Those evil guitar solos

teleman53 · January 11th, 2007, 10:05 PM

So, i was talkin to my manager the other day about music and what kind of music she liked anyway she never said guitar solos were evil, just that they took away from the words and didn't really worship God. I told her the Bible says to play skillfully with stringed instruments. So I was wondering if anyone else has encountered this before? What did you do, what do you say to it?

thunderbyrd · January 11th, 2007, 11:03 PM

i haven't encountered exactly what you are speaking of, but i did have a "discussion" with a fellow who disliked electric guitarsin general. i put quotations marks around "discussion" because he expressed his distain and stomped off and we never talked about it again. hey, what can i say, takes all kinds to make a Kingdom!

BoB/335 · January 12th, 2007, 06:57 AM

Just like the days of old with "drums" in the discussion.

guitarzan13 · January 12th, 2007, 07:03 AM

posted twice...oops

guitarzan13 · January 12th, 2007, 07:07 AM

Yea..... I have noticed that a lot of Christian radio stations play watered down versions of songs, usually with the solo MIA also. I feel that my abilities are a gift from God and I have NO problem wailin' out a solo live. I say, " let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"

playanotherchord · January 12th, 2007, 08:26 AM

I have no problems with solos, but if people start to pay more attention to your blazing hot riffs than to God, then something is wrong there...

Ptrallan01 · January 12th, 2007, 09:41 AM

We are having a bunch of Christian musicians get togther for a Jam session here in northern Illinois. We will be able to play as loud, as fast, and as "out of control" as we feel like it. It will be great.

Sunday mornings however is another story! Our job is to serve worship, to help to enhance our church communities worship of God. If solo's get in the way they are out of place and shouldn't be there. If your church community isn't distracted/offended by it then they should be there. Solo's are not evil in and of themselves but the focus should really be on God and not on the solo.

I say this as a guitar player, worship leader, and "head" pastor. Our choir director often uses musical interludes to rest the singers voices during a song and I get to play whatever I like, as do the other musicians but that is the only reason that we would play solos on a sunday morning.

Peter

JohnSS · January 12th, 2007, 10:01 AM

For someone who isn't sure about guitar solos praising God, just have them listen to any "Sacred Steel" CD (most include live tracks from church services) by Aubrey Ghent, the Campbell Bros., et al. This is the tradition that spawned the amazing Robert Randolph and inspired Derek Trucks (Rev. Aubrey Ghent presided over his wedding to Susan Tedeschi). If that ain't praising God with the congregation in full tilt unison, I don't know what is! Also, Phil Keaggy has long used his guitar solos as an integral part of his worship music for a good 30+ years.

popthree · January 12th, 2007, 10:21 AM

i wonder how different a guitar solo is from a vocal solo

guitarzan13 · January 12th, 2007, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by popthree

i wonder how different a guitar solo is from a vocal solo

AMEN!

andy__woods · January 12th, 2007, 12:15 PM

I'm not a huge fan of solo's in praise/worship songs. The other guitarist in our praise band is VERY into solo's though. There was one time a few months ago where he said to me, "Ok, this is sounding good, why don't you do a solo right here in the song?" and I said, "What's the point of a solo here? If it's a solo for the sake of putting in a solo, than I'm not going to do it."

He still tries to work in a solo whenever he can, which is a little frustrating, but I have a little more 'veto' power now (I just became the group leader/director). I don't mind him playing the occasional riff, but a full on solo is just too much for me, and it has never really fit in with the music we play. It seems to awkward and strange to have a solo.

Don't get me wrong, I loves me a good solo, but when God is the focus, then God is the focus

(I'm not a big vocal solo fan either)

ChurchPlayer · January 12th, 2007, 01:23 PM

Whether or not the solo praises or glorifies God has little to do with its presence and everything to do with the attitude of the soloist. Blowing for your own sake brings glory (maybe) to only you. Singing with your soul through the strings of your instrument is the highest form of praise and thanksgiving I know, for He is the one who gave me the ability. We don't throw them in as a rule, but there are Sundays when it just "feels right" and the other worship leader and I are almost always on the same page with that. He'll usually say something like, "Just worship in your hearts", and turn away from the mic and I'm usually already set to do something.

As for what it means, or doesn't mean, to those in the congregation listening, that's entirely up to them. Not everyone "gets it", and maybe they're not supposed to. I've played backup to southern gospel groups that pack 'em in and I just don't get how some of that can be used to praise God - but I know it works for some folks.

popthree · January 12th, 2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarzan13

AMEN!

i'm not saying i agree or disagree either way. i'm only offering the perspective that there may not be much difference between the two.

