Excellent video! Instant subscriber and looking forward to more videos to teach me how to contribute on guitar (electric and acoustic) in the worship band!
Not playing is one of the hardest things a guitarist can do. I find myself fighting the urge to strum. Just throw up your hands in worship instead. Thanks Mike, great tips!
Good advice. Having been in a worship band for 30 yrs, about half of that leading, now that I’m just a “listener”, I mostly miss those powerful moments when *THE ENTIRE BAND* doesn’t play, and the entire congregation sings with the singers of the band….that is such a powerful moment….although you do have to pre-plan that, so it’s imperative for the worship leader to find the right moment, in the right song, to do it. It’s not hard to recognize when that moment should have been taken, but wasn’t, either. Regardless, I give kudos to every church musician willing to volunteer their time and share their musical gifts towards bringing music to their congregation.
Interesting that I found this today when having similar thoughts on how I play acoustic guitar on worship team. Was actually practicing essentially these ideas. OK! Heard from the Lord today on this!
These are great tips Mike. This just popped up after I viewed another unrelated video. Maybe this comment will reignite the conversation. I'm often leading worship as the sole instrument or sometimes with just a bass guitar and occasionally with a bass and another acoustic guitar. One of the techniques I've learned to use to create dynamics is to alternately strum the top two or three strings (EA or EAD) (1 & 3 beats) followed by the bottom (BE or GBE) strings (2 & 4 beats) or maybe for something way outside the box, the middle strings (DGB or ADGB) to create different voicing and rhythmic sounds as I lead through verse, chorus, bridge, tag, etc. And I'll double down on one of the comments below about palming the strings for a muted effect. The best tip of all though is ... Don't Play. There's a reason that there are "rests" in printed music. It is the absence of sound, the silence in between which makes the music beautiful ... and in worship can often more easily elevate His people into His throne room than if there is a constant wall of sound.
I did this today as the sole singer at a small church it really helps when trying to create some dynamic in the song instead of fully blasting the room, both trying to use the "soft pick" and also creating some space in the song by not playing really changes things.
I was pushed into a position of finger picking a lot because I have carpal tunnel syndrome so I definitely relate to the softer side of guitar strumming. I had just bought pretty much a life times supply of picks I now find it difficult to hold a pick. Love these tips.
Love this! As the electric guitar guy It’s been my gripe with worship teams. Worship leader just hammering acoustic guitar the whole song! Then the piano and drums feel the energy and go for the ride….its a “wall of sound”. Drives me crazy. There’s a place for that but not the whole song, every song! lol I’ve had to work with worship leaders to get them to play on the 1 and maybe the 3. Or to play on the “&” of the beats etc. Great video.
Good advice, bro, especially the bit about ‘not playing’. I have led teams for decades and find that less experienced musicians (not just guitarists) need to learn when NOT to play. One guitar technique I would add to your list is palm muting when you just play the bass strings; done with a compressor, it can keep the flow and rhythm alive while being subtle, yet offering promise of strength coming back in soon. Well done!
I am a cantor in the Catholic Church. Looking to "expand my horizons" by learning guitar. Still trying to decide what I want to purchase. Have a mid soprano voice. Helpful tips for when I begin my journey.
I'd suggest buying a good electro acoustic guitar so u don't get frustrated and find your guitar is rubbish. Find one with a good low action too. And I use light to medium long life strings.
You should check out CLEF (Catholic Liturgical Ensemble Formation). Whole ensemble focus but lots of guitar players. Excellent training and a community besides. Week long summer program in Cincinnati this year. Regionals in Albuquerque and Cleveland in the fall.
My experience and ONE of the reasons I'm no longer on a praise and worship band is all the musicians, especially guitar players, want to play full volume and full intensity from the beginning of the song and all the way through. When some are told to wait and come in on the chorus or after the intro they get offended.
I have a request to ask, about call and response music between a guitarist and an keyboardist. (My worship team only has 2 musicians) and I have seen a cool youtube short recently, that showed. a electric guitarist and a saxophone player was playing amazingly to the song called Praise - see link: ruclips.net/user/shorts542M9qU-yCM just. wondered what are the steps to do that? and I would like to see & hear a example between a guitarist and a keyboardist.
