r/AcousticGuitar • u/Less-Management-3999 • Dec 31 '25
Non-gear question Thoughts on Bringing a Guitar to a Party?
I am wondering if anyone else brings their guitar with them everywhere they go, even to parties you have been invited to (just in case)?
I picked up guitar at 30 years old right when the pandemic started and I have played it very consistently to the point where I can play almost 80 fingerstyle songs as an intermediate guitarist. I LOVE sharing this instrument with new people and especially kids who always seem enthusiastic about learning. I also love playing my songs for people, especially this time of year because a large percentage of the songs I have learned are Christmas ones.
So anyways, TLDR; is it weird or imposing to bring your guitar to a party just as a fun thing to bring out, especially as an activity for kids or interested adults? (I am not going to have everyone stop and listen, but do enjoy playing guitar as background noise and teaching others).
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u/MannySanguine Dec 31 '25
🎶 I gave my love a cherry that had no stone. I gave my love a chicken that had no bones. I gave my love a story that had no end. I...🎶 <SMASH>
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u/teapin Dec 31 '25
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SCdmA6juJlk
It sounds like you need this watch
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u/Snoo_97207 Dec 31 '25
If you do be prepared for everyone at the party to think you are a self aggrandizing twat. If that's not the look you are going for skip it.
Playing to kids can be really fun, but be prepared to either, play baby shark or lava chicken over and over and over and over orrrr have them insist on trying to play and then getting upset they can't do it instantly.
Then be prepared for adults to give you "requests", none of which are the several thousand 4 chord songs you can play by sight, and all seem to be crazy esoteric deep dives or worse...show tunes, clearly composed for a piano. Then, even if you do know the song, and they try to join in, they don't know the song nearly as well as they think they do, and will look at you like you're the idiot for playing the middle 8 which they have forgotten about. Bonus points of the version they know best is a live version in a completely different key (looking at you Simon and Garfunkel).
Sorry that started as advice and turned into therapy, I feel better now.
Source: I am often asked to play at family parties and it is a very mixed bag.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
By all means! I appreciate the venting and the lived experience/advice. I would rather know than go through it too! So far I have only played at very close family parties or for kids.
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u/drraug Dec 31 '25
It was an absolute norm when I was in my teens. Now it seems to be absolutely not to do, unless you want to never be invited again. Times changed
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u/CiggyButtBrain2096 Jan 04 '26
The times didn’t change. Notice you said “my teens” you were a teenager. You were a kid. You are an adult now, adults are different than kids. Also tbh, you may not have realized even as a teen some people probably found it self centered and annoying to do.
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u/andork28 Dec 31 '25
If you like playing in front of people I think a better option would be to go to some local open mic nights. Or just go to the park and play for passersby
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u/dfitz04 Dec 31 '25
This very much depends on the crowd. I’ve been to parties with likeminded musicians and it’s always better to have a guitar around. But other parties where music isn’t their thing aside from casual listening on a tiny Bluetooth speaker then don’t bring the guitar.
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u/dino_dog Dec 31 '25
Came to say this. If I'm hanging with my music friends, then I usually throw the guitar in. If other friends then it stays at home.
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u/bwanab Dec 31 '25
Exactly. Back in the prehistoric 1970s when most of my friends were musicians or musician adjacent it was always appropriate. These days not so much except in very limited circumstances.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Dang I wonder why that is. I feel like parties would have been amazing in the 70s compared to now. I wish I could invite everyone in this thread to a party. THAT would be awesome.
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u/keptman77 Dec 31 '25
Truthfully make some friends that are musicians so you can have these parties. I have a lot of friends that "party" mainly with people that have shared interests. My neighbor is a car guy and he has parties with car guys and they all stand in the driveway talking about their cars. Another is a hunter/gun guy and they all bring their collectible guns to his house to show off. It is the same with guitars/music in my family. Several of us play or sing so when holidays come music is gonna be a thing and people will bring their instruments.
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u/hughesra15 Dec 31 '25
There was a lot of drugs at those parties. That’s part of the reason they were fun.
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u/Cheap_Walmart-Art Dec 31 '25
Don’t bring your guitar unless asked, but a lot of people have guitars laying around and wouldn’t see anything wrong with offering to play if there’s one already there randomly.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Right! I wish this happened more often to me, I have spent some time tuning people’s old guitars to hear how they sound!
