Worship Musicians | Play Simple?

[@dandanramsay1769]

Could you guys talk about churches that do " pay musicians" to play for their church that nick mentioned at 9:36. Might be a good topic for another podcast

[@landguitar]

A few comments. As a 55+ years of experience guitarist, what I have learned the most from playing P&W for over 25 years, is to play less (not necessarily "simply"), and play it more precisely. Use triads, inversions, rarely barre chords. Arpeggiate slowly... Having said that, to me, learning the "right" guitar parts to these songs - for which I depend in large part on your efficient and time saving tutorials, as it's often very hard to hear the different guitar parts in the large worship bands in their YT videos or studio recordings - makes it more fun and more challenging. Anyone can - and many do - just show up and play the chords and improvise, spending as little time as possible learning the song. SO, that's why I like to play the song "right", and am usually unhappy IF - and rarely - the worship leader asks me to NOT play the guitar part "right". Usually, though, worship leaders are very happy that someone actually learned the song and is ready to play it! As far as changing what's played in a song, "making it your own", as you know, there are key parts that make a song that song, like the melody, transitions, accents, etc. If we want the congregation to "recognize" the song, it needs to maintain the key elements of the song, IMO. Having said that, the worship band I have been with for about 13 years now, through a number of leaders, often leaves out song parts, changes breaks, etc., to fit our worship order and maybe add "oomph" in a place that was a little "down", or less impactful than we/the worship leader wanted it be. But I do have to still remind myself to control my tendency to add fills, extra chord embellishments, etc., which I always do in my Rock band playing. But many worship leaders really don't know how to nicely and effectively lead a band, so it's refreshing to hear you talk about that leadership and how to have better band conversation. And, as Paul Baloche has noted, to have a good, cohesive, band you have to allow them time to jam, to go off on tangents, and grow together like that, just like rock and other bands do! But, many worship leaders are very uncomfortable with that, as it makes them feel out of control. For praise bands like the one at our church, that don't have time to rehearse except just before services, it's also important for the worship leader to be prepared and efficient, and give as detailed of instructions as possible BEFORE rehearsal; e.g. we are playing this for Communion so use a cleaner tone and play "less" than we would if we were playing this song as the opening song! Sorry for the long response, but this a good topic and we all have something to learn here! Thanks for what you do, and for talking about all of this!

[@Tokestaf77]

I play simply because I can't play fancy. As an amateur EG player, first of all, I am there to play for Jesus, to serve Him, to serve the church, to serve the team, and to serve the song. I have been playing in church for about 15 years now, and all I can say is if you can't do it, don't play it, if doesn't fit the song don't do any extra notes or whatnot. My job as an EG player is to do or play my parts in the song, it could be just simple triads, simple chords simple licks, whatever but if the songs calls for solo and the MD allows it then I would solo in the best of my ability. Everytime I play though I always do my best in preparing, learning, and practicing my EG parts or at least the important parts, like cool intros, riffs or solos regardless if they would let me play it or not during worship time because I am doing this for the Lord And besides I consider it pure joy and gain my brothers because at least I learned another new riffs or solos again even if I did not get to play during worship. It's still a win for me. As part of the team, you have to be a good team player, and not easily get offended when they tell you not to do things that ruin the song or worship or everybody else, you have to remember that you are there to serve and it's not about you. I think it's also important to build a good relationship with the MD or worship pastor or with the rest of team, like be friends with them, I think it's just easier to communicate and to be frank and to be honest with each other and not easily get offended when they correct you when you have a good relatioship with each other. I just happened to be real good friends with our MD, and that makes it so much easier for us to be frank and to be honest with each other and thus makes it so much easier to work or play together.

[@worshipartistry]

having a good relationship with them team is such a great thing, so glad you have that and good thoughts.

[@chathamgirl2368]

Just this week I worked really hard to play a song just like the recording and at rehearsal was asked to back off and play simple. The singer was having trouble with timing, so the simple version was what they needed to lock in. I let it go immediately, even though I had worked hard. Ultimately it’s the band’s job to help the singers. (And hi Nick from one of your teams in NC! We miss you but love what you are doing at Worship Artistry!)

[@SamWittek]

Such a good conversation!

