Welcome to our Beginner’s Guide to playing contemporary Christian guitar. If you are looking to learn how to play Christian worship songs, gospel hymns, or other CCM favorites on the guitar, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for a while, this guide will give you the tools and knowledge you need to take your guitar playing to the next level. You’ll learn about essential chords, strumming and picking techniques, and even how to play by ear.
So grab your guitar, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the world of contemporary Christian guitar together!
Table of Contents
Tips for Beginners to Get Started with Contemporary Christian Guitar
Learning how to play contemporary Christian guitar can be an enriching experience, but it can also be a daunting task for beginners. Here are some tips to help you get started on your journey:
Invest in a quality guitar
Before you start learning how to play contemporary Christian guitar, you need to invest in a good quality instrument. You don’t have to buy the most expensive guitar, but make sure it has a good sound quality and feels comfortable to play.
Start with the basics
Learning the basics is crucial for any beginner guitarist. Start by learning how to hold the guitar, how to tune it, and how to read guitar tablature. This will help you build a strong foundation and make learning more advanced techniques easier.
Practice regularly
One of the most important things when learning how to play contemporary Christian guitar is to practice regularly. Set aside some time each day to practice and try to stick to a schedule. This will help you build muscle memory and improve your playing skills faster.
Find a good teacher or online course
While it’s possible to learn how to play contemporary Christian guitar on your own, having a good teacher or online course can be very helpful. They can provide you with guidance, feedback, and help you learn new techniques and songs more effectively.
Choose the Right Guitar for Contemporary Christian Music
Consider Your Budget: You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great guitar for playing contemporary Christian music. Determine your budget and stick to it.
Choose the Right Body Type: The most common body types are dreadnought, concert, and jumbo. Consider which type of body will be the most comfortable for you to play.
Pick the Right Strings: Strings are a crucial component of the guitar’s sound. For contemporary Christian music, look for strings that are bright and project well, such as phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze.
Consider Your Playing Style: Are you a fingerpicker or a strummer? Do you need a guitar with a cutaway for easy access to the higher frets? Think about your playing style and choose a guitar that will accommodate it.
Choosing the right guitar for contemporary Christian music is essential to getting the sound you want. Take the time to research and try out different models to find the one that feels and sounds right for you.
Practice Consistently and Use Quality Learning Materials
Set a practice schedule: Consistency is key when it comes to learning how to play contemporary Christian guitar. Create a practice schedule that works for you and stick to it. Aim to practice at least 30 minutes a day to see progress.
Use quality learning materials: Learning from the right resources can make a big difference in your progress. Look for online courses, instructional videos, or guitar books specifically geared towards contemporary Christian music.
Break down songs: Rather than trying to play a full song from start to finish, break it down into smaller sections. Practice those sections until you have them down before moving on to the next part of the song.
Record and review your progress: Recording yourself playing can be a helpful way to track your progress and identify areas where you need to improve. Reviewing your recordings can also help you identify bad habits or mistakes you may be making.
Essential Chords Every Contemporary Christian Guitarist Should Know
If you’re just starting out on your journey to learn contemporary Christian guitar, you’re probably eager to start strumming your favorite songs. Before you get started, however, it’s important to have a solid foundation of chords under your belt. Here are some essential chords every contemporary Christian guitarist should know:
G Major: This is a great chord for beginners to start with because it’s simple and versatile. It’s used in countless contemporary Christian songs and can be played in multiple positions on the guitar.
C Major: Another important chord to learn is C major. This chord is used in many contemporary Christian songs and can be played in a variety of positions on the guitar.
D Major: D major is a popular chord used in contemporary Christian music. It has a bright, uplifting sound that makes it ideal for many worship songs.
G: This is a very common chord used in contemporary Christian music. Place your third finger on the third fret of the low E string, second finger on the second fret of the A string, and fourth finger on the third fret of the high E string.
C: This is another commonly used chord in contemporary Christian music. Place your third finger on the third fret of the A string, second finger on the second fret of the D string, and first finger on the first fret of the B string.