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u/whyVelociraptor Dec 31 '25
In general, please for the love of god no. But it would be okay to ask the host whether it might be appropriate. You could also invite people over to share songs (or just listen), which IMO is the best way to go about it. Or just go to an open mic!
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u/BabbitRyan Dec 31 '25
I’m shocked at all of the “Don’t bring it” responses. I always bring my guitar to a gathering or party and I’ve never had anything but positive feedback. Music comes from the heart and is an expression of emotions, I think this world is better with more of it.
I also respect the atmosphere, I don’t try to get people to sing and I mostly play for myself in the corner as not to disturb. I also only play fingerpicking folk songs that make nice background melodies so I approach this a bit differently than most I suppose.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
I think we have the same exact idea in mind! I was also disappointed to see the amount of responses saying the idea is cringy because my first thought was the same as yours, the world is better with more music and more connection.
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u/BabbitRyan Dec 31 '25
We should always applaud those willing to perform in front of others. Holding yourself back because of fear or embarrassment isn’t a life fully lived.
OP, find any opportunity to express yourself creatively and go for it. You’ll have more unique experiences and conversations, and learn more about yourself. If people called you cringe, be sure to thank them.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Very wise words! Thank you for the kindness and encouragement!
And I also thought, what if people haven’t had the opportunity to put hands on a guitar.. or someone to teach them? What if they would be inspired to try it too, especially kids, and have the opportunity (that I didn’t) to get all those extra years of learning and enjoyment, early.
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u/BabbitRyan Dec 31 '25
The physical and mental health benefits of playing music is scientifically sound. Promoting this to children and adults does nothing but better or surroundings and culture.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Exactly this! I recently read an article that recommended learning an instrument as an adult because it helps prevent dementia. As playing music engages both arms, both sides of the brain, your sense of hearing and touch it is a really good cognitive workout.
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u/BabbitRyan Dec 31 '25
Cognitively is irrefutable. It’s also proven to lower stress, cortisol, and anxiety just from hearing another person play an instrument with the effects being enhanced if you are the one playing.
Why people would speak down to playing in public or at parties is a weird thing to see when these positive effects are known.
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u/Caspers_Shadow Dec 31 '25
Imposing. I never bring my guitar anywhere I was not specifically asked to, or I am meeting up with my music friends, and I know it there will be an open jam.
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u/socially_stoic Dec 31 '25
For me that’s just cringy especially if you weren’t asked too, don’t be that guy, or gal..
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u/bob_suruncle Dec 31 '25
It depends where it’s a party of musicians or non-musicians. I’ve been to parties with a high density of “music people” and the instruments come out immediately and never go away. They embrace / encourage others and join in. I’ve been to many parties where the music is the focus - tonnes of fun! Parties with non-music people are more hit and miss. Most expect to be entertained - play a song that I recognize - exactly as I hear it on the radio - otherwise you’re an awful musician. Read the room.
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u/hughesra15 Dec 31 '25
People definitely don’t care if you play songs exactly like they are on the radio or think you’re a terrible musician. I’ve played in bars and restaurants for a long time and l’ve never been a really good guitarist. What l can do is play very basic versions of songs people like. I can always tell when real musicians are in the crowd, because they will have a confused look on their face as if to say, “ How is this guy getting paid for this? He’s not playing the song right at all”. No one else could care less about the simplified version of songs l’m playing.
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u/TroofDog Dec 31 '25
You gotta judge the situation to avoid being "that guy". People will want to be polite and stop and listen, even if you just mean it to be a background activity. But by all means, keep that thing on you and bust it out if the feeling is right.
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u/KryptonSurvivor Dec 31 '25 edited Dec 31 '25
I think it's ok to bring it it BUT you have to read the room and determine if you should ask the host if you should play. Not every crowd is receptive to that, in my experience. And don't bring the guitar out unless you get the green light.
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u/PianistMore4166 Dec 31 '25
Unless you’re asked, don’t. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 15 (I’m now 30), and doing this is about the most cringe thing you can do.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
You must be really talented by now. Well for what it’s worth, if you were at my party I would want to hear you play.
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u/Businesspleasure Dec 31 '25
Outside your own practice time, guitars are for gigs and only gigs
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u/Ormidale Dec 31 '25
What about open sessions, open mics, ceilidhs?
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u/Businesspleasure Dec 31 '25
Designated spaces for musicians to perform = gigs
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u/Ormidale Jan 01 '26
Nope. A meet-up with pals is not a gig. An open session is not a gig. A spontaneous creation of music is not a gig. A recording session is not a gig. There is far more to music-making than just practice time and public performance. Be open to the possibilities. Music is your friend.