[@GC-bk1mv]

I could say a ton of stuff in both understanding and frustration on this topic. On the one side, I understand playing simple. Some songs don't need a ton of (name your instrument). In this scenario, my approach is "how can I play this simple song extremely well?...maybe I can add a small lick in this one section. Or maybe I can play an inversion over here, etc." On the other side of the coin (this is where I feel people need to read scripture on playing skillfully); I feel like people misinterpret playing skillfully, with showing off. You can play a cool solo in a song, without showing off. It is very possible. My church is open with the instruments on stage taking a solo when necessary and I love that. I wholeheartedly believe we should bring our excellency before the Lord because He is worthy of that. Everyone may be at different skill levels and that's totally fine.

[@worshipartistry]

YES!!! I think in order to strangle ego we’ve overcorrected and we can miss out on using the talent and heart that God gave us to glorify Him. Can God be glorified by simple music? Of course. Can God be glorified when someone expresses music in such a way that the beauty and creativity reflects our Creator? Absolutely!

[@donly8408]

Wow, this is such a good topic and discussion. I appreciate the dialogue.

[@worshipartistry]

Glad you enjoyed it! What other topics would you like to see covered?

[@donly8408]

@worshipartistry great question. Perhaps worship lifestyle. Something to the effect of the standards of being a worship leader and serving on a worship team. Is there accountability for the lifestyle outside of ministry? If you have already covered it, then please direct me because I'm definitely interested in that topic.

[@TimHeiderMusic]

To me, it's more helpful to think "play intentionally" instead of "play simply." It's easy to noodle through the whole song, but it takes a lot more thought and effort to craft appropriate parts. I like to go through a song section-by-section and nail down exactly what I'm playing, whether it be a a lead part, arpeggios, or nothing at all. Then I practice until I can do every section the same way every time. The creative part comes in practicing at home. This way, I'm not up on stage wondering what I'm going to do next - I'm able to play intentionally throughout.

[@johnmcvicker6728]

0 seconds ago Think about worship teams. Usually young or mid age families with children. Some with special needs kids. Getting together for one or two weeks a month to practice one night and play services on Sundays. Then won’t practice until they are schedules again. Lowest common denominator songs for many churches. This can be fine if they are not trying to be a Dream Theater concert. We have been down to as little as three at a time, and as big as 10 on stage. The small intimate setup hits pretty hard when trying to worship. Listen to the song Pieces from Gateway Worship (live at the well). That was a very good worship experience.

[@careyvinzant]

Simple and minimalist are two different things. I tend to play parts that tend toward minimalism, but they aren't "simple." My favorite bands growing up were Prog and Fusion acts, so extending the chords and slipping polyrhythms in are my bread and butter. It's all in the delivery. I have done ostinatos in odd time (5/16 anyone) on very slow, meditative songs for years and people connect with it. The trick? Do it with some subtlety. Don't do it loudly--make sure it sits well in the mix (dynamics!) and doesn't scream "Hey! Look at me!" Get your tone dialed in so it doesn't poke out to the front of the mix. There's a psychological part of it too: if you play lines people tend to think of that as "lead guitar," which to them means showing off. If you play chords they think of it as "rhythm guitar," and you can actually get away with playing more. If you play lines, play the melody of the song or, even better, play a harmony line. It's not about being simple, it's about being *tasteful*.

[@maliekelly7338]

In response to your question what determines the level of the band/team…. So this entirely depends on the musical skill set, qualification, experience and expectation of your MUSIC DIRECTOR. Also budget and size and needs of the church/ministry. He will set the bar and level of operation.

[@rador9745]

Excellent topic. Play simple as a drummer means stay in control which improves time / feel / groove. In general I want to play what the original drummer on the track played. The challenge is simulating a loop and the drum part. At times I’m aware that trying to catch it all is sacrificing the timing. Simplifying always allows for the best feel.

[@worshipartistry]

That's a great description. I wonder what would happen if instead of telling the drummer to simplify instead we said "stay in control".