BoB/335 · January 12th, 2007, 02:02 PM

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

This falls into the same category as:

Learning musicians - how to deal with them?

Building Excellence In Church Music

Heart of Worship

Matt Redman

When the music fades and all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the things I've made it
When it's all about You
All about You, Jesus

King of endless worth, no one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor, all I have is Yours
Every single breath

broadcaster · January 12th, 2007, 05:30 PM

Play the solos. Don't get so religious about music and it being "evil" folks. That kind of attitude is what makes some church folk weird, IMO.

popthree · January 12th, 2007, 08:51 PM

did someone ask for a guitar solo ?

popthree · January 12th, 2007, 08:53 PM

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

broadcaster · January 12th, 2007, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by popthree

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

Yikes...

Ed P · January 13th, 2007, 03:02 PM

For about a year I was in a situation where the group leader kept wanting me to play more solos, with a very overdriven tone. I felt it wasn't appropriate - a few tasty fills with a clean tone would have done it. It felt like it was becoming a performance.

Ptrallan01 · January 13th, 2007, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by guitarzan13
AMEN!

i'm not saying i agree or disagree either way. i'm only offering the perspective that there may not be much difference between the two.

There is one small difference in a vocal solo and an instrumental solo in that the words tell a story that the average listener can understand. We don't know what the guitarist is saying with his solo generally so we can't be sure what is being said.

We had a choir director who was more into performance than worship and that can turn my stomach in no time flat. Her solos were all so people could praise her and tell her how great she sounded and I hated every moment of it.

Worship is about God and not about us!!!!

Peter

playanotherchord · January 14th, 2007, 01:05 AM

I'm still not real comfortable with the idea of solos. Even if its okay to play well for the Lord.. does playing well have to include solos? My friend was doing 'heart of worship' today and he threw in a guitar solo in the middle of the song.. and he's not the best lead player. I thought it was just unnecessary, especially for a song like that, considering the situation in which it was written.

refin · January 14th, 2007, 07:41 AM

I try to be a different player in church than outside of the church.I would be fine with just playing rhythm,or blending in like another choir member,but I find myself now in a situation where once again it's rocking.
I'm all for wailing,but when people say "You guys were great!" more than "Thanks for playing so we can worship",then my antennas go up.

teleman53 · January 14th, 2007, 11:56 AM

thanks for the replys.

tonebender · January 14th, 2007, 09:21 PM

I believe there is a time to blend and a time to really bend. If the time is right, I don't mind throwing in a tastefull solo but there is a time and a place for it. I'm really a believer of flowing with the spirit, I don't need to be up front showing how fast I can pick or solo. When I'm doing a youth gig, I'll solo alot because they love it and get into it but when we are doing worship songs I use my playing to bring everyone into the presence of God. I knew this one guy a few years ago I think I was 18 or 19 he came up to me after church and asked me if I could show him some of my licks and scales that I used. I was shocked because all I have ever played at that time was country and he was a Death Metal rocker but loved the way I was able to blend and add the the church music. This past year we had an older couple in their 80's join our church and their first time there we had a great service and I had some solo's with the OD going. After the service, the older fella made a beeline to me and I was thinking Oh oh now he's going to give me the third degree about my playing but the total opposite. He shook my hand with a huge smile and thanked me and encouraged me to keep it up. Every other sunday he'd do that.

BadKarma · January 14th, 2007, 09:37 PM

I think solos in church are okay as long as its not something like Van Halen would play. If it were like George Harrison's solo in Something, then I think that would be completely acceptable.

January 11th, 2007, 10:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
teleman53 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 319	Those evil guitar solos So, i was talkin to my manager the other day about music and what kind of music she liked anyway she never said guitar solos were evil, just that they took away from the words and didn't really worship God. I told her the Bible says to play skillfully with stringed instruments. So I was wondering if anyone else has encountered this before? What did you do, what do you say to it?

January 11th, 2007, 11:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
thunderbyrd Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: central ky Age: 49 Posts: 505	i haven't encountered exactly what you are speaking of, but i did have a "discussion" with a fellow who disliked electric guitarsin general. i put quotations marks around "discussion" because he expressed his distain and stomped off and we never talked about it again. hey, what can i say, takes all kinds to make a Kingdom! __________________ Nietzsche is dead.

