each instrument's role and function in gospel music

[Oneway]

I would like some opinions on this. What is the role and function of everyone who plays an instrument in church? I am talking about the organ, piano, guitar, bass, drums and brass. I have my own opinion but wanting some other opinions.

[jeremyr]

I would like some opinions on this. What is the role and function of everyone who plays an instrument in church? I am talking about the organ, piano, guitar, bass, drums and brass. I have my own opinion but wanting some other opinions.

i think it'll vary from church to church and there's no right or wrong answer for this.  The most important thing is that you all work together as 1.  Use your strenths to your advantage and use others to cover up your weakness'.

[djgroovin]

Music is like sports.  You need the right blend of people.  The instruments don't make as much of a difference.  Chemistry is what makes you sound good a whole.  If you hear good musicians play together they often switch roles throughout the song.  Or at least leave room for each instrument to shine (express themselves).

[Cherri]

Each member should have good timing.

[ddwilkins]

Everyone's role should be to minister to the people through music, while glorifying God.

[Mysteryman]

I agree with all but my basic belief is that. The drummer keeps time. The bass player tells the other instruments where the progression is going. The organ holds the foundation of the music. The piano sits on top of the organ and compliments by playing fills. The guitar player with be mixing melody and riffs. Brass players like single instruments like the sax perform the same role as the guitar player and maybe blending in with some choir parts. A brass section will ad here and there to help make the music stand out. Everyone has to do their role with out getting into each others way or role.

Some songs differ though in the lead instrument and it depends on what type of band you are in. If the band is more like Christian rock the rythmn guitar will perform the same function as the organ player in hold down the foundation. The lead guitar player will keep the role above.

The organ players usually are the lead instrument up north but down here in the south the keyboard players are leading.

[jeremyr]

The organ players usually are the lead instrument up north but down here in the south the keyboard players are leading.

now that you mention it I do notice that.

[Laydy]

I have an opinion about this, but I want to research it a little more before I give an official answer.

[sixstringpoet]

instrumental roles can be important, but i believe more importantly is the friendship and respect each member has for the other.  cooperation and teamwork can produce some beautiful music. I have been in revival with just me , a drummer and a trombonist and the church was on the floor. we were all friends and got the job done with cooperation with each other.

believe me i am not saying that each instrument does not have its particular part to play, but i bet you that if they switched their roles and used cooperation and teamwork, the results would be outstanding.

[Cherri]

Yes respect is very important....

[Bullitt]

From a Biblical perspective, as long as God is being praised and no one is playing for themselves, then it really doesn't matter.


From a "musical" perspective I think it will vary from church to church like others have already said.
Basically, there will always need to be some one to keep the time, play the medley, ad lib, and the combinations of making it happen are endless.

If I had to catagorize my style, I would say I tend to play a little over the top. Now that's not saying that every song I play is going to be filled with 70mph riffs and more grease than a bucket of KFC but I guess I just tend to hear more "opportunites" to fill the void.

At church, our music minister/organ player knows how I play and I'm grateful that he gives me the freedom to worship through my bass without thinking that I'm trying to "steal the show".  The other bass player at church tends to stay in the pocet more but people are starting to notice that we are picking up tips and ques from listening to each other play (which is great IMO lol).

The important thing is that if:

a) God is being praised.
b) You're giving back to Him what He's given to you
and
c) You're learning and having fun

Then it really doesn't matter who's doing what.  Just do the dern thang 


God Bless,
-J

[Oneway]

I agree with all but my basic belief is that. The drummer keeps time. The bass player tells the other instruments where the progression is going. The organ holds the foundation of the music. The piano sits on top of the organ and compliments by playing fills. The guitar player with be mixing melody and riffs. Brass players like single instruments like the sax perform the same role as the guitar player and maybe blending in with some choir parts. A brass section will ad here and there to help make the music stand out. Everyone has to do their role with out getting into each others way or role.

Some songs differ though in the lead instrument and it depends on what type of band you are in. If the band is more like Christian rock the rythmn guitar will perform the same function as the organ player in hold down the foundation. The lead guitar player will keep the role above.

The organ players usually are the lead instrument up north but down here in the south the keyboard players are leading.

This is how I tend to view it MysteryMan. Thanks for you answer.     I know there are different types of music in church and by this I mean we have our worship music, praise music, special singing which includes choirs, groups and individuals and sometimes preaching music (varies from church to church). Our church has great musicians but, we don't play together (synchronize). Check out this video for what I mean by playing together   http://www.gospelcity.com/music/videos/#BishopLeonardScott-HymnMedley (you might have to click on Leonard Scott on the left if it doesn't show up). Really they are playing nice basic stuff and nobody is busy or playing to much or louder that another. The music sounds great.

Does anybody else have this problem where musicians don't play together and the music sounds horrible? What about anybody playing to loud? It seems like you are having to always play louder than the other person. Finally, does anyone have the problem where the drummer is always doing something? Being to busy like having to play something every 4-8 counts?

Thanks for all you answers and God Bless.