For us guitar nerds, the group 40 Fingers is an inspirational phenomenon. The way these artists blend and create, using their 40 fingers on four guitars, is truly a spectacle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-zXpLspVBs
Let's be honest, for most church worship teams, however, this kind of talent is only a dream. How about we give it a try with two acoustic players?
Adding two acoustic guitars to a worship set can create a richer sound, but it takes more than having both players strum the same chords. I see this quite often, so this blog post is intended to inspire you to try something new. The key is to make the guitars work together, not just repeat each other. With almost 30 years of worship-leading experience, I’ve found that changing tunings and using capos are great ways to help each guitar contribute to a fuller sound when leading.
When several vocalists attempt to sing the melody together, it can be confusing and “muddy” for the congregation to follow. Guitars strumming the exact same chords and shapes will have the same doubling effect.
Here's how to integrate two or more acoustic guitars effectively into your worship team:
Why Two Acoustics? The Benefits!
· Fuller Sound: When used strategically, two acoustic guitars can create a much richer, more expansive sound than a single guitar, but we must get creative and help each instrument compliment each other.
· Dynamic Range: One guitar can play a solid rhythm while the other adds melodies or extra textures.
· Vocal Support: Different chord mechanics can beautifully support a range of voices and harmonies.
· Energy and Drive: Two guitars can really propel the energy of a song, especially in upbeat praise numbers. Acoustic players are typically skilled in rhythm, too!
The Secret Weapons: Capos, Alternate Tunings, and Software Transposition
Capos and alternate tunings are great for making each acoustic guitar sound unique and interesting.
1. The Magic of the Capo:
The capo is probably the simplest and most effective way to differentiate two acoustic guitars.
· Different Voicings for the Same Chord:
o How it Works: If both guitarists play a G chord, but one uses a capo at the 3rd fret with an E shape and the other plays an open G, they’ll both play the same notes (G, B, D), just in different octaves and with a different sound. This arrangement reduces frequency masking, allowing each guitar to be heard clearly and distinctly, making the music fuller and clearer.
o Practical Application:
§ Guitar 1 (Foundation): Focuses on anchoring the rhythm to maintain the steady beat and structure of the song. Plays the basic chord shapes in the song's key, often without a capo or with a capo at a low fret.
§ Guitar 2 (Texture/Higher Register): Uses a capo higher on the neck (like the 3rd, 5th, or 7th fret) and plays chord shapes that fit the song’s key. This usually gives a more brilliant, more sparkling sound.
o Example: For a song in the key of G:
§ Guitar 1: Plays open G, C, and D chords.
§ Guitar 2: Capos at the 3rd fret and plays E, A, B7 shapes (which sound as G, C, D) to create a chiming, mandolin-like layer that adds brightness and delicacy to the song's texture. Alternatively, it capos at the 5th fret and plays D, G, A shapes.
o With some practice, you’ll be able to adjust very easily, but to get you started, we created this handy little chart for beginners: GET IT HERE FOR FREE!
· Creating Licks and Fills: The higher capo allows a guitarist to play melodic lines and fills in a register that won't clash with the foundational guitar.
2. Exploring Alternate Tunings (Keep it Simple for Worship!):
While there are many alternate tunings, for worship, we often want tunings that are easy to jump in and out of and that offer clear benefits. We utilize one acoustic guitar tuned down, with the others tuned standard.
· Drop Tuning (D-G-C-F-A-D):
o How to Tune: Lower each string on your guitar down 1 step.
o Benefits:
§ Deeper Bass: This tuning gives you a strong, deep bass sound, especially for songs in D, G, or A.
§ Distinction: Drop tuning sounds noticeably different from standard tuning, so each guitar has its own texture. We probably can’t drop it by more than 1 step—trust me, I’ve tried! LOL.
· I play a 25-year-old Takamine G series guitar; it has a deeper, more dramatic tone when tuned down (and I use medium gauge strings as well!).
o Practical Application:
§ Guitar 1 (Rhythmic/Low End): Try Drop tuning to play a strong, solid rhythm, especially in songs with a heavy bass line.
§ Guitar 2 (Standard/Capo): Can use standard tuning, maybe with a capo, to add brighter, more melodic parts.
o Consideration: Ever heard of a “cut capo”? Adding this accessory to my toolbox has enhanced my skillset and added so much to our team. See here for a description: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6SGr-cVT6M
3. Software Transposition:
The onset of software like MusicStand (by the folks at Planning Center) helps us easily keep everyone on the same by allowing a quick transposition. If you do not use a tool like this, you can create hard copies in several keys, but consider adding this to your wish list. We often select a base key to play a song — and then decide we need to change it on the fly during rehearsal. These tools let everyone make that change super fast.
Useful Advice for Seamless Integration:
· Designate Roles:
o Rhythm Guitar 1 (Foundation): Focuses on steady strumming, keeping time, and providing the main chords. Usually uses standard tuning or a capo on a low fret.
o Rhythm Guitar 2 (Texture/Lead Lines): Adds interesting sounds by playing arpeggios, fills, or higher chords. Often uses a capo or different tuning. This will often be a more confident or more creative player—although each role can be established per set or per song!
· Listen to Each Other: This is very important! Both guitarists should listen closely to each other and adjust how loudly and what they play. Try not to play exactly the same thing at the same time.y Strumming Patterns: Even if playing similar chord shapes, different strumming patterns can create distinct sounds. One might play a full, open strum, while the other plays a more percussive, muted pattern.
· Arpeggios and Fingerpicking: Guitar 2 can use arpeggios (playing notes of a chord one by one) or fingerpicking patterns to add delicate layers over Guitar 1's strumming. This is tremendously helpful for keeping the band together, especially when the drums and bass are resting.
· Dynamics are Key: Talk and practice when to play louder or softer. Decide when both guitars should be strong and when one should play quietly or take a break. This comes with time and practice.
· Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse: Experimentation is vital. Try different capo positions, different tunings, and different approaches to each song. Don't be afraid to try something new and see how it sounds.
· Consider the Song’s Arrangement: Think about whether the song needs a big, energetic acoustic sound or a softer, more gentle feel. Let the song help you decide what to play.
Let's Hear It!
Here’s an example of my partner and friend in ministry, Sarah Hochstetler, and me leading a special service in our church recently. We implement two guitars in leading our church nearly every week now:
https://www.youtube.com/live/uAiKUeO6WAE?si=m4ts16OCZt1Z0ypd&t=2840
My guitar is tuned down 1 step with a capo and cut capo. Sarah is playing a standard-tuned guitar in the key of E.
Blessings! Charlie