Offer to play a special song for them. Make a joke about the tips, "Tipping is not just a river in China." And then of course my favorite. Start playing some horrible sounding song. (My Favorite is "Feelings" done by Bob Dylan) then say "Five dollars started this. Ten Dollars will stop it."

That one always makes them crazy.

My actual biggest ways to get tips is to make up songs on the spot about them. It is pretty easy actually, watch them as they sit around and talk or other things they are with like being with some hot girl. Sharpen's your writing skills and will increase your abilities to think on your feet. And it is pretty funny. Every once in a while you get a bit of an idea that actually works in a real song.

MAB