Keep reading for the history and practice tips, or scroll down for the sheet music download buttons.

History of Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou My Vision is a well-loved hymn with quite the fascinating story! Some sources say the melody dates back to the 9th century, but the composer is unknown.

The lyrics, on the other hand, are based on a poem written Dallán Forgaill in 530AD. This was translated from Irish to English by Mary Byrne, then later adapted by Eleanor Hull.

What is crazy to me is how many adaptations many hymns have before they become widely known. There is a lot of mystery around the true origin of Be Thou My Vision, but if you want to read more about it I found this article interesting.

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How to do you play be thou my vision on piano?

This age-old hymn can be played a variety of ways on the piano. Most commonly you will play the melody in your right hand with some kind of accompaniment in the left hand.

In the PDF sheet music I wrote, there are 2 versions. The easy beginner version does the simple melody in the right hand, and small intervals in the left hand—mostly thirds and fourths, with a few sixths.

The intermediate version takes it up a notch. The right hand has the melody but also adds in extra intervals to make it sound richer. The left hand is a repetitive accompaniment that goes from the root, to the fifth, to the root of the chord.

You’ll see what I mean when you start reading the sheet music!

The Key

Originally, Be Thou My Vision was written in the key of Eb. While I love the key of Eb, it is not the easiest key for beginners so I stuck to these arrangements in C major, D major, and G major.

Keep in mind that the song will sound a little different depending on which key you choose! G is a 4th above C and a 5th above D, so I had to bring it down an octave in both versions so it didn’t get too high. For this reason, the G will have a lower, richer sound (especially for the intermediate version).

The Notes

Be Thou My Vision does not stay in a 5-finger position, so you will have to do some maneuvering around the keys even for the beginner version. The C major and D major versions are the perfect opportunity to practice playing with ledger lines (notes that go above the regular staff).

Overall, no matter which version you choose, you’ll have to know all the notes of the particular key. So for C major: C, D, E, F, G, A and B

D major: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, and D

And G major: G, A, B, C, D, E and F#

There are no accidentals in this hymn (unlike It is Well With My Soul) so that’s nice!

The Chords

The chords for Be Thou My Vision are very simple.

For the beginner version, we’re mostly using intervals so you don’t necessarily need to be well versed in chords.

For the intermediate versions, here are the chords used for each key:

Key of C major: C major chord, F major chord, G major chord, A minor chord

Key of D major: D major chord, G major chord, A major chord, B minor chord

Key of G major: G major chord, C major chord, D major chord, E minor chord

Extra Tips for playing be thou my vision

• When you’re learning this sheet music on the piano, make sure to follow my practice tips! Start by practicing hands separately, then slowly put them together. Don’t go too fast as you get started!
• After you get the notes down, definitely try adding pedal. Be Thou My Vision sounds much better when the notes are connected and sustained.
• Always make sure the right hand is louder than the left hand since it is the melody! Try to get into it and really feel the emotions behind the song.

More Sheet Music:

• How Great Thou Art Sheet Music
• It is Well With My Soul Sheet Music
• Come Thou Fount Sheet Music OR Chords
• Nothing But the Blood Chord Charts
• Jesus Paid it All Chord Charts

If you want to improvise over Be Thou My Vision I also have chord charts available!

Be Thou My Vision Sheet Music PDF

Are you ready to download the piano sheet music for Be Thou My Vision? Let’s get right into it! There are two ways you can view the music. There are images here on the blog that you can view directly if you don’t have access to a printer. (The only exception to this is the key of G major, which is only available in the PDF). Or, scroll to the bottom for the download button.

Easy Version

Like I mentioned before, the easy version just has a simple right hand melody with intervals in the left hand. You can see all 3 versions in different keys as photos below.

Key of C:

Key of D:

(view key of G inside of the PDF!)

Intermediate Version

The intermediate version uses the root-5th-root pattern throughout the whole left hand, and the right hand is more difficult than just a simple melody.

Key of C:

Key of D:

(view the key of G inside the PDF below!)

To download ALL of the images you saw above plus the G major sheet music as one PDF, simply click the button below. You can print out whichever version you would prefer to use.

Conclusion

Be Thou my vision is perfect to play on the piano! This PDF sheet music makes it easy for even beginners. I hope you enjoy using Be Thou My Vision sheet music for your personal worship or to play for family and friends. Be sure to share this post with others so they can play this hymn too!

