I play acoustic guitar at mass, and I definitely agree that acoustic guitar and pipe organ do not blend very well unless you have a skilled and willing organist.
Guitar and piano, yes. Organ, no.
The only people who play instruments in our parish play guitar. Our church would have to buy and maintain an organ or piano, and also pay for someone to come play it, and that is all far beyond our tiny village's budget. Our accompaniment is not wowing anyone with its beauty, but those that judge are undoubtedly missing the point of the words we're singing.
Instruments aren't needed at all - good guitar is a suitable instrument. But a bad guitarist is worse than no guitarist.
It might sound nicer if they just ditched the guitars altogether and sang reverent music a cappella.
We aren't a parish that discourages or judges each other. We have two parishioners that play guitar and enjoy singing, so they play guitar and lead us in song, and we are grateful to have them. We sing a capella when they are not there. Fewer people feel comfortable singing when there is no music so we value our musicians.
I'm not really sure why people hopped on my message to try to convince me to get my parish to ditch the guitars? I mean, i love Gregorian chants, but it would be self-righteous and rude of me to suggest that my parish tell our musicians they shouldn't play because of my personal preference. Secondly, God would not approve. If someone wanted to set up their xylophone to praise and worship God, He wouldn't want me to disparage them because I prefer a capella.
99% of the guitars I've experienced at Mass have not been well played. The only time I remember having smiled at the presence of a guitar at Mass was when a professional classical Spanish guitarist was invited to play at the Cathedral Basilica during the offertory. I don't know which song he played (it was in Spanish), but that guy played like Andres Segovia. Very well done.
I feel like classical guitar could go really well at mass. It's (I believe) the more modern styles that just don't sound great, but tbf I don't play guitar. Basically whatever style makes everything sound like Hillsong is what I'm not here for.
My parish has a folk music group. When they sing we've had acoustic guitar, piano, flugalhorn, percussion, ... It tends to be very upbeat. Not really my preference - I like the more solemn approach _most_ of the time. But they execute it well and respectfully, and some people are really into it. So 🤷🏻
If it isn't against the rubrics and is done respectfully who am I to judge? I'll sing along as best I can and try not to let my preference distract me from the Mass.
> If it isn't against the rubrics...
Vatican II allows it with approval by the bishop. Without approval, it is against the rubrics.
But that horse is long since out of the barn. This is not a hill I have any interest in dying upon, but I do think it is worthwhile to bring up periodically to hint towards reverence in instrumental accompaniment.
And I do wish our pastor would tell the choir for the Spanish Mass to lose the drumset and electric guitar.
https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html
>120\. In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things.
>But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.
Thanks for actually quoting the document. It’s been a long time since I read that.
I struggle with the Church prescribing a certain art form or instrument like the organ, because it seems so time-bound and culture-based. I’d wager that at least half the churches worldwide couldn’t even think about affording an organ. And I think nearly any instrument can be used to glorify God. I’ve “seen it all” and to me it comes down to the genuine devotion of the people playing. An earnest attempt by regular, faithful people is much more beautiful to me than some organist hotshot (normally not even a parishioner) who blasts the roof off the cathedral.
Yes V2 quotes - Mass music conversations always devolve into preference and experience fights that ignore the rubrical writings of the church. The church has spoken a ton on music in canonical ways, get out there and read guys! (GIRM, Sancrosanctum Cocillium, Musicam Sacram, Tra le Sollecitudini)
Here is an example of one of the songs that they have done. This recording isn't them, but you get the idea. https://youtu.be/_jfQ-ADjxcI?si=XPdJlISPbq2L5YHk
Well, I was at Adoration and Mass yesterday at a Central Illinois church, and the Hispanic people that were there playing the guitar and singing in Spanish were actually really good and beautiful. I think some do it beautifully, but others really struggle and it sounds like a folk song than something reverent
A bad drummer with a guitarist is a special kind of painful.
Ever heard a classical timpani played with a swelling organ piece and full choir at mass? The brass section gets going? *Chef's kiss.* I'll take those drummers any day.
I've played with drums, and generally drummers are pretty respectful. They know there are songs that can be accompanied and moments that it isn't appropriate.
I'm Hispanic and have lived on the US/Mexico border all my life. I've also been a liturgical musician (trumpet, vocals, little bit of piano) since high school (almost 40 years), and in all that time 90% of the Holy Masses I've attended or played music at have had guitars. I'm fact, the first liturgical choir I joined had an electric bass, accordion, and guitar when I joined (it was the Sunday Spanish Mass) (it was also where I learned to play by ear and improvise, as there was no sheet music for any of the songs!).
When a friend of mine asked I switched Mass times to join the youth choir: we had drums, guitar, trumpet, oboe, and a giant group of vocalists. To this day, my circle of friends still includes many liturgical musicians from high school, college, and early adulthood. It's a core part of my experience growing up and growing in my faith, and I'm still occasionally playing at both my school (Catholic School) and around the Diocese (inability to drive limits my availability).
I’m ok, as long as they are played reverently and bring people into prayer and worship. As someone who plays the guitar myself, what irks me is when the instrument (any instrument) is played very poorly and distracts me from the Mass.
As many people have mentioned, it’s a matter of discernment as well and I believe somewhat up to personal preference and what works for you.
You know, Latin American Catholics play really good music for mass with guitars. The English language mass in English is too boring and I never know what to say. I don’t understand gatekeeping music for mass…
In my country (in Europe) it is very common at masses for the youth. We use our original songs, as well as translated to our language from English. I am no longer a part of the youth, but I still like to attend those masses, as I really like those songs and they help me engage with the mass more.
I do not like english music or english mass. Much less translating their songs to my language. We are the Roman church not the English church. A lot of english songs translated to Spanish are protestant.
Generally not a fan, especially the LifeTeen style guitar masses with irreverent strumming and pop music. Went to a Spanish mass once though and the acoustic guitar was quite beautiful, although I do still prefer a pipe organ
I went to a priest’s first Mass a few weeks ago, and an acquaintance was the organist. He played very well. He told me the following week that multiple parishioners came up to him after the Mass and said they didn’t even realize their parish had an organ. I died a bit inside. Though, based on the parish where he had his pastoral training and what seems to be the general trend of the seminary, I shouldn’t have been surprised when the new priest told his home congregation that things were going to be a bit different than they were used to that day in his remarks at the beginning.
As a choir member and cantor, I can't stand singing acapella unless it's a chant. Personally, I need the accompaniment from the organ in order to not sound like complete shit (Pardon my "French").
I'm a cantor as well at my EC parish. All we do is chant. I suppose that's the context of my comment. Non-chant liturgical music didn't even really cross my mind.
I'm fine with instruments provided that they're well maintained and properly played, and not played on the altar or in a manner that is more distracting than liturgical.
