Ok so you’ve heard the phrase “session guitarist” being thrown around.
To a beginner guitar player, it can sound like a session guitarist must possess some kind of mysterious super power, that only a certain few have the magical knowledge.
What skills does a session guitarist need and what is expected of them 2025?
Here are the main skills I’ve listed below, and this blog goes into them in much greater detail.
Training
Playing Ability – Time, Tone & Technique
Ear Training
Rhythm Guitar Is Everything
Sight Reading + Chart Writing
Instrument + Amp Knowledge
Extra Skills and Practices
Music Tech Knowledge
People Skills
Social Media + Contacts
Below is a guide on based on my own experiences gained over 20+ years as a professional guitarist. This includes performing in bands, playing for artists, recording for producers, artists, musical directors and sound designers.
First of all, how do you actually be a session guitarist and what training do you need?
Training
Everyone’s journey is different and you will meet some incredible session musicians who are self taught, you will also meet some guitarists who have every qualification under the sun or a combination of the two.
I started off learning guitar at 13 with a school tutor and then formed my first band at 14. We started off playing covers alongside writing songs and recording E.Ps together and gigging locally. This carried on until the age of 19.
At 17 I decided I wanted to make a career out of playing. I went to a local music college for a couple of years where I met a guitar tutor who had worked in London in the early 90’s as a professional guitarist. Not only did I learn so much about the instrument, he was also a great mentor which helped point me in the right direction for my future career.
At 19 I went to study at a well know music college near London where I met some great contacts. I also learnt from some of the top guitarists who taught there at that time, I also started putting in some hardcore hours practising on my instrument. When I was 20 years old I would get up at 7AM, practise guitar from 8AM – Midday, go into college for a 2 hour lecture (also playing guitar) then I would come home and practise from around 7 – 10pm. I kept this up for around 3/4 days a week until I left uni 3 years later.
I was never the best guitarist in my class but made the conscious decision to be the best version of myself. I did this by trying to keep up with the best guitarists in my class who were 10 x greater than I was in terms of talent and ability.
Top Tip – Try and find someone who who has had a successful career doing what you want to do, drop them an email or message and ask if they do mentoring lessons, or if they would be willing to meet for coffee etc. You will be amazed at how many experienced professionals are willing to share their knowledge with you.
Playing Ability
Let’s start with the three T’s – Time, Tone & Technique.
Time
Playing in time is everything, I mean literally everything. Your technique and tone means nothing if you can’t play in time with a metronome or play with other musicians. A massive part of playing in time is also about listening. A great way to practise this is to practise with a metronome or with a drum machine. If you have a DAW such as Logic Pro X or a loop pedal with drum samples, use it. Practise recording your guitar parts and listen back as hard as you can. I guarantee the first time you do this it’s a very humbling experience, the musical mirror never lies!
Some of the world renowned studio guys have the best time feel and can lock in with pretty much anything. As a guitar player I always try and listen to the hi hats, kick or snare depending on what type of part I’m playing. You will find different drummers feel will dictate how you play things and how swung or straight certain grooves are. From my experience, I tend to “lock in” with drummers that have a similar style or feel to my playing style. Sometimes you have to work a bit harder to find a pocket, so if you ever play with a great drummer but find the chemistry is a bit tricky. Don’t be put off as it’s most likely they are placing their hits in different places depending how they feel where the beat lies. Guitarists are renowned for rushing or playing ahead of the beat, so I always try and subconsciously sit back when playing a tough rhythm guitar or fast picking part. As soon as you start thinking like a drummer, everything makes sense.
Ultimately your interior time clock is like a battery, you need to give it a good charge to get going then you just need to stay on top of it…..and remember, DON’T FORGET TO LISTEN!!!
Top Tip – Try to play with as many different drummers from different backgrounds as possible. Every guitarist has there first style (most experience performing in) then they may have sub/secondary styles that they are competent in.