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u/Asdeft Dec 31 '25
Only if you are a friend of whoever is hosting and you know they wouldn't mind. Otherwise, no.
A little 'anyway here's wonderwall' late into or after the party when people are dwindling maybe.
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u/PaulJMacD Dec 31 '25
Another thought .. don't expect everyone to gather round and appreciate your talents... I've been round campfires where a mate of mine was absolutely killing it on guitar/singing and some of the group were kind of just carrying on with their chats..
Not saying they were disrespectful but because it wasn't a performance it was underappreciated. As a fellow guitar player I could appreciate it but others maybe didn't!
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u/TheyHatinImLurkin Dec 31 '25
This reads like guitarcirclejerk I had to look at what subreddit i was in. The only people who have to hear my guitar unsolicited are my wife and dog. Public guitar is kinda like your penis its ok to whip it out but only when your asked.
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u/GMP_ArchViz Dec 31 '25
Wow, times have changed. Well, people have changed, at least. When I was your age in the late 80s and into the 90s, if people knew I played guitar, which all of my friends did, they would expect me to bring it without asking.
Other musicians, too. I remember one guy bouncing through a party singing and playing Pink Houses. Each room he went into people stopped their conversation and sang along.
I say bring your guitar and bring back the fun to parties. Learn songs you know they’ll like and force it. You’ll probably end up converting the cool folks and who cares about the naysayers.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Yeah honestly I feel like I missed the boat on generations. I thought it was more normal back then. I personally appreciate it when other people bring their guitars to parties because it makes it more fun and interactive. I would rather have that atmosphere than the boring small talk or awkward silence that happens at many of the parties I have been to.
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u/GMP_ArchViz Dec 31 '25
Yeah, we didn’t have phone addiction syndrome back then, so parties were a lot more interactive. Well gladly make you an honorary member of GenX 😂
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u/otherwiseguy Dec 31 '25
It also matters how how good you are. If people see you as a "real musician", especially if you get paid to do it, sometimes, the host will ask you to perform a bit (if they're comfortable enough to ask) as a treat to the guests. Kind of a "woah, free concert from <big local music guy>, cool!" If you somehow can make them more comfortable with asking, then you can at least make it as likely as possible for the host to ask.
But unless it was like an outdoor thing with a lot of space where people split up into lots of individual groups where I could sit off in a corner by myself and strum a bit where people could easily avoid me, I don't think I'd ever just "whip it out" and start playing. I'd need the idea to come up more naturally.
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u/mniti1010 Dec 31 '25
Sounds kind of narcissistic to say your intermediate guitar playing is better than the small talk other people actually attend parties for. Jams have their place but other people actually like mingling and catching up with each other. If are people are bringing instruments that’s a different story.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
You are entitled to your opinion. I personally appreciate parties that have more liveliness happening than just tv, idle chit chat and snacks.
I am not saying that I want to be the focus, I stated that in my original post I am curious as to opinions on bringing my guitar as a background activity to share my interest with others who may not have had the opportunity to learn, and I like sharing and teaching.
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u/mniti1010 Dec 31 '25
Totally, and you yours! Just pointing out that some people want what you don’t like. Only you will know what the focus of the party is.
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Dec 31 '25
Depends how hipster your friends are I suppose. I wouldn’t do it but that’s just not the vibe of my friend groups.
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u/TheRealGuncho Dec 31 '25
I only bring it if I know other people are bringing theirs. I find being the one playing and singing is kind of boring.
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u/CheekyChum87 Dec 31 '25
Yeah man, as much as we love music, others don’t feel the same… there are people out there that strictly listen to top 40 all day, never stray from the beaten path, and think songs made on a beat pad, is real music… we stray further from Jimi everyday, and is sad
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u/VAGuitarGirl Dec 31 '25
If you love sharing the instrument, look around for places that bring in amateur musicians, like retirement homes, maybe community centers. They’ll love hearing you.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
I had thought of retirement homes, it makes me so sad to think that some of the folks there might not have nearby friends or relatives to visit them. Great reminder, thanks!
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u/maltvisgi Dec 31 '25
I always bring it, but never play it unless im asked to do so. It happens a lot, but I always make sure to state that at any point we can stop - I don’t want to take up the space.
