Though great gear is important, it doesn’t make you a great musician.
Great music comes from the heart, mind, and hands of a hard working person.
I had the opportunity to sit down with my friend Ben Gowell and discuss all things musicality, local church ministry, working with Paul Baloche, and electric guitar gear.
Ben is a massively talented producer, mixer, worship leader, songwriter, and lead guitarist. He plays guitar for Paul Baloche, Sara Groves, Michael W Smith, and does a host of session work as well.
Pull out the moleskins, folks. Time to take copious notes 🙂
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How to Increase Your Team’s Musicality
– Don’t buy into the myth that getting the most expensive gear will solve your musicality issues.
– Musicality comes from the fingers and brain of the musician.
– Listen to a lot of musical styles. Hone in on what parts & tones these musicians are playing.
– We are a product of our influences. Embrace that.
– Practice with a metronome – work on your sense of internal time.
– Record your band rehearsals for critical listening.
– Cast a vision for excellence.
– Start a coaching program – stronger players doing lessons with younger players.
– Give yourself a “tone education”.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting “Hired”
– Put down the movies & Playstation and work super hard 🙂
– Play as much as possible – say YES to as many opportunities as you can.
– Show up really prepared.
– Most of the time, people don’t want you to come in and improvise your great ideas over the songs. Know the parts and play the parts perfectly.
– Be a good person to work with. If you enjoy being around people, people will enjoy being around you. Be a good “hang”.
– Respond well to criticism.
Resources Mentioned in this Post
- Christ’s Church of the Valley
- Paul Baloche/Ben Gowell electric guitar DVD
- Paul Baloche Worship Band Workshop DVD (featuring Ben Gowell)
- Amp: Matchless DC 30
- Amp: Morgan Dual 40
- Amp: Risen Amps
- Guitar: Gretsch Tennessee Rose
- Guitar: Elliot Tonemaster
- Guitar: Duesenberg CC Fullerton
- Guitar: Fender Telecaster
- Pedal: JHS Morning Glory
- Pedal: JHS Pulp n Peel
- Pedal: Rawkworks Light OD
- Pedal: Eventide Time Factor
- Pedal: Line 6 M9
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Question: What was your biggest takeaway from the interview with Ben? Join the discussion and leave a comment by clicking here.
[ois skin=”Beyond Sunday 2″]
I’ve always enjoyed Ben wisdom and various angles on guitar playing.
Great work ethics and people skills he shows in public and with the public.
Over the years he evolved tremendously and yes…stretched himself to be the best he can be.
Great interview and one of the best mentors out there!
Thanks for this interview 🙂
Thanks Louis, I agree!
Great episode. I appreciate Ben’s reminder that the best way to be a good musician is effectively practice, practice, practice!
Yep – you can’t replace the sheer power of hours invested.
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