Riffs or Chords

[MahlerGrooves]

So, I was trying to put together, in my mind, a good solo accoustic setlist, but I came accross a problem: how many non-riff based songs can one play?

Now I know it isn;t good form to play only three chord tunes, but at what point do you have to NOT play a song becuase it doesn't have a riff?

I am a huge beach boys fan, but all of their songs use chords only. I love the music of the 1960's, but once again we have a chord dominated style.

Do you guys feel that songs such as "Runaround Sue" and "Fun, Fun, Fun" need be dismissed from setlists and give way to songs like Sattelite and Crash which are based over riffs?

I just feel that 10 songs with only chords may make one seem like a "bad" guiatrist, but that it is sometimes difficult to "invent" riffs for good tunes that just don't have any.

[Speenis]

Its all personal preference. I get bored playing the same basic chords over and over.

[Teego Time]

I'm probably wrong, but I think it's a mark of a better guitarist when they can switch openly between the two styles.

[You_Enjoy_Myself]

I've been playing alot of songs by The Shins lately, and most of their stuff just uses really basic open chords or barre chords, without a lot of riffs. I think songs like these put more emphasis on your singing, and give you a chance to showcase your vocals. They can get boring if you play song after song of basic chords, so it is nice to mix up a setlist with some more complex songs that show off your chops.

[Kahn]

If your worried about people thinking you aren't good, open up with a bang, and ease into those open chords. If it sounds good, do it

[MahlerGrooves]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the input. I'm just a little unsure of myself in the area of guitar performance, never having done it before.

[mangold]

just do it man

[MWR]

I've been playing alot of songs by The Shins lately, and most of their stuff just uses really basic open chords or barre chords, without a lot of riffs. I think songs like these put more emphasis on your singing, and give you a chance to showcase your vocals. They can get boring if you play song after song of basic chords, so it is nice to mix up a setlist with some more complex songs that show off your chops.

Exactly.

Another option is to play simple chords while you're singing and then add more complex riffage when you're not.

[6_strings_for_life]

I've been playing alot of songs by The Shins lately, and most of their stuff just uses really basic open chords or barre chords, without a lot of riffs. I think songs like these put more emphasis on your singing, and give you a chance to showcase your vocals. They can get boring if you play song after song of basic chords, so it is nice to mix up a setlist with some more complex songs that show off your chops.

Exactly.

Another option is to play simple chords while you're singing and then add more complex riffage when you're not.

thats y i play alot of riffs, the more they listen to the guitar, the less they listen to my singing

[Raif2032]

Bob dylan seems to do pretty well...he has a few non-riff songs, or so i'm told...