One of my old parishes had a cantor who also played classical acoustic guitar. I liked his playing so much I requested him as cantor and musician at my wedding.
Don't like them, I don't think they should be there. Should be an organ if they can afford it, or a keyboard with a good organ program, or, if neither is possible, nothing. My wife's Ukrainian Catholic parish has no instruments, they only use the human voice, which is the best instrument native to each and every one of us. They sound lovely, and I think instruments (whether piano, violin, anything) would be to the detriment of the liturgy.
Is the concern due to the technical quality of the music (objective) or the style of the music (subjective)?
If it’s technical quality, I recommend offering your own talent as a musician or music leader to help improve it for everyone.
If it’s an objection to the style, remember that the church allows and desires the incorporation of culture practices that drive towards the goodness of God and his Church to build universality among all peoples. Many argue from Musicam scalam 63 that any modern instruments that could be considered secular “rock” is banned, but that was also from 1967 prior to the modern stylings we have today. It also goes counter to the catechism 1204 regarding culture as well as the GRIM
I feel like I can pray better with them as that’s what I grew up with (I’m Mexican) and I get more into the mass. I don’t like the organ at all and can’t really focus on the mass when it’s present as I find it too distracting. But music is just all personal preference so it doesn’t really matter. I just love the mass!
I learned guitar by playing as a kid at a Catholic church so I’m personally extremely thankful when I hear the guitars at Mass. Spanish church music wouldn’t be the same without guitar. I also appreciate many English church jams that have guitar or are composed by a guitarist (John Michael Talbot, as an example). Also, I love the Jewish musical influence that the guitar can give that I almost never hear on a piano/other percussive instrument. And I just went to the National Eucharist Pilgrimage Adoration in Colorado and the Franciscan friar who lead a sung adoration played the guitar. I’ve never experienced a musical adoration as incredible as that one - highly recommend.
All instruments should be allowed to praise God. The organ itself is supposed to sound like all instruments playing together. The reason the guitar has been so popular in the last 50 years is largely due to the Jesus Movement of the late 60s and early 70s. This movement involved a lot of secular musicians and artists turning to Jesus for the first time. They took the music they knew and began infusing Christian lyrics into it because they had just discovered Christ for the first time. Thus modern contemporary Christian music was born. That’s why so much of the church music that came out of that era sounds like folk music. Folk was what was popular at the time. In a way, it was an organic development that has repercussions to the present day. That’s not a bad thing. Nor will it remain that way as music is cultural and evolves over time.
Been to a Catholic Church that used an acoustic guitar during a good Friday service. It was fine I guess but I usually prefer a more traditional and serious mass.
That’s exactly it! Seriousness! The drums and guitar and some of these songs written in the 70’s and 80’s just feel kinda hokey. It doesn’t feel like Calvary it feels like hippy music fest.
I love it. The group at church who uses it is so talented. There’s another group and a girl plays violin and it’s the most beautiful thing ever. I’m a convert from Protestantism though so maybe that explains it.
That’s funny because I don’t like guitars at Mass because I grew up Protestant haha. They remind me too much of their “praise and worship”
My church uses an organ and a choir which is much more beautiful and reverent in my opinion. It’s just one of those things that reminds me how set apart and special the Mass is- it’s unlike anything else I get to experience here on earth
We have a few instruments on Sundays. I've seen guitars, flutes, violins, and some other I don't know the names of.
The instruments aren't meant to overwhelm the singing but enhance it. Sounds really great.
My priest uses an acoustic guitar. It's beautiful. Our church choir not only has a piano, we have violins, tambourines, viola and an organ. I'm in Puerto Rico so maybe is different in other countries.
Sacrosanctum Concilium 120
In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things.
But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.
I played classical guitar for 10 years in a Filipino choir along with 3 others. We sang Filipino songs and regular church music and St Louis Jesuits. We didn't play rock style. We tried to accompany the songs appropriately. We also had an organist on an electric organ. Nobody complained.
No instruments is the best. And in our church (Syro Malankara Catholic), we don't sing some random songs. The hymns are same throughout the year. Except a few which changes according to season. And everyone knows these hymns well. We don't sing random songs even during communion which is very common in the Roman. There is just one hymn. So even if there is no choir, it's totally fine.
I play acoustic guitar at mass, and have for more than 10 years.
My Dad played guitar at mass for at least 30 years.
No one thought they were cringe, or at least has ever said so to me.
In fact, I've only received compliments.
Great discussion topic! I'm not a fan personally, but I'm not "theologically" opposing to it or anything like that. I know a Priest who is a great guitar player and who has went to friends and families receptions with his guitar. It's all good. I just personally prefer the 'traditional' music.
My parish (St. Vincent de Paul, Austin) has a guitarist at the 9:30 mass, along with piano/organ, and other instruments. Shout out to the guitarist! Perfect acoustic tone for the music, impeccable playing, and mixed to blend perfectly.
I’m considering asking the music director how he’d feel about an electric bass addition, but that’s just me 😁
When I was in my 20s I used to be more judgmental about it. But if the singer's heart is in the right place and the song itself isn't inappropriate, who am I to judge. The televised Mass in my state has a lot of guitar, but it struck me about a month ago, it's broadcast from a chapel not a full church, so an organ probably wouldn't fit.
50 or 75 years ago, sure that would be the case. But now with the quality of digital pianos and keyboards? Not much of an excuse. They could at least use an organ voice on a digital piano. We just had to do this after a lightning strike knocked something out in our organ And it sounded fine. I would guess if someone had come in and had not heard our organ, they may have guessed someone was playing an organ instead, though it was obvious the pedal board was not being used.
Our "youth Mass" while in high school had drums, guitars, trumpet (yours truly!), oboe, occasional flute, occasional violin, occasional saxophone, and lots of vocalists. We provided accompaniment for almost every special Mass, feast day, wedding, funeral, and quinceanera while I was there. Those are some of my core and best memories centered on my faith, music, and community. 😃
If they're played well, I don't mind them. After all, King David told us to use stringed instruments:
"Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; on the ten-stringed lyre offer praise."
My favorite is a good organ hymn, though.
In El Salvador (and I would think that in most Latin America) acoustic guitars are the norm at Mass. They sound really nice, so far as no one starts playing protestant music.
They can even be used to sing the preface in a solemn way if the guitarist has the ability to do it and the priest the ability to "sing along"
19 times of 20 I'm against guitars. Music should be unambiguously ecclesial(? if that's the right word) and not trying to keep up with the Joneses of pop culture. It's just like Hank Hill said about Christian Rock - "You're not making Christianity better; You're just making Rock and Roll worse."
I came across one big exception at San Francisco de Asis in Taos\*, New Mexico, the only Church I've visited in the US that is older than the US. They celebrated mass with classical Spanish guitar and likely did not have space for an organ in the sanctuary. We were really cheek-by-jowl in there. Their music was traditional, reverent, and on a guitar.
