Man, over the past 4ish years of being the only electric guitar player I've had to accidentally learn all of this myself just from not knowing what to do a lot of the times. This is a great video and I wish I had it years ago lol
I'm a HUGE proponent of CAGED for this reason. I'll learn to voice the progression 3 different ways to find where it will sit in a band context. Also using 4 chords (1st-4th-5th with a high 3rd) sounds amazing. Power chords can be embellished with a high 2 (1-5-2) which is a bit of a stretch but well worth it. Also, find those high 11th's on those minor chords and learn to sus2 every major chord shape (without capos) - it's worth the time to learn. Trust me, 20 years of worship on electric and I'm still re-voicing and extending my chords to fit.
Nice! I typically take the same approach. Gives nice opportunities for voice leading and counterpoint. I also like to use funk-adjacent genres as an influence to pull back and be more percussive if necessary to avoid stepping on the keys.
@MyguitarteacherCa I cannot recommend your approach enough. It's so important especially when you play in a big band with keys, horns, bass, vocals etc so you can stay out of everyone's way and still have your own sonic space
I became the only electric guitarist in my church 8 months ago. What's more, I am re-learning from square one after 20 years of not playing. Stuff like this is so incredibly helpful.
You just made me feel a lot better. So many times while playing In worship I find myself doing several of these things. Sure helps to know that players of higher caliber than myself are doing these things also.
Such a valuable resource for worhsip teams everywhere, man. This really empowers volunteers to be able to feel confident regardless of if they have the resources to find the parts or not.
Thanks. This is very helpful. I've been an acoustic player for 35 years but have been playing electric for the past few years in church and it's a different frame of mind. This video has some great tips.
My tip is just to learn a lot of songs in styles you commonly need at church. You'll get enough vocabulary to steal a part from one song and put it in another very quickly. I've played the lead line from "What a beautiful name" in probably like 5 other songs and no one complained :)
Well this was timely. Just texted our worship leader an hour ago about having this problem with all the Christmas songs we are doing this week. I think I'm getting on the right track now. Video was definitely helpful!
It was very helpful, Bradford. Thank you very much for making this. It's always good to hear somebody who plays as well as you do with a bent towards worshipping the savior, Christ Jesus, the only name under heaven by which we must be saved.
This is all solid advice. When I played worship guitar, I usually modeled my parts off of stuff like U2/Edge, police/Andy Summers, Earth Wind & Fire, a little Hendrix. A lot of suspensions and airy chords, especially when there are bunch of instruments in the band (eg keys) and several singers. Less is generally more in that type of environment. Just try to cut through over the top a little when you can, use higher chord voicing, inside chords etc, lay off the low 6th string for the most part. You can usually forget the root because like 3 other instruments are covering it lol.
I have played guitar for over 30 years and one thing we guitar players MUST keep in mind is that Worship Music is VOCAL oriented and not guitar. We revolve around the singers and not the other way around. I know its frustrating for some but let me tell you that when I started this journey, it was Organ, piano and acoustic guitar only and MOST churches would not use drums! I have actually been personally removed from worship for using electric guitar. So we should be thankful that we DO get to join in now. Its a major blessing. If you want to improve your guitar playing try Jazz, Flamenco, or Blues. Careful though, we really need to not join with darkness. There are many styles we can play that improve our guitar playing. I would even go so far as to say Neo-Classical shred as a worthy art form. I am drawn to musicians who play instrumental only. Once you get into the lyrics there are many dark and evil things sung. So avoid them all together.
I Have to totally disagree with you. Utter nonsense, there is always space for electric guitar in most modern worship songs & some of the old hymns. Mixing it…chords & lead work, Improvisation is key, Importance of guitar sound, ambience swells etc. Not sure why you’re church band doesn’t want you playing much. Maybe time to move on? Just a note, a lot of modern worship bands have at least 2 electric guitarists, Some 3, plus the bass player! Elevation is a prime example. Vocals? Disagree, depends on song, Listen to Martin Smith (worship band) The band would be lost without the lead guitarists Amazing playing.