January 12th, 2007, 06:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
BoB/335 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Long Island Posts: 473	Just like the days of old with "drums" in the discussion. __________________ BoB/335

January 12th, 2007, 07:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
guitarzan13 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: LaGrange, GA Age: 43 Posts: 1,184 8 Photos	posted twice...oops __________________ Practice make permanent!!!!....Perfect practice makes perfect!!! Chris B. Current Band www.productoffaith.net Last band as a bass player www.neonjones.com

January 12th, 2007, 07:07 AM	#5 (permalink)
guitarzan13 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: LaGrange, GA Age: 43 Posts: 1,184 8 Photos	Yea..... I have noticed that a lot of Christian radio stations play watered down versions of songs, usually with the solo MIA also. I feel that my abilities are a gift from God and I have NO problem wailin' out a solo live. I say, " let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!" __________________ Practice make permanent!!!!....Perfect practice makes perfect!!! Chris B. Current Band www.productoffaith.net Last band as a bass player www.neonjones.com

January 12th, 2007, 08:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
playanotherchord Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Singapore Age: 22 Posts: 246 2 Photos	I have no problems with solos, but if people start to pay more attention to your blazing hot riffs than to God, then something is wrong there... Last edited by playanotherchord : January 12th, 2007 at 10:03 AM.

January 12th, 2007, 09:41 AM	#7 (permalink)
Ptrallan01 Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 521 3 Photos	Tomorrow We are having a bunch of Christian musicians get togther for a Jam session here in northern Illinois. We will be able to play as loud, as fast, and as "out of control" as we feel like it. It will be great. Sunday mornings however is another story! Our job is to serve worship, to help to enhance our church communities worship of God. If solo's get in the way they are out of place and shouldn't be there. If your church community isn't distracted/offended by it then they should be there. Solo's are not evil in and of themselves but the focus should really be on God and not on the solo. I say this as a guitar player, worship leader, and "head" pastor. Our choir director often uses musical interludes to rest the singers voices during a song and I get to play whatever I like, as do the other musicians but that is the only reason that we would play solos on a sunday morning. Peter __________________ Ooh, I want my guitar to sound like Jimmie Smith's organ!!!

January 12th, 2007, 10:01 AM	#8 (permalink)
JohnSS Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 205	For someone who isn't sure about guitar solos praising God, just have them listen to any "Sacred Steel" CD (most include live tracks from church services) by Aubrey Ghent, the Campbell Bros., et al. This is the tradition that spawned the amazing Robert Randolph and inspired Derek Trucks (Rev. Aubrey Ghent presided over his wedding to Susan Tedeschi). If that ain't praising God with the congregation in full tilt unison, I don't know what is! Also, Phil Keaggy has long used his guitar solos as an integral part of his worship music for a good 30+ years.

January 12th, 2007, 10:21 AM	#9 (permalink)
popthree Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tulsa Posts: 2,549 44 Photos	i wonder how different a guitar solo is from a vocal solo

January 12th, 2007, 12:15 PM	#11 (permalink)
andy__woods Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Age: 23 Posts: 1,136 60 Photos	I'm not a huge fan of solo's in praise/worship songs. The other guitarist in our praise band is VERY into solo's though. There was one time a few months ago where he said to me, "Ok, this is sounding good, why don't you do a solo right here in the song?" and I said, "What's the point of a solo here? If it's a solo for the sake of putting in a solo, than I'm not going to do it." He still tries to work in a solo whenever he can, which is a little frustrating, but I have a little more 'veto' power now (I just became the group leader/director). I don't mind him playing the occasional riff, but a full on solo is just too much for me, and it has never really fit in with the music we play. It seems to awkward and strange to have a solo. Don't get me wrong, I loves me a good solo, but when God is the focus, then God is the focus (I'm not a big vocal solo fan either) __________________ -- Andy "Woods" Crowder --

January 12th, 2007, 01:23 PM	#12 (permalink)
ChurchPlayer Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 370	Whether or not the solo praises or glorifies God has little to do with its presence and everything to do with the attitude of the soloist. Blowing for your own sake brings glory (maybe) to only you. Singing with your soul through the strings of your instrument is the highest form of praise and thanksgiving I know, for He is the one who gave me the ability. We don't throw them in as a rule, but there are Sundays when it just "feels right" and the other worship leader and I are almost always on the same page with that. He'll usually say something like, "Just worship in your hearts", and turn away from the mic and I'm usually already set to do something. As for what it means, or doesn't mean, to those in the congregation listening, that's entirely up to them. Not everyone "gets it", and maybe they're not supposed to. I've played backup to southern gospel groups that pack 'em in and I just don't get how some of that can be used to praise God - but I know it works for some folks. __________________ Jake "I tell my kids, 'Daddy's the best guitar player on the block. Always will be. Even if we have to move.'"

