As a worship leader or just someone who loves to sing and play music, there’s always that one song that touches our hearts more than anything else. And in the realm of Christian worship music, “How Great Is Our God” stands out as a favorite among many. Its simple yet powerful message resonates deeply with believers all around the world.
But what if you’re new to playing songs on guitar or keyboard? Or what if you’ve been playing for a while but can’t quite get those chord progressions right?
If you’re looking to learn how to play “How Great Is Our God” with chords, look no further! This article will provide everything you need to know in order to play this iconic worship song with ease and confidence.
With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and even an instructional video, we’ll guide you through all the necessary chords and strumming patterns to have you singing and playing along in no time.
So whether you’re learning this song for personal practice or to lead others in worship, join us as we explore the beauty and simplicity of “How Great Is Our God” with chords!
Discover the Chords Used in “How Great Is Our God”
“How Great Is Our God” is a powerful and popular worship song that has been sung by millions of people all around the world. If you are new to playing this song on an instrument, it can be helpful to know what chords are used in the song so that you can play along confidently. In this blog post, we’ll explore the major, minor, 7th, suspended, and add chords used in “How Great Is Our God.”
Major Chords Used in the Song
The majority of the chords used in “How Great Is Our God” are major chords. Major chords sound bright and happy, making them perfect for upbeat songs like this one. The following major chords are used throughout the song:
- G (G, B, D)
- D (D, F#, A)
- Em (E, G, B)
- C (C, E, G)
These four chords – G, D, Em, and C – make up the main progression of “How Great Is Our God.” They are played in a specific order, which repeats itself throughout most of the song. Knowing these chords will allow you to play along with the song and contribute to the overall sound.
Minor Chords Used in the Song
In addition to major chords, “How Great Is Our God” also features some minor chords. Minor chords have a more emotional and melancholy feel than major chords, and they are often used to create tension in music. In this song, there are two minor chords that appear briefly:
- Bm (B, D, F#)
- Am (A, C, E)
These two chords only appear in the bridge section of “How Great Is Our God.” They are used to create contrast with the brighter major chords and add an extra layer of emotion to the song.
7th Chords Used in the Song
Another type of chord used in “How Great Is Our God” is the 7th chord. These chords feature an added note that creates tension and interest in the music. In this song, there are two 7th chords that appear:
- G7 (G, B, D, F)
- Cadd9 (C, E, G, D)
The G7 chord appears briefly at the end of the chorus, while the Cadd9 chord is used to transition between sections in the song’s final moments.
Suspended and Add Chords Used in the Song
Finally, there are a few suspended and add chords used in “How Great Is Our God.” Suspended chords replace the third of a chord with either the second or fourth note of the scale, creating a unique sound. Add chords feature an additional note beyond the basic triad. The following suspended and add chords are used in the song:
- Dsus (D, G, A)
- G/B (B, G, D)
- C2 (C, D, E, G)
These chords are used sparingly throughout the song, but they help to create variety and interest in the overall musical arrangement. By incorporating these chords into your playing, you’ll be able to elevate the sound of the song and contribute something special to the worship experience.
Master the Rhythm and Strumming Pattern of the Song
If you are looking to play “How Great Is Our God” with chords, it is crucial to master the rhythm and strumming patterns of the song. Here are some essential tips to get you started:
Identifying the Song’s Time Signature
The first step towards mastering the rhythm of any song is identifying its time signature. “How Great Is Our God” is in a 4/4 time signature, which means there are four beats per measure. Once you have identified the time signature, tap your foot along with the beat to internalize the rhythm.
Strumming Patterns Used in the Song
The strumming pattern used in “How Great Is Our God” involves a combination of upstrokes and downstrokes. Start by practicing the basic pattern: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down. This pattern repeats throughout most of the song. Remember to keep a steady pace while playing and create an even balance between the downstrokes and upstrokes.
Alternating Bass Notes and Fingerpicking
You can also incorporate alternating bass notes and fingerpicking into your rendition of “How Great Is Our God”. For instance, when playing chord G, use your thumb to pluck the low E string followed by a standard strumming pattern using your fingers on the top strings. This will add another layer of complexity and depth to your performance and helps break the monotony of sticking to one specific strumming pattern all through the song.
