Trystan Casey
Playing the electric guitar in worship songs is a great way to enhance the worship experience and engage the congregation. While some traditional churches may prefer classical musical instruments, many contemporary churches have embraced the electric guitar as a permissible instrument, with some even having multiple electric guitarists in their worship bands. For those interested in playing the electric guitar in a worship setting, there are several tips and techniques to consider. Firstly, it is important to know the song and understand the different roles of rhythm and lead guitarists. Simplifying your pedalboard and focusing on learning the scales and arpeggios that worship songs are built on can also help improve your playing. Additionally, knowing when not to play and giving the song some space is crucial to creating an impactful worship experience. Ultimately, the goal is to use the electric guitar to enhance the worship atmosphere without becoming a distraction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Guitar type | Electric guitar is permissible in worship music, though acoustic guitar is also used. |
| Role | Electric guitar includes lead lines, solos, and arpeggiations. |
| Skills | Guitarists should know scales and arpeggios, including chromatic, pentatonic, and blues scales. |
| Playing style | Avoid overplaying or using large chords that can muddy the sound. Focus on when not to play as well as when to play. |
| Pedals | Limit the number of pedals to avoid distraction; the main pedals are Overdrive/Distortion, Reverb, Tap Delay, and Volume. |
| Song structure | Split electric guitar parts into rhythm and lead to ensure a good sound. |
| Practice | Learn the songs in advance to avoid unnecessary solos. |
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What You'll Learn
Learn the basics: scales, arpeggios, and chords
Learning the basics of guitar—scales, arpeggios, and chords—is essential for anyone who wants to play electric guitar for worship songs. Electric guitar chords are the same as acoustic guitar chords, but some chords sound better on electric guitars, and vice versa. Power chords are the most popular electric guitar chord and are suitable for beginners because they use fewer notes. To play a G power chord, place your first finger on the low E string (6th string) and your third finger on the A string (5th string). You can also play power chords on the A string by moving the same shape onto it.
Scales are organized sequences of notes played in ascending or descending order. They help build finger strength and dexterity, as well as familiarity with the notes on the fretboard. The E minor pentatonic scale is a good one to start with, as it only contains five notes and can be played across open strings. This scale is featured in popular songs like "How Many More Times" by Led Zeppelin and "Back in Black" by AC/DC. Learning the C major scale is also beneficial as it will help you understand the key of C and provide an entryway into musical composition.
Arpeggios are broken chords, where the notes are played in a sequence rather than all at once. They are often used to create a rolling or flowing effect in music. While I couldn't find specific arpeggios for you to learn, understanding how to play chords will help you grasp arpeggios more easily.
Remember, as a worship leader, it's important to nurture the electric guitar/band relationship. Encourage your guitarists to know the songs beforehand and avoid unnecessary solos that may distract from the worship experience.
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Know when not to play
When leading a band during worship, it is important to know when not to play the electric guitar. Firstly, it is important to discourage guitarists from playing solos unless they are specifically part of the song. Guitar solos can be distracting for worshippers and do little to add to the atmosphere of worship. They are often used as a cop-out by guitarists who do not know the parts to the song. If a guitarist is soloing, they are not contributing to making the band sound full. Therefore, it is important to encourage guitarists to show up knowing how the songs go. If a guitarist is playing a solo that is not part of the song, put a stop to it.
However, there are occasions when guitar solos are acceptable. If a solo enhances worship rather than distracts from it, it may be appropriate. Nevertheless, it is important not to overdo it. Additionally, when splitting electric guitar parts into rhythm and lead, it is important to ensure that both guitarists are not trying to play leads at the same time. This can result in a lack of rhythm and body in the song. Thus, it is crucial to assign specific roles to each guitarist.
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Simplify your pedalboard
When building a worship pedalboard, it's important to understand that the cost of the pedalboard itself, the power supply, and other accessories can quickly add up. Non-pedal purchases include the pedalboard itself, a power supply, patch cables, and velcro or dual-lock. You should expect to pay at least $100 for each of these items, with the power supply being the most important to invest in.
With pedals that fall into the "essential" category, you have four types: tuner, drive, delay, and reverb. Tuners are pretty simple; just find one that is chromatic and has bright LEDs. A tuner pedal ensures your guitar is in tune, which is crucial for it to sound good. A volume pedal is also recommended for slight volume adjustments as you play and for creating swells.
