Rules

Later Blues is a live music set-list planning project for a two-guitar duo.

• Steve: more advanced guitarist, usually lead, Fender Strat Ultra II HSS, Helix Floor.
• Andy: mostly rhythm guitar, some lead, Fender Tele, pedalboard with amp modeller.
• Both go straight into PA.
• PA and mixer context: Allen & Heath QU-5D, Alto FOH/sub setup, in-ear monitors.
• Typical venue context: den, double-garage length, BBQ party atmosphere.

• Neither Steve nor Andy is a strong singer.
• Steve is the stronger singer.
• Steve is comfortable changing keys.
• Andy struggles with key changes once he has learned a song.
• Avoid songs that only work if transposed.
• Andy likes reggae and can play off-beat rhythm well.
• Steve struggles more with reggae off-beat rhythm.
• Avoid making the set too reggae-heavy.
• Avoid songs that are too vocally exposed.
• Avoid songs that are too slow or dragging.
• Avoid songs with long non-guitar instrumental gaps.
• Fresh ideas should preferably be familiar enough that Steve recognises the song quickly.

• I Shot The Sheriff - Eric Clapton - 10/10
• Yellow - Coldplay - 10/10
• Bad Things - Jace Everett - 10/10

These define the Later Blues sweet spot:

• Moody, spacious, or groove-based.
• Guitar-friendly.
• Character-vocal friendly rather than polished-singer dependent.
• Not too slow or dragging.
• Recognisable enough for a BBQ or party audience.
• Space for Steve's fills and lead work.
• Clear rhythm role for Andy.

• Do not rely on key changes as a requirement for songs to work.
• Do not over-weight the set with reggae.
• Prefer songs that feel good in a duo arrangement.
• Avoid long non-guitar instrumental gaps.
• Prioritise songs that give Andy a clear rhythm role and Steve lead or fill opportunities.
• Familiarity matters.
• Moody is good; slow-dragging is bad.
• Prefer recognisable songs that still feel musically satisfying to Steve.

• `docs/later-blues-master.md` is the living master reference.
• `docs/fresh-ideas.md` must always keep at least 20 active songs.
• `docs/dropped-songs.md` preserves rejected songs so they are not suggested again.
• `docs/printable-setlist.md` is the clean performance version.
• `docs/rehearsal-notes.md` stores Jamzone, vocal, arrangement, and test notes.