Arranging for Guitarists

We've all seen it. Worse yet, some of us may have been in or created one:

A "GUITAR CHOIR"!

For the uninitiated, this is a bastion of the 70's where, like the Doobie Brothers, Alabama, or Lynard Skynard, everyone with six strings and an aptitude for making noise signs up for the church music group. Then, without clear priories, parts or prerogatives, they end up either strumming the same pattern (bad), or just all going their own ways and create an acoustic cacophony.

One way to avoid this is to limit the number of guitarists. As a director, sometimes it's okay to help people find other venues for service. (It's not easy, though.) My suggestion for that limit is three and a half. This does not include the bass player.

Now, some of you might think: that's still too many! Well, you are right – it can be. But with this number it's quite manageable. Here's how you can do it:

1. Everyone plays less. The more people, the fewer things people can do before it gets "too busy". This can be an interesting problem – especially if you have a band of strong "leaders", but to make a joyful noise as a group, not everyone can lay the foundation. (That's the bassist's and drummer's job anyway.)
   
2. Avoid the "rhythm" and "lead" paradigm. It's very 80's and that was (gasp) 20 years ago! (I'm so old.)
   
3. Be explicit about who is doing what so there is no overlap. I'll discuss this further.
   
4. Be creative and avoid just strumming open chords.
   

Arranging With Three Guitarists

So, let's assume you've got three reasonably gifted guitarists. Let's just break down some songs and what we can do with them:

Blessed Be Your Name (Redman)

1. Acoustic Guitar – strumming, leading through most of the song. If you've got a strong bass player, rely on them for driving the song. You might even lay out the first verse! (Gasp!)
   
2. Electric Guitar – Broad chords only on the refrain and the second half of the bridge. Can use reverb or delay to make the sound bigger. Use overdrive. On the second verse, I like to add emphasis
   
3. Electric Guitar – Starting with the second verse, use light arpeggios during the verse – "noodling". Can use some delay, but don't overdo it. See Art's Formula for Worship Guitar Sound #1 (herein WGS1). You might want to start this on the second verse. On the refrains, use a single note with more force to add rhythm.
   

Your Grace Is Enough (Maher)

1. Acoustic Guitar – foundation.
   
2. Electric Guitar – Lead / arpeggios on transitional bridges, WGS1 sound, but with more overdrive.
   
3. Electric Guitar – Broad chords with distortion. If you play keys too, add those little keyboard parts during the verse, or be patient! J
   

Holy Is The Lord (Tomlin)

We do this song in an open "G" so our congregation can sing along. (This affects our capo settings.)

• Acoustic Guitar – Foundation, lead, Open chords
  
• Acoustic Guitar – Capo 5 – play open "D" chords and arpeggiate.
  
• Electric Guitar – Noodling lead parts, similar to recording, using WGS1.
  

Hmm… these examples are fun. Maybe I'll take the opportunity to do my first "audio" podcast!

God bless you in your ministry!