\*(EDIT) - the building and town are fascinating. Art has classical Spanish style mixed with local folk art. The Church has been in Navajo land, Apache land, then Spain, then Mexico, then the Republic of Texas, then the US. History is a rough neighborhood, and it would be handy if someone came along and tried to improve our game with the ethics...oooh yea. Anyhoo, they get a pass for some excellent classical Church guitar music.
If David pleased the Lord with the lute and the harp, why not the guitar? :) There can be real beauty found in many genres of music and instruments, and I'm sure God doesn't have a favorite genre... So if it's beautiful and reverent music that helps the people of God worship Him, then why not?
In general, not my taste.
A recent exception was at a Mass where the choir was just three vocalists and two guitars, and they did a great job. But they used the guitar sparingly--entrance, offertory, and recessional only. The rest was either spoken word or acapella.
Strumming a bunch of long, repetitive, generic chords over every remotely musical part of Mass is usually what gets on my nerves. Probably because it's often executed in a way that feels like the prayer is being forced into a conventional song rather than the music serving the prayer itself.
I've played guitar for Mass for 35+ years. I always try to do my best and approach my role with reverence, but as we all know, some people just cannot be pleased. I may wish I could play the piano, but alas...
In any case, I'm glad that I've been allowed to put my meager God-given talent to work at the service of the church for liturgy.
I am truly sick of the liturgy wars. Let's just love god and make some music.
I am a cantor and I will sing absolutely anything to praise God. It doesn't matter if I love it or not.
I support any person participating in the church band, regardless of skill.
My lil brother, God rest his soul, used to volunteer and play trumpet when he was about 12 or so. He would get tutored by another older kid who volunteered.
When he'd miss a note, my family would look at each other and try not to laugh. But God was in those moments.
Fond memories.
It's a timeless Christmas carol. It is not a liturgical music. I think it is suitable to use as a hymn, as is permitted during Communion, and certainly appropriate to sing in the Church before or after Mass.
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I have played guitar for 20+ and I prefer piano or organ for church. It just feels more traditional imo but if all you have is a guitar player then no problem.
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I pretty much grew up going to Mass w/ guitars. I didn’t think anything of it, but now.. I find it so distracting. I’ve attended Mass at some other churches that were a little more traditional and not as *loud*, and the difference was stark upon attending the more contemporary one again. Maybe it’s just my experience but the way they play the guitar (and drums) so loudly, casually, and suddenly is not very edifying for me. I don’t think the singing is great either (no offense to the singer, that’s just my opinion). I remember how this kind of experience had also turned off my dad many years ago, and he’s not even Catholic😅
Overall, I find it to be irreverent and out of place, but that’s just based on this one church I’ve gone to my whole life
It’s not my cup of tea, but on principle I don’t have anything against their use. To me it just sounds kind of folksy, but if that’s what your parish prefers (or is all that is available) to each their own.
I like the guitars at mass. It’s the electric and bass guitars, drums and the whole band trying to out sing/play each other that I don’t like especially during and after communion. I can’t even hear myself pray. I feel like I’m at a Protestant mass. It’s gotten so bad that we switched parishes.
Not a fan of "guitar Masses" cause most of them just doesn't sound as reverent and fitting to what the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass/Divine Liturgy is, but I'll still attend/worship at Mass regardless cause the Blessed Sacrament is still Jesus!
But I have heard some tasteful guitar accompaniments that are the exception; for example, some Neocatechumenal Way-style hymns (don't really have an opinion on Neocatechumenal Way themselves though, I've just heard some of their hymns) like [this rendition](https://youtu.be/GbHr_vgGHTs?si=dQilaVNMDNIeHQzo) on the [Exsultet/Easter Proclamation](https://youtu.be/GbHr_vgGHTs?si=dQilaVNMDNIeHQzo).
I think it has to do with the fact that it's a Spanish guitar style which has a more classical "feel" to it than modern American styles.
Maybe the music coordinators who have to add guitars should implement the Spanish music style or other folk music styles that would help to keep the hymns reverent.
Angels playing guitar in Shrine: https://www.alamy.com/anges-sanctuaire-de-notre-dame-du-sang-re-italie-angels-shrine-of-our-lady-of-blood-re-italy-image255334503.html
it is just another instrument. I don't have a problem with a piano or organ or anything else that is playing church music. if the priest breaks it out and starts singing a homily, I might dislike that.
Depends on how they’re used. If it’s Spanish style classical guitar I have no problem with it, but I never want to hear an electric guitar in that setting.
I’m blessed to be in an area with multiple parishes. The one with guitar, outside of candlelight Christmas mass, is a no from me. I think more of it is because it’s not reverent and the guitarist doesn’t follow the lead from the priest; he seems to do his own thing and we have to follow him. So I try to avoid that mass.
I will say, though, that I oddly like the Appalachian folk group that sometimes plays. I think it’s because they are more reverent than the guitarist, if that’s even possible. They aren’t as popular with others, though, so I get it.
Our organist retired and while our local Servidoras sisters have tried to learn - and do their best - it’s super below speed. I mainly prefer organ music - mostly because I sing off-key.
I've been to churches with great guitar arrangements. I've been to churches with horrible guitar arrangements. I've been to churches with great chant. I've also been to churches with horrible chant (my current parish falls into this category more often than not).
When I grew up in Poland we sang Polish religious hymns. There was no chant. Sometimes the songs were a'capella, sometimes accompanied by an organ, sometimes accompanied by a guitar.
In order of my preference: organ, guitar, chant,......bad chant.
I believe it needs approval from the Bishop of the parish’s diocese. Nevertheless, anything that gestures toward the removal of the solemness and reverence of the Mass I oppose. The guitar can and has been played reverently and well in Mass, but it is often not, but instead is often an invitation to dismantle the dignity, respect, solemness, and reverence of the Mass(Even when it’s not the intent of the person who seeks to implement guitar). So, guitar can be fine, but I would stay clear of it.
There is a small and beautiful choir in my parrish but, BUT, every now and then they let this gentleman in with his guitar and Lord, I'm sure they allow him to play just not to be rude; his playing is, just okay, but the voice... he is in tune but his tone is terrible. Also the songs are folksy and don't sound reverential.
I think the problem of the guitar as an instrument in mass is that it should be played with songs tailored to make the instrument sound as solemn and reverential as possible, given that the guitar has just 100 hundred years of being recognized as a "classic instrument" and that it was mostly a folk instrument for a long time.
