Those evil guitar solos - Page 5

telecaster1987 · May 5th, 2008, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by popthree

now what's this i hear about church folk being weird ?

Where's the back door?? Don't have one?? Where do you want one?!

hxchip · May 5th, 2008, 09:56 PM

Here's some videos of my church's worship team. Awesome place.... Please, please, please don't take this as a prideful comment - but I know God is working and moving in our church. In the second half of this January we moved into a new building, and since then we have seen 450+ people come to Christ for the first time in their lives. (That was NOT a typo)

And our church's view on it is the same as God's - He says that when even ONE person comes to him, all of heaven rejoices. Amen everyone?!?!?!?! Our worship is one big party of all he does, has done, and continues to do in our lives and the lives of others.

www.12stone.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNcLPcOJ1VY&feature=user

http://www.playchasemusic.com
enter and click on the old record player in the bottom right to hear originals from our worship team
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDXB0Li_VyE

hxchip · May 5th, 2008, 10:23 PM

Oh yeah - we loves us some solos! =D

BoB/335 · May 10th, 2008, 07:04 AM

As a solo passage builds it can take the listener along on the ride, with the passionate worship for God building in the heart of the worshipper as the solo builds in the song.

refin · May 10th, 2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoB/335

As a solo passage builds it can take the listener along on the ride, with the passionate worship for God building in the heart of the worshipper as the solo builds in the song.

Well put.

ChurchPlayer · May 10th, 2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by refin

Well put.

Thanks. I thought so when I said it 2 weeks ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChurchPlayer

... It's the centerpiece of a musical interlude that can help focus the heart of a worshipper by what it is expressing and how it is expressing it even when the worshipper is paying no specific attention to it. As a solo passage builds it can take the listener along on the ride, with the passionate worship for God building in the heart of the worshipper as the solo builds in the song. This serves the song and the moment....

SofaKing · May 13th, 2008, 07:37 AM

that someone would allude to soloing as a distraction. True, lyric can be inspiring, but so can a well constructed instrumental arrangement -with or without a solo. Paraphrasing other comments throughout this string - if the intent is to contribute to the worship experience in a tasteful manner - I would find it hard to make the claim that it was distracting. Another point of view might be, "the meditation that is possible during a purely instrumental arrangement allows the worshipper to construct their own thoughts and words of praise and thanks". Wouldn't that be akin to prayer? Wouldn't a personal moment with your savior be at least as meaningful as hearing someone else's message of faith? Perhaps a tad moreso? I truly enjoy a vocal arrangement - lead and harmonies - sung over a palette of acoustic guitar, piano, bass and drum - but I also feel the experience is served when I see the heads bow when parishioners have their hearts ungilded by a soulful instrumental - either as an intro, right in the middle, or played at the end.

refin · May 13th, 2008, 10:55 AM

Well, it isn't uncommon for someone to sing a song in church that features their vocal ability and range. I remember when singing to a Sandi Patti track was a vocal gauntlet for any woman,because of her extreme range and vocal gymnastics.
Now,featuring a vocal soloist/player (what churches commonly call "special music") may seem different to some than playing during worship.It is a time to share the talent and gift that God has given with others.Yet,well executed and PLACED playing can be a blessing.

Danno · May 14th, 2008, 04:34 PM

I love the Lord's timing (well, at times) and His sense of humor. I told my wife two weeks ago after the service that the worship team sounded a little flat due to the fact they keep losing bass players again and again for various reasons. I then made the comment, "playing bass must truly be a calling because I cannot think of a more boring, uninspiring role to play in a band. Nothing, nothing about it appeals to me!".

Two days later I got a call from the music director to meet him for lunch. Yep, I'm the new bass player. I have to say I'm pretty excited. I picked up a Thunderbird a while back (for recording at home and plus, if you're a playin' bass it might as well be the coolest looking one ever) and I sat in with the director/guitarist and drummer last monday. These guys are incredibly tight - two live gigs a week and a thursday pm practice. So this will be the most challenging of my checkered musical career (played clubs in the late 80's, early 90's - Grunge before it had a label). I want to serve the church body #1. If I can do that doing something I love then all the better. I want to be the best overall musician I can.

