How to Play the Guitar for Christians

Leading worship with the guitar has great versatility.

The guitar is one of the most popular instruments of worship leaders. Easily transportable, versatile, and surprisingly quick to pick up, the guitar can be used to lead up-tempo praise songs, along with prayerfully reflective songs. Most songs can be transposed from key-to-key, if not by the musician, then online, so the basic chords can be used to play the songs most Christians know and love.

Things You'll Need

• Guitar
• Plectrum
• Strap
• Guitar lead
• Amp
• Songbook
• Access to internet

Instructions

Know Your Guitar and songs

1. 

   Become comfortable with your instrument before playing in front of others.

   Whether you are a beginner, or coming back to playing after a long period of time, it is important for you to feel comfortable playing on your own, before you attempt to play with or in front of others.

2. 

   Your fingers should be able to move around the fretboard quickly and easily.

   Learn and practice the main chords, until you are able to move between them quickly and without looking at what your fingers are doing. It may be wise to invest in a guitar chord book, or some lessons from someone already an accomplished guitarist.

3. 

   Chord charts tell you how the song should be played.

   Learn the sequence of chords for some of the most popular Church songs. As a regular Church-goer, you should know the songs sung by the congregation. You can get a copy of the song chord chart from the Internet.

4. 

   Your local Christian Bookstore will be able to keep you updated on new songs.

   Keep up-to-date with new songs being released. This will help keep the Church worship fresh and inspirational. You can easily check this out on the Christian Music websites, or in your local Christian bookstore.

5. Play with others in the Church. Playing as part of a Worship Team is great for building your confidence, and learning how to play in a band. This will also help you to know the Church's arrangements for each of the songs they do.

Playing to a Group

1. 

   Share with a small group leader or Church leader your desire to play in Church.

   Once you have worked out the song arrangements, and how you want to sing and play them, you may be ready to play in front of others. If you attend a house group, this may be a safe environment to start off.

2. 

   Communicate clearly with the leader what is expected of you.

   Work out with the group leader how many songs you may play at the performance, and if they will sing with you so there are no surprises. Confirm whether you will play at the beginning, the end, or both.

3. 

   Prepare yourself spiritually as well as musically.

   Spend time in prayer. Before you can lead others (even if you are part of a team rather than the worship leader) in worship or praise, you need to be in that place yourself. This will help you to feel a peace about playing.

4. 

   Play the songs with authority, encourage others with prayer and Scripture.

   Work out the arrangement you want to play between each song; will you strum or finger-pick? Will you read a verse of Scripture or pray as you play? Be comfortable with what you are doing.

5. 

   Lead people in worship through your playing.

   Arrive early and fully prepared. Pack your chord charts, guitar, plectrum and strap well in advance, so you are not left fumbling around before you are due to play. Then pray and relax. Have fun as you play your guitar with other believers.

Tips & Warnings

• Anyone can play a guitar, but mastering it comes with practice. Worship leaders are people who have a God-given gift in leading people into His presence through playing for Christians.

References

• Guitar Church Club
• Nine Tips for Performing and Playing in Church