Lol those churches that’s anti drum and electric is just bad theology when what they(church leaders) want is to keep tradition. Resistant to art change that is not antichrist or evil. Drums and electric is not demonic. Just because rock bands were “dark”. Christians listen to them daily and they’re not satan worshipers. Also churches that believe a song cannot be play during worship because it’s “hard to follow” or too complex is absolute crap. People enjoy creative music. God is creator of all music and it has to be redeemed not excommunicated.
@@TheJinx1 I have to agree. Why are churches closing? Open to debate, Lots of reasons. One important factor is recognition of being open to change, adapt, new ideas & moving forward with the times. The churches that are growing are those that embrace change, a more modern approach & current worship music. If it’s a struggle, a mix of old & new, for starters. I’ve found out, it’s a battle to change, “we’ve always done it this way” “I am used too this form of service & I don’t like change” So the ‘NO ENTRY’ signs are firmly in place on the church doors, to anyone who would like the service to be less regimental, less intimidating & modern. So the young people are locked out! Yes 👍 Is this what Jesus wants? of his disciples. 🤷♂️ ‘NO’
Thank for these ideas. Having been an acoustic player and worship leader since the mid 70s, now that I’ve reached 70, I’m making way for younger WLs and am learning more background lead/bass guitar roles. Any Videos on this theme and setting suitable tones would be really helpful. God bless!
Yup. Exactly what I do when no quitars. Some time the keyboard player will not want me to play the melody when they are playing it but other than that...
A lot of great advice here. I do a lot of these things somewhat naturally and actually instead of playing the “lead” parts from the record, because often they fit better in the case of just one electric on stage. We rarely have the luxury of two electrics on a given Sunday.
We are spoiled nowadays. 30yrs ago many songs sung in church did not even have easily accessible recordings so being able to play something suitable that you came up with yourself was a fundamental skill.
I may use fingerpicks and arpeggio open chords, or play octaves, or figure out a nice lead line to play as a fill. Pray a lot about what to play, that helps.
Chorus pedal + slide + relative minor pentatonic double-stops rolled back off your top volume gives that extra something people hear and like without knowing what they're hearing and liking. Great for when there's an "instrumental" that is really just the keys playing the chords.
Love these videos, wish I would've had these a few back, figured this stuff out slowly over the years. You guys are doing awesome and helping out the up and comers in the worship team world! Thanks for the tutorials and all the awesome stuff on your site for line 6 products!
A couple things that sometimes are not thought of: Big slow diamonds on the changes especially in open choruses can add a ton to the mix and play in the spaces. Avoid playing licks or lines during the vocals (unless doubling or playing a harmony) and add some of the spice during the spaces.
This is some really solid advice. I'm glad to find out I already do most of these tips but the tutorial on the general higher fretboard chords is suuuppeerrr helpful. I also love to outline melodies with octave chords. Mostly cuz I'm a rock kid at heart.
Great points! I rarely, nearly never, play rhythm chords with the acoustic guitars. Our PT leader plays acoustic rhythm 99% (piano is 1%) and does not fully understand electric guitar.
Kinda funny. We did a different Phil Wickham song on Christmas, and that one had no electric in it at all. I ended up doing some of what you suggest....arpeggiated chords (ala Oasis in my case...), single notes (or 5ths). it worked quite well. Good video! Thanks.
I am sorta impressed with myself that I am already using that shape similarly. But I’ve been sliding up for the 2 and 3. I’m gonna try this thumb wrap thing soon.
What I do sometimes is I’ll loop something on my microcosm, reverse it and use the mosaic settings for an ambient pad underneath everything and just mess with that accordingly. Works well since those “guitarless” songs lead into a prayer afterwards and I can leave my ambient loop going
I have three tricks that I’ve used for 20 years. By the time I get to the third trick, you’ve forgotten about the first one. When I restart the cycle you’re all “Whoa, this guy has endless tricks up his sleeve!”
Also, remember sometimes less means more, so you don't actually need to play that much. You'll enjoy those break moments sometimes. PD: try everything new in rehearsal so you know how it will sound and if the MD agrees with it.