D: This is a popular chord used in a lot of contemporary Christian songs. Place your first finger on the second fret of the G string, third finger on the third fret of the B string, and second finger on the second fret of the high E string.
E minor: This is a minor chord that is commonly used in contemporary Christian music. Place your second finger on the second fret of the A string, third finger on the second fret of the D string, and strum all the strings.
A minor: This is another minor chord that is frequently used in contemporary Christian music. Place your first finger on the first fret of the B string, second finger on the second fret of the D string, and strum all the strings.
Once you have mastered these chords, you will be well on your way to playing many contemporary Christian songs on the guitar. Keep practicing and experimenting with different chord progressions to find what works best for you!
Barre Chords: F, B flat, E major, A major
Barre chords are an essential part of a guitarist’s toolkit. They can be challenging to play at first, but with practice, they will become second nature. The F chord is one of the most challenging barre chords to master, as it requires pressing down on all six strings with one finger. The B flat chord is another tricky one, as it requires barring across the first fret with your index finger. E major and A major barre chords are more straightforward but still require practice to play cleanly.
When playing barre chords, it’s important to make sure your finger is pressing down firmly and evenly across all strings. You can also try adjusting the position of your finger slightly to find the sweet spot where all the strings ring out clearly.
How to Strum and Pick Contemporary Christian Songs on the Guitar
Strumming and picking are two essential techniques for playing contemporary Christian songs on the guitar. Strumming involves moving your fingers across the strings in a rhythmic pattern to create chords, while picking involves plucking individual strings to create notes.
When strumming, it’s important to maintain a steady rhythm and avoid hitting any strings accidentally. Picking involves more precision and control over individual notes, so it’s important to practice each note carefully to ensure accuracy.
One helpful tip is to practice strumming and picking along with recordings of contemporary Christian songs. This can help you develop a better sense of rhythm and timing, and also give you an idea of how different strumming and picking patterns are used in different songs.
Start with Basic Downstrokes and Upstrokes
Learning to strum the guitar is an essential part of playing contemporary Christian music. The basic downstroke and upstroke patterns are a great place to start. Keep a steady rhythm by counting 1-2-3-4 and strumming down on each number. Then, add upstrokes on the “and” between each number.
Practice playing simple chords with this strumming pattern until you feel comfortable with the rhythm. Then, experiment with different patterns such as “down, down, up, up, down” or “down, up, down, up.”
Remember to keep your strumming arm relaxed and to strum from the wrist, not the elbow. This will help you develop speed and control over your strumming.
Vary strumming patterns: Experiment with different strumming patterns to add variety to your playing. Practice with a metronome to keep your timing consistent.
Use accents: Accenting certain beats or notes can add emphasis and create a more dynamic sound. Try accenting the first beat of each measure or the upstrokes for a different feel.
Explore fingerpicking: Fingerpicking is a popular technique in contemporary Christian music. Try using your fingers instead of a pick to create a softer, more intimate sound. Practice patterns such as Travis picking and arpeggios.
Don’t forget dynamics: Dynamics refer to the volume of your playing. Experiment with playing louder and softer to create contrast and emotion in your playing. Use a gradual increase or decrease in volume, known as a crescendo or decrescendo, for added effect.
Remember to start slow and gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable with the patterns and techniques. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own style!
Learn Fingerpicking Patterns: Fingerpicking involves plucking individual strings with your fingers instead of strumming with a pick. It’s a common technique used in contemporary Christian music. Start by practicing simple fingerpicking patterns using open chords like G, C, and D.
Hybrid Picking: Hybrid picking is a combination of fingerpicking and using a pick. This technique is useful for playing more complex rhythms and adding embellishments to your playing. It involves using the pick to play the bass notes and using your fingers to play the higher notes.
Incorporate Fingerstyle Arrangements: Fingerstyle arrangements involve using both hands to play the guitar, with the right hand playing the melody and the left hand playing the chords. This technique is often used for solo guitar arrangements of contemporary Christian songs.