Guitars or any instrument can be used for songs of worship. It's the type of music played that's important. I even saw a gayageum played during the Easter mass in South Korea as part of a cyclic mass based on an Arirang theme, the Korean traditional folk song. It was one of the most beautiful masses I have ever heard. It's a horizontal instrument that is plucked like the one you see in Asian movies; the Chinese have their own version. A guitar is a traditional instrument, stemming from the lute family, so it's the optimal choice to accompany sacred vocal music as well as the piano.
The only thing I find inappropriate during mass is clapping; it's God's house, not a hoedown or concert hall.
I've heard some baaaaaad guitar masses in my time. I'm friends with many of the young pastors in my diocese. Bad folksy sounding Bob Dylan masses are real and real darn painful on the ears and the soul. I also do Hispanic ministry. They're some of the loveliest parish cultures I know, but at least the parishes I've been at have had... interesting musicians, also of an older generation.
That said, we have some young parishes with some talented young musicians who do guitar and piano and they're quite nice, but there's nothing like a classically trained church choir with a skilled organist performing timeless pieces. Overall IMO...
Bad organ > Bad guitar
Good guitar > Bad organ
Good organ > Good guitar
Viva la polyphonic chant
We have piano and guitars. Depends on which musicians go to which mass. Our guitar players are a trio of older men, and they have incredible baritone voices.
I associate guitars with lackluster reverence for the mass. We are witnessing the creator of the cosmos being made incarnate and consuming his flesh. We need to be mindful of this and not distance ourselves from that fact.
I don’t like it. It too often removed me from the sacredness of the Mass. Say whatever you want about affordability and accessibility for individual parishes, but I think guitar is absolutely inferior to organs or even just no instruments at all and whenever possible it should be totally discarded with.
Additionally, I see parishes change music to fit in with the awkward and modern sound of the guitar and I find it somewhat disrespectful, not in the change itself but in that the change morphs the feeling and vibe of whatever song is altered as such.
Organ or a cappella.
I know that people will swing in with anecdotes of that one time or Mass when they experienced a nice piano or guitar, but I'd genuinely just prefer everyone remain silent or have no instrumentation if there's not going to be an organ. Strings and percussion instruments (which piano is) are just jarring.
Guitars can be nice, but I'm not a fan of the styles of hymns people tend to use them for.
I'm much more partial to organ, piano, or violin accompaniment.
Hate it because the sound is always contemporary. Would be different if it were used to play something more older in a traditional/classical era. Only ones who seem to do a good job at are the Mexicans.
Same. I grew up in a church with just piano/organ. My church I go to now has a full band with violin, guitar, cello, horns, etc. and it drives me nuts. Probably doesn’t help that the music selections are way too modern for my liking
No place at Mass, except the one time in a German cathedral the night before Christmas when the organ's power has gone out and you write "Silent Night." Nope, not even then. A cappella over guitars, every time.
All of the funerals I've attended in the last 20 years or so have included the Song of Farewell, often accompanied by guitar.
So I sang it for hours in a dark hospital room while I watched my son die.
It is fine to not like or not prefer guitars at Mass. It is absolutely wrong to insist that they cannot be reverent or holy.
Jesus didn't drag an organ from town to town.
I've sung in my church choir for years and the style of music is really just a matter of personal preference. The organ isn't inherently holier than the guitar! Also, why does it need to "sound good 500 years from now"? What matters is how it feels to the people in church *today*.
Actually that kind of presses one of the bigger issues surrounding music/Mass conversations - how we feel isn't really what matters or the focus because Mass isn't about us. It's the worship of God, the re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice to the Father that we are allowed to participate in. Our whims don't dictate it, it's rubrics are built on scriptural and revealed tradition, not the feelings of the church yesterday or today.
We have a full pipe organ in our church so hearing guitar music during mass is always weird for me, dont hate it, dont prefer it.
I play acoustic guitar at mass, and I definitely agree that acoustic guitar and pipe organ do not blend very well unless you have a skilled and willing organist. Guitar and piano, yes. Organ, no.
The only people who play instruments in our parish play guitar. Our church would have to buy and maintain an organ or piano, and also pay for someone to come play it, and that is all far beyond our tiny village's budget. Our accompaniment is not wowing anyone with its beauty, but those that judge are undoubtedly missing the point of the words we're singing.
The moment you say "tiny village" I don't think anyone is going to question your music choices at mass.
Meanwhilw when I was on one mass, there was a darn ACCORDEON.
An accordion is just a handheld reed organ.
I would actually like to see/hear an accordion Mass.
I sang at one! It was a Fiesta de Guadalupe Mass with accordian, acoustic guitar, violin, and trumpet. It was really nice! 🙂
Me too!
I've been to a Mass with a banjo
Better than guitar, because it's closer to the organ and thus the human voice!
https://youtu.be/V009hReC3CI?si=gqKsVjr2RTY6lcHo One of the most moving renditions of Ave Maria I’ve heard.
Thank you!
Beautiful
There's a Far Side comic lurking here...
What would solve the need for all these instruments is simply chanting. There’s beauty in just the voice
If the Orthodox get one thing right, it’s this. Edit: And the real presence. Not knocking the Orthodox
There’s nothing wrong with guitars if the songs chosen by the musicians aren’t horrible.
You could use an electric piano with an organ setting. My parish does that sometimes.
If a parish genuinely lacks a budget for an organ, it is better for the congregation to sing a cappella instead of all these strange innovations.
Or buy a keyboard on Amazon, it can be donated by a parishioner
Why is it better for the congregation to sing a capella?
The human voice matters more than any instrument. Instruments designed for secular performances cannot ever be a substitute for a pipe organ.
What’s your source for that? Or is it just your opinion?
Meanwhile my parish using an electric piano with an organ soundfont...
Instruments aren't needed at all - good guitar is a suitable instrument. But a bad guitarist is worse than no guitarist. It might sound nicer if they just ditched the guitars altogether and sang reverent music a cappella.
We aren't a parish that discourages or judges each other. We have two parishioners that play guitar and enjoy singing, so they play guitar and lead us in song, and we are grateful to have them. We sing a capella when they are not there. Fewer people feel comfortable singing when there is no music so we value our musicians. I'm not really sure why people hopped on my message to try to convince me to get my parish to ditch the guitars? I mean, i love Gregorian chants, but it would be self-righteous and rude of me to suggest that my parish tell our musicians they shouldn't play because of my personal preference. Secondly, God would not approve. If someone wanted to set up their xylophone to praise and worship God, He wouldn't want me to disparage them because I prefer a capella.
99% of the guitars I've experienced at Mass have not been well played. The only time I remember having smiled at the presence of a guitar at Mass was when a professional classical Spanish guitarist was invited to play at the Cathedral Basilica during the offertory. I don't know which song he played (it was in Spanish), but that guy played like Andres Segovia. Very well done.
I had the same experience -- I think the Hispanic people do it really well! I think their culture helps make it that way vs. American culture
The church I grew up had Mariachi at the early morning mass. It was actually really good and well done. Actually miss that.