The post FREE Be Thou My Vision Sheet Music PDF appeared first on .

What is a treble clef for dummies?

The Treble Clef is a common and very important musical symbol used for music notation; it is also known as the “G Clef.”

As Merriam Webster puts says, treble clef is “a clef that places G above middle C on the second line of the staff.”

I’ll explain more about what that means in a second, but first, here is what a treble clef looks like:

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A clef is all about the placement of notes on the staff. There are other clefs (bass clef, alto clef, etc.) that put the notes in different positions. But Treble Clef is by far the most common.

Now I know all that can sound a little confusing without actually seeing anything. So let’s take a look at a treble clef, along with the notes G. The treble clef loops around the line where G belongs, which is why it is also called the G clef!

Notes on the treble Clef

G may be the note that the whole treble clef is centered around, but it is not the only note! A note can be placed on every line and space on the treble clef staff, and underneath it as well.

Starting from middle c, the treble clef notes are C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C – D – E – F. Take a look below:

It is important to understand treble clef in terms of where the notes are on the PIANO too! Whenever we learn music theory, we have to transfer our head knowledge to practical knowledge of our instrument.

Remember the lowest C in the image above? That is middle C. Middle C and D are both below the staff on treble clef.

So then, the very first line of treble clef, E, is the E right above middle C!

How do I remember treble clef notes?

There are a variety of ways to memorize the treble clef notes. A lot of times people will learn mnemonic phrases to remember the notes.

I will show you some of these below, but first, just a word of caution:

While mnemonic phrases are convenient and seem easy at first, they should not be relied upon in the long run. In order to really read treble clef and all sheet music, you must be able to recognize each note as its own letter, intuitively as you read a book. This doesn’t happen by counting up 5 lines using your phrase to find out the letter.

So all this to say, use these phrases to get started, but don’t rely upon them. Use flash cards to practice naming your notes until you have them down without using the phrases.

Memorizing Treble Clef Lines

Now that we’ve got that out of the way…the notes on the treble clef lines are E – G – B – D – F. To remember this, I grew up learning the phrase “Every Good Boy Does Fine.”

However, there are lots of other phrases and you can choose whichever one you like best: Every Good Boy Deserves Football, Every Good Bird Does Fly, Every Green Bus Drives Fast, and Elephants Go Bouncing Down Freeways are all possibilities.

Memorizing Treble Clef Spaces

The spaces, on the other hand, are much more straightforward. They actually spell the word “FACE” reading from the bottom up! See below:

Which Instruments Use Treble Clef?

A variety of instruments use the treble clef in their sheet music, including piano, violin, flute, saxaphone, guitar, oboe, and more.

One common misconception about treble clef and the piano is that it is only used for the right hand parts.

While this is true in beginner piano sheet music, it is certainly not true as a rule. The treble clef IS used for the higher notes on the piano, which is why it is usually played with the right hand.

However, there are many songs (classical and otherwise) that may have a treble clef in both the left hand and right hand because it is a song that is played on the upper half of the keyboard. Or, a song may even switch between bass clef and treble clef in the left hand.

How do you read a treble clef sheet music?

If you are looking at a piece of sheet music with treble clef are you’re confused, make sure to go over the images above and study the different notes on the clef. And remember—a good place to start is with the note G, since this is the line the treble clef is looped around.

Once you memorize which notes are on which lines and spaces, it will be easier for you to read the music as if you’re reading a book. However, keep in mind that this does take a lot of time and practice! A good teacher can definitely help with this process.

What is the line through middle C called?

The line through middle C is called a ledger line! Ledger lines are used for notes that are under or above the staff (this can be done on any clef, not just treble clef!)

How to Draw treble Clef

I have found that there are two ways to draw treble clef (and no matter which one you choose, it really is easier than it looks!)

The first method starts by making a swirl around the G line on the staff. Then, you have to curve upward and loop around and back down with a line through the swirl.

The second method with a straight line down the staff, then forms the different loops by using the straight line as a guide.

I personally prefer the first method, but sometimes the second method is easier to learn when you’re starting out.

My goal is to make a video on this soon so you can see it in action!

Treble Clef Worksheet

Want to put into practice everything you’ve learned! Download the PDF below for a free treble clef worksheet. It will give you space to practice naming the treble clef notes and drawing treble clef!

Conclusion

Treble clef is an essential part of music to understand when learning the piano and a variety of other instruments too. Make sure to practice your flash cards, naming the notes as quickly as you can until you memorize them well! You’ve got this!

