Play Hymns in Church with Guitar.

If you ever wanted to play hymns in church, you have come to the right blog. I play these old time hymns, songs and spiritual songs (traditional), and then record the videos so you can play them too! Not only that, I write up a tablature page for the instruments playing the songs. While the videos in the blog are meant for listening and watching how I play a certain song, there are downloadable MP3 files on my web site, http://www.underpressurefineart.com/, click on the RedRock Rambler Music tab, then follow the MP3 tabs. Since WAV files are large (and would take up a great deal of space on all computers), you can click on the WAV file you want there also, and an email comes up where you can request a WAV file to be sent to you. THESE ARE ABSOLUTELY FREE! No payment is necessary for any of the files, as all of my music is put out there for free. My playing style makes use of normal chords within a chosen key. I then play through the fingerings/pickings from one chord to the next, showing how I play the melody to the song. It is not as hard as you might think. If you have ever wanted to play for church and/or church related activities, but do not have the time to learn the traditional way (lots of time and energy), then you may have become frustrated about playing in church. Don't let this get the better of you, and try the style I have been using for years. It was not my style to begin with, and it belongs to anyone who takes the time to learn it.

Please keep in mind that learning notes, practice, and formal instruction are the best way to learn music, and you will never be sorry for learning something well. In the meantime, try my style and play in every service and event. Know your craft, and that will eventually require learning notes.

As for the songs I choose, I never apologize for picking a particular song. Much time and thought goes into which songs I do choose. The criteria I generally use is the age of the song, how much it has been repeated in the hymnals and songbooks, and whether or not it is nationally known. A bit of history and research makes me know for sure it is the right song, then I plan how to play it and with which instruments. Sometimes I find songs that have become obscure, and they deserve a little attention, like "The Great Speckled Bird," for example. If you have a song that you think might be a candidate, email me or post it under suggestions.

Thanks for visiting this blog. I hope I can inspire you to consider playing more in church and at church-related activities. Music is a world you will never regret. Remember that all things should be done for the Lord, as it is He who has given us the gift.

About my Music.

I am a gospel bluegrass style musician. I play mandolin, violin, guitar, banjo, and autoharp - all at varying levels. My first instrument was a guitar, and after playing for awhile, I began to play mandolin. The other instruments came because of the support system my guitar and mandolin needed. I finger chordal patterns in order to play the notes I need for songs. This blog will be about that music and the instruments I play. I also build instruments. The first instrument I am making is a blue Fender Stratocaster, with humbuckers and an whammy bar. It is inlaid and has gold hardware. For a look at that guitar, go to www.underpressurefineart.com/ and click on the RedRock Rambler tab. It will take you to the instruments section and you will see the blue fender there.

I play mostly in the keys of G, C, and D. If I need to play for someone to sing or to backup or lead with other players, I use my capo to play in those original keys. Look at the post for Keys and Capo Usage to get information on that.