Worship Band - The Acoustic Player's Job

Adapted from a clinic taught by Jerry Tyson. jerrytyson@earthlink.net

The function of the acoustic is to play the basic chords and keep good rhythm
These two qualifications must be met to have groove. Groove means that the rhythm of the music makes the audience want to tap their foot or clap their hands
Often times, the tonality of the acoustic guitar isn't audibly perceived as noticeably as the percussive quality of the instrument. It is part of the rhythm section, so play it as such.

A metronome or drum machine is a necessary tool to use to help internalize one's time feel
The Acoustic player, the ride cymbal, the high hat, and the snare drum are a unit. When the snare drum plays, accent your strumming pattern.
With a right handed drummer, an acoustic player's strumming pattern should line up with the drummers right hand.
On ballads, arppegiate your chords, meaning play your strings individually.
Flat picking, or finger picking through the chord changes on a verse sets a beautiful contrast for a booming chorus.
A good way to achieve common time feels, and learn better strumming patterns is to practice with a drum machine.

Always, always use a tuner to correct intonation. Strings change during a performance.
Groove means that the rhythm of the music makes the audience want to tap their foot or clap their hands
Know what groove to play on certain styles.

Ideally, an acoustic should be plugged in through a direct box, preferably through a stompbox tuner/mute switch.
A nice EQ can make an average quality guitar sound rich and full.
Chorus or reverb can sweeten up the sound, but not detract from the intonation.

A capo raises an existing open chord up to a different key
The Acoustic guitar sounds best, and performs best when using open chord structures.
Power chords and bar chords sound best on an electric guitar, where the effect pedals fill out the sound. Play chords on the acoustic where it can resound more naturally.
A capo has gotten a bad name for being a mediocre guitar player's crutch. Realize that it makes sounds available that were never possible before the capo.

Bad technique can wear an acoustic player out and when he begins to get tired his time will begin to slow down
Technique can make a difference in one's time and groove. Bad technique can make something that is relatively easy to play become difficult.
Taking a lesson now and again can fix these problems and steer one in the right direction.

If the Acoustic player is not aware of his surroundings, he may miss a cut off or a great musical moment. This can be disastrous.
Don't bury your head or stare off into space, watch the Worship Leader for instruction and cues

Don't feel like you have to play every note, every beat of the song. There are many other musical voices in the band to be heard.
Use capo techniques simplify chord structures.
Remember the rhythmic value the acoustic guitar brings to the band. Practice new strumming patterns as much as new chord shapes.
Understand where your instrument fits i playing in the bandn the band. If there are keys, or a rhythm electric, they might be in the same harmonic range. Capo up, or use chord variations to be in a different harmonic range and therefore open up the overall band sound.

In some cases, the instrumentalists may have more musical experience than the person up front. Learn to be ok with that.
Musical perfection is secondary to giving God the Glory he deserves. Much of this comes from attitude and servitude.
While input is healthy, and constructive criticism is part of the band dynamic, keep egos in check and realize the weighty responsibility a Worship Leader carries in ushering a congregation into the throne-room of Grace.

Milo Wilson