How to Build a Gig Set List That Actually Works (Without Spending Hours)

Let’s be honest: building a set list can be a nightmare.

You want songs that land. Songs people love. Songs you can actually play confidently.

But every time I used to sit down to make one, I’d spend HOURS scrolling, googling, printing dodgy chords, and wondering whether I’d just picked a song that was going to flop.

And yes—sometimes it did flop. I’ve played the wrong song for the wrong crowd and felt the energy evaporate.

So here’s what I’ve learned after 20 years of live gigs—pubs, weddings, parties, cruise ships, you name it.

Here’s how to build a set list that actually works.

1. Know your crowd

A wedding crowd and a Friday night pub crowd are two different beasts.

Before you even start writing your set list, ask:

• Who’s coming?

• Why are they there?

• Are they paying attention, or just drinking?

• What do they want to feel?

An American crowd wants different songs than a British one. A party wants bangers. A restaurant wants atmosphere. You can’t just wing it with one list for every situation.

2. Build a vibe, not just a list

A good set list has flow. It builds, dips, lifts again. You don’t want five slow ones in a row or key changes that confuse your hands.

Start mid-tempo and familiar. Sprinkle in tempo changes. End strong.

And for the love of god—don’t open with your “biggest” song. Give them somewhere to go.

3. Don’t rely on memory

I’ve forgotten lyrics mid-song. I’ve started a song in the wrong key and tanked the moment.

If you’re planning more than 15 songs, write it down. Keep your lyrics and chords somewhere you can access quickly (iPad, phone, printed folder—whatever works).

It’s not unprofessional to be prepared. It’s unprofessional to crash and burn because you weren’t.

4. Trial and tweak

Some songs work in one venue and flop in another. That’s normal. Pay attention to:

• What gets people singing

• What makes them turn and listen

• What loses them completely

Then adjust. Keep what works. Drop what doesn’t.

5. Or… skip the hard bit

If you want to skip the trial and error, I’ve already done it for you.

I’ve created the Superstar Set List: 1400+ songs that are tested and proven to work live. Every single one is linked to an accurate chord and lyric sheet.

You can search by genre, decade, style, or audience type—so whether you’re doing a chill bar set or a 200-person party, you’ll find something that fits. Fast.

👉 Click here to get on the wait list and be the first to hear when it's released!

Final word

A set list doesn’t need to be perfect. But it does need to make sense. It needs to build connection and confidence—for you and your audience.

Get the structure right, and you’ll have a much better time onstage.
Which means they will too.