Can you play “How Great Thou Art” with easy chords? Yes, absolutely! This guide will walk you through playing this beloved worship song on your instrument, making it accessible even for beginners. We’ll cover everything from the basic How Great Thou Art chords to simple strumming patterns, focusing on an easy chords arrangement that will have you playing along in no time. Whether you’re interested in How Great Thou Art piano or How Great Thou Art guitar chords, this resource is designed for you.
“How Great Thou Art” is a powerful hymn that resonates deeply with many, celebrating the majesty of creation and the love of God. Its timeless lyrics speak of awe and wonder, and learning to play it yourself can be a deeply rewarding experience. Many are drawn to its beautiful melody, and with this guide, you’ll soon be able to recreate that familiar tune and express your faith through music. We’ll explore how to play it in common keys, such as the popular How Great Thou Art key of G, and provide a straightforward How Great Thou Art strumming pattern to get you started. This isn’t just about learning chords; it’s about connecting with a piece of musical and spiritual history, as found in many a How Great Thou Art hymnal.
Embracing the Majesty: Learning “How Great Thou Art”
“How Great Thou Art” is more than just a song; it’s an expression of profound faith and appreciation for the divine. Its journey from a Swedish poem to a globally recognized hymn is a testament to its enduring power. Many have found solace and inspiration in its soaring melody and its heartfelt lyrics. Learning to play this worship song can be a beautiful way to connect with your spirituality and share your faith with others. This guide aims to demystify the process, offering easy chords and a clear path to playing.
A Brief History of a Timeless Hymn
Before we dive into the chords, it’s helpful to know a little about the song’s background. “How Great Thou Art” began as a poem written in German by Carl Boberg in 1885. Boberg was inspired by a walk through the Swedish countryside after a thunderstorm, marveling at the beauty of creation. He later translated his poem into Swedish. The lyrics were then translated into English by Håkan Blomqvist and later refined by M.E. Vesta. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the song gained widespread popularity, particularly after a recording by George Beverly Shea in the 1950s. Its inclusion in various How Great Thou Art hymnal collections cemented its status as a staple of Christian worship.
Fathoming the Core Chords
One of the reasons “How Great Thou Art” is so accessible is its relatively simple chord structure. While there can be many variations in a full How Great Thou Art arrangement, the core of the song relies on a few fundamental chords. We’ll focus on an easy chords version that allows beginners to get playing quickly.
Common Keys for “How Great Thou Art”
While “How Great Thou Art” can be played in many keys, some are more common and guitar or piano-friendly. We’ll focus on How Great Thou Art key of G, as it’s a very popular and comfortable key for many instruments.
- Key of G: This key uses chords like G, C, D, and Em. These are all basic open chords on the guitar and are easy to find on the piano.
Essential Chords in the Key of G
Here are the basic chords you’ll need for an easy How Great Thou Art arrangement in the key of G:
| Chord | Guitar Fingering (Standard Tuning) | Piano Chord |
|---|---|---|
| G | 320003 | G-B-D |
| C | x32010 | C-E-G |
| D | xx0232 | D-F#-A |
| Em | 022000 | E-G-B |
| Am | x02210 | A-C-E (Often used as a passing chord) |
Guitar Chord Diagrams (Key of G):
-
G Major:
- Low E string: 3rd fret
- A string: 2nd fret
- D string: Open
- G string: Open
- B string: Open
- High E string: 3rd fret
-
C Major:
- A string: 3rd fret
- D string: 2nd fret
- G string: Open
- B string: 1st fret
- High E string: Open
- (Low E string is typically muted or not played)
-
D Major:
- D string: Open
- G string: 2nd fret
- B string: 3rd fret
- High E string: 2nd fret
- (Low E and A strings are typically muted or not played)
-
E Minor:
- Low E string: Open
- A string: 2nd fret
- D string: 2nd fret
- G string: Open
- B string: Open
- High E string: Open
-
A Minor:
- A string: Open
- D string: 2nd fret
- G string: 2nd fret
- B string: 1st fret
- High E string: Open
- (Low E string is typically muted or not played)
Piano Chord Voicings (Key of G)
For How Great Thou Art piano players, here are simple voicings:
- G Major: G-B-D (in the right hand)
- C Major: C-E-G (in the right hand)
- D Major: D-F#-A (in the right hand)
- E Minor: E-G-B (in the right hand)
- A Minor: A-C-E (in the right hand)
In the left hand, you can play the root note of the chord (G for G chord, C for C chord, etc.) or a simple bass note.
