Video 1 of 5 · Worship Guitar Effects
Start Here: Reverse Delay For Worship Guitar
Learn how to use reverse delay to add movement and atmosphere in worship songs without overplaying.
This is Part 1 of the Worship Guitar Effects Series. In this video, Chad Carouthers (Israel Houghton, Kari Jobe, Anberlin and more) shows you how modern worship guitarists use reverse delay to fill space, create interest, and serve the song… not just make "cool noises."
You'll see it used in real worship tracks, then learn how to dial it in on your own board.
In this video you'll learn
- Where reverse delay came from and how it's used in modern worship.
- How to set your mix knob so you still hear the original part and the effect at the same time.
- How reverse delay can turn a simple, slow part into a lush atmospheric texture (like in Kari Jobe's "Forever").
- How far you can push the mix (50%, 60%, 100%) and when each setting makes sense.
- A few practical pedal options to explore (Boss DD series, Empress, Strymon, etc.).
By the end of this video, you'll know exactly when to reach for reverse delay and how to keep it musical instead of messy.
Try this on your own board
After you watch the video, take 10--15 minutes and experiment:
- Set your reverse delay mix around 50% so you still clearly hear your dry part.
- Play a slow, simple line (like an intro or verse part) and listen to how the reverse repeats "ramp" into the next note.
- Try turning the mix up to 60--100% and notice when it starts to become more of a pad/texture than a guitar line.
- Pair it with a big reverb and hear how it turns into a pad-like sound you can use under intros and quiet sections.
The more you do this at home, the easier it will be to use reverse delay confidently on Sunday.
Fuzz For Big Moments
- How to use fuzz as your "second gear" when the worship leader wants more.
- When to kick it on (and when to leave it off) so you don't scare the whole team.
- How to stack fuzz with overdrive so your lead lines actually cut through the mix.
Want full worship guitar parts, not just effects?
If this series is helpful and you want to go further, Worship Online has step-by-step tutorials for hundreds of worship songs.
Inside the free trial, you'll get:
- Exact electric guitar parts as they're played on the albums.
- Visual walkthroughs, tabs, and multiple guitar parts (Guitar 1, Guitar 2, etc.).
- Mix controls so you can solo or highlight your part and hear how it fits with the band.
- Tone and effects notes so you know what to use on each song.
Try it free and use it on your next set. If it's not helpful, you can cancel anytime.