The post How to Read Treble Clef: Ultimate Guide to Treble Clef Notes appeared first on .

Keep reading for the history and practice tips, or scroll down for the sheet music download buttons.

History of It Is Well

It is Well With My Soul must be one of the most beloved and well-known hymns of all time—and for good reason. This song was written from a place of such deep understanding of God’s grace in heartbreaking situations.

Horatio Spafford penned the lyrics to It Is Well after he found out his 4 daughters had died in a tragic boat accident after he had sent them on a much-needed vacation.

When he set sail to be with his grieving wife, the captain of the ship told him when he reached the spot where his daughters had died. That is when he began writing the first verse.

This hymn was brought forth out of a terrible tragedy, and it reminds us that we can experience God’s peace and grace no matter what life throws at us.

You can read more about the story behind It Is Well here.

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How Do you play it is well on piano?

If you want to try your hand at playing It Is Well on the piano, you’ve come to the right place!

Traditionally, this song is played with block chords and harmony, like most hymns. However, there is lots of freedom to improvise, add more chords, and change things up from the original!

Farther down in this post you’ll find a PDF with 2 different versions. The easy version has a simple melody in the right hand with either chords or single notes in the left hand.

The intermediate version adds more harmony, and a flowier left hand.

The Key

While It is Well can be played in a wide variety of keys, I’ve chosen 2 easy and popular keys for this sheet music: C Major and F major.

The C Major version is best for beginners as it has no sharps or flats. However, F is also a popular key to play It Is Well in, and it has just 1 flat. It will also sound higher in F than in C.

The Notes

The notes for It Is Well will depend upon the key you choose.

If you choose the key of C, you’ll need to know all the notes in the C scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, and B) along with one added accidental: F#.

If you choose the key of F, you’ll need to know all the notes in the F scale (F, G, A, Bb, C, D, and E) plus B natural.

The Chords

The chords for It Is Well are pretty simple, but I just couldn’t go TOO simple or I didn’t feel like it would do this beautiful hymn justice!

For the C version, here are the chords you’ll need to know (or the chords you’ll learn as you go): C Major, D Major, D minor, F Major, G major, G7, and A minor.

For the F version, here are the chords you’ll need to know (or the chords you’ll learn as you go): F Major, G major, G minor, Bb Major, C major, C7, and B minor.

Extra Tips for Playing It Is Well

• When you’re learning this sheet music on the piano, make sure to follow my practice tips! Start by practicing hands separately, then slowly put them together. Don’t go too fast as you get started!
• Once you’re comfortable with the notes, you can definitely try adding the sustain pedal! This song sounds beautiful with pedal.
• Don’t just play this song like a robot. I know that sounds funny, but I see piano students do it all the time. This hymn is emotional; you read the story above. Make sure to feel that and let it come across in your playing!

More Sheet Music:

• How Great Thou Art Sheet Music
• Be Thou My Vision Sheet Music OR chords
• Come Thou Fount Sheet Music OR Chords
• Nothing But the Blood Chord Charts
• Jesus Paid it All Chord Charts

It Is Well With My Soul Piano Sheet Music PDF

Are you ready to download the piano sheet music for It Is Well? Let’s get right into it! There are two ways you can view the music. There are images here on the blog that you can view directly if you don’t have access to a printer. Or, scroll to the bottom for the download button.

Easy Version

Like I mentioned earlier, the easy version has the simple melody in the right hand and chords or single notes in the left hand. It doesn’t move around too much.

Intermediate Version

On the other hand, the intermediate version has a trickier left hand, along with some chords and invervals in the right hand to make it sound richer. I hope you enjoy!

To download ALL of the images you saw above as one PDF, simply click the button below. You can print out whichever version you would prefer to use.

Conclusion

It Is Well With My Soul is a hymn that has certainly left a legacy of how to trust God in troubling times. The beautiful melody and well-written lyrics make it a great hymn not only for piano but also for personal worship. I hope you enjoy the sheet music. Make sure to share it with others so more people can play this hymn on the piano!

The post FREE It Is Well With My Soul Sheet Music PDF appeared first on .

The term “relative key” in music most often refers to a minor key that has the same key signature as a major key (or vice versa). Every major key has a minor key with the same amount of sharps or flats, and in fact, the same exact notes! Because of this similarity, these two keys or scales are considered to be in the same family. For example, the key of C major has no sharps or flats. Likewise, the key of A minor also has no sharps are flats. These two keys are relatives!

