Our Recommendations

Just a few of our favorite things.

Acoustic Guitar

When it comes to acoustic guitar, pick up the nicest guitar you can afford and add everything else later. We've included a number of good beginner options that won't break the bank but play well enough to not chase you away from guitar forever.

Acoustic Guitars

Yamaha FG800

Reverb

Believe it or not, I've never been disappointed with a Yamaha acoustic. A great roommate to have while you search for your soulmate.

Gibson Acoustic 50's LG-2

Sweetwater

Love the size and feel of this one. If you are just starting out it's a great little guitar for the price.

Martin 000-28ec

Reverb

The tone across the strings is nice and even, and 10 years in I still hear the tone improving. I'm not really a "Martin guy" but I love this guitar.

Signal Chain

Boss TU-3 Tuner

Reverb

This is old faithful. It's been with me forever. I might be swayed by a Poly Tune 2 but I can't turn my back on this one. I'm pretty sure I could throw it full speed into a wall and it wouldn't be worse for wear.

Multiplug

Reverb

The Trutone Multi-plug cable extends your one adapter to handle 5 pedals. If you have more pedals than that on your beginner rig you either have too many pedals or belong in the intermediate club.

Boss Bass EQ

Reverb

Why bass eq and not guitar eq? The larger frequency range allows you to drop the boxy 500 range and still boost the bass so if you have don't have a bass player you don't sound empty but if you are playing with a band you can still blend into the mix. Other guitarists are shocked when they hear the difference in the tone. It also has a gain slider to help you boost low signal. I'd personally take it over any of the fancy "acoustic specific" DI's.

Monster Cable

Reverb

Cables do actually make a difference. You might not notice it on its own but put my Monster Cable next to a Whirlwind and you can hear the difference. Monsters are a little pricey but they back it up with their guarantee.

Accessories

Planet Waves Capo

Reverb

If you play guitar, you need a capo. This one is low-profile and inexpensive. The adjustment screw allows you to adjust the tension so it's great for acoustics or electrics. It's not as easy to change position as some others but if you aren't performing, that won't be a problem.

Whilrlwind Guitar Cable

Reverb

A cheap cable will last long enough for you want to spend more money on cables. I've got a few old whirlwinds that still work great.

G7th Newport Cut Capo

Amazon

A great little cut capo in the Newport style. Check the Green Room for tips on using one.

Monster Cable

Reverb

Cables do actually make a difference. You might not notice it on its own but put my Monster Cable next to a Whirlwind and you can hear the difference. Monsters are a little pricey but they back it up with their guarantee.

Everly Star Grip Picks

Reverb

I love these little guys. They feel great and are perfect for both picking and strumming.

Elixir Phosphor Bronze Nanoweb Strings

Reverb

I've been using these strings for a long time. They are a little bright when you first put them on but they settle in after a few days and last forever. I play a light 12 gauge.

Metronomes

Pro Metronome for Android

Google Play

Phone apps use the phone's clock which isn't good for recording but works just fine for practicing. It's plenty customizable (pay a few bucks for the paid version) and has great rhythm trainer features.

Tama Rhythm Watch

Reverb

The RW200 is a programmable metronome with plenty of volume and easy to use dials and plenty of volume. Built specifically for drummers but a nice substitute for the DB-90 if you want to save some coin.

Pro Metronome for iPhone

App Store

Great metronome for iPhone. It's plenty customizable (pay a few bucks for the paid version) and has great rhythm trainer features. Phone apps use the phone's clock which isn't good for recording but works just fine for practicing. Try the free version and make sure it's what you want.

Electric Guitar

 

When it comes to gear, you generally get what you pay for. Finding that right balance of quality and value can be tricky. We've put together a high-quality and relatively inexpensive pedalboard to get you started. You can spend the rest of your day checking out the cool pedals section. 

Electric Guitars

American Standard Stratocaster

Reverb

My go-to electric guitar.

