So--you got a job as the new worship leader at the church down the street. You show up to rehearsal with a brand new book of contemporary praise songs, but lo-and-behold, when your group starts to run through them, they all sound the same! The songs, even if in different keys, are all based on the same easy chords, like G, D, A, C, or E, A, B, C#m, all in open position!

Of course, it makes sense that these pieces would be relatively simple, your band members guitarists (probably just members of the church who happen to own guitars most likely aren't going to tour with the next G3 anytime soon. But wouldn't you have a more enjoyable time if the parts were a little different?

There are a few reasons I try to "change" up the standard open- chord style of worship music:

• 1. I have always been a rhythm guitarist, and simple open chords don't really tickle my fancy!
• 2. The ensemble sound is thicker, more colorful, and more interesting when each guitar player is playing something a little differently than the other.
• 3. If you are in fact a worship leader, chances are your employers (pastors, priests, etc.) want you to be a teacher for the band/ensemble, and not just stand in front of them and show the wolrd how loudly you can praise...