mind in a creative place and relaxes you a bit. BONUS INDUSTRY SECRET
It also puts you in touch with creative emotions Pads are that hard to define, subtle sonic layer
which is one reason why it’s so effective in live on a lot of your favorite Worship recordings!
worship environments. Below is my Top 12 list Regardless of your church size, pads can
of why everyone can benefit from using pads. add a great layer of subtle production to any
musical environment. If you’re new to the pads
game, jump on board! If you’re a seasoned
TOP 12 REASONS TO USE PADS
• Glues
the
atmosphere
pads user, keep on rocking because they aren’t
of
instruments
going away!
together
• Provides a musical score underneath prayers
and sermon wrap-ups
In part two of this feature “The Theory Behind
• Quick & easy to use Pads: Why They Work!” we will be discussing
• Can add depth and flavor to a one-man band the theory behind pads that makes them work
• Frees up your keyboardist to do more like magic. Then in part three “Practical Real
complex stuff
• Allows moments to ‘marinate’ without
getting stale or awkward
• Fills up space(s) without occupying your
musicians
• Makes song to song transitions seamless
• Creates musicall= ambience in absence of a
As a composer for film, media and television, keys player
pads are one of my go to starting points for • Cost effective
inspiration. I often start with pads and build • Makes people want to hug each other
musical cues from there. There’s just something • Adds a certain je ne sais quoi
about the easy listening drone that puts your
COMING SOON
World Setups for Using Pads: Start Using Them
Today!” we’ll cover how to use them with the
most common worship team set-ups, plus how
to incorporate them into your current gear and
‘standard’ keyboard rigs!
Brian Michael Fuller
A composer, multi-instrumentalist and worship
musician who currently serves as the worship
arts pastor at Newhope Church in Durham,
North Carolina. You can hear some of his original
production music at www.fullertime.com. The pad
sets that he has designed are exclusively available
at www.worshiptutorials.com and have sold over
50,000 copies!.
www.fullertime.com
www.worshiptutorials.com