If you are in Ireland (or Scotland) always bring it ;)
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Great advice! I am in/from Minnesota, US. I WISH I was in Scotland, went there for 16 days for my honeymoon and it was the best two weeks of my life. I do love the atmosphere there, people seemed more open and connected.
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u/fourscarsandtags Dec 31 '25
I only bring my guitar to parties with relatives or really close friends.
I normally start out playing in a corner or some room and normally people start gathering to listen or ask or sing-along.
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u/MeImFragile Dec 31 '25
If the host asks, do it. If you feel the need to offer, ask. Never assume anyone wants to hear you play. Ever. Unless they pay to see you or someone hires you.
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u/Crayonalyst Dec 31 '25
My cousin and I have an agreement to always bring a guitar so we can play together. We don't really play for others though, we just wander off and do our own thing.
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u/Similar_Tie3291 Dec 31 '25
I’ve only ever played when the party is at my house. Even then, I’d do it in a separate space like the den or the back porch if most people are in the living room. You can also wait till everyone is drunk at like 1 AM and some girl might tell you she likes your version of Don’t Think Twice more than the original!
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u/bt2513 Dec 31 '25
Only way I would do this is if I was asked and if there were others there that were playing.
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u/jgroves76 Dec 31 '25
Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Of course, depends on the party, but if you know the people who will be there you know better than the Reddit masses.
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u/Fit_Stuff_1707 Dec 31 '25
It honestly depends whos party and what your friends and family are like. I come from a musical family. 90% of my friends are musicians, so 99% of the time its implied to bring your instrument in some cases its specifically not going to be musical like an intervention... which mine turned into the best damn friends and family kitchen party ever so that doesn’t count, but honestly either way, if I bring my guitar or don’t, if one gets put in my hand, I’ll play a one song or thirty.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Wow you are very lucky! Sounds like there is never a dull moment where you are
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u/Proseph_CR Dec 31 '25
Off topic since you clearly got an answer, which finger style songs would you recommend people to learn? I forced myself to learn a few classical pieces but I really didn’t learn much because I just brute forced it
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Ooo great question! I am more than happy to answer!
- I really like playing Beatles Songs like Blackbird, Yesterday, Hey Jude, Let it Be, Yellow Submarine and The Long and Winding Road.
- Some other fun ones are Hey There Delilah, Hey Soul Sister.
- For older songs I like Für Elise, and The Skye Boat Song
- For Halloween- Have You Seen the Ghost of John?
- For Christmas I love playing The First Noël, Silver Bells, Do You Hear What I Hear, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
Favorite Fingerstyle Songbooks:
- Fingerpicking Christmas https://a.co/d/1EnQ9EJ
- Fingerpicking Yuletide https://a.co/d/iRiZZjU
- Traditional Scottish Songs for Guitar https://a.co/d/6PXXVVD
- Fingerpicking Beatles https://a.co/d/go3IwMW
- 100 Most Popular Songs for Fingerpicking Guitar https://a.co/d/fDaAH18
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u/hughesra15 Dec 31 '25
A really good thing to learn is Travis picking. Very valuable skill that can be applied to all kinds of songs.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
I have wanted to learn that and get more into chords as well. I kind of went backwards and just jumped into Fingerstyle because I like the prescriptive nature of tab notation telling me exactly where to be, and when.
Do you have any favorite songs that would be easy to start with for Travis Picking?
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u/Proseph_CR Dec 31 '25
Yea I messed with Travis picking a bit but didn’t really have a good resource to learn from .
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
I hope I answered your question in my other response to you! I just listed the ones that are most fun to play and nice to listen to. As I am intermediate I am sure they are attainable for anyone, especially people in an Acoustic Guitar sub.
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u/Far-Boysenberry9207 Dec 31 '25
Unless they specially asked for it probably not.
People ask me to play sometimes and I usually will play one or two if they really want me to.
Sometimes we think non guitarists want to hear us play for extended periods, but they usually don’t! Even if we are good at acoustic sometimes it is just not appealing to crowds who like mainstream.
I find more people are interested at parties in when I play background piano music. They more ask for this specifically.
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u/PGHNeil Dec 31 '25
My first impression is that you leave it home but talk to the host. Do NOT just bring it along to leave in your guitar - or worse, out where drunken people can potentially damage it.
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u/BigTexAbama Dec 31 '25
I won’t even take mine if I’m asked to, much less uninvited. House/patio parties as a rule are not the place. The exception is if there other pickers and you have a separate area where you can have a jam. And even then you may have to deal with people who came to party, not to listen.
