These 3 Behaviours KILL Live Worship (Rehearsal With The Encounter)

[@danserrano21]

Absolutely loved the transparency in this post.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@dinoparton6598]

One thing I have to remind myself. And I forget often is to meditate on the lyrics of each song in the set. We should really know the spirit of the songs that we are leading

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Great tip! Musicians should always know the lyrics of the song they’re playing! One way that helps is to read the lyrics on the confidence monitor (which assumes I’ve already memorised the music).

[@rickbelden2319]

These are great tips. I agree totally about practicing with the guitar that you plan to use during service. Just the difference in look from a rosewood to a maple neck throws me off along with radius and feel. Another thing I’ve found important for me is to spend at least some of my practice time playing while standing. I started out practicing sitting down and the difference in position really threw me off during worship.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Oh that's a great tip to practice standing! Especially if your strap height is quite low, which makes a difference with the performance angles of your wrists between standing and sitting. For a long time I was following John Petrucci's practice regime and adopted his ultra-high strap height, didn't matter whether I was standing or sitting. But that strained my back LOL.

[@dividedbytimestudios]

Found this by looking at strats in worship context… I enjoy that you show the mistakes and wrong notes, I haven’t played in a real band since 2005, I sit at home and play to tracks or write music, so getting in front of people again is nerve racking and mistakes will happen

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Haha, I do feel vulnerable showing the mistakes, I feel like I need to show the “final product” of the event proper where I made muuuuuch less mistakes. I feel you. I haven’t been in a band of my own since my band members moved on to different life stages/different churches (a band that writes and performs their own material outside of church). I think like you I will face some issues reintegrating into a band if and when it happens!

[@jimmywade4086]

Appreciate the honesty

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

And I appreciate you watching! Thank you!

[@jimmywade4086]

@@AllAboutWorshipGuitar Yep. I have been on our church's worship team for 44 years now. The issues in your presentation are still there even after all that time. Relevant stuff.

[@rudals1281]

I agree on practicing using the guitar that you will be using during live performance. Ask me how I know. 😂😂😂

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

How do you know? (Genuinely curious)

[@rudals1281]

@@AllAboutWorshipGuitar I noticed the fret width and the number of frets are different. Also, the tone that I liked is gone with the new guitar and you don't necessarily have the time to tweak when you have to get up on stage and just go. I play at some 4,000 member church and this is how it is. So many people need to practice on stage, i.e. soloist during offering time, the choir, so the band gets about 30 min before the worship service.

[@ianmorales7757]

These are good points. When I’m part of a set, I try to do my best to prepare the songs beforehand, and ALWAYS be aware of what my MD is doing. I do agree that our job is serious. We need to take ourselves seriously (while still having the appropriate amount of fun), and looking to serve with our gifts, not use it as a stage for our glory. Well said, brother! It’s a privilege to serve in worship.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

I like how you mention having the appropriate amount of fun. Ministry is fun! Paul reminds us to serve without grumbling, that’s the barometer for my heart to know if I’m in the right head/heart space to serve.

[@allghilliedup21]

I’m extremely guilty of number 3. Way too much. It’s a humbling experience when someone calls me out on it respectfully. Definitely need to work on that myself.

[@vicentecarneiro4985]

I use a different guitar/s for practice for a very long time now but I never had a problem with hitting the wrong notes because of it. For me it's all about hearing and being aware and feeling where you are on the fretboard. What breaks the live "worship experience" to me is when someone in the team goes on a different direction because he/she is not in tune with the rest of the team. Our team don't use any iem, clicks or talk balk stuff, we don't practice hand signals and other stuff like that. The thing is, we rely on chemistry and instinct and everyone in the team have to know what they are playing and actually mean what they are playing especially the lyrics where most of the music expression will be from. Mistakes are inevitable, but playing without that "connection" with everybody is intolerable.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Ah yes band chemistry is a big factor too. I’ve played with my bassist and drummer for years and three of us can anticipate each other’s next move just by hearing and feeling the vibe.

[@theaaronimal]

These are really good reminders!

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Amen! Especially for me!

[@ryans3414]

Great video. It’s a good reminder and sure most of us all have been there. 👍 keep up the great work

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Thank you for the kind words! Onward and upward.

[@marais888]

Thanks for helping us learn by being transparent

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

We do best for ourselves and our teams by being completely honest and transparent!

[@ElmanAuthement]

very good stuff

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Thank you!

[@Doorya]

I appreciate this. Helps keep me grounded and a good check in with yourself especially if you're starting to get casual. Thanks Justin

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Thank you for watching! Oh that’s a good phrase, “starting to get casual.”