To get back to the subject, the drummer (former touring metal dude from the 80's) made the comment "with this style music (contemporary Christian) in this setting less is more". I really trust his knowledge too and I'll keep it in mind as ultimately the plan is for me to move to lead guitar. I'll really be seeking some guidance from you guys with experience here.

Zhangliqun · May 14th, 2008, 07:37 PM

Someone said it best earlier, that the whole point of putting lyrics to music was the notes say things that words can't. God invented that phenomenon too, by the way, and as with all things he does, it wasn't a mistake.

In my church, we rarely have solos but not because they are forbidden. The songs are for choirs and very few of those happen to have instrumentals. Once in a while a song does have one and we'll do it, and the response is always positive, but the songs tend to totally feature the choir.

But there is no less danger of a vocalist showing off or otherwise detracting from God's glory and message than with any instrumentalist.

RodeoTex · May 14th, 2008, 09:23 PM

I've been playing guitar for 30+ years and going to church even longer.
I never could figure out what electric guitars/drums/bass had to do with church at all. The earlier snake dancing post entered here.

Best I could ever tell it was just the 'talented' 14 year old showing his love for Jesus thru his guitar. Usually lame, and the other people sat there and tolerated it.

What's up with with asking about is it ok to use a wah, SG (because it looks like devil horns), distortion, etc. If you have to ask then you probably already know that it is not okay.
Keep your electric music at home. I love it and I keep it there. Go ahead and flame me but as much as I love all guitar music, it doesn't belong there. I did plenty of that last night.

eedwards · May 14th, 2008, 11:54 PM

RodeoTex,

Not coming at you, but your comment reminds me of a lot of conversations I have with my parents(72 & 81) and certain friends (late 30s/early40s) about church and the changes facing churches now. There are a lot of people like you and my peers that don't want electric music and that's okay. There are a lot of people like me and my parents who do like it. My parents still struggle with a lot of things going on in church and how much it has changed in their lives.

I recently ran across a good book called "Who Stole My Church?" by Gordon MacDonald.
http://www.amazon.com/Who-Stole-My-C.../dp/078522601X
He covers a lot of the issues facing the church with a sympathetic explanation for people who don't like the changes. I found it enlightening and humbling to be reminded that we are all trying to worship God and that I had some negative and incorrect attitudes about some folks who don't want to change.

You probably won't be convinced, which is not my intent, but you might find this book of interest to you.

In Christ,
Eric Edwards

ChurchPlayer · May 15th, 2008, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodeoTex

I've been playing guitar for 30+ years and going to church even longer.
I never could figure out what electric guitars/drums/bass had to do with church at all. The earlier snake dancing post entered here.

Best I could ever tell it was just the 'talented' 14 year old showing his love for Jesus thru his guitar. Usually lame, and the other people sat there and tolerated it.

What's up with with asking about is it ok to use a wah, SG (because it looks like devil horns), distortion, etc. If you have to ask then you probably already know that it is not okay.
Keep your electric music at home. I love it and I keep it there. Go ahead and flame me but as much as I love all guitar music, it doesn't belong there. I did plenty of that last night.

And I tell you, them women in their pants and fellers with hair over their collars...

Danno · May 16th, 2008, 11:59 AM

Hymns, church music, whatever you want to call it has historically been "of its time". Doesn't it figure the first hymns written would have been "Contemporary Christian"? It makes sense that drums, electric guitar and bass have found their way into worship.

I think you run the risk of never-ending legalities when you say no to electric instruments. What's next? No PA for the pastor (you could argue "ego trip"), no robes for the choir, no electric lights in the sanctuary. How about no computers involved with the church whatsoever? How about no women involved in church?

The first piano used in church probably caused a few heads to turn yet today it is a vital ingredient.

refin · May 17th, 2008, 12:33 AM

"The Thread That Refuses to Die"

loyalionel · May 20th, 2008, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hxchip

Here's some videos of my church's worship team. Awesome place.... Please, please, please don't take this as a prideful comment - but I know God is working and moving in our church. In the second half of this January we moved into a new building, and since then we have seen 450+ people come to Christ for the first time in their lives. (That was NOT a typo)

And our church's view on it is the same as God's - He says that when even ONE person comes to him, all of heaven rejoices. Amen everyone?!?!?!?! Our worship is one big party of all he does, has done, and continues to do in our lives and the lives of others.

