Minimalism: Playing the Background (Reflections on the Christmas Eve Service)

Here's my board setup for the Connect Church Christmas Eve service:

I'm posting this blog because I feel incredibly guilty that I used so much gear and played fairly obnoxiously. So ah, enjoy.


Minimalism

"For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don't use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love." -Galatians 5:13

As lead electric guitarists, our jobs are to play as little as humanly possible. We spend the most money on our gear, spend countless hours setting and resetting up our pedalboards, so we ought to be loud and up front, right? False. Playing Tomlin's "God of this City"? Well you better be prepared to swell. Some worship leaders will have you learn that solo part (then cut it out on Sunday morning after you figure out the perfect Daniel Carson drive and delay), if that. We are entitled to nothing. God grants us the ability to praise Him in our own way, but He doesn't need us. Remember, He could use rocks to sound His praise if we don't (Luke 19:40).

That is perhaps why I adore Galatians 5:13. Most worship leaders are so gracious to us, they grant us creative freedom. We should not abuse this opportunity. It is God-given. You would not be on that stage if your Creator didn't want you there. Don't attempt to blow your congregation away with an expert solo; but rather sell yourself completely to God, and I guarantee your congregation will do the same. To quote Lecrae, "...play the background".

I don't really care for rap/R&B/Hip-Hop, so I present to you the Jason Castro rendition of Lecrae's "Background". This song, while repetitive, really hits home. We do like to get in the way of God. We like to play God. We think our professors are nuts, but we're no better. To quote Win Butler (Arcade Fire), "We're just a million little gods causing rainstorms, turning every good thing to rust." Isn't that so true? How often do tell yourself you need a $324 POG2 for that perfect swell sound? How often do you catch yourself in dotted eighth note snobbery, waiting to catch eyes with the church member who thinks he hears U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name"? Oh! How often do you hashtag #geartalk on your Instagram pictures? If I'm being completely honest with the blogosphere, I'm guilty of committing these faux pas all the time! Play the background.

How to "play the background"

1) Don't play the verses unless the original recording very specifically calls for it. For instance, on 10,000 Reasons, JUST DON'T PLAY. Redman's beautiful piece is an incredible example of minimalism in a world of flashy, modern worship.

2) When swelling (and in general), use less reverb. I promise, you need less reverb. I know I do. I'm selling my TC Electronic Hall of Fame because I use way too much reverb. I suggest the Foxpedal Magnifica for a good worship reverb. Big thanks to Zach Selindh (Logan Walter Band) for his wisdom regarding reverb.

3) Can't hear your delay? Suck it up! What you need is a low mix, medium-high feedback. If you've got a Strymon Timeline, throw in some modulation! I personally use a Danelectro Flange in my FX Loop, which gets some Coldplay "Ghost Stories"-esque delays. Seriously though, low mix dotted eighth, low mix quarter. High feedback. Trust me.

4) Don't use drive to turn yourself up. If you can't hear yourself, politely ask the sound guy to turn you up in your in-ears. Believe it or not, I've seen this done live in concerts, by professional musicians.  Turning your gain up to hear yourself is incredibly immature, stresses the band out, and makes the rest of the band look bad. I understand we are up there to worship the King, but when we selfishly turn ourselves up, we are not giving Him our best. And that's what we need to do.

5) Don't be a distraction. 

• Pedals and pedalboards can be a distraction to the congregation, make sure that when you tap your delay, don't apply too much force. It can be really loud and obnoxious.
• Don't jump around when you play. Obviously, play with passion. But make sure you're not performing.
• Turn your back to the congregation when you tune. If you go sit down during rehearsal and hear someone tune your guitar, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's annoying.
• Pray God would reveal His plans for you each and every day; that way when you worship, your heart is completely open to Him.
• Practice your music.
• Practice. Your. Music.
• PRACTICE YOUR MUSIC AT HOME
• PRACTICE YOUR MUSIC AT HOME ON YOUR OWN TIME AND PRAY/READ OVER THE LYRICS OF THE SONG!!!

Alright lead guitarists, y'all have a blessed day.

-Curtis Russell Howard