[@xgrind]

Thanks for the reminder, I realised I made some of the mistakes you mentioned as well and this helps 😊

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

You're welcome and I'm glad it was helpful! I have to re-watch these videos myself every now and then...

[@predigr]

I think another issue tends to be: "guitar does not need to be present all the time, like any other instrument it has its own moments".

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Oh yes! The deepest worship moments in the set happened when I wasn't playing, and I was just so enthralled to be in Jesus' presence.

[@MrVyrtuoso]

Lol, my first weekend with Rocky Peak Church, I brought my Modulus Quantum 6 , a 35" scale that I don't normally play, where I normally play a 34" scale Warwick Streamer Jazzman 5. Man, was that a challenge having wider intervals and an extra string. Lesson learned. Bought a Yamaha BB735A 34" scale fiver.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Always mad respect for bassists who can rock 6 strings. Those look like battleships on stage!

[@yonniesboy]

My brother awesome video … I did not notice Any pedal click but I thought I heard it when you put the heading any bon jovi fans 😊

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Haha, it’s definitely there, and I think our tendency to turn up our in ear monitors makes us oblivious to the environmental sounds.

[@davidwilley8147]

Great video! Thanks for your transparency and humility. I wondered if this was going to be a video of you talking about what someone else did wrong. I very much appreciated you communicating things that you could have done better. Great job man!

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Thank you! As the Lord said, I need to first take the plank out of my eye before removing the speck from my brother’s eye.

[@crisjohnalvarez6036]

I practice with my Thinline tele slim neck then, my sunday guitar is Jazzmaster with medium jumbo frets, desame happen to me pressing the wrong notes sometimes haha❤

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Do the guitars have the same scale length? That’s quite an interesting phenomenon if they are, cause even the fret size can make a difference.

[@MadDogCrawford]

That tone is fantastic! Any chance you can share the PodGo preset (with the Simple Pitch block)?

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Thanks! Unfortunately the caption wasn't rendered, it was supposed to read, "simple pitch block settings on my POD Go from a previous video". I used a Helix for the night, and it's from this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foaUdWx7m7JjeK8 I haven't don the POD Go version of this preset, maybe it's time I did!

[@dariusseben8501]

Thanks for shating 😊 I try to figure out wether or not is electric guitar helping people in our church to worship. Lot of times my motives were not right. I wanted to be noticed instead of helping people to connect with God... For now play bass until I figure out what to do.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

That's always a good idea, to remove yourself from the situation until you establish objectivity. I had 2 years of not playing lead guitar (as I was a stand-in worship leader which then became a permanent role), and to suddenly been given the opportunity to rock out, it's been a similar struggle! As an instrument to provide textures and energy to a song, the electric guitar is naturally inclined to do that. You'd be hard-pressed to get the same vibe with other instruments.

[@DansGarage13]

Great content! Practicing with a different guitar ....dont know how many times I've made that mistake.....they are all the same right!😂

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

And with the next time, we think, “Meh it’s ok, I’ve got it figured out!”

[@monahantp3767]

We've all been there at one time or another. The trick is being aware of slipping back into those old habits ;) Great video! BTW, what were you using (@3:45) to get that Helix display with proper icons? Seeing the battery icon in the top corner looks like some kind of mobile device...? That display layout is something I would really appreciate using.

[@JuicyFruit06-t3z]

Yeah, I was wondering the same!

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Thank you! Oh dear one of my video captions didn't render! 😵‍💫 There was a caption underneath that was supposed to say, "simple pitch settings on POD Go". It was a video I previously made here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXKzq35nZc2MiK8 Sorry for the confusion!

[@trebleboost7]

Great reminders. A few things I have tried. A. Try to get into a worship attitude during personal practice. B. Don’t noodle during soundcheck when it isn’t my turn. C. Intentionally try to underplay. D. Find out what other guitarist is going to play so can find the instrument that compliments (as well as parts obviously) E. Go crazy with some challenging stuff at home to get the ya-ya’s out and improve muscle memory. If I go into practice or service cold after a hard day of my mind-maxing full time job I have a tendency to do all the things you demonstrated. I really have to fight myself to transition.

[@VesselForHonor]

The more I hear electric guitar in a worship context, the more I feel like distortions and overdrives are just so unsuited for it (even for lead). It’s sad because who doesn’t love a nasty grimey fuzz tone, right? But when no one is expecting it, it just pulls SOO much attention away. A worship leader did fuzzy power chords instead of clean chords once and I just couldn’t pay attention for the life of me just because it was so cool 😭

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

This is where I appreciate Orthodox theology; they see everything good and redeemed as the handiwork of God. And perhaps our role as His creation is to give thanks when confronted with His handiwork, from the natural beauty of the mountains, to even fuzzy power chords played by His servants. "Performance" in the raw sense of the word can be worshipful because it is the creation doing what it's intended to do.