That is the basic definition of a relative key or scale. But now, let’s delve deeper to see them in practice.

Note: if you are teaching this concept to a child, definitely hone in on the family analogy! You can bring home that these keys are similar yet different, just like a family.

Relative Key vs. relative scale

Before we continue, let’s talk about the difference between a relative key and a relative scale. I tend to use the terms interchaneably, because they are pretty much the same thing.

A relative key is just a bit broader of a term, referring to a key as a whole. But a scale in this context refers to the 7 notes that make up any given key. So there really is no difference between the two when we are talking about finding the relative major or minor.

How do you find relative minor scales?

If you are in a major key and you want to find the relative minor, it is super simple.

All you have to do is go down 3 half steps from the root of the key.

For example, if I’m in G major, I would start on the note G. Then I would go down to F# (half step #1) then down to F (half step #2) and finally down to E (half step #3). Now that I’ve arrived on E, I know that the relative minor key is E minor!

You can see this visually in the photo below!

Here’s another example, this time with a harder key: B flat. Once again, count down 3 half steps to find the relative minor key.

Here is another way to think of it: the relative minor can be found on the 6th note of any major scale! So if you know your major scales well, you can simply count up to the 6th note and start there for the relative minor scale.

Below is an example of this using the G scale. You can see this way you don’t count in half steps anymore, you simply count up to the 6th note of the scale.

Note: I highly recommend figuring this out on a piano, because you can see the visual. You can do it by just thinking about it, but it is a little harder.

How do you find relative major Scales?

Now what about if you are in a minor key and you want to find the relative major? Lucky for you, this is pretty easy—it is just the opposite of what we did above.

This time, start on the tonic of the minor key, and go 3 half steps UP. The note you land on is your relative major key!

OR, again, you can use the minor scale. The relative major can be found on the 3rd note of any minor scale.

Chart of Relative Major & Minor Keys/Scales

Of course, if you want to cheat, I’ve made a little chart just for you! Here are ALL of the relative major and minor keys that there are. (Save the image farther down to Pinterest if you want to keep this handy!)

Note that the chart above is in chromatic order; C, C#, D, etc. But it can also be helpful to think of these in order of how many flats/sharps they have (C & A minor have 0 sharps, G and E minor have 1 sharp, etc.)

That is the order I organized the list in below. Be sure to save it for later!

How Relative Keys are different

As we have already discussed, relative keys are considered family because they share the same notes and the same key signature.

But if they share the same notes, how are they different from each other?

Although relative keys are made up of the same notes, they have a different tonic. For example, the tonic of G major is G, while the tonic of E minor is E.

So they start on different notes. And interestingly, they sound pretty different too. Play a G major scale and you will think it sounds jolly and happy. But play an E minor scale and it will undoubtedly sound sad.

What about chords?

This whole concept of relatives can be applied to chords as well as scales! And you find them in the same way that we talked about above. Find the relative minor chord of C major by going to the 6th degree of the C major scale (so A minor).

Using Relative Scales and chords in music

Like the name suggests, relative major and minor scales work super well together. When you are improvising or composing on the piano, for example, you can easily switch to the relative minor for a quick and easy modulation.

For composing this is especially helpful because you usually have to add many accidentals, but you still get a great contrasting sound (happy to sad)!

How do you remember relative minor keys?

I have found that the best way to memorize your relative minor keys is to learn all your minor scales well.

Once you know your minor scales, you can practice them strategically to memorize the relatives.

When you warm up at the beginning of a practice session, start with a major scale, then play the relative minor scale. Repeat this processs as you do your scales, and make sure to take note of the name of each scale and the number of sharps or flats as you play!

What is the difference between parallel and relative keys?

Parallel keys are a completely different concept than relative keys! While relative keys have the same notes but a different tonic, parallel keys are the same tonic with different notes. Here are some examples of parallel keys:

• C and C minor
• D and D minor
• E and E minor
• etc.

Conclusion

Relative major and minor keys are easy to find, especially when using a piano. Relatives have the same key signature, same amount of sharps or flats, and in fact the same exact notes as well! Once you have this concept down, you will see it everywhere, both in classical and modern music. You can even use it in your own compositions. I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new; if you did, make sure to share it so others can find it too!

The post Relative Keys & Scales: Guide to Relative Major & Minor appeared first on .

