Worship Guitar Class Articles

How To Copyright A Song

2008-09-09T05:56:35Z

With another Worship Contest next month, thought it would be good to post an article on how to copyright your songs. You don't have to copyright them, but it's always a good idea to protect your works.

Copyrighting is the first step in protecting your hard work. Think of copyrighting as intellectual property. Copyrighting is about the same as a patent on an invention or a trademark and it gives you the right to reproduce your song, publish it and sell it. Start off by performing your work.

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You have heard of the poor man's copyright, and this is about how it works:
1. You take the manuscript, CD or other object, put it in an envelope and mail it to yourself.
2. Once you have it back DO NOT OPEN IT and stash it in a safe place.

Here is the real problem with the poor man copyright; it's not any good anymore. There is to much technology now days that can fake the date on an envelope and if you had to go to court to get it proved that it was yours, you would wind up paying for the ink experts, computer fraud experts and who knows what else. A legitimate copyright will cost around $45 and you can get several songs done all at the same time like on an album. If you want you work protected this is the way to go.

You can find the forms at www.copyright.gov. It's less expensive to copyright your own songs directly with the copyright office. You only need to copyright them once. The copyright is good for your lifetime plus around 70 years

This Little Light Of Mine - Christian Song

2008-06-19T06:17:35Z

Praising God is about worship, but the song we pick, make or adapt comes from the situations we are in. The song This Little Light of Mine was sung during the 1960's during civil rights protesting. This song was a Negro spiritual that stood the test of time and has found its way into mainstream Gospel music because of its message that all Christians can understand.
We also see reference to the light of the world in John. Jesus is speaking to the woman that was caught in adultery by the scribes and Pharisees that wanted her to be stoned. This story contains the well known words of Jesus "He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her." (John 8:7.) In 8:12 Jesus tells those with him after the woman leaves "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Again in John 9:4-5 Jesus tells his disciples "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work, As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

John 1:4-9 "In God was life; and the life was the light of men, And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."

The little light we are to let shine is Jesus Christ. Jesus may have left this world physically, but he remains in the world not only in the things around us, but in each of us that has accepted Christ as our Savior. If you have Jesus in your life you no longer walk in darkness but have that candle of light within you. Jesus has commanded us that our light may shine to others. If you turn out the lights in the house at night and light a small candle it casts lights to far corners of the room. Jesus should shine like that in each of our lives like a beacon to all that don't know him.

This Little Light Of Mine is taught in Volume Two of our Christian Guitar Lessons.

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Guitar Care

2008-06-19T05:58:16Z

After you have a guitar of your own it is important to take care of it. The first thing to do for your guitar is to buy a case for it. This seems like such a silly piece of advice but your guitar is more fragile than you think and is easily dented and unless you live alone and plan to never take it anywhere there is a possibility that someone else will not be as easy with your guitar as you are.

]]> guitar gig bag. This will make it easy to carry your guitar and protect it from dust and some dings.

Most guitars are made of wood and can handle being cleaned, but be sure the guitar cleaner you buy won't hurt the finish. Wood never appreciates being cleaned with water. If you have an electric pickup on your guitar make sure you take care not to get ruin the electronics with a cleaner.

If you do take your guitar somewhere remember not to leave it in your car. Your guitar strings are tightly tuned. The pull on them is what gives them their sound, but the pull on them puts strain on the neck of the guitar. When your guitar is left in the car it can become hot, or cold or if the weather is bad there will be excess moisture. All of these things can warp a guitar and make the neck bow badly.

If you are just starting out with your guitar remember that if you leave your guitar without playing it for a long period of time the strings may stretch and become out of tune or just sound dull when you pick it up to play it again. Keep new strings on hand and try different types. The different sizes will make a difference in sound (even if only to the player) and some are easier on the fingers if you are just starting out.

If you keep your strings wiped down after you get done playing to remove your finger grease and dirt build up it will increase the life of your guitar strings. When you change out one string remember to change them all out. They are a set and will never completely sound correct if you only change one at a time.