[@VesselForHonor]

@@AllAboutWorshipGuitar​​⁠I would completely agree, that’s a really neat way of putting it. I just think there’s a specific time and place to express raw emotion with hard rock. Only because I know it can tend to distract most people and I don’t want to take any glory from God, even if it’s not really my fault.

[@itstodd1345]

You’re a good man

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Thank you for the kind words! I just want to glorify Jesus!

[@waffleshadow6840]

I see I'm not the only who makes that face when they mess up, lol

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Mine is the "sorry I messed up" laugh. I've seen other people make a lizard face (with the tongue sticking out), haha.

[@waffleshadow6840]

@@AllAboutWorshipGuitar yup, guilty of those as well 😂

[@RootRoad]

Love this ❤

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Thank you! I hope it was useful for you!

[@justincase4925]

I knew a church who said guitars not allowed in church at all. Only use 1 piano and vocalist.(choir)so you Can be replaced.😊

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Yes of course, I am utterly replaceable. For churches with choir and piano, an electric guitar is definitely out of place. But in a bigger pop band format (guitars, keys, bass, drums), the electric is a versatile instrument to provide energy and unique textures.

[@ShreddingFinn]

I blew the first couple bars of a lead on Wednesday evening. The trick is make like nothing was a mistake, don't let the congregation see it! I'm torn on jumping musicians, we used to have a jumping guitarist and I was brand new to the faith at the time, I had a snobby "what is he doing" attitude, but I feel like that was a me problem and not so much him, nothing wrong with expressions

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

If the “wrong” notes are played once, they’re mistakes. If the wrong notes are played again, it’s jazz! (Half serious joke, haha). I think God loves all of our physical expressions, from the jumpers to the “swaying trees”.

[@robbyclark6915]

Oh man, if you regularly switch back and forth between guitars of different scale lengths then then you get it. 25.5 is definitely the most common, but the 24.75 of a traditional Gibson scale has a different feel. Everything is literally in a different spot. I literally have a fender strat and a Gibson LP sitting out and right beside me and make a point to give them both equal practice. That's how important it is to my playing. If another guitarist doesn't need to do that, then I appluad you, but I suspect most do. Whether they realize it or not is a whole different issue. Great points all together, and some often overlooked, especially by a newer player. You got my sub.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Thank you! Oh that’s such a good insight, I forgot about the different scale length. I should try learning on a Les Paul then jamming on the Explorer to see if the unfamiliarity factor is just as high.

[@robbyclark6915]

@@AllAboutWorshipGuitar same scale length across the vast majority of Gibson guitars, even the acoustics. So it should be a 1 to 1 comparison, respectively. Same scale lengths, same radius, same bridge system (mostly). Almost the same guitars except for body shape and headstock. I prefer the body of the LP, but the headstock of the explorer with its 6 in line.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

That kinda reminds me of a Kramer design (LP with 6-in-line tuners). I also think the break angle is better on an Explorer vs a Les Paul.

[@justincase4925]

At 5:42 you are crazy what were you thinking.? Never do that unless you are powerchording a fast song at the end of a fast and rowdy praise set. All eyes on cues from worship leader. Be background not the distraction .

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

The MD said to “go crazy” at the crash out (this is during rehearsal), but it wasn’t clear if the crash out was here or if we were repeating another bridge. I assumed there was no repeat bridge but I think I got it wrong. Some played on, others like me started crashing out.

[@predigr]

This video is so funny, it is a crude reality haha

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

They do say that humour is tragedy with distance and time, haha

[@predigr]

Another important thing is hear where you are. Hear the moments. Hear people, hear church. You might don't need to play that solo. You might need to change the sound. You might need to stop playing.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Amen! For clarification, yes there were quiet moments I didn't play at all in the set.

[@JimBischoff1184]

At my church ; worship guitar meant playing the same note constantly throughout the song . Uh ; no thanks . 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

I’d say that’s a good first step for a beginner, and get the musician to add notes as the weeks go by. But on a serious note, are there songs with only just one note for the EG? I gotta know what these are.

[@timtyler4011]

There's no place for "showing off" in worship. It's okay to play with skill and be passionate about what we're playing, but it's detrimental to worship if we bring attention to ourselves. Worship is supposed to be directed to Jesus...NOT US.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Amen! I would say there is a balance to achieve, because God also made us with the gifts to play (and to enjoy those gifts).