Nothing But the Blood has simple chords and a simple melody, but that doesn’t stop it from being an awesome hymn.

The lyrics focus on the only thing that can atone for our sins: Jesus’ blood and sacrifice.

Each verse goes through different things that his sacrifice has accomplished for us: Washing away our sin, pardoning & cleansing us, atoning us without our own works, and giving us hope and peace.

As you can see, this hymn works particularly well for a Good Friday or Easter service—but really, we can be reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice at any time of year!

Ready to play this hymn? Keep reading for tips and information on different versions of this hymn, or scroll to the bottom for chord charts (on site & PDF).

Nothing But the Blood Chords & Arrangements

In its original form in the hymnal, Nothing But the Blood is really quite simple. In fact, it literally only uses 2 chords the entire time: G major and D major!

More modern versions often add more chords—mainly the vii chord and IV chord—to change it up a bit. The 2 chords over and over again do tend to get dull by the time you get to the third and fourth verse.

In my chord charts, I wanted to pay a little tribute to the original, so I kept the classic V – I (five chord to one chord) combination in a variety of places.

The Form

The first verse in my arrangement sticks to the classic V – I combo I just talked about.

Verses 2, 3, and 4, on the other hand, add some extra chords. These three verses are exactly the same except verse 3 takes out one of the V chords to allow for extra expression and space (I find doing this verse more reflectively is very pretty!)

The chorus also uses a combination of the I, IV, V, and vii chords.

Other Versions

There are LOTS of other versions where people get creative with Nothing But the Blood! In fact, there is a variety of ways you can arrange this hymn, both in chords but also in rhythm and speed.

It can be done upbeat or reflective, loud or soft. Some popular versions include the one by Matt Redman and the one by Norton Hall Band.

Tips for Playing Nothing But the Blood

Playing from a chord chart requires improvisation. Here are some tips for different instruments!

On piano

For the piano, the easiest way to start is by doing the chord in the right hand and the base note of the chord in the left hand. But that is seriously just the beginning! You can also do a pattern of the chord root, chord 5th, and root again in the left hand.

You can do fills in the right hand and improvise with scales and inversions. The options are limitless!

On Guitar Or Ukulele

There are a variety of strum patterns you can use to Nothing But the Blood. I recommend listening to some of the versions mentioned above to get a feel for what you like!

Nothing but the blood chord charts

Without further ado, let’s get to all the chord charts! You can view each chart online by using the photos below, or download a PDF with all 5 keys (scroll to the bottom to download).

Key of C Major

First up, we have a chart in C major. This is a great low key to do for Nothing But the Blood. Since the melody of this hymn stays around just 5 notes, there is nothing crazy low or crazy high.

Chords used: C major, F major, G major, A minor

Key of D Major

D major is nice because its not quite as low as C. The chords are still very easy in D, just like in C.

Chords used: D major, G major, A major, B minor

Key of E Major

I would say E Major is one of the more popular keys to do Nothing But the Blood in! We use this key often in our church. It is right in between the original key and the lower keys.

Chords used: E Major, A major, B major, C# minor

Key of F Major

Nothing But the Blood in F major is very pretty. F is a more mellow key, being a flat key rather than a sharp key. I love it in this key!

Chords used: F major, Bb Major, C major, D minor

Key of G Major

I had to include the original key in the charts! G is definitely higher than the previous 4, but it still isn’t crazy high. And the chords are super easy!

Chords used: G major, C major, D major, E minor

Download Chord Charts

Ready to print out these chord charts to use for personal worship or Sunday service?

Just click the button below and you’ll get a PDF with the charts in all 5 keys. I hope this is helpful!

More Worship Resources

If you like the above charts, make sure you check out the other hymns I’ve made charts for too!

• Come Thou Fount
• Jesus Paid it All
• Be Thou My Vision
• How Great Thou Art

I also have lots of piano sheet music too!

Conclusion

Nothing But the Blood chords are super simple, even if you are a beginning pianist or guitarist! These chord charts only use 4 easy chords, and you can choose from a variety of different keys depending on your level. I pray that they help you draw near to your savior, whether you use them for the congregation or personal worship!

The post Nothing But the Blood Chords: PDF in 5 Keys! appeared first on .

I like a lot of hymns, but Jesus Paid it All has some of the best lyrics. It doesn’t get much better than the first verse, “I hear the Savior say ‘Thy strength indeed is small. Child of weakness, watch and pray; find in me thine all in all.’ “

This has always been such a great reminder to me of how much I need Jesus, and how he freely offers to strengthen and help us when we abide in Him.