Of course we need good church music ...just a question Why are all the best christian musicians only doing church music? Where are the intellegent adult contemporary artists and writers coming up to take the place of Randy stonehill keith greens phil keaggys ? Christian songwriters who can fill up any secular venues with a mix of non christian and christian bridging the gap communicating with clever adult lyrics and performing songs that reach everyone Steven curtis chapman recently did a series of concerts in jails he does worship songs and contemporary adult songs he knows where its at ....why only church music that is so easy and comfortable to play your singing with christians already PA is always set up its very cosy and simple to do thats not challenging its very easy you get pats on the back every night but only from the church people that was lovely praise the lord ..ok thats nice but We need the good players to get outside the church ...theres so much edification and praise music its flooded the system .i hope there emerges a group who can take the mantel and venture out to real outreach with a calling ....the guys mentioned above are getting older who will take their place Step forward ! .......
![Acoustic Guitar: A Conversation with Cody Carnes [Gateway Worship Training]](/img/1.gif)
When acoustic realizes this is better, does it and experiences it, it's HEEE-YUUUGE leveling up for the team. Thanks Mike!
Just watched your video. Thankyou so much. It will add variety to my playing.
Excellent video! Instant subscriber and looking forward to more videos to teach me how to contribute on guitar (electric and acoustic) in the worship band!
Thanks Mike!
Thanks Mike. Keep climbing.
Good tips not just for church but any band setting.
Not playing is one of the hardest things a guitarist can do. I find myself fighting the urge to strum. Just throw up your hands in worship instead.
Thanks Mike, great tips!
Thanks, Keith! Yes, it's hard to stand there :)
Just do diamonds on every chord change sometimes it's just enough.
Good advice.
Having been in a worship band for 30 yrs, about half of that leading, now that I’m just a “listener”, I mostly miss those powerful moments when *THE ENTIRE BAND* doesn’t play, and the entire congregation sings with the singers of the band….that is such a powerful moment….although you do have to pre-plan that, so it’s imperative for the worship leader to find the right moment, in the right song, to do it.
It’s not hard to recognize when that moment should have been taken, but wasn’t, either.
Regardless, I give kudos to every church musician willing to volunteer their time and share their musical gifts towards bringing music to their congregation.
Thank you
Interesting that I found this today when having similar thoughts on how I play acoustic guitar on worship team. Was actually practicing essentially these ideas. OK! Heard from the Lord today on this!
Thank you!
These are great tips Mike. This just popped up after I viewed another unrelated video. Maybe this comment will reignite the conversation. I'm often leading worship as the sole instrument or sometimes with just a bass guitar and occasionally with a bass and another acoustic guitar. One of the techniques I've learned to use to create dynamics is to alternately strum the top two or three strings (EA or EAD) (1 & 3 beats) followed by the bottom (BE or GBE) strings (2 & 4 beats) or maybe for something way outside the box, the middle strings (DGB or ADGB) to create different voicing and rhythmic sounds as I lead through verse, chorus, bridge, tag, etc. And I'll double down on one of the comments below about palming the strings for a muted effect. The best tip of all though is ... Don't Play. There's a reason that there are "rests" in printed music. It is the absence of sound, the silence in between which makes the music beautiful ... and in worship can often more easily elevate His people into His throne room than if there is a constant wall of sound.
Thanks Tom, great refection! Peace
I did this today as the sole singer at a small church it really helps when trying to create some dynamic in the song instead of fully blasting the room, both trying to use the "soft pick" and also creating some space in the song by not playing really changes things.
that's wonderful! Glad it worked out
I was pushed into a position of finger picking a lot because I have carpal tunnel syndrome so I definitely relate to the softer side of guitar strumming. I had just bought pretty much a life times supply of picks I now find it difficult to hold a pick. Love these tips.
Thanks I need more of tutorials like this
Great advice for solo performers, too.
Strummy strum guitar is really rough sonically. I didn’t know the name diamond but it makes sense.
Thanks Mike really appreciated helpful 😀
Praise God that I found this. Now to put it into practice ....
Really helpful reminders, thank you 😊
Cool. I normally don’t play acoustic but I found this helpful still
thank you Ryan!
Love this! As the electric guitar guy It’s been my gripe with worship teams. Worship leader just hammering acoustic guitar the whole song! Then the piano and drums feel the energy and go for the ride….its a “wall of sound”. Drives me crazy. There’s a place for that but not the whole song, every song! lol
I’ve had to work with worship leaders to get them to play on the 1 and maybe the 3. Or to play on the “&” of the beats etc.
Great video.
Great tips. Very crucial things we can all forget if we’re not careful.
