What is an instrumental section of a worship song?

An instrumental is a section with no vocals and can include a solo depending on the song, style, and worship team.

The instrumental gives the congregation space — a moment to reflect, respond internally, or simply be in the moment before the next lyric arrives. In worship, this section often functions as a breath between high-intensity sections rather than a showcase for sweeping arpeggio solos.

On a chord chart or Planning Center layout, you'll see this section labeled as "Instrumental," "Interlude," "Solo," or occasionally just "INST." On Praise Charts, it may be labeled as a "Turn" between sections. All of these mean the same thing: no vocals but the band keeps playing.

What to play

The chord progression during an instrumental is almost always the same as the chorus or the preceding section, but the chord chart will indicate which. You're almost always playing a familiar chord progression without a vocals on top.

Your role depends on your band context:

• If there's a designated soloist (electric guitar, keys, etc.): Play supportively. The rhythm section exists to frame the solo as icing on the cake, not compete with it.
• If there's no soloist: The rhythm section carries the instrumental section together. Maintain the energy of the previous section without overcrowding. This is a moment for the room to settle due to the lack of vocals but not relax like a verse.
• If you're playing solo (no full band): Continue the energy, strumming pattern, and feel of the prior section.

What to watch for

This section may be skipped. If the worship leader senses the room is ready to move on, the instrumental may be shortened or skipped entirely. Watch the worship leader leading up to, and through this section.

Don't treat it as a break. The band is still playing. This isn't the time to get distracted. The congregation is still engaged even without lyrics.

The chord chart may just say "intro chords" or "verse chords." If no specific chords are given for the instrumental, play whatever came before it using the same feel.

Related glossary terms

• Bridge - often played around an instrumental section
• Vamp - an open-ended repeated progression sometimes used during instrumental moments
• Outro - the closing section that sometimes functions as an abbreviated instrumental
• Song sections overview