www.12stone.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNcLPcOJ1VY&feature=user

http://www.playchasemusic.com
enter and click on the old record player in the bottom right to hear originals from our worship team
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDXB0Li_VyE

love the song My Affections...

so simple yet awesome!

teletele · May 27th, 2008, 05:40 AM

Keep your electric music at home.
Wow, this amazes me Rodeo Tex. I wonder what the Psalmist was on about with the musical instruments of his time- drums, flutes, ram's horns, tambourines etc. and they were making a "joyful noise unto the Lord." Can you picture, in the midst of worshipping and Praising God, His messenger comes to the worshippers and says" the Lord God says for you to keep your noisey instruments at home".
Brother I'm not being a comic or disrespectful but the crux of the matter is praising and worshipping God with the gifts He has given us to do His bidding during praise and worship, leading the congregation into the presence of the Creator.
From the front of the church I get a great view of the congregation. The youth often look bored and detatched when slower songs are played. Our more senior members in general are quite animated with these songs. And so I can go on trying to analyse how the music ministry is in fact preparing the congregation for worship. I fretted over this until I broached my concerns with a very senior music team member."Son, use your God-given gifts to honour and praise Him and He'll do His work on the congregation through the Holy Spirit"
"Lord thanks that you've blessed me with the ability to play the electric/acoustic electric guitar and I pray that you use a solo, a riff, a lick to bring honour and Glory to You and the people You want to touch and reach"

refin · May 27th, 2008, 08:24 PM

Die,thread.....die.....die........pleeeeeeze...... ..

In all truth,this is a Ford/Chevy debate.
Those that think it's wrong to have solos/electric guitars/wah-wahs/amps/drums/women in pants/pastors in dresses/overhead projectors/hand clappin'/footstompin'/cheese-only pizzas/men huggin' each other/earring wearin' men/organs and pianos only/see thru pulpits/fake flowers onstage/beehive hairdos/pew jumpin'/get your motor runnin'/being called a "center" instead of a "church"/smacking when they pray/ .................................................. .................................................. are probably comfortable feeling that way,and are darn well okay to do so in my book.
"Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind".....I read that somewhere.

TxTeleMan · July 1st, 2008, 10:34 AM

I've been playing guitar for over 30 years and have been going to church even longer.

A guitar (or other melodic instrument) solo can add to a song, if it's done in the spirit of worship, and is true to the song, and not just a vehicle for some hotshot guitarist to show off his prowess.

We're not there to draw attention to ourzelves, but to draw the congregation into worshiping the Almighty God. Keep that in mind when planning a solo. A solo should have meaning, and be an integral part of the song. I find that a tasty solo can fit in during a song that has the congregation all in a state of bliss during an improvising long bridge or ending, or else in one of those dance in the aisles numbers.

A rule of thumb is that solos should be remembered for their bevity and scarceness... unless it's the ending of Hold on Loosely or something like that. :D

J-Twang · July 1st, 2008, 02:18 PM

Here's how we play it... Morning service is a little more traditional... a few contemporary songs, a few hymns... 1 instrumental for plate passing.
Evening service is more laid back... usually start with a pretty up-beat instrumental followed by even more upbeat tunes... if a solo feels like it needs to pop out, we don't styfle it... sometimes we all just make a run in the middle.

HisFireWithin · July 3rd, 2008, 02:22 AM

I'm the worship leader of my church. I'm almost a year into my stint here, and I've spent a lot of time explaining why I do what I do(namely why I lead from the electric guitar and take solos). I think that it's just a matter of art vs. imitation. If we all try to emulate and imitate whatever is on radio, or adopt the heritage and norms of 30 years ago, we don't grow. I admire artists like Lincoln Brewster and Tommy Walker who maintain a reverence, ability to lead congregational worship, and at the same time, maintain an artistic sensibility that allows them to define a different style for the music. Art + Theology + Passion --- I think that is what it's all about. So, it's not an issue of guitar solos as much as it's an issue of "Who has God made you to be as a musician?" For me, I NEED to play the way I do, and that means taking solos.

TxTeleMan · July 4th, 2008, 04:12 PM

^ Most of the contemporary rock songs we play in church I have never heard the CD, unless we played in at practice to learn it. All of my guitar arrangements I come up with on my own, trying to fit the song or the mood of worship.