Direct sunlight can be damaging to a guitar, even if it has been stored in a cool place. If you see a guitar that has been on display in a window, you may want to think twice before you buy that one. The hot sunlight can damage and weaken the glued joints on a guitar, and it can change the finish on your guitar leaving yellow streaks. Try to avoid the direct sunlight if you are outside playing for long periods.

When you carry your guitar, remember that playing it is what makes you look cool. In promotional pictures of guitar players, you see them walking with the guitar on it's straps on their back upside down. The real problem with this is that the bottom peg was not meant to fight gravity, but to work with it. Your guitar may very well come crashing down onto the ground. Remember the best way to carry your guitar is going to be in it's case.

Heart Of Worship

2008-06-19T05:45:41Z

In churches all over the world in multiple languages people sing "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman. The song has become something that thousands of Christians feel they can relate to. It has an honest, open and plain tune to it that leaves nothing other than an opportunity to worship the Lord.
Matt Redman recalls "He decided (Pastor Mike Pilavachi) to get rid of the sound system and band for a season, and we gathered together with just our voices. His point was that we'd lost our way in worship, and the way to get back to the heart would be to strip everything away." Mike Pilavachi asked those in the congregation, "When you come through the doors on a Sunday, what are you bringing as your offering to God?"

Pastor Mike Pilavachi jokingly says he fired Redman "We needed to take drastic action. For a while, in order to truly learn this lesson, we banned the band. We fired Redman!" Pilavachi didn't know what needed to be done, but was desperate to stop what he felt like what the judging of the worship going on. "In our hearts, we were giving the worship team grades on a scale from one to ten: 'Not that song again,' 'I can't hear the bass,' 'I like the way she sings better.' We had made the band the performers of worship and ourselves the audience."

Matt Redman stated that at first everyone in the church was hesitant but slowly began singing without the music to back it up. Heartfelt prayers began all over the church. Everything was stripped away. Redman remembers writing the song coming to him quickly in his bedroom. The song was not meant to be a Christian anthem. Redman says the song was simply to explain what had happened personally to him. Pastor Pilavachi suggested a few word changes so that it would fit the members of the congregation and the song was born.

The song was not meant to be a Christian anthem. Redman says the song was simply to explain what had happened personally to him. Pastor Pilavachi suggested a few word changes so that it would fit the members of the congregation and the song was born.

The song appeared on Matt Redman's 1999 album "Heart of Worship". Redman recalls the song was made to sound much like the scene in the church. Nothing fancy added, just an honest song of praise. Since the song's release it has been rerecorded by numerous artists and sang in Churches all over the world.

The Soul Survivor church itself has spread as well as the song has. The church started in 1993 has spread to Canada, Holland, South Africa, Australia and The United States.

The Heart Of Worship is taught in Volume Two of Jean Welles Worship Guitar Class.
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How To Tune The Guitar

2008-06-16T22:49:49Z

This article will cover how to tune the guitar with a guitar tune, piano or how to tune a guitar to itself.

How To Tune The Guitar With A Guitar Tuner

Guitar Tuners are easy to use. Some even play the pitches of each string, like the Qwiktune guitar tuner pictured here. Most tuners simple tell you when the string is in tune by watching the needle. When it's in the middle, that means the string is tuned. Using guitar tuners is the easiest way to tune your guitar.

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This machine is quite versetile. It can help you tune your guitar, find chords and help you with your rhythm. It's a Chordmaster - Tuner - Metronome.

It includes 7000 chords bundled with a Tuner and Metronome. A very handy all in one tool!

The chordmaster part is particularly useful if you find a chord you don't know. It's also helpful if you just want to learn more chords or chord inversions.

How To Tune A Guitar To A Piano

How To Tune A Guitar To Itself
You can get the first pitch with a tuning fork, or pitch pipe, or simple tune your guitar to itself.

Tune The 5th string by plucking the note on the 6th string 5th fret and then matching that with the 5th string open.
Tune the 4th string by plucking the note on the 5th string 5th fret and then matching that to the 4th string open.
Tune the 3rd string by plucking the note on the 4th string 5th fret and then matching that with the 3rd string open.
Tune the 2nd string by plucking the noteon the 3rd string 4th fret and then matching that with the 2nd string open.
Tune the 1st string by plucking the note on the 2nd string 5th fret and then matching that with the 1st string open.