We are playing “What Child Is This” by Wickam, I feel this, cuz that song is just acoustic. I plan on doing low octaves Similar to Hillsongs “No Other Name” I guess it all depends on what the drummer decides to do help me understand what I am going to play. Also “worship triads” 😂 I love that name for them, definitely my go to! Great vid
I deal with this every now and then. I have some "safe" structures I typically default to... but I do something catch myself thinking "I have no clue what I'm doing right now but whatev"
Extremely helpful. I have forgotten a lot of my theory. Do you have any good recommendations for how to relearn the music theory that could aid in my practicing?
rick beato has some decent music theory blitz courses on his channel. It's just the basic stuff, but that's all you need unless you're going full gospel fusion
I always have to come back here to the second half of the video to get refreshed on the power chord you start with and then count up through the Nashville numbering system. Is there a good chart with those shapes somewhere?
Hey guys, I am 30 years old and feel our church really could need someone playing the electric guitar. We only have vocals and a piano. I would junpninto this gap and take some time to learn playing the guitar. Inhale basic music understanding of chords and stuff but I just want to ask if you guys know what path is most effective, bc I don’t want to waste time with methodology bc I also have family and not that much time to spend on this. Thank you guys in advance, I love your videos, god bless you!
So I know my basic pentatonic shapes On E string and A string roots. You said you were playing in B. Then you said to use the B scale (so not the G# minor pentatonic scale?) starting on G# which is the relative minor. I'm a little lost on the scale pattern. Are you just sliding from G# up to B then doing that scale or are you keeping your hand on the G# area and just knowing the notes that fit the B Pentatonic.
Best advice I've ever gotten, music is made in the notes you don't play.....
Deep stuff right there
Man, over the past 4ish years of being the only electric guitar player I've had to accidentally learn all of this myself just from not knowing what to do a lot of the times. This is a great video and I wish I had it years ago lol
Same brother.
Same!!!!!
Here's to learning on the fly😅
This might be one of the most useful guitar playing videos I've ever seen on YT...
I'm a HUGE proponent of CAGED for this reason. I'll learn to voice the progression 3 different ways to find where it will sit in a band context. Also using 4 chords (1st-4th-5th with a high 3rd) sounds amazing. Power chords can be embellished with a high 2 (1-5-2) which is a bit of a stretch but well worth it. Also, find those high 11th's on those minor chords and learn to sus2 every major chord shape (without capos) - it's worth the time to learn. Trust me, 20 years of worship on electric and I'm still re-voicing and extending my chords to fit.
Nice! I typically take the same approach. Gives nice opportunities for voice leading and counterpoint. I also like to use funk-adjacent genres as an influence to pull back and be more percussive if necessary to avoid stepping on the keys.
@MyguitarteacherCa I cannot recommend your approach enough. It's so important especially when you play in a big band with keys, horns, bass, vocals etc so you can stay out of everyone's way and still have your own sonic space
4:45 Wow... love that sound... starts with snarl, ends with long deep clear smooth sustain!
Great to have this for all the old Christmas hymns churches will be playing this week
man that guitar is beautiful
My favorite go to is power chording when there isnt usually a guitar. Youd be surprised how much it can add to the mix😅
This is literally the only and definitely “worship” tutorial everybody needs to play worship music ever😅
I became the only electric guitarist in my church 8 months ago. What's more, I am re-learning from square one after 20 years of not playing. Stuff like this is so incredibly helpful.
Using arpeggios is one of my go-to ways of filling in parts, glad to see I'm not the only one!
You just made me feel a lot better. So many times while playing In worship I find myself doing several of these things. Sure helps to know that players of higher caliber than myself are doing these things also.
You are in good company 😂
Such a valuable resource for worhsip teams everywhere, man. This really empowers volunteers to be able to feel confident regardless of if they have the resources to find the parts or not.
Thanks. This is very helpful. I've been an acoustic player for 35 years but have been playing electric for the past few years in church and it's a different frame of mind. This video has some great tips.
I struggle with this as well, specifically around Christmas. Thanks for the tips!
