Playing gospel songs in a band?

[Tor]

I play in a choir's band (Tensing, if anyone's familiar with that), and this spring term we have focused on doing mainly gospel songs. We are one drummer, one bassist, one keyboard player, and one guitarist (i.e. me); pretty basic..

Quite a lot of these songs have chords so far out I'd never think I should cross paths with unless I'm doing jazz or something complex. Having learned some of the crazy chords, some of them turned out to be not so crazy after all, some are...

However, that's not become my primary problem (although the chords frustrate me quite a bit too)... For a few of these songs, I have absolutely no clue of what to play, even though I have the chords and can play (some of) them.

A good example might be In the Sanctuary (this is by the way the very version we use. For those familiar with gospel music, we will play Till We Meet Again, Watcha Lookin 4, Brighter Day (all three by Kirk Franklin), Faith by Richard Smallwood, and the song I linked to). Although there are some parts where I can clearly hear the guitar player's parts, there are too many parts I feel is a complete black hole for me. And this is the tendency for a lot of the other songs too -- not very friendly for guitarists...

How should I use the guitar in such songs? Play the chords, as they are on the sheet, and according to the rhythm, squashing it together with what the keyboard player plays, or something entirely different? I'm completely at loss for this, so input for playing such music is greatly welcomed!

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

It's a matter of feeling it bro. With that song I would give really percussive "chinks" on the accented beats, but other than that, there's really not much more for you to add to it.

Sometimes it's just more about what you don't play. A guitarist playing with James Brown said he got *SO* tired of holding that one chord groove for half an hour but when he listened back to what they had done, it sounded so funky and perfect, there wasn't anything more he could add. You're in the same situation. It's all about just doing one simple thing, but within the context of the ensemble, it sounds amazing.

 

[Osensei]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

In many styles guitar is not called for uless it is a featured solo instrument. This is just the cruel reality of western music were we guitarists are concerned. You will find that outside of rock and other pop styles, guitarist are just in the way. In such situations, we get no respect! :doh:

If you have keyboards holding down the rythm section then why have a guitar? That's the attitude and it's justified for the most part because it's very difficult in those styles to make the addition of a guitar work.

 

[Tor]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

It's a matter of feeling it bro. With that song I would give really percussive "chinks" on the accented beats, but other than that, there's really not much more for you to add to it.

I have thought of that too, but I felt it became really, really repetitive... But again, your example of Brown's guitarist might be just as valid here, I'm just not hearing it myself...

Still, what if using the percussive chinks in the beginning of each group (don't know the correct musical term), then stop it halfway in the group, occasionally throwing in subtle licks for each pause of the chinks...? To let more air and variation in, I mean?

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

I have thought of that too, but I felt it became really, really repetitive... But again, your example of Brown's guitarist might be just as valid here, I'm just not hearing it myself...

Still, what if using the percussive chinks in the beginning of each group (don't know the correct musical term), then stop it halfway in the group, occasionally throwing in subtle licks for each pause of the chinks...? To let more air and variation in, I mean?

It kinda depends on what else is going on. You don't wanna throw in a lick where the bass is, or where the keyboard is, or where the drummer is, or where the horns are, or where a singer is, etc. It's all a matter of listening and not stepping on toes. That style if music is all about having lots going on, but still having plenty of space.

 

[Tor]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

Hm, gotcha. I will try to use my ear more in that sense for the next practice.

 

[VTM Mike]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

I am venturing into the same territory. I've been attending a new church for about 6 months, and the electric guitar players are young and really struggle with the material. So I asked the pastor if they needed some help and he said yes, gave me a cd of 14 songs to listen to. Now I'm a metal player primarily, southern rock and some blues. So most of these songs leave a lot to be desired guitar-wise. I am just going to comp within the chord structure, work out some guitar fills where there is room, and try not to overplay. That would be my advise.

 

[beggar_guitar]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

I play with a choir every Sunday, and I have the same struggle.

My director likes for me to lay back for the most part. He rarely wants me doubling up on the chords. I just try and play tastefully in the gaps, and play a counter melody at other t

 

[Tor]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

I am just going to comp within the chord structure, work out some guitar fills where there is room, and try not to overplay. That would be my advise.

IHe rarely wants me doubling up on the chords. I just try and play tastefully in the gaps, and play a counter melody at other t

I think it might be the ticket.. playing the chords subtely, picking it occasionally, and if there's room for it in the music, throwing in some licks... Though the latter will require some memorizing if I don't want to improvise.. Thanks all for answers.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

Lock in with the bassplayer and drummer, play only two note chords, root stuff, and be funky....forget about leads until you got the feel down good!
Listen to some old soul and funk records, get that greasy feel for it.
The keyboard player plays all the full chords no need to clash with that, and above all just listen/feel to the groove and the movement of the song.

 

[Osensei]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

I think listening to some old Earth, Wind & Fire or some Emotions will put you in the ball park stylewise. Those were fully orchestrated bands and the guitar had to frequently fill in with some funky pickin! Having coil tapping as an option really helps bring out da funk also.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

One more thing...looking for fun lines to play??!?
Listen to hornplayers...they have the most cool lines to play!

 

[Tor]

Re: Playing gospel songs in a band?

Thanks for tips!