Record yourself on a DAW and see what your guitar playing rhythm strikes look like in relation to the metronome grid. If you don’t have a DAW record yourself on phones voice notes playing along to a metronome.
Tone
As a session guitarist having a great tone is something that will get you re hired even if you aren’t the most technical player. Producers love guitarists with great tone and amazing feel so just bear that in mind when recording and playing live.
Depending on what style you play in, these are the main 4 sounds you will need minus effects
Clean
Low Drive/Crunch
Overdrive/Light Distortion
High Gain/Heavy Distortion
In 2024 there are some great amp modellers that will do the job along with some fantastic plug ins. For recording and live I personally use a Kemper with Michael Britt profiles. Main reason I use Kemper is that it’s very reliable, doesn’t require much tweaking and it sounds more than great for most scenarios.
FX
In regards to using FX such as delay, reverb, chorus, wah (the list goes on), you can go down the rabbit hole depending how much time and research you’re willing to put in.
I would recommend starting with x 4 great amp sounds (listed above) along with some good sounding delays and reverbs. That will be more than enough to get you started and will cover most session requirements. If you require something more specialist and wish to recreate a guitar part like the record, you will have to do some research and use your ears. I know of afew guys using Chat GPT to help them figure what amps and pedals were used to create iconic tones.
In a studio or remote recording environment, 9/10 you will be required to record dry stems which the producer or sound designer will re amp with plugins so make sure you have decent plugins when recording your own end before bouncing.
Neural DSP and Amplitube have a great range of plugin packs to check out.
Guitars
Here is a list of guitars that most session guitarists will have in their arsenal
Stratocaster
Telecaster
Les Paul or PRS
Acoustic
12 string Acoustic
My personal favourite is the Telecaster as “the working man’s guitar”. It works incredibly well in lots of different styles and can cover 90% electric sessions. It also has an incredibly simple design with strings going through the back of the guitar so it stays in tune fairly well.
Having a Les Paul or PRS in your arsenal is a great tool if you ever need a great authentic rock tone!
Everything you do is investing in yourself and your career. After all, a career is a marathon and not a sprint so it will take as long as it takes. I didn’t feel confident taking on professional sessions until my early 30’s as I needed a good 10 years playing to get my rhythm and ear training chops to wear I felt they needed to be.
Technique
Stop hitting the strings so hard, seriously this is something I’ve learned from recording. If you dig in too much you will choke the notes and they will sound thin. Depending on style, you don’t play the notes you “feel the notes” and they should sound effortless.
For a working guitarist playing contemporary styles , 99% of the time you will be using strumming, alternate picking, hammer ons and pull offs, string bending and finger style guitar. If you can shred at 200bpm that’s great and it has its place, however as a session player you’ll find yourself primary playing rhythm guitar (more on that later).
If you specialise in a certain style, other skills such as hybrid picking, chicken picking, economy picking, finger tapping + many more technique are great depending what type of genres you want to specialise in. I’d recommend being a good all rounder and then try and specialises in a style you enjoy the most or find what comes most natural to you.
Ear Training
In 2024 the access to tabs is incredibly easy. Unfortunately in a guitar session these aren’t very useful if you need to learn original material and also learn songs at speed by ear.
Once you know how to find the key of a song (if you don’t know how to do this get a lesson). Start with working out the bass on a track, 9/10 the bass will be the root note or the chord or it will either the 3rd/5th (making the chord an inversion)
A few things to help develop your ears:
Practise playing along to your favourite albums. Try 1 album a day for 6 months.
I use Rick Beatos Ear Training App to practise Major, Minor triads. 1st and 2nd inversions, sus2 and sus4 chords along with 7th chords. This will cover 95% of modern contemporary music along with the odd diminished or m7b5 chord.
Another great app I use is called Moises. You can slow things down and pitch the bass up the octave to hear clearer if it’s buried in the mix. You can also separate instruments too.