Fender Brent Mason Telecaster Electric Guitar

Sweetwater

I have an Electric Semihollow Partscaster with Seymour Duncan SM-3 Neck Pickup, Seymour Duncan Classic Stack Strat Middle Pickup, and Seymour Duncan Jerry Donahue Bridge Pickup. This is the closest I've found.

A Complete Guide to Purchasing Your First Electric Guitar

Greenroom

Here's a guide for what you should look for when purchasing your first electric guitar.

Pedals

Ernie Ball Junior Volume Pedal

Reverb

Okay, this isn't actually on my rig but it would be if I didn't already have a perfectly good volume pedal. Get this one if you need one. It's great. Smooth action and well-weighted.

EarthQuaker Devices Organizer

Sweetwater

This is my octave pedal. I did a full demo of it in the Green Room. I like its ease of use and straight forward control. It's unique enough to stand apart from other octave pedals but still handles everything you need it to.

EarthQuaker Devices Dispatch Master V3 Delay and Reverb Pedal

Sweetwater

You've seen me use this a ton in the lessons. The delay and reverb combo is perfect to my liking. My only issue is the lack of tap tempo though it's not a problem in the studio. Man, the tone on this thing...

Keeley Compressor Plus

Sweetwater

Warm tone and the blend knob make this the go to for your rig.

Westminster Effects E89

Westminster

This dual overdrive combines Westminster Effects' Edwards and 1689 overdrives. I love the variation of tones you can get with this pedal - everything from barely breaking to raging tube tone.

Strymon El Capistan Dtape Echo

Sweetwater

This is as close to real tape delay as you're going to get in a digital package. With tap tempo and incredible adjustability it gives you everything you need in this type of an effect.

Amps

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III

Reverb

I started with this before I moved to Vox. It's a great little tube amp at the right price. Amps are all about preference but this is a go-to for many guitarists I know. I just dig that Vox tone a little more.

Vox AC-30

Reverb

I. LOVE. THIS. AMP. It's expensive. It's super heavy (75 lbs!). But the tone. Oh, the tone. You probably don't need one if you aren't touring or recording but I got it when I was younger and I'll never get rid of it. Check out the AC-15 (above) if you want something similar at a lighter weight and lower price point.

Amp Substitutes

Line 6 Pod HD500X

Sweetwater

If your church has a good monitor system and you don't already own an amp and a bunch of pedals, this pedal is awesome. It has a ton of amp models and effects and it will keep your sound engineer happy with it's non-existent stage volume. Plus, no herniated discs carrying it around.

Boss GT-100 Guitar Multi-effects Pedal

Sweetwater

The GT-100 Floor Amp and Effects pedal is a competitor with the Pod HD500X. It has a load of amps and effects. The dual-screen and knob interface on the actual pedal is easier to use than the Pod but the Pod programming software wins on the desktop. The biggest differentiator is tone. The Pod has a more realistic and dirtier amp tone while the Boss gives you a pristine, more digital-sounding tone. I personally prefer the POD for the same price but check out the demos and choose for yourself.

Accessories

Seymour Duncan Jerry Donahue Bridge Pickup

Reverb

My guitar was built by one of my students so you'll never be able to get the exact same thing, but if you are looking for the tone, the pickups are a big part of it. I'll put this pickup up against tele bridge pickup on the market. It's a little hotter and rounder that a standard tele and mixes great with the mini bucker I have in the neck position.

Seymour Duncan SM--3 Minibucker

Reverb

I like a little warmer tone in the neck position but a humbucker can be a little overwhelming on a tele. This mini-bucker is just right and mixes perfectly with the Jerry Donahue bridge pickup.

Monster Cable

Reverb

Cables do actually make a difference. You might not notice it on its own but put my Monster Cable next to a Whirlwind and you can hear the difference. Monsters are a little pricey but they back it up with their guarantee.