This diagram shows where on the fretboard you hold down the place to tune the open string. For example, there is a '5' on the 6th string, 5th fret to show it is the same pitch as the Fifth string open.

As you can see, you hold down the 5th fret of the string above the one you are tuning, except for the relationship between the 2nd and 3rd strings. You hold down the 4th fret of the 3rd string to get the sound of the 2nd string open.

How To String A Guitar Video - Acoustic Guitar

2008-06-10T03:55:14Z

Most worship leaders use an acoustic steel-string guitar. The video in the post will show you the tools you need to use. It's much easier to change steel-strings with a string winder.

Most string winders, like the one in this picture have an end that can help you remove the pegs that are seated in the bridge.
]]> guitar strings too. Here's the video:

Change Classical Guitar Strings Video

2008-06-10T03:22:16Z

If not secured, nylon strings can easily slip. Here's a brief video showing you a secure way of stringing a classical guitar.

It's good to change the strings at least once a year. Some professional player change them every month, or even every few weeks.

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Guitar Scales

2008-05-29T07:15:59Z

One of the best ways to warm-up before you start playing is by playing guitar scales. It gives you an opportunity to concentrate on your guitar technique without thinking about a song or chords.

]]> Here is a video showing you how 2 ways to play a C-Scale. It has a one and two octave version of the scale. There are many types of guitar scales. There are blues scales, jazz scales and scales built on major and minor keys.

These are the first guitar scales I learned. It's a great place to start. And if you've been playing for years, it's still helpful to warm-up with scales like these.

Regardless of the type of music you play, playing scales can be an excellent vehicle to improve your technique. Great musicians of very instrument, including the voice, have honed their skills by working on scales.

Hope you enjoy the video and apply what you learn.

God Bless,
Jean Welles

The music for two C scales is here. c-scale.pdf

What is Worship?

2008-05-27T01:28:06Z

What is Worship?

When someone does something nice for us, we say "thank you." We may go a step further and send a nice note or gift. How can we thank God, who has given us life, both here on Earth and eternal life in Heaven?

We can respond by spending time in God's word and doing what it says. We can also respond by giving Him our worship. The Bible describes worship as "pleasing" to God and is a requirement of those who follow Christ. It is our

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What is worship? If you look at the Hebrew translation of the Bible, worship means to bow down in adoring contemplation of God. God has asked his people to worship Him from the beginning of time. In Exodus, the Lord told Moses to appeal to Pharaoh to let his people go so they could worship Him. When the Pharaoh refused, God cursed the land with the ten plagues. God commanded early Christians to focus worship on Him. "Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." (Exodus 34:14).

Jesus mentioned the importance of worship when Satan tempted him. "The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered, "It is written: "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only." (Luke:4:5-8).

In the modern-day churches, "worship services" often begin with music. David was the first person in the Bible to emphasize the power of music in worship. He talks about it often in the Psalms. "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs," (Psalms 100:2) is just one of many passages that emphasizes music in worship.

Worship is uplifting. Music can touch the soul. Many people are moved to tears during worship. Many lift their hands in honor to God. Some just simply listen quietly. Worship, even when it is done in a church, is a private expression of our love to God.

Even when you are not in church, you can worship God by playing music when you are alone. Or you can choose to bless others by singing and playing worship songs with them.

You don't have to be the best singer, guitar player or piano player to show your devotion to God. God is pleased by our worship. "I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs. (Psalms 69: 30-31). Worship is the ultimate "thank you" to the One who gave sacrificed his Son so we can have eternal life, earthly peace and abundant blessings.

I usually end my Newsletters with 'Worship Him with all of your heart, because He loves you with all of His!'

How To Buy A Used Guitar

2008-04-26T06:52:21Z

Looking for a good used guitar? You can find great deals with used guitars, or you can end up with a really bad instrument.

