The keyboard is probably the most versatile instrument used in the band. It can produce piano, organ, strings, bass, drums, choir and many other sounds. Some of the most practical sounds for worship music are piano type sounds for a rhythm or melodic instrument and pad/organ sounds for a supportive instrument. Even though a synth usually covers lead sounds, traditional keyboards usually have those sounds as well.
When a rhythm instrument is needed, some type of piano or rhodes sound works well. Simple chords in the mid and low register work well if the keys are playing alone, but if a bass is also playing, the low register is covered by the bass. As instruments are added, you can consider moving up an octave so the keys sounds can cut through the other instruments and still be heard. Organ sounds can also be used as lead instruments.
When the keys are not needed for a lead instrument, using a soft sound with a longer decay can provide a nice supportive part. These sounds could include pads as well as organs or strings. The sound can often be used at the beginning of a song (before the band begins) to provide a seamless introduction to the song. Fading in even just a root and fifth and sustaining that can be a great intro. A loud pad can be played throughout songs and as long as other instruments don’t overplay, it can make the song very moving.
It is usually a good idea to sustain the last chord of the song until the rest of the band is ready to start the next song. Your sustaining can provide time for the other musicians to turn pages, position capos, wake up, or grab some water. Outro parts are also times when the Spirit often is still moving in hearts and no matter if you are playing a pad, organ, piano or Rhodes, sustaining your sound for 30 seconds or a minute will allow the Spirit to continue to work.