Everly Star Grip Picks

Reverb

I love these little guys. They feel great and are perfect for both picking and strumming.

Ebow

Reverb

This isn't a necessity but it's a fun little tool to have in your bag of tricks. It's an electronic magnet that vibrates the string indefinitely. I first heard Stu G use it on "Obsession" but since then you can find it on a number of songs on the site. "How He Loves" comes to mind.

Metronomes

Pro Metronome for Android

Google Play

Phone apps use the phone's clock which isn't good for recording but works just fine for practicing. It's plenty customizable (pay a few bucks for the paid version) and has great rhythm trainer features.

Tama Rhythm Watch

Reverb

The RW200 is a programmable metronome with plenty of volume and easy to use dials and plenty of volume. Built specifically for drummers but a nice substitute for the DB-90 if you want to save some coin.

Pro Metronome for iPhone

App Store

Great metronome for iPhone. It's plenty customizable (pay a few bucks for the paid version) and has great rhythm trainer features. Phone apps use the phone's clock which isn't good for recording but works just fine for practicing. Try the free version and make sure it's what you want.

Bass

 

These is our recommended gear for bassists. The main thing to know is how to make what you have sound good! Here is our setup along with some recommendations if you're a beginner.

My Rig

Boss TU-3 Tuner

Reverb

This is old faithful. It's been with me forever. I might be swayed by a Poly Tune 2 but I can't turn my back on this one. I'm pretty sure I could throw it full speed into a wall and it wouldn't be worse for wear.

Bluesman Vintage Deville

Bluesman Vintage

This is my go-to bass. I pick up a lot of basses and this is the one that If I had to take one bass to a session would be my choice for sure. It has a rich warm woody tone that you would expect from a vintage p-bass. It is a 60's reissue built with all custom American parts in Tennessee. The bass has had a relic mod which means that they beat it up on purpose so it looks like a real old bass that has been gig worn for 40 years. It has a custom bolt-on neck and the neck feels like it comes off a really well-played old bass.

Harmony Reissue H22

Reverb

I love this bass for my organic sessions or if we have a motown vibe. It sounds thuddy and I have flat wound strings on it so no high end. The only high end tome is the woody sound of the bass which sounds a bit more like an upright bass. I love this bass for its big pillowy sound and its lack of sustain on the right songs. I also think it looks amazing!!!

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

Sweetwater

I feel completely at a loss if I forget this guy at home. It is the basis of all my tone. I love this pedal and have used it on most every record I have done for the last 15 years. It gives you the ability to preset 3 different tones so with a click you change your vibe. "This is Amazing Grace" by Phil Wickham is a song that has this kind of change mid song. Its also good if you play more than one bass in a gig so you can get the exact EQ you want for each instrument.

Beginner Basses

Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass

Sweetwater

This bass has a jazzier sound if you are looking for something a little different than the Fender P-bass. It's got great tone and is really playable.

Fender Precision

Sweetwater

Made in America Fender basses are great instruments that hold their value well. If you are a pro working musician you will probably want something like this or the basses that have been inspired by this bass like Lakland or various other high-end basses (including my custom Bluesman Deville).

The Extra's

D'Addario Long Scale Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings - .050-.105 Medium

Sweetwater

These sound warmer and have a loose "gangy" sound that you get when you first put strings on a bass.

D'Addario American Stage Cable

Sweetwater

I have these cables because I was given them by Planet Waves and I have been surprised at how well these cables handle the road. They are the high end planet waves ones and do a great job in my chain.

D'Addario Leather Straps 

Amazon

A good leather strap will always feel great. I have their extra skinny one with the neck pad and I love how it looks but it really bites in after a while of playing so if you have long sessions of playing get one with a broader strap especially if you have a heavy bass.

D'Addario Picks

Sweetwater

I use picks on a lot of the more driving rock based songs or percussive bass lines and the nylon and Duralin picks are my go-to's. I really like the tone as well as the consistency it gives my 8th and 16th notes.

