Are you a guitar enthusiast looking to add a touch of spirituality to your playing? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the guitar chords for the timeless hymn “How Great Thou Art” in the key of G. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this article will provide you with all the information you need to master this beautiful song.
Before we dive into the chords, let’s take a moment to appreciate the significance of “How Great Thou Art.” Written by Carl Boberg in 1885, this hymn has become a beloved staple in Christian worship. Its powerful lyrics and melodic structure have touched the hearts of millions around the world. By learning to play it on the guitar, you can join the long list of musicians who have used this song to express their faith and devotion.
G Major Chord
The G major chord is the foundation of this song. It’s a basic open chord that consists of three fingers on the guitar fretboard. By placing your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the third fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string, you can produce a rich and resonant G major sound.
The G major chord sets the tonal center for “How Great Thou Art” in the key of G. It provides a stable and harmonious foundation that allows the song to flow smoothly. To play the G major chord, start by positioning your index finger on the second fret of the A string. Then, place your middle finger on the third fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string. Strum all the strings except for the low E string to produce a clear and vibrant G major sound.
Variations of the G Major Chord
While the basic G major chord is sufficient for playing “How Great Thou Art,” you can also experiment with variations to add depth and interest to your performance. One common variation is the G major 7th chord, which replaces the ring finger on the high E string with the pinky finger on the third fret. This alteration creates a slightly different tonal color and can be used to add a touch of sophistication to the song. Another variation is the G suspended 4th chord, where the ring finger is moved to the third fret of the B string. This chord creates a suspended and unresolved feeling that can be used to build tension in certain parts of the song.
C Major Chord
Next up is the C major chord, which adds a beautiful transition in the song. To form this chord, place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum the bottom five strings to achieve the desired sound.
The C major chord serves as a pivotal chord in “How Great Thou Art,” providing a smooth transition between different sections of the song. To play the C major chord, start by positioning your index finger on the first fret of the B string. Then, place your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum all the strings except for the low E string to create a bright and uplifting C major sound.
Alternative Fingerings for the C Major Chord
While the standard fingering for the C major chord described above is commonly used, there are alternative fingerings that you can explore to suit your playing style and preferences. One alternative is the C major barre chord, which involves using your index finger to press down all the strings at the third fret. This allows for greater mobility and versatility while playing the song. Another alternative is the C major open chord, where the ring finger is moved to the third fret of the B string, and the pinky finger is added on the third fret of the high E string. This variation creates a fuller and richer sound that can be used to emphasize certain parts of the song.
D Major Chord
The D major chord is another essential component in “How Great Thou Art.” It gives the song a sense of depth and emotion. To play this chord, press your index finger on the second fret of the G string, your middle finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum from the D string onwards to produce a harmonious sound.
The D major chord adds a touch of emotional intensity to “How Great Thou Art.” To play this chord, place your index finger on the second fret of the G string, your middle finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum from the D string onwards, avoiding the low E string, to create a resonant and heartfelt D major sound.
Using the D Major Chord as a Transition
Aside from being an integral part of the song, the D major chord can also be used as a transition chord between the G and C major chords. By smoothly transitioning from G to D to C, you can create a seamless flow that enhances the overall musicality of the song. Experiment with different strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques to find the transition that best suits your playing style and interpretation of “How Great Thou Art.”
E Minor Chord
The E minor chord adds a touch of melancholy to “How Great Thou Art.” To play it, place your index finger on the second fret of the A string and your middle finger on the second fret of the D string. Strum all six strings for a hauntingly beautiful sound.
The E minor chord is a crucial chord in “How Great Thou Art” as it introduces a sense of introspection and melancholy into the song. To play the E minor chord, place your index finger on the second fret of the A string and your middle finger on the second fret of the D string. Strum all six strings to produce a somber and introspective E minor sound.
Emphasizing the E Minor Chord
To emphasize the emotional impact of the E minor chord, you can experiment with various techniques and dynamics. For instance, you can add a slight bend or vibrato to the E string to create a subtle waver in the sound. Additionally, you can incorporate fingerpicking or arpeggios to highlight the individual notes within the chord. By exploring different approaches, you can enhance the expressive qualities of the E minor chord and add depth to your rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”
G7 Chord
The G7 chord is a variation of the G major chord that introduces a bluesy feel to the song. To form this chord, place your index finger on the first fret of the high E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, your ring finger on the third fret of the low E string, and your pinky finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings for a soulful sound.
The G7 chord adds a touch of bluesy flavor to “How Great Thou Art,” infusing the song with a sense of soulfulness and depth. To play the G7 chord, start by positioning your index finger on the first fret of the high E string. Then, place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, your ring finger on the third fret of the low E string, and your pinky finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings to create a soulful and expressive G7 sound.
Utilizing the G7 Chord for Contrast
The G7 chord can be strategically used in “How Great Thou Art” to create contrast and highlight certain sections of the song. By transitioning from the G major chord to the G7 chord, you can add a touch of tension and anticipation before resolving back to the G major chord. This harmonic contrast enhances the emotional impact of the song and provides a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Strumming Patterns
Now that we’ve covered the chords, it’s time to explore different strumming patterns to give “How Great Thou Art” its unique rhythm. Experiment with various patterns, such as downstrokes, upstrokes, and combinations of both, to find the strumming style that resonates with you and complements the song’s melody.
The strummingpatterns you choose for “How Great Thou Art” can greatly influence the overall feel and groove of the song. Consider the tempo and mood of the hymn as you experiment with different strumming techniques. For a gentle and contemplative rendition, try using slow and delicate downstrokes. If you want to add energy and drive to the song, incorporate some upstrokes to create a more lively and rhythmic feel. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different strumming patterns within the song to add variety and keep the listeners engaged.
Basic Down-Up Strumming
A simple yet effective strumming pattern to start with is the down-up strum. This pattern involves strumming down with your pick or fingers on the downbeat and up on the upbeat. The consistent flow of down-up strumming provides a steady rhythm that supports the melody and lyrics of “How Great Thou Art.” Experiment with different dynamics and accents within this basic pattern to add your personal touch to the song.
Fingerstyle Picking
If you prefer a more intricate and melodic approach, try incorporating fingerstyle picking into your rendition of “How Great Thou Art.” Fingerstyle picking involves using your fingers to pluck individual strings, creating a rich and nuanced sound. Begin by plucking the bass notes with your thumb while using your other fingers to pick the higher strings. Experiment with different finger patterns and variations to find the fingerstyle arrangement that resonates with you and best showcases the essence of the song.