Guitarmann

"King of Kings" by Hillsong Worship is a very poetic worship song that has an anthem-like chorus "praise the Father, praise the Son; praise the Spirit, three in one." Many of the chords share a measure; however, because the song is fairly slow, it's not too hard to switch between chords. One interesting twist in the chords is that the 1/3 chord is replaced with a 6m chord on the 3rd verse. Because the song repeats the verse and chord structure quite a bit, this substitution chords helps keep the verse interesting and not too redundant. Also, there are a few chords that have only 2 beats, and the time technically switches to 2/4 time just for those beats. Here are the exact chords; try them out!

"Way Maker" by Leeland (and performed by Passion, Kari Jobe, Josh Baldwin, Krisitan Stanfill, and others) is a popular worship song built around a 4 chord progression that repeats throughout the entire song. As you begin to learn Nashville Numbers, you can see why this particular pattern (4, 1, 5, 6m) works especially well for a progression that is repeated often. Because the 1 is always in the middle of the progression, it never resolves. It is a continuous "open loop," which makes room for a melody to be repeated over top. Check out the charts and see for yourself! 

This is my acoustic cover of Stand in Your Love. Notice how the medium to slow pace along with the timing of the chord changes creates an interesting groove.

"Raise a Hallelujah" by Bethel (Jonathan and Melissa Helser) is a powerful song with alternating male and female lead vocals. The chord progression follows a few simple progressions and is a medium-paced song. Although the original key is Db, you can play capo 1 using the C chord family. If you want to get better at the key of C, this is a great song to get started. Check out the charts!

Check out the description of chords used in the lesson, followed by a FULL play-through of the song with chords, so you can follow along!

This is my cover of "Raise a Hallelujah" that shows how to use the G chord family to play the song. Even though the original key is in Db, the cover is in the key of B (capo 4 with G chords).   

This Phil Wickham song is a fantastic Easter song but can, of course, be used for any worship service. The song begins with the lyrics "how great the chasm that stands between us" and then moves toward redemptive lyrics, such as "Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free." Check out the charts is multiple keys. 

Check out this lesson preview which covers how to complement a song in the key of C, using an electric guitar. These alternate open chords are the perfect addition to a rhythm guitar and are pretty simple to play.

This lesson covers how to complement a song in the key of C, using an electric guitar. These alternate open chords are the perfect addition to a rhythm guitar and are pretty simple to play.

Take a free sneak peak at a member's only lesson that explains why I do something that might seem odd at first. I know it sounds crazy, but I use my thumb to play the bass note of a G chord. It's an odd habit I've developed over the years; however it has actually helped me add some unique texture to the common G chord. This uncommon tip will make you a better guitar player!

I know it sounds crazy, but I use my thumb to play the bass note of a G chord. It's an odd habit I've developed over the years; however it has actually helped me add some unique texture to the common G chord. This uncommon tip will make you a better guitar player!

Watch Stephen perform his rendition of Silent Night on guitar. Christmas is coming!

Christmas is right around the corner, so what better time to check out a lot of Christmas charts. You can download lots of free charts, including Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, O Holy Night, and several other classic carols. 

This Crowder song is a straight ahead song that can be played with either a picking pattern or a strum pattern. Check out the charts in multiple keys, and slide your capo to easily transpose to your desired key.

"Come As You Are" by Crowder is a great response song or call to worship song that has a little bit of a folksy sound. It's in 6/8 timing which gives it a unique twist from most worship songs. This is a great one for acoustic, and you'll see how you can work in the intro lick with just guitar.