- Experience: More experienced guitarists with a proven track record of success can command higher rates than newer or less experienced guitarists.
- Reputation: Well-known and respected guitarists can charge more for their services than those who are less well-known.
- Genre of music: Some genres of music pay more than others. For example, guitarists who play in high-paying genres such as rock, pop, or country can earn more than those who play in less lucrative genres such as folk or blues.
- Royalties: In addition to upfront payments for recording sessions, guitarists may also earn royalties from the sale of their music. Royalties are typically paid as a percentage of the sales revenue and can provide a steady source of income over time.
- Session work vs. touring: Guitarists who work as session musicians may earn a flat fee per session, while those who tour with bands or artists may receive a salary or a percentage of the concert revenue.
- Production work: Some guitarists also work as producers or songwriters, which can further increase their earnings.
As a general guide, a guitarist may earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per song. However, some top guitarists can earn much more than this, with some earning millions of dollars per year from their music.