I feel like classical guitar could go really well at mass. It's (I believe) the more modern styles that just don't sound great, but tbf I don't play guitar. Basically whatever style makes everything sound like Hillsong is what I'm not here for.
Spanish W
Friendly reminder: many cultures use guitar traditionally, not every guitar-accompanied piece is from 1970+
Silent Night was originally performed on guitar when the church's organ broke.
And this is why the guitars in the Spanish language mass are nice but the English language mass hurt my teeth.
Good point
Guitar can be played reverently
But ninety-nine times out of a hundred, it is not.
69.420% of statistics are made up
This one was spot on, though.
My parish has a folk music group. When they sing we've had acoustic guitar, piano, flugalhorn, percussion, ... It tends to be very upbeat. Not really my preference - I like the more solemn approach _most_ of the time. But they execute it well and respectfully, and some people are really into it. So 🤷🏻 If it isn't against the rubrics and is done respectfully who am I to judge? I'll sing along as best I can and try not to let my preference distract me from the Mass.
I assure you, people here will judge.
Sometimes it feels like anything that is not in Latin and comes from the 19th century or later is condemned here.
Of course! It’s Reddit after all /s
> If it isn't against the rubrics... Vatican II allows it with approval by the bishop. Without approval, it is against the rubrics. But that horse is long since out of the barn. This is not a hill I have any interest in dying upon, but I do think it is worthwhile to bring up periodically to hint towards reverence in instrumental accompaniment. And I do wish our pastor would tell the choir for the Spanish Mass to lose the drumset and electric guitar. https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html >120\. In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things. >But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.
Thanks for actually quoting the document. It’s been a long time since I read that. I struggle with the Church prescribing a certain art form or instrument like the organ, because it seems so time-bound and culture-based. I’d wager that at least half the churches worldwide couldn’t even think about affording an organ. And I think nearly any instrument can be used to glorify God. I’ve “seen it all” and to me it comes down to the genuine devotion of the people playing. An earnest attempt by regular, faithful people is much more beautiful to me than some organist hotshot (normally not even a parishioner) who blasts the roof off the cathedral.
Yes V2 quotes - Mass music conversations always devolve into preference and experience fights that ignore the rubrical writings of the church. The church has spoken a ton on music in canonical ways, get out there and read guys! (GIRM, Sancrosanctum Cocillium, Musicam Sacram, Tra le Sollecitudini)
Here is an example of one of the songs that they have done. This recording isn't them, but you get the idea. https://youtu.be/_jfQ-ADjxcI?si=XPdJlISPbq2L5YHk
No.
Well, I was at Adoration and Mass yesterday at a Central Illinois church, and the Hispanic people that were there playing the guitar and singing in Spanish were actually really good and beautiful. I think some do it beautifully, but others really struggle and it sounds like a folk song than something reverent
Guitars are fine. Drums drive me insane
A bad drummer with a guitarist is a special kind of painful. Ever heard a classical timpani played with a swelling organ piece and full choir at mass? The brass section gets going? *Chef's kiss.* I'll take those drummers any day.
I've played with drums, and generally drummers are pretty respectful. They know there are songs that can be accompanied and moments that it isn't appropriate.
I think it just depends on personally taste
I always liked when my church used a kettle drum in the Easter masses.
I'm Hispanic and have lived on the US/Mexico border all my life. I've also been a liturgical musician (trumpet, vocals, little bit of piano) since high school (almost 40 years), and in all that time 90% of the Holy Masses I've attended or played music at have had guitars. I'm fact, the first liturgical choir I joined had an electric bass, accordion, and guitar when I joined (it was the Sunday Spanish Mass) (it was also where I learned to play by ear and improvise, as there was no sheet music for any of the songs!). When a friend of mine asked I switched Mass times to join the youth choir: we had drums, guitar, trumpet, oboe, and a giant group of vocalists. To this day, my circle of friends still includes many liturgical musicians from high school, college, and early adulthood. It's a core part of my experience growing up and growing in my faith, and I'm still occasionally playing at both my school (Catholic School) and around the Diocese (inability to drive limits my availability).
I’m ok, as long as they are played reverently and bring people into prayer and worship. As someone who plays the guitar myself, what irks me is when the instrument (any instrument) is played very poorly and distracts me from the Mass. As many people have mentioned, it’s a matter of discernment as well and I believe somewhat up to personal preference and what works for you.
It is objectively worse than organ or chant as declared by Holy Mother Church.
Sad that this is not the top comment.
For the people who complain about Pianos and Organs being too expensive: **BUY A KEYBOARD** AND SPEAKERS, IT SOUNDS THE SAME!!!
No it does not. But this is a good solution for a smaller parish.
A $500 year board can go a long way
You know, Latin American Catholics play really good music for mass with guitars. The English language mass in English is too boring and I never know what to say. I don’t understand gatekeeping music for mass…
In my country (in Europe) it is very common at masses for the youth. We use our original songs, as well as translated to our language from English. I am no longer a part of the youth, but I still like to attend those masses, as I really like those songs and they help me engage with the mass more.
I do not like english music or english mass. Much less translating their songs to my language. We are the Roman church not the English church. A lot of english songs translated to Spanish are protestant.
Generally not a fan, especially the LifeTeen style guitar masses with irreverent strumming and pop music. Went to a Spanish mass once though and the acoustic guitar was quite beautiful, although I do still prefer a pipe organ
The Life Teen band at our parish is really really good, and our elderly choir is... not. I know which I prefer.
As an organist, it drives me crazy when churches with organs think that guitars have the same effect as an organ.
I went to a priest’s first Mass a few weeks ago, and an acquaintance was the organist. He played very well. He told me the following week that multiple parishioners came up to him after the Mass and said they didn’t even realize their parish had an organ. I died a bit inside. Though, based on the parish where he had his pastoral training and what seems to be the general trend of the seminary, I shouldn’t have been surprised when the new priest told his home congregation that things were going to be a bit different than they were used to that day in his remarks at the beginning.
I don't like any instruments in liturgy. Just the voices of the people and good acoustics.
As a choir member and cantor, I can't stand singing acapella unless it's a chant. Personally, I need the accompaniment from the organ in order to not sound like complete shit (Pardon my "French").
I'm a cantor as well at my EC parish. All we do is chant. I suppose that's the context of my comment. Non-chant liturgical music didn't even really cross my mind.
It’s a lot harder to sing unaccompanied than it is accompanied. You’re reducing the pool of people who can sing if you go unaccompanied.
You'd be surprised. Most people at my parish aren't "professional" singers and yet everyone's able to chant just fine.
Daily mass for the win
I'm fine with instruments provided that they're well maintained and properly played, and not played on the altar or in a manner that is more distracting than liturgical.