Top Tip: All of the musicians I know who landed the biggest gig of their life got called last minute. They all said their ear training helped them get the gig so stop using tabs and start working things out by ear!
Rhythm Guitar Is Everything
A motorcyclist could be amazing at wheelies but most of the time you’re concentrating on riding and the environment around you. Same goes for rhythm guitar, 95% of the time you’re going to be playing rhythm guitar so that should be your priority, my advice is, “learn how to play great rhythm guitar, that way you’ll always get to play what you love”.
Adding guitar lines or solos to songs. Something I learned a long time ago is that if you come up with a great guitar line for a chorus, make sure you stay out the way of the vocal melody. You might come up with the best guitar line in the world but if it clashes with the vocal melody you will find yourself having to come up with a new guitar part.
A good tip I’ve learned is that when asked to come up with a guitar lead line or melody “ear candy” line. Make sure the vocal melody can be heard if possible just so you can make your part with the vocal hook.
Sight Reading + Chart Writing
It is vitally important as a session guitarist that you can atleast write down basic chord charts. Whether this is by hand or by using notation software such as Sibelius. If you get called for a gig but only have a couple of days (or less) to practise the songs, if you can read basic chord charts or cheat sheets this will get you through the gig. If you can sight read that is a bonus as 90% of professional guitar players don’t sight read.
A lot of my charts these day are written using the nashville numbers system (I, IV + V etc). This makes changing key a breeze especially if you play in different bands with male and female singers.
A great thing to remember when writing a chart is that someone else needs to read it, so make it as clear and simple to understand!
Instrument + Amp Knowledge
Guitars stopped working, amps died, snapped a string, low signal. If there is a problem, no good bumbling around, you need to work out what’s wrong, troubleshoot all the possible causes and fix it as quick as possible.
My method to find a problem is bypass your pedal board and plug directly into the amp, sometimes it can be something as simple as a dud lead that’s decided to break just when you need it.
Just like death and taxes…gear breaks. So make sure you take two spares of everything, if you snap a string, lead breaks or amp goes down. It’s your responsibility to fix it or have a back up available ASAP so the session can continue with no disruption.
Extra Skills and Practices
Here is a list of skills and practices I’d recommend you should be doing to take your guitar playing up a level and prepare for guitar sessions:
Gig regularly
Whether you’re playing guitar for a recording artist or in a professional covers band, gigging regularly is incredibly important for confidence and staying gig fit. Try and get as much live performance experience as possible.
Singing backing vocals and be able to play a second instrument
In the live session world, if you can sing great backing vocals you opportunities will increase 10 fold. Artists and Musical directors love session musicians that sing BV’s and these musicians will get hired over the virtuoso everytime, backing vocals bring another element to the performance and will get you re-hired.
If you can also play another instrument that is also a bonus depending on the different budgets available for gigs.
Record regularly
If you’re not doing sessions try creating audio for your own original material or to be used for marketing material such as Instagram/youtube. This will really help when you’re in the recording studio with other studio musicians.
There is lot of honesty and truth in recording when looking in the musical mirror. The more experience you get recording yourself, you will find it’s a very humbling experience when you hear exactly what you sound like unedited and un-quantized.
Mime gigs
When starting off in the pop and tv scene, you will be occasionally asked to mime….
This is a great way of meeting people and other great musicians so don’t turn down these opportunities even if they seem fake or superficial. Just remember this is the “showbiz” side of being a musician which is all part of being a session musician.
Auditions
The more auditions you go to the more experience you will get being in that high pressure environment. Rejection is a huge part of the music industry so don’t let it put you off when you don’t get an audition.
Out of all auditions I went to, I probably got 5 – 10% of them as either my playing wasn’t suitable for the gig or my look didn’t fit the style they were after. Some of the best opportunities will come from contacts and friends that you know and meet along the way 😀 Persistence is key so when it gets tough don’t give up!!
