2 . MARK UP THE CHART . 4 . TYPE UP THE LYRICS .
9 . TEST IT OUT IN FRONT OF A SAFE AUDIENCE .
Using a pencil to make the chart our own makes a huge difference , because we can make notes that will remind us of tricky spots the next time we open up the chart .
An extra measure of care is to use different colored highlighters to mark up verses , especially if you have a lead sheet that includes repeats , different endings , and sometimes the incidental D . S . al Coda markings .
If you ’ re working with a tablet , you can use an app and a stylus to make notes , and you can color-code them as well . But make the chart your own .
3 . GET YOUR PREP MATERIALS ALL IN A ROW .
If you ’ re the worship leader , a great way to serve your team is to supply them with the chart that speaks their language ( lead sheet , chord chart , or even a Nashville number chart ).
But then , a great way to help their ear along is to purchase the audio mp3 , rip it into some recording software and then transpose it to the actual key you ’ ll be singing in , to make it match the printed charts as closely as possible .
Although we might be able to find lyrics on the web that we could copy and paste , that ’ s not going to serve us as well as typing them up .
Will it take longer ? Yes . But will it reinforce the lyrics in our minds ? Also , yes .
5 . SAVE AND PRINT THE LYRIC SHEETS .
I print up the lyrics to songs with one song per side of a piece of paper . And then I keep them handy , folded up in my pocket , when I ’ m out and about . I can also keep them on my phone as screen shots or PDFs in a folder .
6 . LISTEN ACTIVELY TO THE RECORDING .
The more focused and undivided our attention for this , the better . Listen closely , with and without the chart nearby .
Really consider the chord progression . Can you analyze it numerically ? Do you know the progressions in Nashville numbers so that you could play part or all of the song in any guitarfriendly key ?
7 . PLAY ALONG WITH THE RECORDING .
Try playing the song for a loved one at home . This raises the pressure from just being in your practice space , to where someone else is actively listening on some level . They can give you their undivided attention , or listen while they ’ re cooking dinner , etc . Lastly …
10 . BRING THE SONG TO REHEARSAL - MEMORIZED .
Come to worship or band rehearsal ready to play it from memory ( but have it nearby on a music stand , just in case .) See how much you can work without the chart .
Remember , “ memorized ” means acknowledging every measure and being consistent . Your band will be following their charts , so make sure you ’ re right on track with the charts you ’ ve given them .
If you ’ ve never done something like this before , start with just one song and see how it goes . And give yourself enough ramp-up time to truly memorize it . But watch how much more freedom you ’ ll have as you interact with your team , the congregation , and ultimately the Lord .
The reality is that some members of your band will reference the recording as the main guide for their preparation , so be thorough in this regard . Again , if you ’ re preparing lead sheets , chord charts , and mp3s , it ’ s important that they are all congruent with each other .
Side note : there ’ s a specific CCLI license that ’ s available to churches who want to distribute audio recordings amongst worship team members in whatever form – CD , or mp3s uploaded to Planning Center , etc . It ’ s called the CCLI Church Rehearsal License . Click here to be directed to a page that tells you more .
Now comes the intentional process that gives us momentum towards memorization .
With your guitar in hand , play along to the best of your ability as you feel the cadences , holds , chokes , and dynamics . Let the guitarist on the recording guide you as you play .
8 . MAKE A RECORDING OF YOURSELF PLAYING THE SONG .
There ’ s something about playing a song and knowing that the “ red recording light ” is on . This adds a healthy amount of pressure , but wait for it … you can now go back and listen to , or even watch yourself playing the song ( if you ’ ve captured it on video ) and get a clear picture of your accuracy , tempos , words , pitch , and you can also see what you look like as you play .
I hope today ’ s discussion was helpful . It ’ s very possible that it could lead to some serious fun on your guitar journey if you take time to apply what ’ s been offered here . Will you ?
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David Harsh David is a nationally touring worship leader , songwriter and performing artist . He is passionate about equipping guitarists to discover their potential . Learn more and join now at www . GuitarSuccess4U . com
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