Adding Dynamics and Emphasis to the Song
An integral part of playing “How Great Is Our God” with chords is adding dynamic changes that emphasize the song’s message and theme. You can achieve this by playing softer during the verses of the song and picking up the strumming intensity during the chorus section, giving it more power and energy. This shift in dynamics enables you to tell a story with your instrument, thus conveying the song’s emotion to your audience.
“Rhythm is everything in music.” – Louis Armstrong
By mastering the rhythm and strumming patterns of “How Great Is Our God,” you are one step closer to creating an excellent performance that captivates and moves your listeners. Remember to keep practicing consistently while experimenting with different dynamics and strumming styles until you feel confident enough to show off your skills.
Learn How to Transition Between Chords Smoothly
Understanding the Importance of Smooth Transitions
If you want to learn how to play “How Great Is Our God” with chords, then it is essential that you understand the importance of smooth transitions between chords. A good chord progression can turn a simple melody into a powerful song, but this potential will be limited if you do not know how to transition smoothly from one chord to another.
Smooth transitions are crucial for creating a sense of flow and continuity in your music. They help avoid jarring interruptions or abrupt changes in the song’s rhythm, which could ruin the listener’s experience. Through practice, you can attain more fluidity and consistency in your playing, giving your music a professional touch.
Practicing Common Chord Progressions
- I, IV, V Progression: One of the most common chord progressions in western music is I (the tonic), IV (subdominant) and V (dominant). This three-chord combination is used extensively in gospel music and country blues songs including “How great is our God.” Play around with these triads by finding different octaves on your guitar, piano or any other musical instrument.
- Em, C, G, D: This four-chord series has become increasingly popular due to its use in both modern worship songs and secular pop hits such as “Viva La Vida”. For “How Great is Our God”, these same chords apply in the instrumental interludes and bridge. To perfect the transitioning between these chords, repeat them at various tempos and experiment with finger picking patterns.
- Blues Progression: The blues genre typically uses a twelve-bar chord sequence to create its timeless sound. Play around with this simplified blues progression: G – G – G – G7 – C7 – G – G7 – D7 – C7 – G – D7.
One effective technique for practicing your chord transitions is the metronome method. Start by playing one chord in rhythm, then switch to another chord on the next beat. Gradually increase the tempo over time as you become more comfortable transitioning between the chords. Try breaking down each song into small parts and practice those transitions before putting them all together. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; everyone has struggled with transitioning between chords at some point in their musical journey, even professional players.
“Music is the divine way of telling beautiful poetic things to the heart.”- Pablo Casals
In conclusion, learning how to transition smoothly between chords is an integral part of mastering any song, especially “How Great Is Our God” with chords. It’s essential to understand why smooth transitions are necessary and continually practice common progressions using different techniques. By doing so, you will elevate your music-making skills and provide your listeners with better listening experiences. Keep up the practice, and may your music always glorify our Creator!
Watch Video Tutorials and Follow Along with Expert Instructors
If you’re looking to learn how to play the popular worship song “How Great Is Our God” with chords, video tutorials can be an excellent resource. By watching instructors who are experts in playing guitars and other instruments, you can improve your skills fast without leaving your home.
The best part about learning from video tutorials is that you can pause, rewind, and replay when necessary until you get it right. You may not have this opportunity when learning in-person from a music teacher. It’s also great for those who learn better through a visual representation of instructions.
You can find many online resources where video tutorials on “How Great is Our God” with chords are available. Some sites offer free courses while others require a subscription. Look for something that works within your budget so that you don’t overspend. Don’t forget; practice makes perfect!
Breaking Down the Song Step-by-Step
If you want to learn “How Great is Our God” thoroughly, breaking down the song step-by-step is essential. This method allows you to focus on each memory piece of the tune, including the melody, chords, and rhythms, at its various points. It enables you to stripe complicated parts into easy steps, giving you time to master them before moving forward.
A quality step-by-step guide should define every aspect related to the song alongside broken-down fragments as you progress. Breaking down the song will allow you to concentrate more intently on the individual elements and help avoid becoming overwhelmed or confused.