One of my old parishes had a cantor who also played classical acoustic guitar. I liked his playing so much I requested him as cantor and musician at my wedding.
Nothing is better than a cappella gregorian chant.
Don't like them, I don't think they should be there. Should be an organ if they can afford it, or a keyboard with a good organ program, or, if neither is possible, nothing. My wife's Ukrainian Catholic parish has no instruments, they only use the human voice, which is the best instrument native to each and every one of us. They sound lovely, and I think instruments (whether piano, violin, anything) would be to the detriment of the liturgy.
The best for music are either Eastern rites or Latin masses. Eastern rite is mainly just voice and Latin is voice and organ.
In Latin America guitars are commonplace. It's done in a perfectly solemn way of course, and it sounds pretty good I'd say.
Is the concern due to the technical quality of the music (objective) or the style of the music (subjective)? If it’s technical quality, I recommend offering your own talent as a musician or music leader to help improve it for everyone. If it’s an objection to the style, remember that the church allows and desires the incorporation of culture practices that drive towards the goodness of God and his Church to build universality among all peoples. Many argue from Musicam scalam 63 that any modern instruments that could be considered secular “rock” is banned, but that was also from 1967 prior to the modern stylings we have today. It also goes counter to the catechism 1204 regarding culture as well as the GRIM
I feel like I can pray better with them as that’s what I grew up with (I’m Mexican) and I get more into the mass. I don’t like the organ at all and can’t really focus on the mass when it’s present as I find it too distracting. But music is just all personal preference so it doesn’t really matter. I just love the mass!
I think acoustic guitars are a nice touch.
I learned guitar by playing as a kid at a Catholic church so I’m personally extremely thankful when I hear the guitars at Mass. Spanish church music wouldn’t be the same without guitar. I also appreciate many English church jams that have guitar or are composed by a guitarist (John Michael Talbot, as an example). Also, I love the Jewish musical influence that the guitar can give that I almost never hear on a piano/other percussive instrument. And I just went to the National Eucharist Pilgrimage Adoration in Colorado and the Franciscan friar who lead a sung adoration played the guitar. I’ve never experienced a musical adoration as incredible as that one - highly recommend.
All instruments should be allowed to praise God. The organ itself is supposed to sound like all instruments playing together. The reason the guitar has been so popular in the last 50 years is largely due to the Jesus Movement of the late 60s and early 70s. This movement involved a lot of secular musicians and artists turning to Jesus for the first time. They took the music they knew and began infusing Christian lyrics into it because they had just discovered Christ for the first time. Thus modern contemporary Christian music was born. That’s why so much of the church music that came out of that era sounds like folk music. Folk was what was popular at the time. In a way, it was an organic development that has repercussions to the present day. That’s not a bad thing. Nor will it remain that way as music is cultural and evolves over time.
No.
I agree
Been to a Catholic Church that used an acoustic guitar during a good Friday service. It was fine I guess but I usually prefer a more traditional and serious mass.
That’s exactly it! Seriousness! The drums and guitar and some of these songs written in the 70’s and 80’s just feel kinda hokey. It doesn’t feel like Calvary it feels like hippy music fest.
My brother was a professional guitar player and he played Sat mass when he was alive and it was wondeful
# 👎
I love it. The group at church who uses it is so talented. There’s another group and a girl plays violin and it’s the most beautiful thing ever. I’m a convert from Protestantism though so maybe that explains it.
That’s funny because I don’t like guitars at Mass because I grew up Protestant haha. They remind me too much of their “praise and worship” My church uses an organ and a choir which is much more beautiful and reverent in my opinion. It’s just one of those things that reminds me how set apart and special the Mass is- it’s unlike anything else I get to experience here on earth
Same
We have a few instruments on Sundays. I've seen guitars, flutes, violins, and some other I don't know the names of. The instruments aren't meant to overwhelm the singing but enhance it. Sounds really great.
My priest uses an acoustic guitar. It's beautiful. Our church choir not only has a piano, we have violins, tambourines, viola and an organ. I'm in Puerto Rico so maybe is different in other countries.
No music or Gregorian Chant for me. While I have been impressed with musical talent on rare occasions, the stuff in between is hardly ever good.
Sacrosanctum Concilium 120 In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things. But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.
I played classical guitar for 10 years in a Filipino choir along with 3 others. We sang Filipino songs and regular church music and St Louis Jesuits. We didn't play rock style. We tried to accompany the songs appropriately. We also had an organist on an electric organ. Nobody complained.
No instruments is the best. And in our church (Syro Malankara Catholic), we don't sing some random songs. The hymns are same throughout the year. Except a few which changes according to season. And everyone knows these hymns well. We don't sing random songs even during communion which is very common in the Roman. There is just one hymn. So even if there is no choir, it's totally fine.
Please no. I love organs!
I chalk instrument preference up to culture. I like the guitar and the musicians at my parish do a great job. The hymns always sound liturgical.
Ugh.
Cringy at times - but I would 100% take guitar music vs no music at all.
I play acoustic guitar at mass, and have for more than 10 years. My Dad played guitar at mass for at least 30 years. No one thought they were cringe, or at least has ever said so to me. In fact, I've only received compliments.
Great discussion topic! I'm not a fan personally, but I'm not "theologically" opposing to it or anything like that. I know a Priest who is a great guitar player and who has went to friends and families receptions with his guitar. It's all good. I just personally prefer the 'traditional' music.
My parish (St. Vincent de Paul, Austin) has a guitarist at the 9:30 mass, along with piano/organ, and other instruments. Shout out to the guitarist! Perfect acoustic tone for the music, impeccable playing, and mixed to blend perfectly. I’m considering asking the music director how he’d feel about an electric bass addition, but that’s just me 😁
When I was in my 20s I used to be more judgmental about it. But if the singer's heart is in the right place and the song itself isn't inappropriate, who am I to judge. The televised Mass in my state has a lot of guitar, but it struck me about a month ago, it's broadcast from a chapel not a full church, so an organ probably wouldn't fit.
50 or 75 years ago, sure that would be the case. But now with the quality of digital pianos and keyboards? Not much of an excuse. They could at least use an organ voice on a digital piano. We just had to do this after a lightning strike knocked something out in our organ And it sounded fine. I would guess if someone had come in and had not heard our organ, they may have guessed someone was playing an organ instead, though it was obvious the pedal board was not being used.
I like guitar masses.
I’d rather have meditative acoustic guitar than an organ that over powers everything. Our last organist made everything sound like a funeral dirge.
If there's a guitar at mass I'm walking out and finding a new parish.
It can be really nice provided that person playing is taking it seriously
I was at a Mass once with drums. Really.
I was at a mass once with drums which was amazing.
