Worship Players - Playing hymns

[majbass]

Hey friends,

Just wondering what you experienced players might do when you're handed a sheet for a hymn.

These are often songs with a composition that is unusual for guitar and bass, perhaps in an unusual key or with a great deal of accidentals, or with very fast changes. I can follow the chords and stay with the pace, but other than simplify-simplify-simplify, I'm not sure how to approach them.

I'd love to hear any tips on creating an interesting part for these types of pieces.

Typically, we have piano, acoustic, bass, and drums with a male vocal lead. Sometimes we have electric and sometimes we have a female vocalist as well. It's a medium sized room, perhaps 150 folks within. Our usual style for each songs leans a bit toward the simple, but I want to help grow our sound and do these great old pieces justice.

Thanks!

 

[bassistkll]

Traditional hymns are written on grand staff in four-part harmony; treble clef on top (usually melody in the top or soprano line, with the alto line just below) and bass clef below the treble staff (with the tenor line on the top and the bass line on the bottom).
Pianists and organists are trained to read both clefs together; treble in the right hand and bass in the left. Organists double the bass line on the pedals.
I'm an old school Missouri Synod Lutheran and I love the old traditional hymns. Depending on the arrangement I'd play the bass line as written.

 

[majbass]

Traditional hymns are written on grand staff in four-part harmony; treble clef on top (usually melody in the top or soprano line, with the alto line just below) and bass clef below the treble staff (with the tenor line on the top and the bass line on the bottom).
Pianists and organists are trained to read both clefs together; treble in the right hand and bass in the left. Organists double the bass line on the pedals.
I'm an old school Missouri Synod Lutheran and I love the old traditional hymns. Depending on the arrangement I'd play the bass line as written.

Thanks!

Sometimes we don't get the lead sheet, copied out of a hymnal or what have you, but only a chart. Would be interested in hearing what people might do differently for one of these old standards vs a modern pop worship type of song.

 

[dreamadream99]

As a band, or a collection of musicians, there are many ways to treat a hymn.

1. If the piano or organ is principal to the final product, as written is probably best.
   
2. If the vocalist or worship leader is principal to the final product, the style is their choice.
   
3. If the band is principal to the final product, style is the band’s choice.

Let’s say the band chooses the style. Well you have lots of choices here. Ballad, medium rock, reggae, jazz, country, polka, etc. As a band, you must choose and agree on the style. And hopefully all of you are accomplished enough musicians, that you can all play well in that style together. This relies upon the musicians spending years or decades listening to those styles, so that they are instantly able to negotiate it when called upon to do so.