Metronomes

Pro Metronome for Android

Google Play

Phone apps use the phone's clock which isn't good for recording but works just fine for practicing. It's plenty customizable (pay a few bucks for the paid version) and has great rhythm trainer features.

Tama Rhythm Watch

Reverb

The RW200 is a programmable metronome with plenty of volume and easy to use dials and plenty of volume. Built specifically for drummers but a nice substitute for the DB-90 if you want to save some coin.

Pro Metronome for iPhone

App Store

Great metronome for iPhone. It's plenty customizable (pay a few bucks for the paid version) and has great rhythm trainer features. Phone apps use the phone's clock which isn't good for recording but works just fine for practicing. Try the free version and make sure it's what you want.

Drums

 

Some of our picks and gear you see in our drum lessons.

My Rig

Zildjian 15 inch K Zildjian Light Hi-hat Cymbals

Sweetwater

These have worked well for me for quite some time now.

DW 3000 Series Cymbal Stand

Sweetwater

Great budget cymbal stand.

DW Collector's Series Metal Snare Drum - 6.5 x 14 inch

Sweetwater

If you've been searching for a great-sounding, versatile snare that's ideal for recording and holds its own onstage.

Vic Firth American Classic Drumsticks - 5A 

Sweetwater

Vic Firth drumsticks are the choice of top players in all kinds of genres.

Vick Firth Wire Brushes

Sweetwater

A good resource to have in your bag.

Zildjian 20 inch K Zildjian Cluster Crash Cymbal

Sweetwater

Great cymbals for "playing to the room" and giving that darker feel to keep the bright highs out of the mix.

Zildjian 22 inch K Zildjian Light Ride Cymbal

Sweetwater

Great cymbals for "playing to the room" and giving that darker feel to keep the bright highs out of the mix.

DW 9000 Series Single Bass Drum Pedal

Sweetwater

Smooth pedal with room for adjustment to fit your tension needs as well as durable.

DW Collector's Series 5-piece Shell Pack - Black Galaxy FinishPly

Sweetwater

DW make great drums and they'll last a lifetime.

Gibraltar Throne

Sweetwater

This is a comfy little throne that won't break the bank.

Hardware - DW 9000 HiHat Stand

Sweetwater

Talk about a smooth pedal. This is a super durable HH stand and it has a lot of adjusting room as far as tension goes.

Metronomes

Pro Metronome for Android

Google Play

Phone apps use the phone's clock which isn't good for recording but works just fine for practicing. It's plenty customizable (pay a few bucks for the paid version) and has great rhythm trainer features.

Tama Rhythm Watch

Reverb

The RW200 is a programmable metronome with plenty of volume and easy to use dials and plenty of volume. Built specifically for drummers but a nice substitute for the DB-90 if you want to save some coin.

Pro Metronome for iPhone

App Store

Great metronome for iPhone. It's plenty customizable (pay a few bucks for the paid version) and has great rhythm trainer features. Phone apps use the phone's clock which isn't good for recording but works just fine for practicing. Try the free version and make sure it's what you want.

Keyboard

 

Here's the low-down on the keyboard rig you see in our lessons as well as gear to consider if you're a beginner or looking to upgrade!

My Rig

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61

Reverb

What's great about this controller is that it's fully integrated with Komplete. Plus, you can customize the knobs and buttons for third party plugins. The keys feel great and it makes for a great secondary controller. Bonus: it has customizable LEDs at the top of each key. Great for playing in the dark!

Nord Stage 2 EX

Reverb

It's modular, easy to use, and lightweight. It's a great board for beginners to learn on!

Roland RD-700sx Stage Piano

Sweetwater

I've used Roland products since I first started playing and this stage piano is simply great. It has an awesome feel. It's fairly lightweight compared to other 88-key keyboards and it has onboard sounds that are great for backup, should your computer happen to die. I use this in my studio as a main controller.