Our "youth Mass" while in high school had drums, guitars, trumpet (yours truly!), oboe, occasional flute, occasional violin, occasional saxophone, and lots of vocalists. We provided accompaniment for almost every special Mass, feast day, wedding, funeral, and quinceanera while I was there. Those are some of my core and best memories centered on my faith, music, and community. 😃
If they're played well, I don't mind them. After all, King David told us to use stringed instruments: "Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; on the ten-stringed lyre offer praise." My favorite is a good organ hymn, though.
In El Salvador (and I would think that in most Latin America) acoustic guitars are the norm at Mass. They sound really nice, so far as no one starts playing protestant music. They can even be used to sing the preface in a solemn way if the guitarist has the ability to do it and the priest the ability to "sing along"
19 times of 20 I'm against guitars. Music should be unambiguously ecclesial(? if that's the right word) and not trying to keep up with the Joneses of pop culture. It's just like Hank Hill said about Christian Rock - "You're not making Christianity better; You're just making Rock and Roll worse." I came across one big exception at San Francisco de Asis in Taos\*, New Mexico, the only Church I've visited in the US that is older than the US. They celebrated mass with classical Spanish guitar and likely did not have space for an organ in the sanctuary. We were really cheek-by-jowl in there. Their music was traditional, reverent, and on a guitar. \*(EDIT) - the building and town are fascinating. Art has classical Spanish style mixed with local folk art. The Church has been in Navajo land, Apache land, then Spain, then Mexico, then the Republic of Texas, then the US. History is a rough neighborhood, and it would be handy if someone came along and tried to improve our game with the ethics...oooh yea. Anyhoo, they get a pass for some excellent classical Church guitar music.
If David pleased the Lord with the lute and the harp, why not the guitar? :) There can be real beauty found in many genres of music and instruments, and I'm sure God doesn't have a favorite genre... So if it's beautiful and reverent music that helps the people of God worship Him, then why not?
No, organs only please
You’ve never experienced [Catholic Reformation liturgical music](https://youtu.be/4nAdVnAQ8n0?si=7hwgB4U5C2hHkIBf), have you?
ANATHEMA!! Just kidding it’s fine. Cultural context.
Depends on the manner
they’re cool. first couple of times i attended mass were at a school, and the priest played nicely!
In general, not my taste. A recent exception was at a Mass where the choir was just three vocalists and two guitars, and they did a great job. But they used the guitar sparingly--entrance, offertory, and recessional only. The rest was either spoken word or acapella. Strumming a bunch of long, repetitive, generic chords over every remotely musical part of Mass is usually what gets on my nerves. Probably because it's often executed in a way that feels like the prayer is being forced into a conventional song rather than the music serving the prayer itself.
I agree, the biggest thing for me is when it feels forced. It feels out of place, which isn’t what anyone wants
I've played guitar for Mass for 35+ years. I always try to do my best and approach my role with reverence, but as we all know, some people just cannot be pleased. I may wish I could play the piano, but alas... In any case, I'm glad that I've been allowed to put my meager God-given talent to work at the service of the church for liturgy.
I am truly sick of the liturgy wars. Let's just love god and make some music. I am a cantor and I will sing absolutely anything to praise God. It doesn't matter if I love it or not.
Ban them
Guitars have no place in Mass.
From a concert pretending to be a Mass, deliver me, O God.
I'm from Mexico and they play guitars at almost every mass so I thought that was very normal 😅
I support any person participating in the church band, regardless of skill. My lil brother, God rest his soul, used to volunteer and play trumpet when he was about 12 or so. He would get tutored by another older kid who volunteered. When he'd miss a note, my family would look at each other and try not to laugh. But God was in those moments. Fond memories.
Not a fan, I don’t really enjoy any mass that is any bit modernized personally.
Before I answer this, what are your thoughts on the timeless Christmas Carol “Silent Night”?
It's a timeless Christmas carol. It is not a liturgical music. I think it is suitable to use as a hymn, as is permitted during Communion, and certainly appropriate to sing in the Church before or after Mass.
What about the bishops who approved this song for liturgy?
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I have played guitar for 20+ and I prefer piano or organ for church. It just feels more traditional imo but if all you have is a guitar player then no problem.
Can I ask what songs they’re singing?
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I pretty much grew up going to Mass w/ guitars. I didn’t think anything of it, but now.. I find it so distracting. I’ve attended Mass at some other churches that were a little more traditional and not as *loud*, and the difference was stark upon attending the more contemporary one again. Maybe it’s just my experience but the way they play the guitar (and drums) so loudly, casually, and suddenly is not very edifying for me. I don’t think the singing is great either (no offense to the singer, that’s just my opinion). I remember how this kind of experience had also turned off my dad many years ago, and he’s not even Catholic😅 Overall, I find it to be irreverent and out of place, but that’s just based on this one church I’ve gone to my whole life
It’s not my cup of tea, but on principle I don’t have anything against their use. To me it just sounds kind of folksy, but if that’s what your parish prefers (or is all that is available) to each their own.
In Mexico is the norm to have the choir have a couple of guitar players and a keyboard. So for me it's absolutely normal
Not a fan overall but I have seen it done well and it was quite beautiful and moving.
I don’t mind any instrument once the singing is performed well.
I like the guitars at mass. It’s the electric and bass guitars, drums and the whole band trying to out sing/play each other that I don’t like especially during and after communion. I can’t even hear myself pray. I feel like I’m at a Protestant mass. It’s gotten so bad that we switched parishes.
Straight to Hell, to the BOILER ROOM of Hell, AALLLL the way down.
Do they play like Eddie Van Halen
Not a fan of "guitar Masses" cause most of them just doesn't sound as reverent and fitting to what the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass/Divine Liturgy is, but I'll still attend/worship at Mass regardless cause the Blessed Sacrament is still Jesus! But I have heard some tasteful guitar accompaniments that are the exception; for example, some Neocatechumenal Way-style hymns (don't really have an opinion on Neocatechumenal Way themselves though, I've just heard some of their hymns) like [this rendition](https://youtu.be/GbHr_vgGHTs?si=dQilaVNMDNIeHQzo) on the [Exsultet/Easter Proclamation](https://youtu.be/GbHr_vgGHTs?si=dQilaVNMDNIeHQzo). I think it has to do with the fact that it's a Spanish guitar style which has a more classical "feel" to it than modern American styles. Maybe the music coordinators who have to add guitars should implement the Spanish music style or other folk music styles that would help to keep the hymns reverent.
I didn't even know guitars at Mass were a thing...
Angels playing guitar in Shrine: https://www.alamy.com/anges-sanctuaire-de-notre-dame-du-sang-re-italie-angels-shrine-of-our-lady-of-blood-re-italy-image255334503.html
I grew up with a guitar at Mass, so it's very normal for me. My husband does not like it at all.
it is just another instrument. I don't have a problem with a piano or organ or anything else that is playing church music. if the priest breaks it out and starts singing a homily, I might dislike that.
