I'm not sure there is a lot I can add, but I can re-emphasize some of what fits for me.

I'm a solo act. Sometimes with a 6-string, a 12 string, and a 6-string in open tuning. Don't switch guitars with every song. Play at least two with the same instrument, preferably three.

You do want to start out with that song you could do in your sleep. Medium to fast tempo is best, as you want to catch the audience's attention and they may not "catch" a slow tune.

Yes, vary keys, instruments, playing style (finger picking, flat picking, etc.), and tempo.

Remember these rules are open to being broken. You would like to keep your audience interested in the music. You may want to do three prison songs in a row, but you should have a point.

I try to avoid alternating fast - slow, fast - slow. I think these changes should be more gradual, more like a gentle wave of tempo.

If you are selling CD's, you're most requested tune just before the break is a good selling point. Remember, it may not be what you consider your best song. It took several years for Loudon Wainwright III to pull "Dead Skunk" from his set list, and I'm sure it is not the song of which he is most proud.

I do believe the creation of a set list is a talent. Some people can do it on the fly. For myself, when I do that, I leave out things I wish I had sung, and it is hard to follow the guidelines I set out.

I wonder what others think about requests? When I hear them, I note that I did hear them. If they are in the upcoming list, I say so. If I like the idea, I'll say "I'll see if I can fit it in." If I don't think I am prepared to do it, I'll say that. I once had an audience member request a song I had literally not played in over three years. I probably wouldn't even have remembered all of the words or all of the chords, and I wrote the song. I declined politely.

Roger in Baltimore