My tip is just to learn a lot of songs in styles you commonly need at church. You'll get enough vocabulary to steal a part from one song and put it in another very quickly. I've played the lead line from "What a beautiful name" in probably like 5 other songs and no one complained :)
Heck, I played the lead line from Duran Duran's "Ordinary World" for "Revelation Song". Sounds awesome :D
Well this was timely. Just texted our worship leader an hour ago about having this problem with all the Christmas songs we are doing this week. I think I'm getting on the right track now. Video was definitely helpful!
Good luck to you dude. How many songs are you doing?
@@isaacthomas9279 doing 6 on Christmas Eve
Oh what a beauty in your hands
This is your best video. Period. Bar none. Super helpful to deal with being phased out by the praise and worship industrial machine.
This was what I’ve been looking for. My church we do a lot of songs you’ll find only in a certain niche group of churches. Thanks Brad!
This is really interesting.
I natively have done this for years and didn’t even realize it was a thing for others too.
When in doubt double a Key part or the melody for the intro/turn/tag, you can also play higher voiced chords of different inversions as well
It was very helpful, Bradford. Thank you very much for making this. It's always good to hear somebody who plays as well as you do with a bent towards worshipping the savior, Christ Jesus, the only name under heaven by which we must be saved.
This is all solid advice. When I played worship guitar, I usually modeled my parts off of stuff like U2/Edge, police/Andy Summers, Earth Wind & Fire, a little Hendrix. A lot of suspensions and airy chords, especially when there are bunch of instruments in the band (eg keys) and several singers. Less is generally more in that type of environment. Just try to cut through over the top a little when you can, use higher chord voicing, inside chords etc, lay off the low 6th string for the most part. You can usually forget the root because like 3 other instruments are covering it lol.
I have played guitar for over 30 years and one thing we guitar players MUST keep in mind is that Worship Music is VOCAL oriented and not guitar. We revolve around the singers and not the other way around. I know its frustrating for some but let me tell you that when I started this journey, it was Organ, piano and acoustic guitar only and MOST churches would not use drums! I have actually been personally removed from worship for using electric guitar. So we should be thankful that we DO get to join in now. Its a major blessing. If you want to improve your guitar playing try Jazz, Flamenco, or Blues. Careful though, we really need to not join with darkness. There are many styles we can play that improve our guitar playing. I would even go so far as to say Neo-Classical shred as a worthy art form. I am drawn to musicians who play instrumental only. Once you get into the lyrics there are many dark and evil things sung. So avoid them all together.
I Have to totally disagree with you.
Utter nonsense, there is always space for electric guitar in most modern worship songs & some of the old hymns.
Mixing it…chords & lead work, Improvisation is key, Importance of guitar sound, ambience swells etc.
Not sure why you’re church band doesn’t want you playing much. Maybe time to move on?
Just a note, a lot of modern worship bands have at least 2 electric guitarists, Some 3, plus the bass player!
Elevation is a prime example.
Vocals? Disagree, depends on song, Listen to Martin Smith (worship band) The band would be lost without the lead guitarists Amazing playing.
Absolute wisdom ,sir
Lol those churches that’s anti drum and electric is just bad theology when what they(church leaders) want is to keep tradition. Resistant to art change that is not antichrist or evil. Drums and electric is not demonic. Just because rock bands were “dark”. Christians listen to them daily and they’re not satan worshipers. Also churches that believe a song cannot be play during worship because it’s “hard to follow” or too complex is absolute crap. People enjoy creative music. God is creator of all music and it has to be redeemed not excommunicated.
@@TheJinx1 I have to agree.
Why are churches closing? Open to debate, Lots of reasons. One important factor is recognition of being open to change, adapt, new ideas & moving forward with the times. The churches that are growing are those that embrace change, a more modern approach & current worship music. If it’s a struggle, a mix of old & new, for starters. I’ve found out, it’s a battle to change,
“we’ve always done it this way” “I am used too this form of service & I don’t like change” So the ‘NO ENTRY’ signs are firmly in place on the church doors, to anyone who would like the service to be less regimental, less intimidating & modern.
So the young people are locked out! Yes 👍
Is this what Jesus wants?
of his disciples. 🤷♂️ ‘NO’
@@Steph-wq9it churches have often mix tradition as doctrines…
Thank for these ideas.