I have played along with recordings to learn parts, but when it comes to playing, I play what's me. Would you ask a preacher to impersonate Billy Graham, not only word for word, but the vocal inflections or the body language? In the same way, don't ask the musicians to "duplicate" what's on the CD.

To paraphrase Eric Liddell, when I play, I feel His pleasure. Playing guitar is how I worship God.

May 5th, 2008, 09:56 PM	#162 (permalink)
hxchip TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lilburn, GA Age: 23 Posts: 32	Here's some videos of my church's worship team. Awesome place.... Please, please, please don't take this as a prideful comment - but I know God is working and moving in our church. In the second half of this January we moved into a new building, and since then we have seen 450+ people come to Christ for the first time in their lives. (That was NOT a typo) And our church's view on it is the same as God's - He says that when even ONE person comes to him, all of heaven rejoices. Amen everyone?!?!?!?! Our worship is one big party of all he does, has done, and continues to do in our lives and the lives of others. www.12stone.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNcLPcOJ1VY&feature=user http://www.playchasemusic.com enter and click on the old record player in the bottom right to hear originals from our worship team http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDXB0Li_VyE Last edited by hxchip; May 5th, 2008 at 10:02 PM. Reason: added more links

May 10th, 2008, 07:04 AM	#164 (permalink)
BoB/335 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Long Island Posts: 476	As a solo passage builds it can take the listener along on the ride, with the passionate worship for God building in the heart of the worshipper as the solo builds in the song. __________________ BoB/335

May 13th, 2008, 07:37 AM	#167 (permalink)
SofaKing NEW MEMBER! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Minnesota Age: 49 Posts: 1	How unfortunate........ that someone would allude to soloing as a distraction. True, lyric can be inspiring, but so can a well constructed instrumental arrangement -with or without a solo. Paraphrasing other comments throughout this string - if the intent is to contribute to the worship experience in a tasteful manner - I would find it hard to make the claim that it was distracting. Another point of view might be, "the meditation that is possible during a purely instrumental arrangement allows the worshipper to construct their own thoughts and words of praise and thanks". Wouldn't that be akin to prayer? Wouldn't a personal moment with your savior be at least as meaningful as hearing someone else's message of faith? Perhaps a tad moreso? I truly enjoy a vocal arrangement - lead and harmonies - sung over a palette of acoustic guitar, piano, bass and drum - but I also feel the experience is served when I see the heads bow when parishioners have their hearts ungilded by a soulful instrumental - either as an intro, right in the middle, or played at the end.

May 13th, 2008, 10:55 AM	#168 (permalink)
refin Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Florida Panhandle Age: 52 Posts: 1,915	Well, it isn't uncommon for someone to sing a song in church that features their vocal ability and range. I remember when singing to a Sandi Patti track was a vocal gauntlet for any woman,because of her extreme range and vocal gymnastics. Now,featuring a vocal soloist/player (what churches commonly call "special music") may seem different to some than playing during worship.It is a time to share the talent and gift that God has given with others.Yet,well executed and PLACED playing can be a blessing. __________________ "For You,Lord,are good,and ready to forgive,and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You." Ps. 86:5 http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/refin_music.htm MASTER VOLUME? WHAT'S A MASTER VOLUME?

May 14th, 2008, 09:23 PM	#171 (permalink)
RodeoTex Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,186	I've been playing guitar for 30+ years and going to church even longer. I never could figure out what electric guitars/drums/bass had to do with church at all. The earlier snake dancing post entered here. Best I could ever tell it was just the 'talented' 14 year old showing his love for Jesus thru his guitar. Usually lame, and the other people sat there and tolerated it. What's up with with asking about is it ok to use a wah, SG (because it looks like devil horns), distortion, etc. If you have to ask then you probably already know that it is not okay. Keep your electric music at home. I love it and I keep it there. Go ahead and flame me but as much as I love all guitar music, it doesn't belong there. I did plenty of that last night. __________________ Turn it on, turn it up, turn me loose.

