Since gospel music grew out of churches with little or no money, there were usually no instruments available. Thus, vocalization became the primary element of gospel music. Although contemporary gospel uses instruments the style is carried by the vocals. Harmonies are important but are basic so any worshiper can sing without formal vocal training. Gospel vocals were frequently sung a cappella, usually with more than one voice. There can be a soloist but the fundamental sound of gospel is that of many voices.
Gospel music Instruments created rhythm for the singers. Tambourines were common in early gospel choirs since they could be made by the congregation. Eventually other instruments came to back up the gospel choir. For churches with financial resources a pipe organ became the main backing instrument. More often a piano would suffice in place of an expensive organ. In the 20th century jazz and blues both grew out of the gospel tradition and influenced it so that trumpets, trombones and other brass instruments appeared in gospel music. Electric guitar and bass are also common in contemporary gospel music.
Since gospel music comes from the African American Christian churches, the content of the lyrics comes directly from biblical passages. The poverty within the African American communities in the Deep South dictated some of the choices in the lyrical content. Songs about surviving and overcoming oppression are the norm in gospel music. The concept of finding freedom through worshiping God in song is also a regular gospel theme.
Gospel music is easy to grasp and sing. Just as the harmonies are easy so anyone can sing them, the feeling behind the music is easily felt. Gospel music contains the emotions of ordinary people and ordinary voices as they worship. Gospel songs give testimony to religion, persuade listeners to join in the singing and worship and warns against the evils of the world. Gospel songs regularly use repeated choruses to generate the feelings of the singer.