How Instruments Work Together
http://www.praisecharts.com/live/articles/180/1/How-Instruments-Work-Together/Page1.html
John Telman
John has served as worship pastor for the past 26 years in Canada, the United States and Singapore. Presently he oversees the worship ministry of Victory Family Center, Singapore which has planted over 1500 churches worldwide. He is responsible for raising up singers, musicians and worship leaders in the mother church and in the daughter churches. His desire is to focus on and celebrate Jesus Christ. You can visit John on his personal website at: www.trulyworship.comBy John Telman
Published on May 2, 2008
Without each instrument, there would be holes that can weaken the strength of the worship team.
Piano
The piano has a multiple function in worship. It gives pitch, harmonic structure, and rhythm to songs. It is considered a lead instrument and essential to the basic strength of a song. Along with the other pitched instruments, it assists in making key changes.
Guitar
The guitar can do much the same as the piano. As a lead instrument (often used by a worship leader), it sets pitch, harmonic structure, and rhythm to songs. As a supportive instrument, it brings colour to the song. Along with the other instruments, it introduces songs and makes it possible to medley songs together.
Bass
The bass sets and maintains the tempo of the song. Along with the kick (bass drum), it keeps singing consistent. It also gives definition to the chord structure of a song. Even though the guitar and the piano have a bass part to them, it is only the bass guitar that gives an auditory foundation to music. The sound system equalizes the instruments for their function so the bass is designed to anchor the chord of the music.
Synth
Along the guitar may bring colour to a song, the synth. can do that and more. It can be many instruments. It gives smooth support as a string section for a slower song. It gives a bold support as a brass section for a faster song. It adds to the song as a flute, and much more. The synth., along with the piano and guitar, has the ability to support vocal free worship or the prophetic song.
Drums
The drums, as stated before, keep the tempo of the song consistent. Along with the lead instrument, it sets the rhythm pattern for the song. All parts to the drums have distinct functions. We have already spoken about the purpose of the bass drum. The cymbals are like punctuation marks. The toms lead from one point of the song to another by fills. The snare, the bass drum, and the hi-hat interact to keep the tempo consistent.
Remember
Each instrument used in worship plays an integral part in the corporate expression of worship. In small groups some of these instruments may not be required. However, for larger worship services, without each instrument, there would be holes that can weaken the strength of the worship team to lead.
The piano has a multiple function in worship. It gives pitch, harmonic structure, and rhythm to songs. It is considered a lead instrument and essential to the basic strength of a song. Along with the other pitched instruments, it assists in making key changes.
Guitar
The guitar can do much the same as the piano. As a lead instrument (often used by a worship leader), it sets pitch, harmonic structure, and rhythm to songs. As a supportive instrument, it brings colour to the song. Along with the other instruments, it introduces songs and makes it possible to medley songs together.
Bass
The bass sets and maintains the tempo of the song. Along with the kick (bass drum), it keeps singing consistent. It also gives definition to the chord structure of a song. Even though the guitar and the piano have a bass part to them, it is only the bass guitar that gives an auditory foundation to music. The sound system equalizes the instruments for their function so the bass is designed to anchor the chord of the music.
Synth
Along the guitar may bring colour to a song, the synth. can do that and more. It can be many instruments. It gives smooth support as a string section for a slower song. It gives a bold support as a brass section for a faster song. It adds to the song as a flute, and much more. The synth., along with the piano and guitar, has the ability to support vocal free worship or the prophetic song.
Drums
The drums, as stated before, keep the tempo of the song consistent. Along with the lead instrument, it sets the rhythm pattern for the song. All parts to the drums have distinct functions. We have already spoken about the purpose of the bass drum. The cymbals are like punctuation marks. The toms lead from one point of the song to another by fills. The snare, the bass drum, and the hi-hat interact to keep the tempo consistent.
Remember
Each instrument used in worship plays an integral part in the corporate expression of worship. In small groups some of these instruments may not be required. However, for larger worship services, without each instrument, there would be holes that can weaken the strength of the worship team to lead.