Putting together a set list can be as challenging as choosing a band name. Everyone in the band will have an opinion on the running order of the songs, with individual favorites for the end of the night "rock-out", and so on.

Let's start at the beginning, then. Why have a running order of songs at all? Why not just finish one song, then the guitarist shouts out another one the fly and everyone starts playing that song? When bands play sets like this, it invariably looks loose, rough and very unprofessional. Most serious performing musicians are mentally getting ready for the next song towards the end of the one being played. They are thinking what effects they'll need to change or even what guitar they'll be using. Can you imagine the resulting gap between songs if they waited for the next number to be chosen ad hoc? And that's assuming there weren't any ensuing arguments about the choice, either ("Nah, I don't want to do that one - let's do this one instead."). Any momentum the band had built up to that point is gone. If you expect a return engagement, don't let this happen to you. A well structured set list is the only way to go.

How to Write a Set List

It's best if one person is elected to do a draft of a set list for everyone in the band to OK. There will be various changes made before the final running order is established, but that's fine - it's far from as straightforward as it seems.

Pacing songs is all important, and a good first number is everything. It settles the band, and the audience will be making decisions right away as to whether or not they like your band. It's got to be uptempo - you're generating an initial energy level that should immediately grab the attention of everyone in the room. As soon as the song ends, stop and do a quick check that everyone and everything is cool in the band, then immediately count off the second (and equally uptempo) song. There's your first two songs on the list.

Mentally picture yourself at the gig as you compose the set list to get a feel for the flow of the numbers. It will really help you make the right choice of songs to keep the audience interested.

At the actual gig, by the fourth number the audience will know if they like you, so change the pace to something a bit slower. The band can collectively catch its breath, and the audience gets a break with a pleasantly melodic, gentler tune. Get the picture?

Incidentally, every member of the band should have their own copy of the set liston the floor or taped to a cab beside them - never should one person have the only copy, shouting out the next song.. It looks very cool when everyone starts the next number on cue without any cross-stage quizzical looks as to what the next song might be.

Some bands opt for seamless transitions between some songs to maintain the energy level and enhance the flow of the set. This approach adds a real professional "sheen" to your set. Work up these transitions so they're as tight as anything you'll be playing.

Points of Consideration

Sets generally tend to be about 45 minutes each. That's about ten to twelve songs. Here's a few points to consider when you're putting together your killer set list:

· DO watch it with placing ballads - more than one per set and you'll drop any momentun you've garnered to less than zero.

· DON'T do a full-throttle rocker right after a slow ballad either. Instead, slip in a mid-tempo number to gradually pick up the pace again.

· DON'T do more than two songs in the same key one after the other - it will start to sound like the same song over and over again.

· DON'T do too many major key songs in a row - or minor key ones, for that matter. Mix it up to keep your set from stagnating into monotony.

· DO run through your set list at a final rehearsal so that, as a band, you'll get a feel for the overall flow and to see whether or not your song order actually works in reality. If two numbers "jar" with one another, swap them.

· ALWAYS install fresh batteries in any effect pedals and/or wireless microphones you may be using before the gig. That being said, if you ever need to change batteries or make a quick adjustment or repair between songs, try to have something to chat to the audience about to keep it light (even if it's slightly rehearsed). This will cut out the "dead air" while the repair is being made, thus avoiding that awkward, self-conscious "fish out of water" onstage look.

· DO stick to your set list, but be a little bit flexible. For example, let's say you're playing at a club that features dancing. Arrange beforehand that if people are dancing to a fast number and they stay on the floor when it's finished, you can insert another uptempo number instead of the ballad that was actually next in the set.

· NEVER react to mistakes or miscues with grimaces on your face or dirty looks directed at others. Your audience will pick up on this and it can serve to spoil an otherwise solid performance. If you react at all, smile or laugh out loud. Try it. It works. No kidding.

· DO keep at least three or four of your best songs to finish the night with, and one of these should (hopefully) be for your encore.

· DO bear in mind that you might not get to play your encore. Never force or contrive an encore - it's disingenuous and makes you look like a bunch of amatuers. Don't worry - you'll get one if you've earned it.

· DO remember the importance of a strong finish. Even if you've had an "iffy" set - courtesy of nerves, bad monitors, miscues, etc. - but you can get the last half hour's worth of songs tight as a drum, that's what the audience will remember!