Leading from Guitar

Leading from Guitar is similar to simply playing guitar, but with the addition of knowing what you are going to do in between songs! It will also involve movements to indicate the musical direction. And, of course you will need to be able to sing, at least, the first line of the song. 

It is often useful to have a list of the first chords of each song and a note of the Capo. Smoothness of change over is essential, and not stopping at the end of the songs is part of the skill to help gel a worship session together. 

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You are not only leading the song, you are leading the instrumentation, and will need to be able to use Chord motifs to help in reflection time after the songs that are sung, and to be able to play during times of prayer, often losing the pick and picking with fingers, being aware of noise level, and being firm with the band in telling them when not to play. Often the best instrument to play over open prayer and reflection times is a soft keyboard pad rather than a guitar, and you will need good communication with the keyboard player.

You will also need to have tough fingers to be able to sustain long times of instrumental soft playing.