The guitar is a wonderful instrument that has the ability to express emotions and create beautiful music. If you are a beginner at playing the guitar and love Christian music, then you are in the right place. This post will provide you with tips and ideas for playing the guitar in Christian songs, specifically in the songs “Goodness of God” and “How Great is Our God”. Let’s dive in!
Goodness of God
“Goodness of God” is a beautiful song by Bethel Music. If you are a beginner guitar player, this song is a great place to start. The chords used in the song are G, C, Em, and D. To create a fuller sound, play these chords in a strumming pattern. Here are a few strumming patterns to try:
- Down, down, up, up, down, up (repeated throughout the song)
- Down, up, down, up (repeated throughout the song)
When playing the song, make sure to keep a steady rhythm and strum the chords in time with the beat. Take your time and practice each strumming pattern until you feel comfortable playing the song smoothly.
To add an extra layer to the song, try using fingerpicking patterns. Fingerpicking is a technique where you use your fingers to pluck the strings instead of using a pick. Here’s a simple fingerpicking pattern to try:
- Thumb (on the lowest string), index finger (on the third string), middle finger (on the second string), ring finger (on the first string)
Try this pattern with the chords G, C, Em, and D. Play each chord slowly and focus on plucking the strings with your fingers. Practice this until you can play each chord smoothly and the transition between chords is seamless.
Here’s a tip: When playing the song, use the strumming pattern in the verses and the fingerpicking pattern in the chorus. This will add variety to the song and create a beautiful sound.
Below is an image of the chords used in “Goodness of God”:
How Great is Our God
“How Great is Our God” is a classic Christian song that is played in many churches around the world. The chords used in the song are G, D, Em, and C. This song is great for beginner guitar players because the chords are relatively easy to play. Here’s a strumming pattern to try:
- Down, down, up, up, down, up (repeated throughout the song)
When playing the song, make sure to keep a steady rhythm and strum the chords in time with the beat. Take your time and practice the strumming pattern until you feel comfortable playing the song smoothly.
To add an extra layer to the song, try using arpeggios. Arpeggios are notes of a chord that are played individually instead of simultaneously. Here’s a simple arpeggio pattern to try:
- Thumb (on the lowest string), index finger (on the third string), middle finger (on the second string), ring finger (on the first string)
Try this pattern with the chords G, D, Em, and C. Play each chord slowly and focus on plucking the strings with your fingers. Practice this until you can play each chord smoothly and the transition between chords is seamless.
Here’s a tip: When playing the song, use the strumming pattern in the verses and the arpeggio pattern in the chorus. This will add variety to the song and make it more interesting to play.
Below is an image of the chords used in “How Great is Our God”:
Improvisation Ideas
If you are an intermediate or advanced guitar player, you may want to try improvising during these songs. Improvisation is the process of creating music spontaneously. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Play the melody of the song on the guitar
- Add embellishments to the chords (such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides)
- Create your own solos using the pentatonic scale (G major pentatonic for “Goodness of God” and G major pentatonic or E minor pentatonic for “How Great is Our God”)
When improvising, remember to stay in time with the beat and listen to the other instruments in the song. Try to create a melody that complements the vocals and other instruments.
Electric Guitar Tutorial
If you play electric guitar, you can still play “Goodness of God”. Here’s an electric guitar tutorial to help you get started:
- Use distortion for a heavier sound
- Use power chords instead of full chords (G5, C5, Em7, D5)
- Use palm muting to create a rhythmic effect
- Use the same strumming pattern as the acoustic guitar version (down, down, up, up, down, up)
When playing the song on electric guitar, focus on creating a powerful sound that complements the vocals and drums. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different effects and techniques to create your own unique sound.
Below is an image of the chords used in the electric guitar version of “Goodness of God”:
Lead Guitar Improvisation
If you are an intermediate or advanced electric guitar player, you may want to try improvising a lead guitar part during “Goodness of God”. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Use the G major scale to create a melody
- Use bends, vibrato, and slides to add expression to your playing
- Create your own licks and phrases that fit the song’s chord progression
When improvising, remember to stay in time with the beat and listen to the other instruments in the song. Try to create a melody that complements the vocals and other instruments.
In conclusion, playing the guitar in Christian music can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, there is always room to improve and try new things. The tips and ideas in this post are just a starting point. Experiment with different techniques and find your own unique style. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll create your own beautiful Christian music.