Korg nanoKONTROL2 MIDI Control Surface

Sweetwater

For those times when I need a small hardware controller for muting sounds and such, this is a great piece of gear. It's small and easy to use.

Apollo Twin Duo

Sweetwater

This is a fantastic audio interface. It's a little pricey around $800, but it's definitely worth it! The converters are clean and the user interface is easy to use.

Apple MainStage 3

Apple's App Store

If you are getting into the software side of playing keys, then Apple's Mainstage 3 is a great place to start. This is probably one of the most foundation 'hosts' that professional keyboardists are using today. What's great is it's only $30! And it comes loaded with great sounds and plugins right out of the box and will also run your 3rd party plugins like Omnisphere, Native Instruments, etc. I use this every time I play.

Spectrasonics Keyscape

Sweetwater

I can't say enough about Spectrasonics. They make incredible libraries and there are not enough words to describe Keyscape. It's my go-to for anything pianos, EPs, etc. Plus it can run through Omnisphere which is awesome! Anytime I'm using a piano of any kind, I'm using Keyscape.

Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos

Sweetwater

Before there was Keyscape, there was Ivory II Pianos by Synthogy. Now there will always be a debate over what piano plugin sounds the best, but in my opinion, Ivory is hard to beat. I don't use it much now that I have Keyscape, but I still hold onto it just in case.

Omni TR App 

Apple App Store

If you are using Omnisphere Live, then this is a must. It will completely change the way you use Omnisphere. Being able to load up to 8 individual sounds and change them at the touch of a button is fantastic. I use this everywhere I play and love it. It's a staple in my rig.

Akai MPK mini

Sweetwater

Akai has always made great products, and this little guy packs a lot of punch as a featherweight. I use this mainly for programing on my desktop. If I need to do something on a plane or in a hotel room, it can fit in my backpack.

Spectrasonics Omnisphere

Sweetwater

If there's one plugin that I use the most, it's this one. Omnisphere is amazing! I use it for all of my synths, arps, pads, and more. The processing capability is unparalleled and it's easy to use. It's a little pricey, but worth every penny.

Beginner Rig

Akai MPK61

Reverb

This is a great controller for the price. It features 16 velocity pads, 8 faders, 8 knobs, and is super easy to program. The keyboard feels great and is nice and light, which makes it easy to carry around. Throw it in a Mono Case and you're good to go!

Apple MainStage 3

Apple's App Store

If you are getting into the software side of playing keys, then Apple's Mainstage 3 is a great place to start. This is probably one of the most foundation 'hosts' that professional keyboardists are using today. What's great is it's only $30! And it comes loaded with great sounds and plugins right out of the box and will also run your 3rd party plugins like Omnisphere, Native Instruments, etc. I use this every time I play.

Hardware

Nord Stage 2 EX

Reverb

It's modular, easy to use, and lightweight. It's a great board for beginners to learn on!

Roland RD-700sx Stage Piano

Sweetwater

I've used Roland products since I first started playing and this stage piano is simply great. It has an awesome feel. It's fairly lightweight compared to other 88-key keyboards and it has onboard sounds that are great for backup, should your computer happen to die. I use this in my studio as a main controller.

Akai MPK261 (secondary keyboard)

Reverb

This is a great controller for the price. It features 16 velocity pads, 8 faders, 8 knobs, and is super easy to program. The keyboard feels great and is nice and light which makes it easy to carry around. Throw it in a Mono Case and you're good to go!

Apollo Twin Duo

Sweetwater

This is a fantastic audio interface. It's a little pricey around $800, but it's definitely worth it! The converters are clean and the user interface is easy to use.

Akai MPK61

Reverb

This is a great controller for the price. It features 16 velocity pads, 8 faders, 8 knobs, and is super easy to program. The keyboard feels great and is nice and light, which makes it easy to carry around. Throw it in a Mono Case and you're good to go!