And of course, the melody and chords make the lyrics even more powerful.

Ready to play this hymn? Keep reading for tips and information on different versions of this hymn, or scroll to the bottom for chord charts (on site & PDF).

Jesus Paid it All Chords & Arrangements

There are lots of different chord progressions that can pair with this hymn’s melody. It can be ultra simple, to very advanced!

The arragement I have provided is pretty easy (though not as easy as it could be!) We’ll stick to chords within the key: 1, IV, V, vi, and inversions/slash chords.

The Form

In my arrangement, verses 1, 2, and 4 have exactly the same chords. The only difference is in verse 3. When I play Jesus Paid it All on the piano, I like to do verse 3 a bit quieter, with different chords to change it up.

If you want the chart to be more straightforward for a worship team, you can just repeat the chords from the other verses. But I do find its very pretty how it is written!

Other Versions

There are quite a few other versions of Jesus Paid It All that other musicians have arranged and performed.

For example, the Kristian Stanfill version has a nice added bridge with the words “O praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead.”

There is also Jesus Paid it All by Shane and Shane, Worship Circle, and more.

Keep in mind that each of these versions may have different chords & words than provided here. If you’re wanting to play these versions you can look for a chord chart specifically made for them.

Tips for Playing Jesus Paid it All

Playing from a chord chart requires improvisation. Here are some tips for different instruments!

On Piano

For the piano, the easiest way to start is by doing the chord in the right hand and the base note of the chord in the left hand. But that is seriously just the beginning! You can also do a pattern of the chord root, chord 5th, and root again in the left hand.

You can do fills in the right hand and improvise with scales and inversions. The options are limitless!

On Guitar or Ukulele

There are a variety of strum patterns you can use to play Jesus Paid it All. I recommend listening to some of the versions mentioned above to get a feel for what you like!

Also, here is a tip about slash chords: if you are unfamiliar with slash chords (i.e. D/F#, G/D) remember that you can always simplify it by just playing the chord on the left—D, or G in the above examples. It is easier for guitarists to get away with this because it isn’t quite as noticeable!

Jesus Paid All Chord Charts

Without further ado, let’s get to all the chord charts! You can view each chart online by using the photos below, or download a PDF with all 5 keys (scroll to the bottom to download).

Key of G Major

The first key we have is G major. Jesus Paid it All in G is best if you’re a female with a very low voice or a male with a very high voice. It is not the typical key for this song, but it does work in those cases!

Key of A Major

I’ve found Jesus Paid it All in A major to be a very comfortable key for females. It’s just slightly low for me (but I’m a soprano). When it gets higher at the chorus, it is very comfortable, not too high at all.

Key of B Major

B Major is great if you’re used to doing Jesus Paid it All in C major but you want it just ever so slightly lower. The chords are a little more tricky in this one, so just look out for that.

Key of C Major

A classic key for Jesus Paid it All is C major! It is a pretty good key for both male and female voices. It only gets high if you do the “O Praise the One” bridge by Kristian Stanfill.

Key of D Major

D major is a little high to do this song, but it is very close to the original hymn key of Db major!

Download Jesus Paid it All Chords PDF

Ready to print out these chord charts to use for personal worship or Sunday service?

Just click the button below and you’ll get a PDF with the charts in all 5 keys. I hope this is helpful!

More Worship Resources

And here are more chord charts you might like:

• Come Thou Fount
• Be Thou My Vision
• How Great Thou Art

I also have lots of piano sheet music too!

Conclusion

Jesus Paid it All chords are easy to play on piano, guitar, or other instruments! This is a great hymn to incorporate on Easter or Good Friday. I pray that these chord charts help you draw near to your savior, whether you use them for the congregation or personal worship!

The post Jesus Paid It All Chords: PDF in 5 keys! appeared first on .

How Great Thou Art is such a beloved hymn. There are so many different ways to play it, chords to use, etc.

The charts I’ve provided in this post will be in a PDF document, or available for viewing right on the website. You can choose between 5 keys: C, D, E, F, or G major!

Keep reading for tips and information on different versions of this hymn, or scroll to the bottom for chord charts (on site & PDF).

How Great Thou Art Chords & Arrangements

This hymn is so popular, there must be a thousand different ways to arrange the chords! I’ve seen versions that stick to the bare basics, and then I’ve seen versions that go literally all out, with intense, captivating harmonies.

