The Electric Guitar & Contemporary Worship

As a studied guitarist and worship leader I have been able to gain a wide perspective of where the guitar fits in with contemporary worship.  When I was younger I played in many different worship teams and bands as a lead guitar player, but nothing revealed to me how the guitar truly fits into worship more than becoming a worship leader myself.  I usually lead from the electric guitar because, for me personally, I can maneuver my band with much more control when I am on electric.  In our contemporary world of worship music, the electric guitar usually sits high in the mix playing a pivotal role in our sound as a band.  When a worship guitar player is underprepared or not taking the correct approaches it can cripple the sound of the band and potentially the worship environment as a whole.

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There are two primary questions I think need to be asked of electric guitarists in worship.  First I think a question that many leaders and electric guitarists don’t ask themselves is; what is the goal of the electric guitar in worship?  I think there are 3 main functions of the electric guitar in todays worship world.

# 1 – Linear (Lines & Melodies)

Many worship songs start right of the bat with melodic lines that often drive the songs forward.  Also, when we build up to a crescendo, pivotal part of a song or worshipful moment with the congregation, often that is driven to even new heights with an ascending melody or lead line from the electric guitar.

# 2 – Rhythmic (Time & Space)

Of course rhythm and time is an extremely important aspect of playing in any band, and worship is no different.  We create a sense of time and foreword motion as well as volume dynamics that make the connection between drums and bass.  We encompass that middle terrain that ultimately fills the band out.

# 3 – Textural (Atmosphere & Ambience)

Lastly, and maybe arguably, the more important of the 3 is being able to create emotional ambience and atmosphere with our guitars.  To function more like a synth and keys player with volume swells and long tails of reverb and delays.

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The second question I think should be asked is; what expectations are placed on me as a worship electric guitarist?

# 1.  Preparation Is Key

First, it is important that we come knowing our parts of the song and set.   We set our worship leader up for success or stress.  Being such a distinguishing part of the sound of contemporary worship we often sit high in the mix so people hear us and can tell when we don’t know what’s going on.

# 2.  Worship VS. Performance

When we come to worship on Sunday mornings, we are here to praise God with the talents He has given and not be on stage to receive praise with the talents He has given.  Humility can be tough for guitarists.  Everyone loves a tasteful guitarist.  Our role in worship is to deflect the praise to God and not to receive it ourselves.

# 3.  Playing Consciously VS. Selfishly

One of the hardest things to do is to work within the band, listen to the parts already being played, adjust our volume to the parts of the song needs and sometimes play a part that seems boring just because it serves the moment better than playing what might be “fun” to play.  We aren’t on stage to have fun, although we do have fun and enjoy ourselves.  Our mission is to assist in creating an environment for ourselves and others to connect with God.

# 4.  Sensitivity For The Win

Sensitivity.  Sensitivity.  Sensitivity.  Where is the Vocal?  Does what we are playing support the song, vocals, band and even the congregation?  In a worship environment the only way to fit in is to be sensitive, not only to the leader and band, but to the congregation and the spirit.  Sometimes that means dropping out before we planned or skipping a lead we really wanted to play.  It all comes back to remembering our main function, which is to worship and create a worshipful environment for others to focus on God.