Top Tip – The best advice I ever got given was make sure you are always playing with musicians better than you are, it will suck for quite a bit but eventually you will improve. Playing in a covers bands was the best thing I ever did, it taught me how to learn songs, how to play in time, how to play in different styles and it also helped me pay my way through my final years or college with an instrument in my hand.
Music Tech Knowledge
Here are some more skills below that have helped me on my journey so far…
Being able to a use a mixing desk and assign aux outputs for different band members.
Understanding how a signal chain works and the difference between TS and TRS (mono and stereo).
Being able to rig a PA from start to finish.
Having producer skills so you can make your own recordings sound great and help other musicians with their tracks.
Being able to program drums, bass, keys and have a basic understanding of automation.
Be a competent arranger and understand how to put a song together.
Knowing how to send midi patch board changes from a DAW to your amp modeller/pedal board to change sounds.
Writing great guitar charts using Sibelius.
Knowing how to use a DAW such as Logic Pro X or Ableton.
Being able to program backing track cues in Logic for pre production/bouncing in preparation for a live show.
People Skills
So it’s quite simple, be nice, be on time (and in time) be on point with your playing and don’t be a *#*#. If you can nail all of those you’ll have a successful career and get work as a session musician.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to get along with people and know your place. Even if your sleep deprived, had a bad day at home or have personal things going on behind the scenes. Being a professional musician is playing your best when you feel your worst. Above all, be professional and get the job done.
Always give it 110% when performing, but remember, it’s super important to not cause any problems for the artist or person that’s employed you to play for them. Try be as chill as possible when off stage, and be the person that helps solves problems and not create them.
If someone asks for your opinion, remember everything you say is considered so always bear that in mind 🙂
Good communication is also crucial, it is a business at the end of the day so it’s very important to discuss fees and quotes upfront before taking on any job (Same if you’re a plumber, builder or carpenter).
The music industry is also strongly based on relationships, that involves communication, understanding expectations and also treating people with respect/how you would want to be treated. It is a team game so even as a session player, I’d recommend always try and be a team player whatever scenario you find yourself in. A lot of musicians that work together are also great friends so that is something to remember.
Last thing….. the biggest ego in the room is the Song!!
Social Media & Contacts
In this day and age, the main stage of marketing is on social media.
Instagram, tik tok and youtube is your online business card so you need to make sure this is kept up to date as you never know who will look you up online.
You never know who will recommend you for gig or recording session so always be prepared for that opportunity to come along.
Saying yes to opportunities
When you start out in your career, you need as much experience as possible so don’t let your ego get in the way. Think of your journey as everything you do, you’re constantly investing in yourself for the future. Try and do something today that your future self will thank you for!
The following method works for me when deciding on what opportunities to take. I usually try and make sure it ticks at least 1 or 2 of the following questions.
Is it fun?
Will it be a good learning experience?
Is it a good opportunity and the potential of meeting someone new?
Is there a potential for more work in the future?
Will the musicians be a good hang?
Is the fee good/worth the time?
Just remember being a session guitarist is supposed to be a fun job so make sure you think about the other opportunities as well as the financial side of things.
As you get more established and experienced, you can choose what opportunities you say yes and no to.
Learn how a business works
If you want a long lasting career, learn how a business works. Learn how to market yourself, learn how to write an invoice, learn how to file taxes properly, learn how to build a website and learn how to create brand trust.
50% Music (be amazing)
50% Business (be aware of whats going on in your market/scene and be constantly open to learn new skills)
Change is inventible in all walks of life. Once you realise it is you that has to change in order to adapt, you will survive an industry constantly on the move with innovation and change.
Conclusion
All in all, to be a session guitarist you don’t have to be the most technical player, but you need to have excellent timing, tone, fantastic ears, good transcription skills, good technique. Above all, make sure you get on with people but deliver what is required from you with no stress.