Top Contemporary Christian Guitar Songs for Beginners to Learn
If you’re looking to practice your guitar skills while singing praises to God, here are some beginner-friendly contemporary Christian songs to add to your repertoire:
Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin
This song features simple chords and a catchy melody, making it a great starting point for beginners.
How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin
Another classic from Chris Tomlin, this song is a favorite in many churches and is recognizable to most listeners.
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Chris Tomlin
A modern take on a timeless classic, this version by Chris Tomlin adds a fresh perspective to a beloved hymn.
Our God by Chris Tomlin
A popular worship song with a simple, repetitive chorus and easy-to-learn chords.
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United
A beautiful ballad with a haunting melody and a powerful message, this song is sure to inspire and uplift.
Whether you’re playing in a worship band or just practicing at home, these songs are perfect for beginners looking to build their skills and share their faith through music.
“Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin
“Good Good Father” is a popular contemporary Christian song that is relatively easy to play on the guitar. The song uses basic chords such as G, C, and D, with a simple strumming pattern. It is a great song for beginners to learn and practice their strumming technique.
One tip for playing “Good Good Father” is to focus on keeping a steady rhythm while strumming. Start by practicing the chord changes slowly, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the song. Also, try experimenting with different strumming patterns to make the song your own.
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” is a popular worship song that features fingerpicking and strumming techniques. The song starts with a simple fingerpicking pattern and builds up with strumming in the chorus. The chords used in the song are mostly basic open chords, but there is a barre chord (B minor) in the bridge section. To make the song sound more interesting, try adding some accenting techniques and varying the strumming pattern.
The song has a slow tempo and a 6/8 time signature, which may take some practice to get used to. The lyrics are a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness and love, making it a great song for worship and reflection.
How to Play Contemporary Christian Guitar by Ear
If you want to learn to play contemporary Christian guitar by ear, the first thing you need to do is develop your ear training skills. This involves practicing listening to different chord progressions and identifying the chords being played.
Another important skill to develop is your fretboard knowledge. Knowing the notes on the fretboard and their locations will help you identify chords and melodies more easily.
It’s also important to listen to the song repeatedly until you are familiar with its structure and arrangement. This will help you identify the chords and progressions used in the song.
Try playing along with the song using your ear to identify the chords and progressions. This will help you improve your ear training and familiarize yourself with the song’s melody and rhythm.
Remember, learning to play contemporary Christian guitar by ear takes practice and patience. But with time and dedication, you can develop the skills necessary to play your favorite songs without relying on sheet music or tabs.
Develop a Good Ear for Music through Listening and Repetition
Listen to contemporary Christian songs and try to identify the chords being played. Pay attention to the melody, rhythm, and overall structure of the song.
Practice playing along with recordings of your favorite songs. Try to play along with the chords and rhythm of the song. This will help you to develop a sense of timing and musicality.
Experiment with different chord progressions and variations of songs you already know. This will help you to understand how different chords fit together and how they can be used to create different moods and emotions in a song.
Train your ear to recognize intervals by practicing identifying the distance between two notes. This will help you to identify chords and melodies more easily, and to play by ear with greater accuracy.
Practice playing by ear without looking at sheet music or chord charts. This will help you to develop your ability to hear a melody or chord progression and play it back on the guitar.
Practice Identifying Chords and Progressions by Ear
One of the most important skills to develop when learning to play contemporary Christian guitar by ear is the ability to identify chords and chord progressions.
To practice this skill, try listening to songs and identifying the chords being played. Start with simple songs that use basic chords and progressions. Then, gradually move on to more complex songs.
As you listen to a song, try to identify the root note of each chord and whether the chord is major, minor, or another type of chord. Pay attention to the pattern of chords and how they relate to each other within the progression.
You can also use resources such as chord charts and online ear training tools to help you practice identifying chords and progressions by ear. With practice, you will become more proficient at identifying chords and progressions and be able to apply this skill to learning and playing contemporary Christian guitar songs by ear.