil Diamond, John Denver, Abba and Frank Sinatra. He is a passionate singer and player and I was captivated the entire time. He is also a very nice man and I'm glad to have met him. I encourage anyone who is looking for a singer/guitarist to enjoy the talents of this unique man." Based in New York 23rd December 2025 Richard C.

Juan Pedro Jimenez "Juan Pedro and his group did a magnificent job, they have a lot of talent. They gave us a very fun time. I definitely recommend them!" Translated from Spanish Based in Manhattan, New York (5 miles from New York) 14th November 2025 Alberto Duran - Fiesta orivada

The Bobby Guitar Rock & Roll Review "We were fortunate to book them for a few parties and they never disappoint! Great music, great read of the crowd and great event. WAs definitely one of the highlights from the party. Look forward to booking them again and recommend them more highly!" Based in Manhattan, New York (5 miles from New York) Zoom

Spanish Guitar/Flamenco Guitar "Jim is a prodigious and proficient guitarist. His music added to the ambience for my mom’s 90th birthday. She was familiar with many of the songs and sang along." Based in Fort Lee, New Jersey (10 miles from New York) 17th January 2026 Dr. Joe R - Birthday Party

Solo Guitar "Awesome arrangements and performances of the great Classic Standards!" Based in Staten Island, New York (13 miles from New York) Clive Davies

Gary Reed "Your 1977 guitar album recently came into my life and has brought me so much joy. It is up there with the best finger pickin albums of the 21st century." Based in Scotch Plains, New Jersey (21 miles from New York) Alex

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There are currently 1,285 reviews of Guitarists in our review centre and the average rating is 5/5.

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