Worship Song Transitions: Don't Pop the Balloon
You just spent the last 3-5 minutes singing a song and building energy and engagement - don’t pop the balloon and let all the air out.
There are very few things more uncomfortable in worship than awkward transitions between songs. All the momentum and engagement you just worked so hard to build can evaporate right before your eyes in a matter of seconds. Then you have to start all over again from square one. It's like trying to climb a mountain covered in Crisco - you just keep slipping back to the bottom.
Be Intentional
Great transitions don't happen by accident.
They require a gameplan. Think about it musically, but also lyrically and spiritually - what are we singing about now, what are we singing about next, and what is our destination.
Maintain the Energy
The key is to not lose energy and keep people engaged. You just spent the last 3-5 minutes singing a song and building energy and engagement - don’t pop the balloon and let all the air out.
Know Your Toolbox
You have several tools at your disposal to nail your transitions. Chording instruments, rhythmic instruments, exhortation, and space.
Melodic/Chording Instruments
Guitars and keyboards are a great tool for transitioning from one song to the next. Often there can be a musical interlude that you can create to bridge the gap. Even when changing keys there’s almost always a way to get from one key to another using common chords - what chords do the different keys have in common. If none - do they have another key that has a common chord that we can pass through?
A musical swell on the last chord of the previous song that rings right through into the first chord of the next song (especially if it’s a common or close key change)
A simple keyboard pad goes a long way - even if it’s a weird key change. Because of the way pads are they smoothly transition from chord to chord with overlap.
Key Change Transitions
You can use either the 4th or 5th of the previous key (knowing Nashville Number System really helps!). Transitions from keys like D to G or A can be made to sound seamless by using common chords found in both keys. For example when moving from the key of D to the key of G - the G chord is the 4 chord in the key of D so you can simply move to the G chord to establish the new key.
For more complex key change transitions you can still use common shared chords, but you may have to be a little more creative and use a multi-chord progression to navigate the transition.
For example - moving from the key of G to the key of E. You could play a G chord followed by a D chord (the 5 chord in G), then play the A chord (it's in both the key of D and the key of E), then finally play an E chord and now you are in the key of E.
Super complex transitions are the ones where the keys are really close to each other - Like G to F#. You have to use more pass-through chords to get there but it’s possible.
Rhythmic Instruments
If the tempo is close to the same but the key is different you can use drums to fill the gap by keeping a simple pattern going or incorporating a creative fill. When in doubt 4 on the floor!! Even having the drums ring out a cymbal swell that rolls right into the next song helps carry the momentum forward.
Non-Musical Elements
Space isn't a bad thing (if it's intentional!). Don’t say something just to fill the awkward silence. I think of the kindergartener saying “I had a red bike when I was 6 years old” when the teacher asks a question. Think it through and make sure it connects to the moment and the goal.
Share a short scripture that bridges the gap while the band transitions. Consider what you've been singing about and what you will be singing about in the next song.
A quick (15-30 seconds max) exhortation can go a long way - “let’s lift our hands to Jesus as we begin this next song”. Even sharing a portion of the song lyrics that you are about to sing can help build engagement during the transition - "I love the words of this next song as it talks about the goodness of God and how His mercies are new every morning. Let's sing together."
Final Thoughts
As worship teams we spend much time rehearsing, learning, and practicing songs, but the truth is what happens in between the songs is just as important and can make or break a time of worship. Our goal as worship teams is to continuously lead people closer to Jesus. Minimizing distractions and smoothly fulfilling our role in partnership with the Holy Spirit helps accomplish this objective.