For praise and worship, a delay pedal with a tap tempo switch or input for an external tap tempo is essential. The Strymon Timeline Delay Pedal and the MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay Guitar Pedal are both excellent options, offering a wide range of control over your sound.
Reverb pedals are important for creating space and length around your notes, adding a prayerful sound. The Boss RV-6 Reverb Pedal is a great option with eight different types of delay sounds, including the beautiful Shimmer.
While there are many other pedals you can add to your board, these essential four will get you a long way, and you can always expand your collection over time.
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Split electric guitar parts into rhythm and lead
When splitting electric guitar parts into rhythm and lead, it is important to understand the distinction between the two. Rhythm guitar typically lays the foundation for the song, serving as its heartbeat and providing a warm, natural tone. On the other hand, lead guitar plays the main melody and any flashy solos.
When working with two electric guitarists, it is essential to ensure that they are not playing the same thing or competing for the same frequency range. One way to achieve this is by assigning distinct roles to each guitarist, with one focusing on rhythm and the other on lead. This ensures that the song has a solid foundation and that the lead parts shine through without clashing with each other.
Additionally, it is crucial for guitarists to know the songs beforehand. This way, they can play creatively and enhance the song without distracting from the worship. Guitarists should also be mindful of when to play and when not to play. Creating space in quieter parts of a song or during down parts can add dynamics and ambience to the performance.
To further separate the lead and rhythm guitar parts, you can employ various techniques. One suggestion is to use different amps and EQ settings for each guitarist, adjusting the mids and lows to create distinct tones. Another technique is to utilize the Haas Effect by hard panning two channels and delaying one by 30-40 ms to widen the sound. Additionally, you can experiment with different guitar pickups, such as switching to the bridge pickup for cleaner and more biting rhythm parts.
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Avoid unnecessary solos
Playing the electric guitar in a worship band comes with its own set of considerations. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid unnecessary solos. While designated guitar solos can enhance a performance, "noodling" or soloing for its own sake can be distracting and take away from the atmosphere of worship.
When playing worship music, it's crucial to be mindful of the band as a whole and to ask yourself, "What can I play to make the band sound better?". Showing off with unnecessary solos can be selfish and detract from the overall performance. Instead, focus on playing something that supports the band and makes the sound more full. Remember, in worship music, vocals are at the forefront, so avoid stepping on or taking attention away from them.
To avoid unnecessary solos, it's essential to show up to rehearsals prepared and knowing the parts. This will help prevent fiddling or soloing, which can disrupt the flow of the music. As a worship leader, encourage your guitarists to learn the songs beforehand and provide clear directions during performances to maintain a cohesive sound.
Additionally, be mindful of the dynamics of the song. Know when to add subtlety and when to add power, and let the rest of the band fill in the gaps. Simplifying your pedalboard can also help in creating a more cohesive sound. Remember, less is often more when it comes to creating a powerful and meaningful worship experience through music.
While there may be times when a well-placed solo can enhance a performance, it should never distract from the worship itself. Keep in mind that worship music is about creating an atmosphere that connects with the audience, so always play in service of that higher purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips for playing the electric guitar in worship songs:
- Learn the basic chromatic, pentatonic, and blues scales of each key.
- Don't overplay—focus on what not to play as well as what to play.
- Simplify your pedalboard.
- Don't play big chords until you have to—save them for the biggest part of the song.
- Don't strum your electric guitar like an acoustic guitar.
Electric guitars are easier to play than acoustic guitars, so they may be more suitable for beginners. They can also provide a full-band sound and add a whole new dynamic to the band.
Acoustic guitars are more percussive and can be better suited for quieter parts of songs or intentionally acoustic-driven sets. They are also commonly used in evangelical church services and can be a good option if you are playing for personal reasons rather than as part of a worship team.
Look around at other worship groups you like and notice if they use electric or acoustic guitars. Consider which type of guitar you like the most, as this will keep you motivated. It's also worth noting that many guitarists play both, and learning one can make learning the other easier.
One common mistake is to add unnecessary solos that distract from the worship rather than enhance it. Another is to overplay, adding different parts and riffs that muddy the sound.