[@ericscheermusic]

To me what simple means, ESPECIALLY in worship music is play peacefully and simply feel the music, but don't overdo it, playing simple is not always bad it can create BEAUTIFUL music sometimes. But to me what playing simple in worship music is(.bc.thsts what I do the most.of) but peaceful and relaxing, and that czn be done in faster worshp.songs as well. But thats what I think.when I hear.play smplei

[@maliekelly7338]

Stylisticly you need to give the SONG what it wants. If shredding is needed that is what needs to be done. If simple is needed that is what it is. Versatility is necessary for team players. TEACH THEM Bottom line is you need a good Music director to communicate what is needed. Stylistically every song has its own feel. - teach your guys. Don’t expect results if you do not rehearse together under good direction. As a team.. Development and results is the most motivating aspect to Getting your team to worK harder and walk the extra mile. Your auditioning Process is also crucial!! Do not put members in the band Who is not up to the required level. !! NEVER compromise - !! Love The podcast very cool!’

[@worshipartistry]

So many great points. How do you decide what the standard is for your band?

[@landguitar]

@@worshipartistry Usually it's based on who you can get, what your talent pool is. If you don't have members that can play well enough (a broad generalization on quality!), you have to try and hire, if the church can afford it. Then it depends on the talent available in your community, and who wants to play at your church. Then it depends on their hearts and commitment as well. It's not a simple equation or solution, IMO. Then, as one of the "old guys" - a very experienced and talented player - who is a church member and volunteer - when do I let go, and how? It's complicated... :+)

[@gospelballer33]

My issue that im dealing with, is that we are just introducing electric guitar into our worship. The issue is our acoustic guitar player will only play fingerstyle and wont strum. So as a vocalist and worship leader asked to now play electric how would you approach this? Btw im subscribed to worship artistry but cant figure out how to play lead and rhythm at the same time.

[@worshipartistry]

Our lead lessons are designed for a single electric guitarist but adding singing into the mix is challenging. As a worship leader who leads on electric myself, I lean on whatever I'm comfortable with. So for example, I might play the lead lines in intros and instrumentals, then drop out for the verses and one strum chords in the chorus. Remember, there's nothing a song ever truly NEEDS. You are better off adapting it to your ability than trying to do too much at once. What is your typical approach?

[@gospelballer33]

@worshipartistry my typical approach was trying to fill in the verses with diamonds to fill space. And to downstream courses. And also try to play the most recognized lead lines and sing. It's just to much

[@MrDarrenGO]

The Peavey RAGE158?!?! That was my first amp as well! :D

[@worshipartistry]

@@MrDarrenGO what a tremendous noise it made! 🤣

[@jimduyck]

Same. Wow the nostalgia is flooding in now!

[@donthompson9752]

Great stuff. I lean towards “learn the lick” for many reasons. If, for instance, the congregation is accustom to hearing a particular song, I intend to stay with signature licks and fills to not distract from the moment. Honestly. I just don’t think my musical vocabulary is as interesting. Like Nick said, left to myself,I tend to play the same thing in a different key. In the meantime, thanks Jason/ Worship Artistry,, you and I have spent MANY hours working out parts.

[@worshipartistry]

It's been a pleasure to work out those parts with you :) What do you think would help your music vocabulary become more interesting?

[@dandanramsay1769]

Playing simple could also mean the worship leader is wanting less musical distractions for a more calming song towards the end of the set leading to the pastor speaking his sermon.

[@LifePointLebanon417]

You should always sweep pick on firm foundation!!!

[@worshipartistry]

ALWAYS!

[@SamGrimes93]

Worship is the only genre ive ever played, so i didnt have loads of blues / rock habits to break out of. It's meant that keeping simple is absolutely for me, small triads, big chords, single note lead lines, sitting out of a verse, no problem. The downside is I can't play any other genre.... And I really wish I could 😂

[@worshipartistry]

Just turn off your delay and lower your reverb and start fro there!

[@ace1usmc]

@SamGrimes93 Brother, if you spend the rest of your life playing NOTHING BUT WORSHIP to our Lord & Savior, then you will have spent the rest of your life pleasing the heart of God.

[@MRxr400]

as a young player, the director of the band would walk over and pull out my guitar lead if i got too much. he taught me a lot. trying to explain simple gets so many offended, and it shows how they aren't listening to the band, just themselves.

[@worshipartistry]

Pulling out your guitar lead seems a LITTLE aggressive ;) . How did you take it and was that a good way to help you in that moment?

