KEYS
STRINGING YOU ALONG | David Pfaltzgraff
Photo by Rob Simmons on Unsplash
These days I spend my days as a worship keys player in a never-ending cycle between piano , pads , synth leads , and around again . At least , that ’ s what it can feel like . The modern worship keys player role has a specific shape , that ’ s for sure . And while I often say that it ’ s never been a better time to be a worship keys player , the truth is that what most people think of when we picture the role is only a small part of the whole portrait .
Rather than just pianos , pads , and leads there is , of course , so much more that we can bring to the table when a moment , song , or setlist calls for it . From deep , buzzy sub bass that elevates your live electric bass player , to arps and sequences that add producer polish to your live band and from the immediately recognizable grit and growl of a B3 organ to the stirring , emotional tone of orchestral strings .
If the title didn ’ t give it away , today I ’ d like to linger on that last bit and share some ways you can step outside of ‘ piano and pads land ’ to enhance your mix with string performances from the keyboard .
WHY STRINGS
The most important question to answer when choosing to use a string sound for your worship team is ‘ why ’?
In a modern worship context , we ’ re a far cry away from a traditional orchestra , where it would be common to find an ensemble of string players filling the sonic spectrum . But when you listen to a modern worship recording it ’ s quite common to find a variety of string arrangements filling space right alongside electric guitars , drums , and bass .
The sound of a violin , cello , or string ensemble can make an emotional impact that can take your band to a different place . Strings are often used in modern film and pop-music scoring to create an emotional response , whether soothing , exciting , or dramatic .
As with any other kind of keys sound , deploying string sounds with intention and purpose is the key to success , so always ask yourself ‘ why strings right now ? How will the song benefit ?’
WHICH STRINGS
In an actual orchestra the strings are an incredibly versatile tool in the arranger ’ s tool belt and the technique the string players use to perform can lend radically different results .
Strings can deliver gentle , drawn out legato playing with infinite sustain . We can bring this style from the keyboard to replace or enhance the sound of pads with string presets focused on legato or sustained playing .
In contrast , strong staccato or aggressive vibrato in playing can bring tension , urgency , or drama to the mix . The iconic string intro to ‘ Our God ’ by Chris Tomlin is a great example of strings being used at the foreground of the mix as the ‘ hook ’ that then gives way to a familiar blend of guitars , bass , and drums .
When I find myself desiring to add just a bit of interest to a standard piano and pads stack , I will often turn to more unique string sounds that add a sense of texture and motion . Look for strings where you can hear the sound
76 August 2024 Subscribe for Free ...