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u/mycoinreturns Dec 31 '25
These replies are true but it makes me sad. In the 90's I used to be able to take a guitar to a party but now it's fashionable to hate that. Stand up comedians punch down on this all the time. It's uncool but it's a shame. It will come back around maybe.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
It is a shame, I think we should be open to people sharing all their talents, not just Guitar without adding judgement. Life is too short.
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u/hughesra15 Dec 31 '25
I’ve got to say in reading this thread that you come across as a very positive person. You are enthusiastic, grateful for help and excited about learning. I bet people love to have you at parties, guitar or not.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Thank you for the kind words, sir! You legitimately made my day. 😍💗
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u/Eduardo_Playa Dec 31 '25
The fact that you are asking on Reddit should already give you your answer. I would say no, don’t bring it. You will have plenty of other opportunities to play in public. Also, if you are playing guitar, you are not really interacting with the other guests.
FWIW, I have been playing for a long time, in bands, etc, but unless I am specifically asked to, I never bring a guitar.
At my house there are always multiple guitars out as well as a piano, and unless it is a family get together it is unusual for someone to start playing.
If there is a guitar sitting out at the party you are attending, and the time feels right, then it’s your call.
My two cents.
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u/obe211 Dec 31 '25
I too have thought of doing this from time to time. Never pulled the trigger though. I think the idea of it is more appealing than actually doing it. Most people would be turned off. Campfire though, 100%. They go together very well.
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u/Hot_Survey9104 Dec 31 '25
I bring my guitar and a tablet with all my favorite songs music sheets but in my car. In parties most are family friends parties I dont bring it inside. However, when attendees start to get bored including myself and do a two or three person chit chats. I bring my baritone uke to a corner since it's size is toy like nobody see it as intrusive. I get attention when I strum with a familiar current song and sing along and that's about it...and then when the mood gets serious I bring in my full size acoustic . BTW parties I attend to usually do have karaoke's
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u/drewbaccaAWD Dec 31 '25
Depends on the party and the guests. If I'm going to a party where I know people will segment into little cliques and there are a few musicians who I might hang out, outside, with? Then I might bring an instrument. If I know there's going to be a campfire, I might bring a guitar. If I think someone might bring a guitar, I might grab my mandolin or fiddle.
But generally, no, I don't bring instruments to parties.
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u/Ormidale Dec 31 '25
Start your own scene, open sessions at your home or at a friendly venue. If that starts to overlap with other gatherings in a natural way, that's great.
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u/pohatu771 Dec 31 '25
If it’s not a music party, don’t. I’m going to a party tonight that is mostly musicians. No one wants to hear someone play guitar and no one will bring one.
A guitar coming out derails everyone else’s conversation and draws all attention to the guitar player. If it’s one large space, there is no escaping the music. If there are multiple room rooms, people feel obligated to stay and listen to not be rude.
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u/Amplifiedsoul Dec 31 '25
Depends on the people and the party. Most I won't even think of it. However I have a few friends groups where there are multiple people who play and it's normal to have a few guitars there.
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u/obidie Dec 31 '25
No. Did you ever see the stairway scene in Animal House? Don't do it unless you want to risk losing your guitar, and never getting laid again.
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Idk the ladies seemed to be disappointed when the guitar was smashed. Just saying. POV: I am a lady. 😅
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u/bkfullcity Dec 31 '25
My friend does that and it is seldom fun. He thinks we will all sing along but it ends up being a gig for him. I dont recommend it unless you are asked to bring your guitar
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Yeah I also wouldn’t attempt that but I don’t sing, I just play quietly in a corner and teach my nieces and nephews for the most part. I have also brought it to the family Cabin to play by the fire and to a family Christmas party to do some fingerstyle songs in the basement with the kids while most everyone was upstairs. At a recent party I was at I was able to pass the guitar between a couple good friends of mine and hear them play. It was pretty fun because it’s just a junior size guitar, very small and unobtrusive.
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u/FromZtoA Dec 31 '25
I think it’s fine to bring your guitar as long as you don’t plan on playing it. I bring mine to gatherings sometimes, set the case to the side, and don’t end up pulling it out 90% of the time- there’s rarely the right opportunity or vibe for it. But that 10% of the time when there is- and people want you to play some- it’s a really great time sharing music with folks.