May 5th, 2008, 10:23 PM	#163 (permalink)
hxchip TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lilburn, GA Age: 23 Posts: 32	Oh yeah - we loves us some solos! =D

May 14th, 2008, 04:34 PM	#169 (permalink)
Danno Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NC Age: 42 Posts: 126	I love the Lord's timing (well, at times) and His sense of humor. I told my wife two weeks ago after the service that the worship team sounded a little flat due to the fact they keep losing bass players again and again for various reasons. I then made the comment, "playing bass must truly be a calling because I cannot think of a more boring, uninspiring role to play in a band. Nothing, nothing about it appeals to me!". Two days later I got a call from the music director to meet him for lunch. Yep, I'm the new bass player. I have to say I'm pretty excited. I picked up a Thunderbird a while back (for recording at home and plus, if you're a playin' bass it might as well be the coolest looking one ever) and I sat in with the director/guitarist and drummer last monday. These guys are incredibly tight - two live gigs a week and a thursday pm practice. So this will be the most challenging of my checkered musical career (played clubs in the late 80's, early 90's - Grunge before it had a label). I want to serve the church body #1. If I can do that doing something I love then all the better. I want to be the best overall musician I can. To get back to the subject, the drummer (former touring metal dude from the 80's) made the comment "with this style music (contemporary Christian) in this setting less is more". I really trust his knowledge too and I'll keep it in mind as ultimately the plan is for me to move to lead guitar. I'll really be seeking some guidance from you guys with experience here.

May 14th, 2008, 07:37 PM	#170 (permalink)
Zhangliqun TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles Age: 44 Posts: 66	Someone said it best earlier, that the whole point of putting lyrics to music was the notes say things that words can't. God invented that phenomenon too, by the way, and as with all things he does, it wasn't a mistake. In my church, we rarely have solos but not because they are forbidden. The songs are for choirs and very few of those happen to have instrumentals. Once in a while a song does have one and we'll do it, and the response is always positive, but the songs tend to totally feature the choir. But there is no less danger of a vocalist showing off or otherwise detracting from God's glory and message than with any instrumentalist.

May 14th, 2008, 11:54 PM	#172 (permalink)
eedwards TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Alabaster, AL Age: 38 Posts: 54	RodeoTex, Not coming at you, but your comment reminds me of a lot of conversations I have with my parents(72 & 81) and certain friends (late 30s/early40s) about church and the changes facing churches now. There are a lot of people like you and my peers that don't want electric music and that's okay. There are a lot of people like me and my parents who do like it. My parents still struggle with a lot of things going on in church and how much it has changed in their lives. I recently ran across a good book called "Who Stole My Church?" by Gordon MacDonald. http://www.amazon.com/Who-Stole-My-C.../dp/078522601X He covers a lot of the issues facing the church with a sympathetic explanation for people who don't like the changes. I found it enlightening and humbling to be reminded that we are all trying to worship God and that I had some negative and incorrect attitudes about some folks who don't want to change. You probably won't be convinced, which is not my intent, but you might find this book of interest to you. In Christ, Eric Edwards

May 16th, 2008, 11:59 AM	#174 (permalink)
Danno Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NC Age: 42 Posts: 126	Hymns, church music, whatever you want to call it has historically been "of its time". Doesn't it figure the first hymns written would have been "Contemporary Christian"? It makes sense that drums, electric guitar and bass have found their way into worship. I think you run the risk of never-ending legalities when you say no to electric instruments. What's next? No PA for the pastor (you could argue "ego trip"), no robes for the choir, no electric lights in the sanctuary. How about no computers involved with the church whatsoever? How about no women involved in church? The first piano used in church probably caused a few heads to turn yet today it is a vital ingredient.

May 17th, 2008, 12:33 AM	#175 (permalink)
refin Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Florida Panhandle Age: 52 Posts: 1,915	"The Thread That Refuses to Die" __________________ "For You,Lord,are good,and ready to forgive,and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You." Ps. 86:5 http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/refin_music.htm MASTER VOLUME? WHAT'S A MASTER VOLUME?

May 27th, 2008, 05:40 AM	#177 (permalink)
teletele NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: new zealand Age: 55 Posts: 7	Take a good read of Danno below, brother *Keep your electric music at home.* Wow, this amazes me Rodeo Tex. I wonder what the Psalmist was on about with the musical instruments of his time- drums, flutes, ram's horns, tambourines etc. and they were making a "joyful noise unto the Lord." Can you picture, in the midst of worshipping and Praising God, His messenger comes to the worshippers and says" the Lord God says for you to keep your noisey instruments at home". Brother I'm not being a comic or disrespectful but the crux of the matter is praising and worshipping God with the gifts He has given us to do His bidding during praise and worship, leading the congregation into the presence of the Creator. From the front of the church I get a great view of the congregation. The youth often look bored and detatched when slower songs are played. Our more senior members in general are quite animated with these songs. And so I can go on trying to analyse how the music ministry is in fact preparing the congregation for worship. I fretted over this until I broached my concerns with a very senior music team member."Son, use your God-given gifts to honour and praise Him and He'll do His work on the congregation through the Holy Spirit" "Lord thanks that you've blessed me with the ability to play the electric/acoustic electric guitar and I pray that you use a solo, a riff, a lick to bring honour and Glory to You and the people You want to touch and reach"

