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Some songs, to me, naturally lend themselves to being covered easily by a solo player, I am thinking of how to approach songs that don't. I like the idea of strumming through the chorus and talking over that strumming as a sort of "introduction". Is that what you were suggesting, DianB? I think I will go onto youtube and see if I can just find people doing covers and pay attention to their intros. If you guys have vids of covers you do I'd certainly watch them.

Good response Dianne. are you planning on signing at the same time? I’d also add unless you’re in a band type jam where an electric would fit in better with drums, bass, keyboards; you’d be best to stick to acoustic. Every guitar “guy/gal/she/he/they” play at a open place 98% play acoustic as it fills the void better, (like I’m the one to talk, where I primarily only use my acoustic playing in church as we have strict rules of not standing out but supporting) I typically gravitate to my electric’s as I try to add a simple solo into a “strum n sing “ song. as Dianne said people generally know the “hook” riff. check out the Live Lessons link on the above menu of this website. look for Steve’s lessons on Brown Eyed Girl. it’s got a great “hook” intro of 3rds diad that everyone goes yeah I know that song. You just need that intro rest came be strum n sing open chords. another really easy intro is on Clapton Wonderful Tonight, it’s a little riff at the 12th fret (don’t need to add the bends) if you can reach the 12th … your acoustic have a cut away? Then the rest of the song can be done in G, D, C open chords you won’t need to do the 3rds walk up if you have the little intro lick that you can use at the end of the song too

Hi, Jeff, and welcome to the discussion board. In the settings you describe, I suggest that your intro take into account factors such as where that song comes in the set (do you want a dramatic finish), the level of background noise from the audience (single notes might get lost), and how familiar the audience might be with the song (will they expect a certain lick). Some common tricks are to strum over the opening chord during a narration; open with the last four bars of the chorus (if it starts with the verse), or the first bar, or first few bars of the first verse. A good intro should blend well with the song and hint at what's to follow, so consider where the verse starts in the progression: on the I? the IV? the vi? Let your ear be your guide. If it pleases you, it will likely please your audience. I'm sure our gang will have other suggestions.