[@nicholsonjay4724]

Church now is nothing but a rock concert and a pep talk.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

This may come as a surprise to some but…I agree, to an extent. The problem is when we allow production value to supersede the core parts of the service (word and table). If the sermon is an after-thought, and if the sacraments are carelessly administered compared to the singing, we have a major problem!

[@scorpionbass]

I've been to some extremely worship filled rock concerts. I appreciate the people who are willing to serve God in new ways and playing a new song to the Lord.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

I do scratch my head at some of these worship concerts that offer "VIP access" packages like meet-and-greets and autographs. I'd much rather they repackage that into a training/know-how session.

[@rickschneider3887]

My experience as a worship guitarist is learn to play your best from the heart to Jesus and not try to put on a performance for an audience of people. I have an audience of 1 and he looks at the sincerity of my heart when I do worship him. If I'm pre-occupied with the crowd then he's not my focus. I'm all for showing expressions of joy and excitement toward God by dance or showing emotion while I play as long as I'm not trying to strike a rock star pose or fancy movements as though I'm trying to impress anyone. Practice is so essential!! Know your instrument and perfect your craft so that it becomes easier and more natural when you do play. Invest the time in being the best musician you can be for your king without competing with anyone else. This is NOT Spriritual AMERICAN IDOL!! God Hates IDOLS of any kind!! Be comfortable with the gift God has given you and learn to use it to the best of your ability. Scripture says " whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might ". Do everything as unto the Lord and Not to Men!!

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Amen, amen. Although I wonder if the rock star pose (directed to Jesus, for the sake of argument) warms God’s heart the same way our kids warm our heart when they strike a pose during their random dancing.

[@rickschneider3887]

@@AllAboutWorshipGuitar as a father myself I would say this. Yes it would be cute and heart warming if my son was 3 or 5 years old. But if my son did that at age 17 to me it would seem not so cute. Even Paul said in Corinthians, when he was a child he spoke as a child and reasoned as a child but when he became older he put away childish things. There's a difference between having child like faith and acting like a child in general. I've also learned as a son that I don't have to even put on a show for my Heavenly Father for him to warm his heart. My love toward him as I worship is plenty enough to warm his heart. Non the less ..as Paul stated. " work out your own salvation with fear and trembling". I would rather have people raise up their voices to God loudly to be heard than have them sit there in their seats showing no emotion at all! May God bless you my brother and may he prosper you in what you do!

[@AlexChernandez0203]

Hey at 2:38 that wrong note didnt sound half bad, at least the one you hit after wasnt.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Haha thanks for the vote of confidence. I’d disguise it as a jazz note if I played the same wrong note twice…

[@normanmatthewvillegas8032]

You need to practice more on techniques. Yeah every guitars feels different, before you start you need 5-10 mins finger warm ups then check your gears.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Oh man, if only I had that kind of time. I can do daily maintenance exercises but I’ve never been able to spend the time to push the envelope.

[@felixayala05]

I'm blessed to be about 50 ft away from the first row and behind the speakers so no one hears my clicks. 😊

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

50ft! That must be a really big stage!

[@markanthonypraico3099]

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@BryantWalker-m6e]

Dude, your using a rock rig what do you expect?

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Are you referring to the use of my Explorer and it potentially influenced my playing style? Yeah that’s possible, since the Explorer is a really comfortable guitar to play.

[@johnong2655]

No shred for me please. Wanna shred? Go get yourself a gig outside

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Yup, agreed. Although in my defence the MD called for a loud rumble and playing a power chord didn’t cut it for this occasion. If you have the facility for it, I say go for it at the appropriate time.

[@sonofromel]

If it's done tastefully, it should be totally fine, it's music. A lot of people in worship are already intimidated if a guitarist plays 16th notes and call it "shred". There are more note values than just whole, half and quarter. Do not overplay but do not underplay too. If it doesn't work in context, it doesn't. If it does then why not?

[@justincase4925]

Hey ! look at the signs your worship leader is giving you! Be safe not sorry.

[@mjtejero]

Yea lol don't do this 🤣

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

Indeed!

[@robzilla69]

That is a performance, not worship.

[@AllAboutWorshipGuitar]

The line between performance and worship is located differently from tradition to tradition. I can see how this might be misconstrued as performance to a conservative (and I come from that church background).

[@robzilla69]

@@AllAboutWorshipGuitar The word of God defines the difference, not traditions of men. In my bands I performed, just like I do in my career. In the house of the Lord all focus belongs to him. Anything else would not be worship.