May 27th, 2008, 08:24 PM	#178 (permalink)
refin Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Florida Panhandle Age: 52 Posts: 1,915	Die,thread.....die.....die........pleeeeeeze...... .. In all truth,this is a Ford/Chevy debate. Those that think it's wrong to have solos/electric guitars/wah-wahs/amps/drums/women in pants/pastors in dresses/overhead projectors/hand clappin'/footstompin'/cheese-only pizzas/men huggin' each other/earring wearin' men/organs and pianos only/see thru pulpits/fake flowers onstage/beehive hairdos/pew jumpin'/get your motor runnin'/being called a "center" instead of a "church"/smacking when they pray/ .................................................. .................................................. are probably comfortable feeling that way,and are darn well okay to do so in my book. "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind".....I read that somewhere. __________________ "For You,Lord,are good,and ready to forgive,and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You." Ps. 86:5 http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/refin_music.htm MASTER VOLUME? WHAT'S A MASTER VOLUME?

July 1st, 2008, 10:34 AM	#179 (permalink)
TxTeleMan TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Age: 53 Posts: 23	I've been playing guitar for over 30 years and have been going to church even longer. A guitar (or other melodic instrument) solo can add to a song, if it's done in the spirit of worship, and is true to the song, and not just a vehicle for some hotshot guitarist to show off his prowess. We're not there to draw attention to ourzelves, but to draw the congregation into worshiping the Almighty God. Keep that in mind when planning a solo. A solo should have meaning, and be an integral part of the song. I find that a tasty solo can fit in during a song that has the congregation all in a state of bliss during an improvising long bridge or ending, or else in one of those dance in the aisles numbers. A rule of thumb is that solos should be remembered for their bevity and scarceness... unless it's the ending of Hold on Loosely or something like that. :D

July 1st, 2008, 02:18 PM	#180 (permalink)
J-Twang Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ft. Smith, AR Age: 35 Posts: 113	Here's how we play it... Morning service is a little more traditional... a few contemporary songs, a few hymns... 1 instrumental for plate passing. Evening service is more laid back... usually start with a pretty up-beat instrumental followed by even more upbeat tunes... if a solo feels like it needs to pop out, we don't styfle it... sometimes we all just make a run in the middle.

July 3rd, 2008, 02:22 AM	#181 (permalink)
HisFireWithin NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hanford, CA. Age: 30 Posts: 8	My 0.02 I'm the worship leader of my church. I'm almost a year into my stint here, and I've spent a lot of time explaining why I do what I do(namely why I lead from the electric guitar and take solos). I think that it's just a matter of art vs. imitation. If we all try to emulate and imitate whatever is on radio, or adopt the heritage and norms of 30 years ago, we don't grow. I admire artists like Lincoln Brewster and Tommy Walker who maintain a reverence, ability to lead congregational worship, and at the same time, maintain an artistic sensibility that allows them to define a different style for the music. Art + Theology + Passion --- I think that is what it's all about. So, it's not an issue of guitar solos as much as it's an issue of "Who has God made you to be as a musician?" For me, I NEED to play the way I do, and that means taking solos.

July 4th, 2008, 04:12 PM	#182 (permalink)
TxTeleMan TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Age: 53 Posts: 23	^ Most of the contemporary rock songs we play in church I have never heard the CD, unless we played in at practice to learn it. All of my guitar arrangements I come up with on my own, trying to fit the song or the mood of worship. I have played along with recordings to learn parts, but when it comes to playing, I play what's me. Would you ask a preacher to impersonate Billy Graham, not only word for word, but the vocal inflections or the body language? In the same way, don't ask the musicians to "duplicate" what's on the CD. To paraphrase Eric Liddell, when I play, I feel His pleasure. Playing guitar is how I worship God.