Deciphering the Structure: How to Play “How Great Thou Art”
Now that we have our basic chords, let’s look at how they fit with the lyrics and melody of “How Great Thou Art.” We’ll break down the song verse by verse, providing the chord progressions. This is where the easy chords really shine, making the song manageable.
Verse 1: The Majesty Unveiled
The first verse sets the tone of awe and wonder. The chord progression here is quite standard and forms the foundation for the rest of the song.
How Great Thou Art Lyrics and Chords (Key of G):
(G)O, Lord my God, when (C)I in (G)awesome won(D)der con(G)sider
(G)All thy works thy hand hath (C)made,
(G)I see the stars, I (D)hear the rolling (G)thunder,
(G)Thy power throughout the (C)universe dis(G)played.
Chord Progression for Verse 1:
| Line | Chords |
|---|---|
| O, Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider | G – C – G – D – G |
| All thy works thy hand hath made, | G – C – G |
| I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, | G – D – G |
| Thy power throughout the universe displayed. | G – C – G |
Playing Tips for Verse 1:
- Guitar: For a simple strum, try a How Great Thou Art strumming pattern like Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up for each chord, or even just a steady down strum on each beat. Focus on smooth chord changes.
- Piano: Play the chords in the right hand, and hold the root note in the left hand. For example, on “O, Lord my God,” play G in the left hand and the G chord in the right.
Verse 2: The Divine Gift
The second verse shifts to a more personal reflection on God’s love and sacrifice. The chords remain similar, making it easy to transition from the first verse.
How Great Thou Art Lyrics and Chords (Key of G):
(G)Then sings my soul, my (C)Savior (G)God, to (D)Thee, how (G)great thou art!
(G)Then sings my soul, my (C)Savior (G)God, to (D)Thee, how (G)great thou art!
Chord Progression for Verse 2:
| Line | Chords |
|---|---|
| Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, how great thou art! | G – C – G – D – G |
| Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, how great thou art! | G – C – G – D – G |
Playing Tips for Verse 2:
- This section often feels like a refrain or a chorus. You can introduce a slightly more energetic strumming pattern here, or hold the chords a little longer to emphasize the feeling of praise.
- On the piano, you can add a little more movement in the left hand, perhaps playing a simple octave of the root note.
Verse 3: The Lord’s Return
The third verse looks forward to Christ’s return, bringing a sense of anticipation and heavenly glory. The chord pattern continues its familiar path.
How Great Thou Art Lyrics and Chords (Key of G):
(G)And when there comes (C)the day of (G)His return(D)ing,
(G)And we shall stand be(C)fore the throne,
(G)When Jesus speaks, and (D)I am gathered (G)homeward,
(G)And in His grace, His (C)kingdom is my (G)own.
Chord Progression for Verse 3:
| Line | Chords |
|---|---|
| And when there comes the day of His returning, | G – C – G – D |
| And we shall stand before the throne, | G – C – G |
| When Jesus speaks, and I am gathered homeward, | G – D – G |
| And in His grace, His kingdom is my own. | G – C – G |
Playing Tips for Verse 3:
- This verse builds slightly in intensity. Consider a slightly fuller strum on the guitar or more sustained notes on the piano.
- The transition from “homeward” to “And in His grace” can be a good place to add a bit more dynamic to your playing.
Verse 4: The Enduring Legacy
The final verse summarizes the enduring power of God’s love and the eternal nature of His greatness. The chord structure remains consistent, offering a sense of completion.
How Great Thou Art Lyrics and Chords (Key of G):
(G)And so through all my (C)life Thy (G)praise shall (D)sound,
(G)My God, my King, Thy (C)praise shall echo (G)on;
(G)How great thou art! (D)How great thou art! (G)
(G)And then my heart with (C)rapture shall ex(G)claim,
(G)How great thou art, (D)how great thou art!(G)
Chord Progression for Verse 4:
| Line | Chords |
|---|---|
| And so through all my life Thy praise shall sound, | G – C – G – D |
| My God, my King, Thy praise shall echo on; | G – C – G |
| How great thou art! How great thou art! | G – D – G |
| And then my heart with rapture shall exclaim, | G – C – G |
| How great thou art, how great thou art! | G – D – G |
Playing Tips for Verse 4:
- This verse culminates in the powerful repetition of “How great thou art.” This is your chance to play with feeling.
- Consider a slightly slower tempo and more sustained chords to emphasize the finality and adoration.
Crafting Your Sound: Strumming and Arrangement
While the basic chords are simple, how you play them makes all the difference. A good How Great Thou Art strumming pattern can elevate the song from just notes to heartfelt music.