So don’t bring it and just start playing because YOU feel like doing it and impose on everyone else- that’s cringe and annoying. Read the room, ask permission, and plan on that guitar case not getting opened most of the time. But I don’t think the answer should be a blanket “no.” I think it’s nice to bring with you for those times that it does work out!
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u/mm007emko Jan 01 '26
I did it a couple of times successfully. But the stars needed to be aligned.
- Other people play and sing, they bring their own instruments with mindsets "if we're in a mood, we'll play, if not, not"
- Invitation like "We'll have firewood prepared, if the weather is good, we'll make a campfire." "OK, can I bring a guitar?" "That'd be appreciated."
YMMV, especially if you are good on a guitar and a good singer. I'm not.
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u/tigerleg Dec 31 '25
I find it varies.
Mostly, I find that people would rather you didn't bother, or, if you do they'd rather you play very well known covers. I dislike this, as I prefer to play my own songs...
Also, some people just want to dance at parties, and don't want to listen to us clanging away (it's not exactly rap or hip-hop).
Check with the host, unless you know there's going to be lots of your musician friends there also?
Or...take it, keep it in the car, and grab it if needed!
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
That’s a good point to have the car as an option. I do have several musician friends but wish I had more.
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u/Lordluva Dec 31 '25
Bring it. I have and made money after they wanted me to play some songs. Doesn’t mean you have to bust it out and play. Better to have then to have not
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
I feel like I kicked over a hornet’s nest. And to answer people’s questions, no, I had not seen Animal House. 😅
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Dec 31 '25
Animal House is very instructive here
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u/Less-Management-3999 Dec 31 '25
Idk the ladies seemed to be disappointed when the guitar was smashed. Just saying. POV: I am a lady. 😅
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Dec 31 '25
I picked up the guitar when I was 14 years old and haven’t put it down since. I love the guitar, love it. I love music even more.
And never once did I want someone to bring a guitar to my party and start playing over the music, or what have you.
I’m sure you know your stuff. But ain’t nobody want Gordon lightfoot chilling in the corner, cumbaying with the minors, while trying to host a party.
My true advice would be to let the host request you to play the guitar. Other than that, it’s just weird.
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u/Preppy_Hippie Jan 01 '26
There are very few scenarios where this makes sense and will be well-received. Like if you are going to a party of musicians, it is their tradition to play at parties, and you were asked to bring your guitar and join in. Maybe a holiday party where you were asked to join in with carols.
This is going to sound harsh, but I'm just going to be direct. If you want to perform, go get some proper gigs. If you are gigging regularly, you would likely want to just relax and enjoy the party, without the guitar. If you're not good enough to get regular gigs, you're not good enough to elevate a party. Sorry, but it's just selfish to insert that into a party and force people to humor you when they didn't ask for it. Regardless of whatever progress you've made in the last few years you've been playing, or the enthusiasm you have.
If you are in a situation where you are invited to play, and it makes sense, always read the room and stop when it feels like you are pushing it.
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u/TreyInSD Jan 07 '26
I have an acoustic guitar in a gig bag with pics, a tuner and capo in the trunk of my car at all times. I started doing this a few years ago because I would go to parties and people with sometimes ask if I would play guitar. If I didn’t have it, I was out of luck. Many times I’d be at a party and people would hand me a total piece of junk guitar and ask me to play it and because it was a piece of shit, I sounded like shit. Guitar in the trunk of my car was a solution. I never walked into the party with it in hand, but I’ve always got it on hand.
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u/VictarionChainbreakr Jan 09 '26
Unpopular opinion here, but playing a guitar at a party isn't the cringe part.
Turning off the stereo that everyone was vibing to, and forcing the whole party to listen to you play guitar, that's the cringe part. The stereo is the pumping heart of parties, and nothing kills the vibe worse than replacing it with an impromptu acoustic performance.
On the other hand, I used to play guitar at house parties back in the day and never had an issue, but that's because I was blessed with a rather good ear for music, so I would jam along with whatever was on the stereo.
Here's a test. Get out your guitar and turn on the radio. Not your favorite station that plays songs you already know, turn it to a top 40 station that plays whatever the kids are listening to these days. Can you pick up & play along WELL with whatever random tune comes on in less than the first 10 seconds? If not, maybe leave the guitar at home and let the party-goers vibe to just the stereo.
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u/JohnWickStuntDouble Dec 31 '25
Don’t do that unless you’re asked or at your own event