If that isn’t already enough, there are also different ways you can arrange the rhythm of this song. Some versions add space between the lines; others change up the placement of where the chords fall.

In these chord charts, we will use a fairly simple progression, with a few “extra” chords compared to the original hymn. I always have to spice things up at least a little.

The Form

In my arrangement, verse 1 is the simplest. Verse 2 & 4 are both similar, with a few extra chords.

Verse 3 is the only unique verse. It uses a pedal tone to switch things up a bit. This part is perfect for playing softly to create some dynamic differences.

The chorus is the same throughout. For the first line, it starts on a I chord, passes through the iii minor chord, then goes to IV and I. I really like the way this sounds. It’s not too complicated, but still beautiful!

The rest of the chorus includes some V chords, a V7 over the 3rd (i.e. G7/B), and also a ii minor at the end.

Tips for playing How Great thou art

Let’s talk about some tips for using the chord charts to play on piano and guitar! You can easily improvise and make it your own in lots of ways.

On Piano

A good way to start playing How Great Thou Art on the piano is to play the specified chord in your right hand, along with the root of the chord in your left hand.

But that is just the baseline—you can improvise so much in this song! You can figure out the melody, do fills, try out different inversions, etc.

For the left hand, you can also do a pattern of root-5th-root, or root-5th-3rd. (“Root” refers to the bottom of a root position triad).

On Guitar Or Ukulele

On guitar or ukulele, there are a variety of strumming patterns you can use for How Great Thou Art. People change it up all the time! I recommend finding some versions on YouTube and paying attention to all the variations.

TIP: Also, if you are unfamiliar with slash chords (i.e. D/F#, G/D) here is the rule of thumb to remember: you can always simplify it by just playing the chord on the left—D, or G in the above examples. It is easier for guitarists to get away with this because it isn’t quite as noticeable!

How Great Thou Art Chord Charts

Without further ado, let’s get to the chord charts! Below you will find chord charts in 5 different keys.

You can view ALL of these directly on this website through the images, OR you can download a PDF that includes all the versions, perfect for using on a Sunday morning.

Key of C Major

C Major is very easy to play in, and it is also close to the original key the hymn was written in—B flat! In my opinion, it is easy enough to sing, but just on the brink of being too high (as a female).

Key of D Major

D is another great key for How Great Thou Art, but also a bit high for females (the top note being a high F#).

Key of E Major

In E Major, this hymn is even higher, obviously. But I’ve heard recordings of it with men singing, and it works great for the women to do harmony! Women can also go down the octave, but it may be a little low for some.

Key of F Major

Once you get to F major, it can work good because the women can go down an octave rather than singing in the clouds, LOL!

Key of G Major

I think G major is my favorite alternative (as a female) to the classic C or Bb major. It’s not too low on the verses, and not even close to being too high on the chorus! Plus, it really does sound beautiful in this key.

Download All How Great Thou Art Chords

Ready to download all 5 of these chord charts? Simply click the button below!

If you only need one of the keys, just print out that one page. But you’ll still have the other keys just in case.

I hope this is helpful!

More Worship Resources

If you read sheet music and you want to play this hymn in a more structured way, here is my How Great Thou Art sheet music. It comes in both an easy & intermediate version!

And here are more chord charts you might like:

• Come Thou Fount
• Jesus Paid it All
• Be Thou My Vision

Lastly, here is a list of best Easter hymns!

Conclusion

How Great Thou Art chords are simple and easy to play on piano, guitar, and other instruments. This beloved hymn is great for congregational worship or your own personal time with the Lord. I hope you enjoy the chord charts. Please share this post on social media so more people can use them!

The post How Great Thou Art Chords: PDF Charts in 5 Keys! appeared first on .

Come Thou Fount has always been a favorite hymn of mine. It has such a beautiful melody, and it is perfect for improvising on the piano or guitar.

So let’s learn all about the chords to Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing!

Keep reading for tips and information on different versions, or scroll to the bottom for chord charts (on site & PDF).

Come Thou Fount Chord Progression

When playing Come Thou Fount on any instrument, there are quite a few chord progressions you can use.

As with most old hymns, this one has been arranged many different ways, by many different people.

We’ll talk more about the progressions that I used in my chord charts soon. But first, let’s take a look at some arrangements of Come Thou Fount and the chords other people use!

