Eliminating awkward song transitions with a very small worship band

[@libertychurchbirmingham3475]

At Liberty, we have a weekly MD (Music Director) Meeting on Wednesday to discuss how, when and who will do transitions between songs. It's been great. We don't have any instruments, and we keep it relaxed in a nice office with mood lighting. We hang out, talk about the set and always feel closer to God and each other by the time we leave..... and we aren't stressed! Totally at ease. I would recommend that to anyone with any size team!

[@RylandRussell]

Yes! Transitions are so important. I love ending on the 5 chord to transition to that key. In A you hang on the D for a few bars and then go right into D.

[@andrewbrown784]

I know it can be a hot topic, but memorizing your music also eliminates the need to turn pages, speeding up transitions (and it's free). Also, keeping keys the same or having shared chords like you mentioned with the circle of fifths is also more pleasing to the ear - an added bonus. Another trick is to end on an acapella chorus/bridge, letting you start the next song as the vocal finishes. You wouldn't want to do that between every song, but it can help every once in awhile if you've got any really tough transitions. I usually save this for weeks when my acoustic is the only instrument and I need to get a capo on, or if the change in keys is a bit jarring (typically up or down a third, which sound like a sad minor key until you really get into the chord progression). But really, in the case of having a guitar and keys, you should pretty much always be able to have smooth transitions, you've just got to spend some time preparing them. Typically in rehearsal, if we go back to run the third song again (or anything but the first), I'll start the song by ending the previous one, doing the transition, then playing the intro to the one that needs more practice. Transitions are part of the set, so we should practice them just like we do the songs.

[@practicalworship]

This is ALL solid advice. That's a good word.

[@andrewtolson2566]

I've noticed the deeper the congregation goes into worship, the less transitions really matter. I've been in situations where I didnt want to start the next song and ruin what was happening. I've also been in front of congregations that just stare at you the whole time. Balance became important for me in terms of being a good steward of my position in the service vs. Obsessing over every little detail that when the Spirit moves all go out the window anyway. With the example of a couple on keys and acoustic, I would tell them to pray ahead of time for a word to minister between songs. For me the awkward part of sheet music and capos between songs is it causes a detachment from what's happening with the congregation. During the worship there is an attachment happening between everyone. Then suddenly Im fumbling around in my own world. I like to ask the members of the band before service if they have a word to minister between songs. That always makes it smooth to me.

[@judahbrewster]

Love these vids! I need to go buy some merch, “tips, tricks, practical advice” 😃

[@practicalworship]

Yeah you do! ;)

[@bccworship]

Short videos can help with transitions. We used two for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, and they were powerful. They greatly enhanced what we were trying to do that day, and helped with transitions.

[@practicalworship]

That's a fantastic idea!

[@andrewlee9508]

A practical solution to fumbling over song sheets between songs, and you're not ready to invest in some tablet and respective apps... Use a 3-ring binder and 3-ring plastic/vinyl sheet protectors to organize your songs in order. That way you are only flipping the sheets in one direction on your music stand. It is low tech and highly reliable.

[@practicalworship]

Love this idea!

[@cristinas4398]

I can attest to that, yes, used to do that in string quartet gigs, piano gigs, and church worship. The plastic sheet protectors in a 3 ring binder are good.

[@emmanueleverett9856]

My dude that is soooooo true. And thx

[@kenaknai6899]

Running pads can be helpful.

[@practicalworship]

Always!