Being versatile in the way you work will also benefit you, every session is different and you will learn something new every time. Every session guitarists journey is different and no one wrote a manual so this is just my take based on my experience so far.
A great quote which I’ve borrowed from a recent Arnold Schwarzenegger documentary is “Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise”
P.S – Remember it’s supposed to be a fun job! 😀🤘
About Joe
Joe Badger is a Session guitarist based near London.
For the last 20 years Joe has been performing and recording with 100’s of signed and unsigned artists as well as Musical Directing Corporate Band Xcaliber
Joe is Available For Live & Remote Recording Sessions In the UK and Europe.
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Joe on a remote recording project, and I cannot speak highly enough of the experience! Joe was incredibly helpful and kind, guiding me through the process every step of the way. His professionalism and skill made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Joe to anyone in need of a talented and reliable guitarist. I look forward to working with him again in the future!”
Carlie
(Singer/Songwriter)
★★★★★
“Joe recorded some tracks for a theatre show I am producing—he provided us with exactly what we needed on a short turnaround, following a really helpful, multiple draft process with feedback from different team members. I’d definitely recommend working with Joe!”
My names Joe, I’m session guitarist based near London who specialises in recording rock music for studio recordings and also available for one off gigs and tours.
I started my journey in original bands when was 14, writing and recording songs whilst taking regular guitar lessons. My first original band recorded and released 5 E.PS as well as touring nationally.
For the last 20 years I have been working as a professional session guitarist performing and recording for 100’s of signed and unsigned acts in studios in London, as well as recording remotely from my home studio.
As well as lots of recording, I spent the early part of my 20’s performing in arena’s and have been playing guitar regularly with corporate covers band “Xcaliber” which I also manage and MD.
If you’re an artist, producer, band, musical director or sound designer, please feel free to get in touch about booking a live or remote guitar session –[email protected]
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Joe on a remote recording project, and I cannot speak highly enough of the experience! Joe was incredibly helpful and kind, guiding me through the process every step of the way. His professionalism and skill made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Joe to anyone in need of a talented and reliable guitarist. I look forward to working with him again in the future!”
Carlie
(Singer/Songwriter)
★★★★★
“Joe recorded some tracks for a theatre show I am producing—he provided us with exactly what we needed on a short turnaround, following a really helpful, multiple draft process with feedback from different team members. I’d definitely recommend working with Joe!”
Experienced Online Session Guitarist providing high quality electric & acoustic guitar parts.
Joe Badger has a wealth of experience gained over 20+ years of performing 1000’s of gigs ranging from grass root level venues all the way to arenas.
Joe started his guitar playing journey in original bands in his teens writing and recording songs. This soon progressed into Joe taking session work as well as performing regularly in professional cover bands in the UK and Europe.
Wherever you are in the world, Joe will bring your songs to life and record professional guitar stems using his home studio set up.
Send over your song/memo, how many guitar tracks you require & any reference guitar sounds. Joe will then record a rough take and send over via WhatsApp or email for your approval. If you require any guitar arrangement ideas, Joe will gladly provide some suggestions.
Once you’re happy with the parts, Joe will record and edit a guitar track for you and send over via we transfer as a WAV file
If you require any revisions or amendments Joe will record this for you.
Electric Guitar
24 BIT WAV FILE
Includes Editing x 2 Revisions
Amp Sounds + Dry Stems Available Wav Bounced From 0
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Joe on a remote recording project, and I cannot speak highly enough of the experience! Joe was incredibly helpful and kind, guiding me through the process every step of the way. His professionalism and skill made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Joe to anyone in need of a talented and reliable Online Session Guitarist. I look forward to working with him again in the future!”
Carlie
(Singer/Songwriter)
★★★★★
“Joe recorded some tracks for a theatre show I am producing—he provided us with exactly what we needed on a short turnaround, following a really helpful, multiple draft process with feedback from different team members. I’d definitely recommend working with Joe!”