January 12th, 2007, 02:02 PM	#14 (permalink)
BoB/335 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Long Island Posts: 473	Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. This falls into the same category as: Learning musicians - how to deal with them? Building Excellence In Church Music Heart of Worship Matt Redman When the music fades and all is stripped away And I simply come Longing just to bring something that's of worth That will bless Your heart I'll bring You more than a song For a song in itself Is not what You have required You search much deeper within Through the way things appear You're looking into my heart I'm coming back to the heart of worship And it's all about You All about You, Jesus I'm sorry, Lord, for the things I've made it When it's all about You All about You, Jesus King of endless worth, no one could express How much You deserve Though I'm weak and poor, all I have is Yours Every single breath __________________ BoB/335

January 12th, 2007, 05:30 PM	#15 (permalink)
broadcaster Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Midwest Age: 50 Posts: 513 1 Photos	Play the solos. Don't get so religious about music and it being "evil" folks. That kind of attitude is what makes some church folk weird, IMO.

January 12th, 2007, 08:51 PM	#16 (permalink)
popthree Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tulsa Posts: 2,549 44 Photos	did someone ask for a guitar solo ?

January 12th, 2007, 08:53 PM	#17 (permalink)
popthree Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tulsa Posts: 2,549 44 Photos	now what's this i hear about church folk being weird ?

January 13th, 2007, 03:02 PM	#19 (permalink)
Ed P Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Southern California Age: 50 Posts: 723 6 Photos	For about a year I was in a situation where the group leader kept wanting me to play more solos, with a very overdriven tone. I felt it wasn't appropriate - a few tasty fills with a clean tone would have done it. It felt like it was becoming a performance. __________________ Ed

January 13th, 2007, 07:19 PM	#20 (permalink)
Ptrallan01 Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 521 3 Photos	Hey Popthree Originally Posted by guitarzan13 AMEN! i'm not saying i agree or disagree either way. i'm only offering the perspective that there may not be much difference between the two. There is one small difference in a vocal solo and an instrumental solo in that the words tell a story that the average listener can understand. We don't know what the guitarist is saying with his solo generally so we can't be sure what is being said. We had a choir director who was more into performance than worship and that can turn my stomach in no time flat. Her solos were all so people could praise her and tell her how great she sounded and I hated every moment of it. Worship is about God and not about us!!!! Peter __________________ Ooh, I want my guitar to sound like Jimmie Smith's organ!!!

January 14th, 2007, 01:05 AM	#21 (permalink)
playanotherchord Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Singapore Age: 22 Posts: 246 2 Photos	I'm still not real comfortable with the idea of solos. Even if its okay to play well for the Lord.. does playing well have to include solos? My friend was doing 'heart of worship' today and he threw in a guitar solo in the middle of the song.. and he's not the best lead player. I thought it was just unnecessary, especially for a song like that, considering the situation in which it was written.

January 14th, 2007, 07:41 AM	#22 (permalink)
refin Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Florida Panhandle Age: 52 Posts: 1,857	I try to be a different player in church than outside of the church.I would be fine with just playing rhythm,or blending in like another choir member,but I find myself now in a situation where once again it's rocking. I'm all for wailing,but when people say "You guys were great!" more than "Thanks for playing so we can worship",then my antennas go up. __________________ "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?

January 14th, 2007, 11:56 AM	#23 (permalink)
teleman53 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 319	thanks for the replys.

January 14th, 2007, 09:21 PM	#24 (permalink)
tonebender TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Calgary Canada Age: 32 Posts: 48 3 Photos	I believe there is a time to blend and a time to really bend. If the time is right, I don't mind throwing in a tastefull solo but there is a time and a place for it. I'm really a believer of flowing with the spirit, I don't need to be up front showing how fast I can pick or solo. When I'm doing a youth gig, I'll solo alot because they love it and get into it but when we are doing worship songs I use my playing to bring everyone into the presence of God. I knew this one guy a few years ago I think I was 18 or 19 he came up to me after church and asked me if I could show him some of my licks and scales that I used. I was shocked because all I have ever played at that time was country and he was a Death Metal rocker but loved the way I was able to blend and add the the church music. This past year we had an older couple in their 80's join our church and their first time there we had a great service and I had some solo's with the OD going. After the service, the older fella made a beeline to me and I was thinking Oh oh now he's going to give me the third degree about my playing but the total opposite. He shook my hand with a huge smile and thanked me and encouraged me to keep it up. Every other sunday he'd do that.

January 14th, 2007, 09:37 PM	#25 (permalink)
BadKarma Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cedar Falls Age: 23 Posts: 154	I think solos in church are okay as long as its not something like Van Halen would play. If it were like George Harrison's solo in Something, then I think that would be completely acceptable.