Akai MPK mini

Sweetwater

Akai has always made great products, and this little guy packs a lot of punch as a featherweight. I use this mainly for programing on my desktop. If I need to do something on a plane or in a hotel room, it can fit in my backpack.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61

Reverb

What's great about this controller is that it's fully integrated with Komplete. Plus, you can customize the knobs and buttons for third party plugins. The keys feel great and it makes for a great secondary controller. Bonus: it has customizable LEDs at the top of each key. Great for playing in the dark!

Software

Korg nanoKONTROL2 MIDI Control Surface

Sweetwater

For those times when I need a small hardware controller for muting sounds and such, this is a great piece of gear. It's small and easy to use.

Apple MainStage 3

Apple's App Store

If you are getting into the software side of playing keys, then Apple's Mainstage 3 is a great place to start. This is probably one of the most foundation 'hosts' that professional keyboardists are using today. What's great is it's only $30! And it comes loaded with great sounds and plugins right out of the box and will also run your 3rd party plugins like Omnisphere, Native Instruments, etc. I use this every time I play.

Spectrasonics Keyscape

Sweetwater

I can't say enough about Spectrasonics. They make incredible libraries and there are not enough words to describe Keyscape. It's my go-to for anything pianos, EPs, etc. Plus it can run through Omnisphere which is awesome! Anytime I'm using a piano of any kind, I'm using Keyscape.

Synthogy Ivory II Grand Pianos

Sweetwater

Before there was Keyscape, there was Ivory II Pianos by Synthogy. Now there will always be a debate over what piano plugin sounds the best, but in my opinion, Ivory is hard to beat. I don't use it much now that I have Keyscape, but I still hold onto it just in case.

Omni TR App 

Apple App Store

If you are using Omnisphere Live, then this is a must. It will completely change the way you use Omnisphere. Being able to load up to 8 individual sounds and change them at the touch of a button is fantastic. I use this everywhere I play and love it. It's a staple in my rig.

Spectrasonics Omnisphere

Sweetwater

If there's one plugin that I use the most, it's this one. Omnisphere is amazing! I use it for all of my synths, arps, pads, and more. The processing capability is unparalleled and it's easy to use. It's a little pricey, but worth every penny.

Metronomes

Tama Rhythm Watch

Reverb

The RW200 is a programmable metronome with plenty of volume and easy to use dials and plenty of volume. Built specifically for drummers but a nice substitute for the DB-90 if you want to save some coin.

Pro Metronome for iPhone

App Store

Great metronome for iPhone. It's plenty customizable (pay a few bucks for the paid version) and has great rhythm trainer features. Phone apps use the phone's clock which isn't good for recording but works just fine for practicing. Try the free version and make sure it's what you want.

Pro Metronome for Android

Google Play

Phone apps use the phone's clock which isn't good for recording but works just fine for practicing. It's plenty customizable (pay a few bucks for the paid version) and has great rhythm trainer features.

Additional Resources

Church Resources

Loop Community

Quality and affordable MultiTracks, Patches, and Training for Worship Leaders. Plus, we put some of our tracks there!

Faithlife Proclaim

A song-friendly presentation software (that's cloud-based) is a game-changer.

OnSong

Move away from printing tabs each week and start using OnSong!

Education

Pianosity - Complete Online Piano Lessons

Looking for piano lessons that deal with everything outside the scope of worship music, then you definitely need to check out Pianosity. It's a subscription-based service very similar to Worship Artistry that specializes in piano lessons for all ages and is taught by Worship Artistry's very own keyboard instructor, Ryan King.

You’ve got the heart, we’ll teach you the skill. Free 21 day trial for new members.

Choose the plan that works for you

Join the thousands of worship leaders and musicians who have seen real results using Worship Artistry to help them bring their best.

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Licensed lessons from Sony/ATV, EMI, Hillsong, Word and Integrity Music.