Having been an acoustic player and worship leader since the mid 70s, now that I’ve reached 70, I’m making way for younger WLs and am learning more background lead/bass guitar roles. Any Videos on this theme and setting suitable tones would be really helpful. God bless!
This is also a good tutorial for beginners going from acoustic to electric to give you some things to get started.
Yup. Exactly what I do when no quitars. Some time the keyboard player will not want me to play the melody when they are playing it but other than that...
For worship songs, clean arpeggiated patterns almost always work just fine
Agreed
A lot of great advice here. I do a lot of these things somewhat naturally and actually instead of playing the “lead” parts from the record, because often they fit better in the case of just one electric on stage. We rarely have the luxury of two electrics on a given Sunday.
Thanks, this was super helpful! I particularly appreciate the 6 chords which are close and easily accessible, genius! God bless!
The "SUSTAIN NOTES" always work. You're in the key of D major, play D and A notes, this works anytime with any chord!
Musical instruments played loudly with skill is biblical ,
We are spoiled nowadays. 30yrs ago many songs sung in church did not even have easily accessible recordings so being able to play something suitable that you came up with yourself was a fundamental skill.
Fantastic video, thanks guys!
That’s why Stryper is my fave P&W band.
I may use fingerpicks and arpeggio open chords, or play octaves, or figure out a nice lead line to play as a fill. Pray a lot about what to play, that helps.
Thanks for this, would love more electic guitar playing training/tips videos
Really appreciate these videos
those B-string rooted power chords are where I live when leading as the only electric player
This is so great for teams with only 1 EG - thanks for this!
Chorus pedal + slide + relative minor pentatonic double-stops rolled back off your top volume gives that extra something people hear and like without knowing what they're hearing and liking. Great for when there's an "instrumental" that is really just the keys playing the chords.
Haha this goes with the last tip and I heard it from a song when I don't know what to do I'll lift my hands!!
I really like this type of content! Thanks Brad
Love these videos, wish I would've had these a few back, figured this stuff out slowly over the years. You guys are doing awesome and helping out the up and comers in the worship team world! Thanks for the tutorials and all the awesome stuff on your site for line 6 products!
Thanks Nick 🙏🏼
Love this!! God bless!!
I need to watch this many more times to understand.
Bro that guitar is awesome.
Love the guitar!
Thanks for this lesson!!
A couple things that sometimes are not thought of:
Big slow diamonds on the changes especially in open choruses can add a ton to the mix and play in the spaces. Avoid playing licks or lines during the vocals (unless doubling or playing a harmony) and add some of the spice during the spaces.
This is some really solid advice. I'm glad to find out I already do most of these tips but the tutorial on the general higher fretboard chords is suuuppeerrr helpful. I also love to outline melodies with octave chords. Mostly cuz I'm a rock kid at heart.
Great points! I rarely, nearly never, play rhythm chords with the acoustic guitars. Our PT leader plays acoustic rhythm 99% (piano is 1%) and does not fully understand electric guitar.
Kinda funny. We did a different Phil Wickham song on Christmas, and that one had no electric in it at all. I ended up doing some of what you suggest....arpeggiated chords (ala Oasis in my case...), single notes (or 5ths). it worked quite well. Good video! Thanks.
you gotta add the b7 now too haha in your list of chords. Its showing up more and more on worship tunes haha
I am sorta impressed with myself that I am already using that shape similarly. But I’ve been sliding up for the 2 and 3. I’m gonna try this thumb wrap thing soon.
Great tips. I’ve been doing that lately. I’m on the right track!! Thanks guys
What I do sometimes is I’ll loop something on my microcosm, reverse it and use the mosaic settings for an ambient pad underneath everything and just mess with that accordingly. Works well since those “guitarless” songs lead into a prayer afterwards and I can leave my ambient loop going
Ran across these many times. I just voice it and play it like I own it.
I have three tricks that I’ve used for 20 years. By the time I get to the third trick, you’ve forgotten about the first one. When I restart the cycle you’re all “Whoa, this guy has endless tricks up his sleeve!”