Developing a Simple How Great Thou Art Strumming Pattern
For acoustic guitar, a beginner-friendly pattern that works well for many worship songs, including “How Great Thou Art,” is:
- Pattern: Down, Down-Up, Up, Down-Up
Let’s apply this to the first line of Verse 1:
(G) O, Lord my God, when (C) I in (G) awesome won(D)der con(G)sider
(G) D D U U D U (C) D D U (G) D D U (D) D D U (G) D D U
(You would play this pattern for each chord indicated).
- Variations:
- Softer Strum: For quieter parts, use only downstrokes (Down, Down, Down, Down).
- Emphasizing Beats: For a more driving feel, emphasize the first beat of each measure (e.g., DOWN-down-up-up-down-up).
Piano Arrangement Ideas
On the How Great Thou Art piano, you have many options for arrangement.
- Melody Focus: Play the melody in your right hand and the chords in your left. This is a classic approach for hymns.
- Chordal Accompaniment: Play block chords in your right hand while playing the root notes or simple arpeggios in your left hand.
- Adding Embellishments: As you get more comfortable, you can add passing notes, grace notes, or even a simple melodic counterpoint in your left hand.
- Dynamic Contrast: Use volume and tempo to create emotional impact. Play verses more gently and choruses with more power.
Adapting to Other Keys
While we focused on the How Great Thou Art key of G, you can transpose this song to other keys. For example, the key of C is also very common and uses chords C, F, G, and Am. The chord progressions will remain largely the same, just with different chord names.
- Key of C:
- Verse 1 progression would be: C – F – C – G – C, then C – F – C, C – G – C, C – F – C.
Learning to transpose is a valuable skill for any musician. You can often find charts online that show you how to convert chords from one key to another.
Putting It All Together: A Full Easy Arrangement
Here’s a simplified look at how the entire song might flow with the easy chords. This is a great starting point for your How Great Thou Art arrangement.
Verse 1:
G – C – G – D – G
G – C – G
G – D – G
G – C – G
Chorus/Refrain (often repeats the sentiment of the last lines):
G – C – G – D – G
G – C – G – D – G
Verse 2:
G – C – G – D – G
G – C – G – D – G
Verse 3:
G – C – G – D
G – C – G
G – D – G
G – C – G
Verse 4/Outro:
G – C – G – D
G – C – G
G – D – G
G – C – G
G – D – G
This structure is a simplified version, but it captures the essence of the song. Many How Great Thou Art hymnal versions will have more detailed arrangements with bridges or variations, but this provides a solid foundation for playing the worship song.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Chord Changes: The most common hurdle is smooth chord transitions. Practice changing between G, C, and D slowly at first. Focus on moving your fingers efficiently.
- Strumming Rhythm: Keeping a consistent rhythm can be tricky. Use a metronome or drum track to practice your How Great Thou Art strumming pattern.
- Vocal Harmony: If you’re singing along, ensure your chords are placed correctly with the lyrics so you don’t rush or drag the melody.
Advanced Techniques (Optional)
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you might want to explore:
- Fingerpicking: A more delicate arrangement can be achieved with fingerpicking.
- Chord Voicings: Experiment with different ways to play the same chord for a richer sound on the How Great Thou Art piano or guitar.
- Key Transposition: Learn to play in other keys like C or D.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about playing “How Great Thou Art”:
-
What are the easiest chords for “How Great Thou Art”?
The easiest chords are generally G, C, and D. The Em and Am are also quite simple and commonly used. -
Can I play “How Great Thou Art” on ukulele or bass?
Yes! The chord progressions are universal. You’ll just need to find the appropriate chords for those instruments. The fundamental structure remains the same. -
Is there a specific How Great Thou Art strumming pattern I should use?
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern is very versatile. For a gentler feel, you can use mostly downstrokes. Experiment to find what sounds best to you. -
How do I find the melody of “How Great Thou Art”?
The melody is very recognizable. You can listen to recordings of the song, hum along to the lyrics, or find sheet music that includes the melody line. Many tutorials online also demonstrate the melody on piano or guitar. -
Where can I find a How Great Thou Art hymnal?
You can find “How Great Thou Art” in most hymnals used in Protestant churches. They are also widely available online in digital or print format, often with piano arrangements.
Learning “How Great Thou Art” is a beautiful journey. By focusing on the easy chords, a simple How Great Thou Art strumming pattern, and a clear arrangement, you can soon be playing this beloved worship song with confidence and grace, whether you’re playing How Great Thou Art piano or strumming it on your guitar. Enjoy the process and the incredible message of the song!