[@MRxr400]

@@worshipartistry it was a great way for me to learn how not to over play. i had a lot of respect for the man as he had lots of experience. Years later i did it to a bass player who was hitting wrong notes and not noticing it. That didn't go so well. still, pretty funny. I was also a sound engineer, because I could hear mistakes well, I'd regularly turn someone down or out of the mix of the front of house.

[@worshipartistry]

Wish I could have seen the bass player's face! So awesome that you are involved in the sound team as well. We need more musicians in the booth.

[@MemphisMike901]

Yeah nothing “simple” about Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Music. 😅. I get what saying tho. As a keyboardist, i use to admittedly overplay. But i also always felt the need to drive the rhythm as I did not have many musicians for a rhythm section. With ccm music, i find it is easy to keep it simple and fit, but i look and utilize pockets for a slight riff/lick. I can save my nice gospel chords for the times it is just keys and the WL.

[@worshipartistry]

Would love to hear some of those gospel chords.

[@MemphisMike901]

@@worshipartistry ​​⁠just last week. Young WL wanted to do old Hymn, Blessed Assurance w just keys Perfect opportunity to add some flavor. 9#11’s. b5’s. God moved when the old hymn came out!

[@margaretallen7820]

Doesn’t simplify mean don’t overplay? Too many fills, etc. especially in deep soaking Worship songs. Time to chill and worship for a while.

[@worshipartistry]

It can but we should say that, explain what that means and give examples. The most complicated part can still be tasteful if it fits.

[@jelloowaterz7486]

not gonna lie in my opinion, upperroom is a perfect example of simple worship.

[@worshipartistry]

No need to lie. We trust you 😊

[@itieknots7]

LOL.... "play simple.... or I actually want you to play better"... been there.

[@worshipartistry]

Wonder why it's harder to hear it the second way...

[@itieknots7]

@worshipartistry definitely comes with maturity. I'm a 20+ year Bass player that has only started playing electric in the last year. Being in my mid-thirties I know I have a lot to learn on electric and not afraid to check my ego for the sake of the team's needs.

[@worshipartistry]

That's awesome. I know a ton of guitar players who attempt bass but not many that go the other way. Are there skills from your bass playing that help you bring a unique perspective to your guitar playing?

[@itieknots7]

@worshipartistry That's a good question. I would like to give a resounding yes, and it has helped with feeling the beat/following the drums, but it also has hindered me some. Because I've focused the last 20+ years listening primarily to Bass lines/frequency ranges, it has left me feeling completely exposed when I do play electric in front of the congregation! Lol, like I'm up here without pants on! One other positive is I already have really good hand strength, and picked up finger style guitar fairly quick. One final negative is I never used a pick much with Bass, and my picking has a lot of room ro grow, and my fretting hand has really required specific exercises to to increase accuracy as you can get away with a lot more on Bass.

[@ace1usmc]

In all honesty, I'm utterly sick of how easily offended everyone is these days. It's rooted in pride. And do I gotta mention or quote how God feels about our pride??

[@worshipartistry]

Who in this context do you see as offended?

[@ace1usmc]

@@worshipartistry Both men in this video are pontificating on how to say "play simple" and how some people will perceive that a certain type of way and interpret something that simply direct and forthright as something that is negative or critical, etc. I inherited the most overly sensitive, and unqualified (both Biblically and musically) worship team in history, and I deal with tears every week because they are there for the wrong reasons. They are there because their friends tell them how great they do at Karaoke, and therefore, they must be able to "sing" (instead of worship). Not one of them understands the real reason why we worship - BECAUSE HE'S WORTHY! My pastor won't let me remove them, even the ones that are completely tone deaf. That's not hyperbole. There are several people that cannot tell what notes to sing AT ALL, and if I ASK them to not sing, I get tears. Lord, help us.

[@worshipartistry]

Love the passion. It's alway hard to inherit a team, especially one that struggles musically. We've got a website for that :) I think if you listen to the tone of the conversation, we're speaking from our many years of worship leading experience. Just because people shouldn't be offended doesn't mean they won't be. I've put people in tears as well but I learned it's much more effective when working with volunteers to coach, equip and encourage to a higher standard. Have you had any success in improving your team?