Preparation for Acoustic Guitarists

Learning a setlist doesn’t have to take over your life. In this lesson, you’ll discover a two-stage process for preparing new songs that minimizes stress, maximizes retention, and helps you show up on Sunday confident and ready.

What You’ll Learn:

1. Passive Listening & Mental Prep

   • Build subconscious memory of verses, choruses, intros, and transitions.

   • Identify the song’s “DNA”—its overall sound and vibe.

   • Note hooks, licks, and transitions you’re responsible for.

   • Practice active listening during daily activities (driving, cooking, showering).

2. Instrument in Hand

   • Combine mental prep with playing to solidify memory.

   • Decide how your instrument best fits the song (often replicating the recorded version).

   • Use capo positions and voicings to achieve the desired sound in the right key.

   • Learn hooks, intros, and transitions in the chosen key/voicing from the start to avoid relearning later.

Who It’s For:

Worship musicians and leaders who need to learn new material quickly, efficiently, and without letting prep time overwhelm their week.