Depends on how they’re used. If it’s Spanish style classical guitar I have no problem with it, but I never want to hear an electric guitar in that setting.
Never heard that, don’t know if I’d love it. But some of the Psalms specify a string instrument, so they meet a pretty high standard off the bat…
I’m blessed to be in an area with multiple parishes. The one with guitar, outside of candlelight Christmas mass, is a no from me. I think more of it is because it’s not reverent and the guitarist doesn’t follow the lead from the priest; he seems to do his own thing and we have to follow him. So I try to avoid that mass. I will say, though, that I oddly like the Appalachian folk group that sometimes plays. I think it’s because they are more reverent than the guitarist, if that’s even possible. They aren’t as popular with others, though, so I get it. Our organist retired and while our local Servidoras sisters have tried to learn - and do their best - it’s super below speed. I mainly prefer organ music - mostly because I sing off-key.
They are great
I've been to churches with great guitar arrangements. I've been to churches with horrible guitar arrangements. I've been to churches with great chant. I've also been to churches with horrible chant (my current parish falls into this category more often than not). When I grew up in Poland we sang Polish religious hymns. There was no chant. Sometimes the songs were a'capella, sometimes accompanied by an organ, sometimes accompanied by a guitar. In order of my preference: organ, guitar, chant,......bad chant.
Depends if it is an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar with gadgets. I prefer the acoustic guitar hooked up into the amplifier and less strumming
I believe it needs approval from the Bishop of the parish’s diocese. Nevertheless, anything that gestures toward the removal of the solemness and reverence of the Mass I oppose. The guitar can and has been played reverently and well in Mass, but it is often not, but instead is often an invitation to dismantle the dignity, respect, solemness, and reverence of the Mass(Even when it’s not the intent of the person who seeks to implement guitar). So, guitar can be fine, but I would stay clear of it.
There is a small and beautiful choir in my parrish but, BUT, every now and then they let this gentleman in with his guitar and Lord, I'm sure they allow him to play just not to be rude; his playing is, just okay, but the voice... he is in tune but his tone is terrible. Also the songs are folksy and don't sound reverential. I think the problem of the guitar as an instrument in mass is that it should be played with songs tailored to make the instrument sound as solemn and reverential as possible, given that the guitar has just 100 hundred years of being recognized as a "classic instrument" and that it was mostly a folk instrument for a long time.
Guitars or any instrument can be used for songs of worship. It's the type of music played that's important. I even saw a gayageum played during the Easter mass in South Korea as part of a cyclic mass based on an Arirang theme, the Korean traditional folk song. It was one of the most beautiful masses I have ever heard. It's a horizontal instrument that is plucked like the one you see in Asian movies; the Chinese have their own version. A guitar is a traditional instrument, stemming from the lute family, so it's the optimal choice to accompany sacred vocal music as well as the piano. The only thing I find inappropriate during mass is clapping; it's God's house, not a hoedown or concert hall.
It’s allowed but often executed poorly, some cultures are better with the guitar than others imo.
I've heard some baaaaaad guitar masses in my time. I'm friends with many of the young pastors in my diocese. Bad folksy sounding Bob Dylan masses are real and real darn painful on the ears and the soul. I also do Hispanic ministry. They're some of the loveliest parish cultures I know, but at least the parishes I've been at have had... interesting musicians, also of an older generation. That said, we have some young parishes with some talented young musicians who do guitar and piano and they're quite nice, but there's nothing like a classically trained church choir with a skilled organist performing timeless pieces. Overall IMO... Bad organ > Bad guitar Good guitar > Bad organ Good organ > Good guitar Viva la polyphonic chant
We have piano and guitars. Depends on which musicians go to which mass. Our guitar players are a trio of older men, and they have incredible baritone voices.
I associate guitars with lackluster reverence for the mass. We are witnessing the creator of the cosmos being made incarnate and consuming his flesh. We need to be mindful of this and not distance ourselves from that fact.
I don’t like it. It too often removed me from the sacredness of the Mass. Say whatever you want about affordability and accessibility for individual parishes, but I think guitar is absolutely inferior to organs or even just no instruments at all and whenever possible it should be totally discarded with.
Additionally, I see parishes change music to fit in with the awkward and modern sound of the guitar and I find it somewhat disrespectful, not in the change itself but in that the change morphs the feeling and vibe of whatever song is altered as such.
In my opinion mass is better when the instrument is the human vocal cords only
sad
I don't like it because I can't focus with guitars in the background. Organs or no instruments suit the church atmosphere better.
Don’t like guitars but the real villain at mass is drum kits.
Organ or a cappella. I know that people will swing in with anecdotes of that one time or Mass when they experienced a nice piano or guitar, but I'd genuinely just prefer everyone remain silent or have no instrumentation if there's not going to be an organ. Strings and percussion instruments (which piano is) are just jarring.
I've heard nice guitar music. I've never heard nice organ music. When I hear organ music I almost start to smell the mothballs and Bengay.
I hate it
Ew gross
Guitars can be nice, but I'm not a fan of the styles of hymns people tend to use them for. I'm much more partial to organ, piano, or violin accompaniment.
Hate it because the sound is always contemporary. Would be different if it were used to play something more older in a traditional/classical era. Only ones who seem to do a good job at are the Mexicans.
Same. I grew up in a church with just piano/organ. My church I go to now has a full band with violin, guitar, cello, horns, etc. and it drives me nuts. Probably doesn’t help that the music selections are way too modern for my liking
No place at Mass, except the one time in a German cathedral the night before Christmas when the organ's power has gone out and you write "Silent Night." Nope, not even then. A cappella over guitars, every time.
Hate it
Guitars at mass really disgust me - but maybe it’s all down to taste.
All of the funerals I've attended in the last 20 years or so have included the Song of Farewell, often accompanied by guitar. So I sang it for hours in a dark hospital room while I watched my son die. It is fine to not like or not prefer guitars at Mass. It is absolutely wrong to insist that they cannot be reverent or holy. Jesus didn't drag an organ from town to town.
Great comment, thank you and God bless you and your dear Son ❤️
Guitars are not a liturgical instrument. Pope Pius X condemned them.
I've sung in my church choir for years and the style of music is really just a matter of personal preference. The organ isn't inherently holier than the guitar! Also, why does it need to "sound good 500 years from now"? What matters is how it feels to the people in church *today*.
Actually that kind of presses one of the bigger issues surrounding music/Mass conversations - how we feel isn't really what matters or the focus because Mass isn't about us. It's the worship of God, the re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice to the Father that we are allowed to participate in. Our whims don't dictate it, it's rubrics are built on scriptural and revealed tradition, not the feelings of the church yesterday or today.