Tips and Tricks from Experienced Musicians
In addition to offering a structured approach for learning the song, some guitar teachers go further to include tips and tricks gained through years of experience. These hacks help simplify the learning process, making it more accessible to those who may be struggling.
From choosing the right strings and adjusting your grip to improvising with different chord structures, expert musicians can help you elevate your skills faster.
“Playing guitar is just like any other skill – you have to practice – 30 minutes a day, six days a week.” – Mark Tremonti
Learning Different Versions and Arrangements of the Song
If you are looking for inspiration or want to spice up the original song’s arrangement “How Great Is Our God,” then learning alternative versions is essential. By doing this, you get greater exposure to varying rhythms, playing styles, and new chords. This way, you become a more versatile musician, capable of improvising and jamming along with other guitarists.
You can explore different variations, such as rock, pop, metal, blues, jazz, and classical arrangements. With multiple choices available online, there’s never going to be an end to creativity.
Improvising and Adding Your Own Style to the Song
Improvisation allows you to spontaneously create something unique while still maintaining some elements from the original melody, rhythm, and chords. You could experiment with various genres by incorporating different techniques into your playlist. For instance, you might decide to play fingerstyle instead or use strumming patterns that match your current level.
Apart from adding a touch of individuality to the song, improvisation helps boost confidence when performing in front of others. It builds comfort levels within the player as they come up with fresh ideas when playing. Remember, one of the beautiful things about music is that anyone can add their own elements, providing them complete freedom and flexibility.
“The biggest challenge I always have is being authentic. When playing any style of music, it’s most important to be true to yourself and your personality. You can’t play a kind of laid-back thing if you’re not a pretty chilled out person.” – John Mayer
Aspiring worship musicians understand the joy and fulfillment that arises from playing music for God. However, practicing on your own could become monotonous over time. Participating in a community of like-minded individuals would keep you motivated and improve your skills along the way.
If you’re wondering how great is our God with chords, joining a music community could help you unravel the secret to building an impressive instrumental skillset. A group of passionate worship musicians would enable you to get better at playing instruments, singing, and even writing songs.
Connecting with Other Musicians
One perk of being part of a music community is having access to a network of other musicians who share similar aspirations. Interacting with others through joint rehearsals or virtual practice sessions would allow you to try out new ideas, instantly receive feedback, and grow as a musician. This collaborative atmosphere enables each member to learn from different experiences, skills, and diverse styles of gospel music.
The shared love of music also provides many opportunities to develop friendships outside of regular practices, whether it’s socializing before and after rehearsals or bonding over common experiences such as trying to figure out how great is our God with chords. These connections often lead to mutual support, which is invaluable when facing personal challenges and can ultimately lead to meaningful relationships that last beyond any particular music project or team.
Sharing Tips and Advice
An additional benefit of joining a music community is the chance to engage in knowledge sharing. Being around other talented musicians allows you to learn about various approaches to technique and creative expression. Moreover, more experienced members are willing to mentor and guide newcomers based on their experience. Exploring new concepts and asking questions in real-time can expedite the learning process without getting stuck on any particular aspect of playing.
In addition to learning from others, you can also teach what you know. Helping your peers develop their skills is not only rewarding but also reinforces your own understanding of the concepts teaching. Sharing your experiences and challenges with other musicians who understand and appreciate them may encourage them and save them some struggles. You never know how many people could inspire by providing essential fretboard charts for those still warming up to figure out how great is our God with chords or sharing simple yet powerful strumming patterns that shake soul like no other.
Final Thoughts
“Music brings a warm glow to my vision, thawing mind and muscle from their endless wintering.” -Haruki Murakami
Playing music is much more than executing notes on an instrument accurately. It’s about expressing emotions through sound and being in harmony- both metaphorically and literally- with oneself and others. Joining a community of worship musicians provides ample opportunities to get better at this art form while enjoying the camaraderie and support of fellow believers. Remember; there are always new rhythms, styles, lyrics, and even puzzles like figuring out how great is our God with chords to uncover, which makes the journey all the more exciting – one step at a time.