Today it’s not uncommon to see people lead worship from an instrument. Growing up, I never saw this – probably because it’s hard to lead facing an upright piano (there were no keyboards back in the dark ages) and guitar wasn’t used until later. But today, a singer guitarist and sometimes a singer/keyboard player is a very common sight – in fact it’s probably more normal than not.
The challenge in leading with an instrument, is to do it well. So… how do you do it well?
The better question might be – “Why do you do it at all?” And there may be some perfectly legitimate reasons. Here’s just a few.
- We’re really short on players – especially ones that create rhythm.
- It allows for flexibility.
- I can create more intensity when I need it and the other players can follow me.
- It gives variety to the full band.
And then there’s the really honest ones…
- Playing my instrument is my “safety-blanket”.
- I don’t know what to do with my hands if I’m not playing.
- I don’t trust my musicians to get it right.
Whatever the reason, to lead and play well takes considerable skill and a lot of rehearsal – especially in your own time. Here are some things you need to know and to do in order to lead well. They may seem pretty obvious and basic, but I’ve seen many a leader of worship get tripped up in one or more of these areas…
- You must be a competent player – not a guitar hero or keyboard savant – but confident and competent. The chords you play must come easily and become second nature.
- You need to know every song you play inside out… and how you segue or move from song to song. The more you do it, the better you become, but there is no substitute for practice. Whilst I feel confident on either guitar of keys, I still rehearse songs I’ve known for years to make sure that they are “under my fingers”.
- If you’re leading, the instrument must take second place. You must be willing and ready to stop playing if necessary, because you need to be fully aware in the moment. If you’re looking for the next chord – either guitar of keyboard – it can be a distraction from worship. People need to have confidence that you are confident.
- You need to use the right type of instrument when you lead. Singing and playing a wind instrument may have worked years ago, but it’s not good for worship leading.
When leading worship with an instrument – and for me, that’s pretty much all the time – my “go-to” instrument is guitar. Keyboard, despite being by far my primary instrument, is a visual barrier between myself and the people, and I don’t want to give the impression that I’m in any way separate from those I’m leading in worship. Guitar gives me more freedom to move (no, I’m no dancer!) and to be that little bit closer to the people.
Leadership is always about leading people, so your instrument is a distant second comparatively. Practice hard, and every new song will become that little bit easier to play each time.
If you want more training in all aspects of upfront worship – from leading to playing and much more, join now at Worship Canvas. I’m opening the membership again in late July so stay tuned.