gospel genre playing

[mysterybat35]

Hi,

 

I am fairly new to the gospel scene and I was wondering what exactly the typical gospel lead player does. What do they do besides play fill-ins? Do they use the pentatonic scales when playing lead? Thanks

 

MB35

[Sonar]

Hi, I am fairly new to the gospel scene and I was wondering what exactly the typical gospel lead player does. What do they do besides play fill-ins? Do they use the pentatonic scales when playing lead? Thanks MB35

Less pentatonic and more major scale work.

Say goodbye to more "guitar friendly" keys like E, G, A, & C.....gospel is all about keyboard players (except in certain Southern Quartet styles). You'll basically LIVE in the keys of Eb, F, Ab & Db.

You'l see a lot of use of double stops and major intervals. Study up on Cornell Dupree and you'd be surprised how well country licks work because of their strong major bend.

Of course, the most recent contemporary gospel stuff like Ty Tribbett and Israel & New Breed is more "in your face" edgy rock to funk styles....so you might see more pentatonic being used there.

Gospel is a GREAT place to work on chords and voice leading jazz theory stuff. There are some incredibly talented keyboardists, piano players and organists in this world of music....and they'll keep you on your toes! :D