Thank you, Mike! Blessings on you
Thank you..less is definitely more sometimes..very helpful ideas
Good advice, bro, especially the bit about ‘not playing’. I have led teams for decades and find that less experienced musicians (not just guitarists) need to learn when NOT to play. One guitar technique I would add to your list is palm muting when you just play the bass strings; done with a compressor, it can keep the flow and rhythm alive while being subtle, yet offering promise of strength coming back in soon. Well done!
A new knowledge unlocked. Thanks. 😊
Amazing ❤️ brother loved it ✨ Jesus name be glorified ❤️a new lesson
should be mandatory viewing for all acoustic players...
thanks for the kindness!
Ok. Simple is best. Thanks
Great tips. Thank you
Great stuff!
So true... And as a guitarist I can see how this welcome advice could apply to others... like politicians and media pundits, etc... Less is more?
All great tips! I'm not a fan of everyone all out all the time. Dynamics rule!
Great Advice!
Great!
Thanks
Keep it up 👍
Thanks Mike. Please share what Taylor Guitar that is 😊
20 year old 314 :)
More
What would you do if the WHOLE song arrangement requires that an acoustic guitar plays all the time? It all depends on the song at the end of the day
❤ from Indonesia 🇮🇩
I am a cantor in the Catholic Church. Looking to "expand my horizons" by learning guitar. Still trying to decide what I want to purchase. Have a mid soprano voice. Helpful tips for when I begin my journey.
I'd suggest buying a good electro acoustic guitar so u don't get frustrated and find your guitar is rubbish. Find one with a good low action too. And I use light to medium long life strings.
Pray for me please 🙏
You should check out CLEF (Catholic Liturgical Ensemble Formation). Whole ensemble focus but lots of guitar players. Excellent training and a community besides. Week long summer program in Cincinnati this year. Regionals in Albuquerque and Cleveland in the fall.
I don't understand how this is specific to playing in a church vs. any other setting.
yeah, the church world is just my main lane so that's who I am speaking to. Yes, these ideas would work in many contexts :)
My experience and ONE of the reasons I'm no longer on a praise and worship band is all the musicians, especially guitar players, want to play full volume and full intensity from the beginning of the song and all the way through. When some are told to wait and come in on the chorus or after the intro they get offended.
I do some of this to create dynamics but I wish so much I had more musicians so that I could back off, but it’s just me lol.
Sori what it means with in Indonesia 300people and 1 crappy acoustic guitar ? I don’t get it. I am from Indonesia 🙂🙏
I have a request to ask, about call and response music between a guitarist and an keyboardist. (My worship team only has 2 musicians)
and I have seen a cool youtube short recently, that showed. a electric guitarist and a saxophone player was playing amazingly to the song called Praise - see link: ruclips.net/user/shorts542M9qU-yCM
just. wondered what are the steps to do that? and I would like to see & hear a example between a guitarist and a keyboardist.
My three pet peeves! It's just good musicianship in general.
5:10 Me with my crappy acoustic guitar 😅
few people can start a song without playing. Most times they will be in the wrong key. Bad Idea!
Ok
It's being sensitive to other musicians around you and serving the song. Worship music needs to breath. Less is sometimes more.
Of course we need good church music ...just a question Why are all the best christian musicians only doing church music? Where are the intellegent adult contemporary artists and writers coming up to take the place of Randy stonehill keith greens phil keaggys ? Christian songwriters who can fill up any secular venues with a mix of non christian and christian bridging the gap communicating with clever adult lyrics and performing songs that reach everyone Steven curtis chapman recently did a series of concerts in jails he does worship songs and contemporary adult songs he knows where its at ....why only church music that is so easy and comfortable to play your singing with christians already PA is always set up its very cosy and simple to do thats not challenging its very easy you get pats on the back every night but only from the church people that was lovely praise the lord ..ok thats nice but
We need the good players to get outside the church ...theres so much edification and praise music its flooded the system .i hope there emerges a group who can take the mantel and venture out to real outreach with a calling ....the guys mentioned above are getting older who will take their place
Step forward ! .......
Fewer than six strings... It's fewer 🤦♂️
The most important thing is to play a Taylor guitar if u play in church. I'm a Martin player so I don't play in church
Why a Taylor?
@@aprildenio4358 it's a joke, most play Taylor in church
I just added a Martin HD-28 to join the stable of Taylor 6- and 12-string guitars and I use them all (but not in the same service).
Duh
I played my D-42 at a funeral service last week. Taylor is way in the distance, can't compete with the depth of a Martin Dreadnaught in any setting.
Have guitar, go to church. End.