Solid tips hey. And yes not playing is Ok too. Particularly in the quiet sections. But after all it is a guitar shaped world!😂
Very handy information. Thanks for sharing!
That looks like a well made guitar.👍🔥🎸🎼🙏
Super helpful!!
I was at an Al Di Meola clinic and he said "when in doubt, play fast!"
this is greatly helpful, more videos like this would be siick
Also, remember sometimes less means more, so you don't actually need to play that much. You'll enjoy those break moments sometimes.
PD: try everything new in rehearsal so you know how it will sound and if the MD agrees with it.
Excellent tips!
Great advice. Also your guitar is gorgeous
Really good video. Helpful! Thank you
Adventure drums once said “sometimes the best thing to play, is nothing at all” and honestly sometimes that is true.
We are playing “What Child Is This” by Wickam, I feel this, cuz that song is just acoustic. I plan on doing low octaves Similar to Hillsongs “No Other Name” I guess it all depends on what the drummer decides to do help me understand what I am going to play. Also “worship triads” 😂 I love that name for them, definitely my go to! Great vid
Bro that guitar!!! What build is that? I really want THAT guitar!!
That is a Jennings Voyager Deluxe. If you tell Chad you want the black Voyager from the WT videos he will know and hook you up!!
@@worshiptutorials Thank you so much!! Appreciate the quick response. Love your guys’ stuff, keep it up!!!
Nice video, please, do more such videos, they are really helpful!
What a great guitar!
I like this video very helpful
Bonus tip 🙌🏻 sometimes silence speaks louder than our words. 😂😁
Awesome thanks ⭐
I deal with this every now and then. I have some "safe" structures I typically default to... but I do something catch myself thinking "I have no clue what I'm doing right now but whatev"
Really hopeful video!👏
Gold + platinium video 🙏 thanks
This is soooo awesome!!!
SOMEONE!!! Please tell me what guitar is used in this video!!! Or is it fully custom? it's the best looking guitar everrrrrr
Good stuff. Thanks
That RGT sashiko jacket tho 💯
That basket weave jacket is SIIIIICK!!! From Blue Owl?
I see you.
RGT Shashiko Cruiser 😍
Extremely helpful. I have forgotten a lot of my theory. Do you have any good recommendations for how to relearn the music theory that could aid in my practicing?
rick beato has some decent music theory blitz courses on his channel. It's just the basic stuff, but that's all you need unless you're going full gospel fusion
I always have to come back here to the second half of the video to get refreshed on the power chord you start with and then count up through the Nashville numbering system. Is there a good chart with those shapes somewhere?
I like your guitar 🎸
Do you remember what you were playing through here (which profile/platform)? This sound is so great!
May have mentioned it in the video. Can’t remember for sure but maybe Helix.
I'm not gonna lie, I feel ya. Sometimes I feel like why I'm even up there.
Hey guys, I am 30 years old and feel our church really could need someone playing the electric guitar. We only have vocals and a piano. I would junpninto this gap and take some time to learn playing the guitar. Inhale basic music understanding of chords and stuff but I just want to ask if you guys know what path is most effective, bc I don’t want to waste time with methodology bc I also have family and not that much time to spend on this.
Thank you guys in advance, I love your videos, god bless you!
We need a part 2 a little more in depth
I still just play a 80s shreddy lead. If your are a lead guitarist I believe you should play like one
What in the **** did you turn on for FX at 4:45?? Omg that ambient sound is juicy 😮
That’s just our Helix patch for the song. ST Match.
So I know my basic pentatonic shapes On E string and A string roots. You said you were playing in B. Then you said to use the B scale (so not the G# minor pentatonic scale?) starting on G# which is the relative minor. I'm a little lost on the scale pattern. Are you just sliding from G# up to B then doing that scale or are you keeping your hand on the G# area and just knowing the notes that fit the B Pentatonic.
Great video thanks
Any way I could get tab for each of the 5 alternate chord positions?
Where can I find the chord charts for the "worship voiced" chords?
You should do a video showing what you would play in a song like Wild Love by Hillsong Young and Free