When the Giants scored at the end we watched till time ran out and got down to business. Again it was a safety in numbers band. 4 guitars, Bass, Keys, drums percussion…it was hard to play in a situation where everyone is playing over the next person. At times it sounded like a flock of parrots. Sound check was a little shaky. I could not hear myself, but I could hear everyone else on the stage.
I was standing next to the lead player who had skills, and frankly I started to feel a little self conscious. I stuck to my guns and played solid rhythm guitar for the set.
The set lasted about an hour-and-a-half. We played a bunch of tunes, vamped on some other stuff, did some improve and it all came together pretty well considering the poor start. One highlight was a player that did a sort of Hendrixian version of “Amazing Grace.” It was a jazzy, bluesy, Littlewing/National Anthem thing. We all joined in with a 12 bar blues feel and let the congregation sing along. It was pretty cool.
My thoughts on the night…well frankly I was not the most able player in the house. I did play well, but there are some things I can improve on. Playing at this church definitely takes me out of my guitar comfort zone. I’ll play there again; I would like to practice regularly to find my place in the group. I hate it when people are playing their own things, with little regard for the other members of the group.
I will say this. Stepping out from my usual playing has shown me some new opportunities, and new people to make music with. For too long I’ve been stuck in a rut, and not developing any new skills or sharpening my current skill set.
Filed under: Church, Guitar, Making Music, Practice, The Band, Things to Change, Worship Bands, Worship Music | Tagged: Electric Guitar, Guitar playing, Guitar Practice, Music, Worship
You defintely seem to get a greater musical workout in your worship settings that I ever have. I usually have to play a different instrument to get a challenge out of my (previous) worship bands. But, the new church that I’m going to has a pretty impressive band. It’s all heavily composed music with every part scripted.
I haven’t spoken to anyone in the church yet about music, playing, or even that I play. I’m not feeling led that direction right now.
Hi ,
You have a great blog page and very interesting story I am Hilch a site admin at a forum which loves to make music and learn from each other .
http://www.guitarnoise.com/forums/index.php
We would love to see you drop by some time
Cheers
Hilch