Here's where to look

When you're looking for a used instrument, do not buy one sight unseen from ebay or other Internet auctions, unless they have a money-back guarantee. You can't tell by a picture if the instrument is good.

Craigslist or a site like it would be a good source to look for used guitars. You local paper, swap meets or garage sales are good too. You need to see the instrument.

]]> Here's what to look for

Here are some items that you should look at before buying any used guitars.

Are their major cracks in the wood? I wouldn't purchase a guitar with major cracks.
Check the neck of the guitar for warping. You can look down the side of the neck, like a billiard stick to see if there are warps.
Take a business card to see if you can slide it under the bridge. That's where the strings attach to the body of the instrument. They can pop off and expect to pay at least $50 to get them repaired.
Check the guitar bracing. You can tap the instrument and if there's a lot of rattling inside, the bracing may need to be repaired. It's hundreds of dollars to repair bad bracing.
Check the heel of the instrument. Those can pull away from a guitar too. The heel is located on the back of the guitar and helps to hold the neck and body together. Most manufacturers assemble the guitar bodies separately from the necks. Then they are glued together later.
Do you like the sound of the instrument? Is it easy to play?
Try playing each note up the fretboard on every string. If there's a buzz, find it now before it drives you crazy latter.

If you have a friend that knows about guitars, take them with you. You want to get an instrument that not only sounds good, but one that will last for many years.

Visiting guitar shops is helpful. It will expose you to many guitars. They often have specials and some even sell used instruments too.

Happy shopping!

PS. You may want to look at our Student Level Guitars. They are easy to play and quite inexpensive and new instruments.

Music In The Bible

2008-04-20T06:30:34Z

Music In The Old Testament
The first musician in the Bible, Jubal, is mentioned as "the father of all who play the harp and flute" in Genesis 4:21. In Exodus, Miriam played timbrels and danced.

Perhaps the Biblical figure who most remember for his musical abilities is David. David charmed others with his harp playing wrote songs and made music. His music caused the evil spirit to depart from King Saul.

Psalm 22 begins with "For the director of music. To the tune of, The Doe of the Morning." A Psalm

]]> "Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with crashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!"

Many other times in the Old Testament, music was mentioned. Sometimes the musicians went before the Army of Israel in battles, like the battle at Jericho. King Solomon was credited with writing more than 1,000 songs. Solomon also had many musicians in his court. In II Kings, Elisha's minstrel played and then Elisha gave prophecies.

Music In The New Testement
In the New Testament, hymns were a source of comfort and strength as early Christians faced their challenges. Jesus sang hymns with his disciples. One of the most mentioned times is after the Last Supper. "When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." (Mark 14:26.)

In Acts 16: 25 Paul and Silas used hymns to comfort them when there were in prison.--"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them."

The Bible further talks about the role of music in Colossians: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16).

In Revelations, the Bible talks about music during the end times. "And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth." (Revelations: 14: 2-3).

The role of music in worship continues today. Most church services start with worship. This is because music is an international language we share and it helps us focus on God. Like the musicians and heroes of the Bible, modern day Christians use music to exalt the name of God.

Guitar Sore Fingers

2008-04-20T02:39:10Z

Guitar Sore Fingers

Sore fingers from playing the guitar? You're not alone. Most guitarists have gone through a phase of experiencing sore fingers. This phase can last anywhere from a couple weeks to a month or even longer.

The type of guitar and the strings you're using can make a difference in how long it takes to get calluses on your fingers It's easier on you fingers to start with either a nylon string guitar or an electric guitar.

If you already have a steel-string guitar, you should try to lower the action and to get l]]>
The action will make a big difference in how easy your guitar is to play, not just making it nicer for finger soreness. One caution, if the action is too low the guitar strings will buzz on the frets. That's why it best to let a guitar repair shop do the adjustment.

Once your fingers develop calusses and get used to the strings, they will no longer hurt. Meanwhile, if they do hurt, try holding ice on your fingers before and after you play.. It may also help to soak your fingers in vinegar for around 30 seconds before you play the guitar.

For more solutions read Guitar Sore Finger Solutions

Best of luck with your playing!