Here are four tips for playing behind someone while they're speaking:
1 | Come In Quiet
Don't come in banging out chords on the guitar or keyboard. Come in soft and slow. Play a few notes at a time and leave a lot of space in the beginning.
Your goal should be for you to slip into the background without anyone noticing. The best way to do that is to barely play when you enter.
2 | Keep It Simple
Many people are intimidated by playing behind someone who is speaking because they don't think that they are musically capable. However, simplicity is the key to playing behind someone effectively. You can do it!
If you're trying it for the first time, pick a simple four chord progression and work on your dynamics. The simpler the better really. The goal is to not distract people as they listen to the speaker. Your job is draw them in, remove distractions, and provide a transition into the next song.
3 | Motif
As you get more comfortable and can play through a simple four chord progression you can start to add a melody. Just like the chord progression, the melody should be kept simple.
The purpose of the melody is to draw people's attention in even further. Our ears like to have something to focus on. Keep it simple and repetitive. The melody draws people in. The repetition makes the listener know what's coming next so they don't focus on it as much.
4 | Follow The Leader
Your last goal in playing behind a speaker is to follow their lead. Support what they're saying musically.
View yourself as a composer composing a film score.
As the speaker amps up in speed and volume, play faster and a bit louder. When they back off to make a point, you should back off too. If they're talking about something negative, hit a minor chord. When they start talking about the hope we have in and through Jesus, go to the one chord to create a sense of peace and resolution.
5 tips to instantly improve your worship leading
FREE AUDIO TRAINING: Discover 5 simple tips that will instantly improve your worship leading.