Hello from a newbie!

[BuckyB]

Hi guys (& gals). I just registered here and thought I'd introduce myself. I've been in worship teams for about 13 years I'd guess. Although I'm mostly a guitar player/singer, I mostly played bass in previous churches, but for the last 3 years I'm back on guitar. Not actually a Tele, my Peavey Generation EXP Custom ACM is a close cousin. I like being able to switch from electric to "acoustic" with the flip of a switch. The minister of music likes me to lead half or more of the songs each Sunday, so as the teams only guitarist, I'm kinda juggling singing, giving vocal cues, playing chords and sneaking in melodic riffs wherever they are needed. I get a few solos, but I'm always the one that has to be talked into them. Although guitar solos are easy and fun for me, I don't want to distract from the verticallly-oriented worship we're trying to encourage. I always get worried when I start getting compliments on my playing, because I figure that's when the attention is on the wrong person. I have a professional musician background, but have worked for the last 20 years or so in offices, the first 7 in property management and as an analyst since then. I'm 55 years old and my wife of 26 years is our bassist. Anyway, this forum looks like its populated by folks alot like me, so HOWDY YA'LL!

[kevinsagan]

Originally Posted by BuckyB

I always get worried when I start getting compliments on my playing, because I figure that's when the attention is on the wrong person.

Welcome aboard! I know what you mean about compliments. The people in the church my wife and I play in actually applaud after specials. It is very uncomfortable.

[aznrambo481]

welcome... you're so modest! Bet you can work that guitar :-P

[GoldieLocks]

Welcome.

We need alittle more chat in this area so...anything you wanna discuss is OKAY with me

[LesPaulGuy]

Welcome to the site! I'm not too far north of you all, and did my pennance in the Valley during my college years. A little toasty these past few days?

This is an awesome site, even outside of the pretext of Telecaster-oriented themes.

[Pickalittle]

BuckyB:
Welcome! And welcome to the 55 Club! We need more sage, wise, owls here!

I think when we add skill to the song and it lifts folk's worship experience, we are blessing God. Just my thought on that. I'm very sensitive about being a distraction.
Yeah, we don't want to get in the way, but doesn't God enjoy it when we play well and make Him smile? David seemed to have that affect on the Lord.

[hotraman]

Bucky;
welcome to the site!
Steve

[BuckyB]

Thanks guys. I've actually been on the site for a couple of months, but was inactivated and re-activated a couple of days ago due to a small mis-understanding. Yeah, I agree that we should always do our best in whatever ministry we find ourselves in. I guess I'm just a little sensitized from years of secular work, where a guitar solo was my chance to "show off". I've been serving on worship teams and/or leading worship for somewhere around 13 years now, so I guess I shoudn't worry about it so much. I like this board because I feel like I've got more in common here than places like HC, where most posters have a little different world view.

We're in the middle of a 4 day, 5-service revival right now. Sunday morning went great, band was tight. I'm especially proud of my wife on bass. She was pretty much the front singer in our secular top-40 bands, playing little more than tambourine. In the last couple of years, she's gotten to be a solid (though simple) little bass player. Anyway, I lost track of the time yesterday afternoon and we just got back down there in time to plug in and tune up before the evening service began. I was a bit flustered I guess, because I flubbed up a couple of things up. Since our drummer couldn't make it, I plugged in the Alesis SR16, but for some reason I couldn't get the tap tempo function to work right, so I finally just shut it off, as it was getting distracting. I guess I needed a little humility after thinking we sounded so good in the morning. Hah!

Tonight I'll just take the acoustic. We'll still have bass and keyboards. Just keep it simple and rhythmic.

[Pickalittle]

My wife and I visited a smaller-sized church on Sunday when visiting my Dad who worships there. Though it was a friendly church, the word was taught and the message was meaningful, I left feeling that the worship was very flat, mechanical and uninspiring. That might be viewed as my problem, but let me explain...
The two young guitarists stared at their music stands the whole time they played. The volume was probably at about 1-1/2 at the most for all songs, and I could tell the lead (who is also in a Christian metal band) was just bursting to let it all out and worship God in his playing, but the singer-leader clearly had a strong hold on all things worship. The odd thing was it was the leader who was distracting, as he kept giving the musician's directions behind his back indicating to the drummer and the guitarists when they should rest or stop or play. Isn't that what the rehearsals are for...to get that stuff all nailed down so everyone is free to just worship.
I'm not saying I do it right, but after hours of rehearsal, just give me the song set and the keys and let's play freely in our spirits and not be so uptight about how we look or sound. We're there to worship God, not impress people with our piety.
Don't mean to step on toes, but I think we should worship God and not hold back. Of course we do it in balance and working with all the musicians and singers, but "Rock for the Rock"--that's my thought on it all!
(After reading my post it could sound a little edgy, but please know my heart...I've played guitar and/or lead worship for over 37 years and have developed some strong thoughts on the matter!)

[giginthesky]

welcome bucky! glad you joined.
jk.