Church composition

[HemiSaxman]

I have decided to write an tune for the church band I play in. It is mostly for fun and we don't get paid, but were all friends and have a blast.

I'd like to know, what chords, or what should I use to make it sound like christian rock? I also want it to be a swing, but since it is an instrumental, it has to sound like a church song, no?

I hope you can help!

[Ian]

Hemi
I do a bit of writing myself. I guess its different for everyone, but I write down a tune when it has been around for a while in my head, and I write it down to get rid of it. Then I play with it for hours, critically listening, adjusting etc.
Don't get stuck with one style. Church music encompasses 18th century hymn tunes, R and B, rock, or whatever you want it to be.
What cords? IMHO wrong question. Get the melody line going, then find the right cords, key for the feel you are looking for.
Rhythm- sure it can swing (in my church anyway!)

Good luck. Don't be impatient. Sometimes you write songs just for you. Now and then you trust someone else with a listen and you discover a particular fragment that may be worth pursuing.
Don't hesitate to put something down, then come back a week later with new ears, new inspiration. Occasionally you may get something that makes it into the public domain!

Just a few thoughts.

[HemiSaxman]

Thanks, your information was helpful.

I hope it turns out good!

[Troy]

Just an idea...

Since it's going to be instrumental, why not take a tune that's familiar (say a hymn or something) and rewrite it into a modern style. It would be almost as original as a new tune, but the congregation would enjoy it more, since they would know the tune.

[HemiSaxman]

I hadn't tought of that! That's a superb idea, thx.
I will try and find a hymn that I like and make something more modern out of it, because, well, what we play in the church band, is quite traditional. It is great and a lot of fun, but everything seems to be similar.
I hope to make it a bit flashier.

[Troy]

For inspiration, you could check out some of the hymns that Vineyard artists have redone recently. There are many, on several CDs, but I'd say to start with the one they call Hymns In The Vineyard.

You can get it from http://www.vineyardmusic.com/

You can even get a songbook, so you can see what they did with the arrangement as well as hear it. Cool Stuff!

Also, it's in that great middle ground where old folks and young folks both like the songs. My parents liked it so much that I gave them their own copy for Christmas.

[HemiSaxman]

Wow, that's great. I am still getting suprised at the size of the church music community. I have heard of a Christian Heavy Metal band!

Thx for the reference!

[sessionsax]

HemiSaxMan,

To get the Christian Rock thing happening, think like a guitar player.

Barre Chord stuctures work well -- that is a chord that is made up of roots and fifths -- no thirds.

Common keys include E5 and A5. Open chords work well in the Keys of G and D for guitarists as well.

Swinging is all up to the rhythms. Use the jazz approach with the triplet feel and it should swing.

[HemiSaxman]

I guess I should do that.....think like a guitar player eh? hmmmmm...

I'm going for a rehearsal tonight so I will talk with the others to see what I could do. But I have a problem. I am in grade 9 Jazz concentration(great school program) and well, we learn jazz. So when I go to church to play, I sometimes have trouble playing simple things, that will go well with the others. When they ask me to solo, I kinda get carried away. Does anybody have advice on that?

[sessionsax]

Its all about being sensitive and restrained enough to play only what the song needs. Its about the music -- not about chops.

[HemiSaxman]

I guess I forgot to think of it that way......

[sessionsax]

HemiSaxman,

I have to admit that I love showing off the chops as well and could be guilty of overplaying some of the time as well 8)

[HemiSaxman]

I got to control my playing, and it sounded much better. But, the annoying part is that my solo in a ballad is just before a guitar solo. I give it a nice flowing solo, very smooth, and appropriate to my ears. But it kinda sounds wimpy compared to the guitar solo. I'm just not used to major chords in improvising....

Anyways, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that likes to show off...

[Troy]

Well, not knowing if it really is "wimpy" or not, let me just say this. If both solos sounded the same, one would be redundant. Right?

Also, since you seem to be open-minded and in a teachable mode, let me say something that might sound harsh via email. I don't mean it to be. I'm just trying to help you learn something that has taken me way too long to learn.

Stop worrying about the music so much. Think more about the God you're playing it for. Do your best. Practice lots. Play well. But focus on your message and your audience more than on yourself and how you'll be perceived. Oh, and have fun!!

Troy

[HemiSaxman]

Wow, that is really a nice post. seriously. It's so true. The people I play for, really, but really, donc know a thing about music.(mostly) I guess I am worrying too much. Thx