The Original Hymn

The original version of Come Thou Fount in the hymnal is actually not too complex.

It is in the Key of D, and it stays within the chords of this key, without venturing into any secondary dominants.

One interesting note is that the hymn includes no minor chords. It only uses the D chord, G chord, and A chord (along with inversions of each).

Now that said, although this version is pretty easy, it only works for people who can read sheet music or figure out the chords from the music.

Shane & Shane

A beautiful contemporary version of Come Thou Fount is arranged by Shane & Shane.

This one is a bit slower and contemplative, with a bridge added. The chords are pretty standard, but they do vary from the original on the second part of every verse (a few B minor chords and a D/F# is added!) Take a listen and see if you can hear it!

Chris Tomlin

Come Thou Fount done by Chris Tomlin is also a slower version, led by guitar. This one has an added chorus.

The chord progression is also pretty standard, staying with D, G, A, and Bm.

kings kaleidoscope

A very unique version of this song can be found by Kings Kaleidoscope! They change up the rhythm and chords quite a bit.

While the other 2 versions have stuck to the same chords at the beginning of each verse, this version goes from D, then straight to B minor, something we haven’t seen yet so far.

Take a listen to this on Spotify here!

Mercy Me

One last version we’ll look at is by MercyMe. I enjoyed this version! The chords are pretty standard, with just a few variations, again on the second part of each verse. They go to G, then B minor, rather than the other way around like many versions.

Interestingly, some of the lyrics are changed up as well.

Chords I Decided to Use

The chords that are included in my chord charts are very similar to some of the above versions! But the funny thing about this song is you can use the same chords but in different orders. There’s so many ways to arrange it, even when you only use 5 chords total!

I have provided two different versions of Come Thou Fount, as you will see soon. One of them is super easy, only using the simplest versions of chords. This is perfect for beginning pianists and guitarists.

Chords used in this version: I, IV, V, vi, ii

The other version mixes it up a bit and adds some chord inversions, suspensions, and seventh chords.

Chords used in this version: I, IV, IV2, V, vi, ii7 (and also some inversions)

Tips For Playing Come Thou Fount

Let’s talk about some tips for using the chord charts to play on piano and guitar! You can easily improvise and make it your own in lots of ways.

On Piano

A good way to start playing Come Thou Fount on the piano is to play the specified chord in your right hand, along with the root of the chord in your left hand.

But you don’t have to stop there! You can do little fills and riffs in the right hand, or play the melody. You can also do a pattern of root, 5th, and root in the left hand.

Here is an example of how to play this on the piano with the chord chart (come subscribe to my YouTube channel for more!)

On Guitar or Ukulele

On guitar or ukulele, there are a variety of strumming patterns you can use. I recommend listening closely to the versions we looked at above—they actually show quite a few different ones you can try!

Come Thou Fount Chord Charts

Without further ado, let’s get to the chord charts! Below you will find chord charts in 3 different keys.

There are also 2 VERSIONS. The first is the piano/intermediate version, that uses more chords.

After seeing the 3 keys of the piano version, you’ll see the guitar version, which is easier and switches chords less often.

You can view ALL of these directly on this website through the images, OR you can download a PDF that includes all the versions, perfect for easy printing.

Scroll down to the very bottom if you want the PDF.

Key of C (Piano/Intermediate)

Playing Come Thou Fount in C major is a good option if you are new to chords/chord charts. The chords are all pretty simple. And since the original key is D, the range for singing won’t be much different.

Key of D (Piano/Intermediate)

D major is definitely a classic for this song! As the original key, this is one of the most popular.

Key of G (Piano/Intermediate)

Lastly, here is the piano chords in G major. Keep in mind the singing range will be much higher on this one.

Key of C (Guitar/Easy)

Now if you want less chord changes, this easier version is for you—it would work great for a worship band! Here it is in C major:

Key of D (Guitar/Easy)

And once again, D major:

Key of G (Guitar/Easy)

Finally, G major:

Come Thou Fount Chords PDF Download

Ready to download all 6 of these chord charts? Simply click the button below!

If you only need one out of the 6, just print out that page by itself.

I hope this is helpful!

More Worship Resources

If you read sheet music and you want to play Come Thou Fount in a more structured way, here is an easy & intermediate sheet music arrangement.

And here are more chord charts you might like:

• Be Thou My Vision
• How Great Thou Art
• Jesus Paid it All

Lastly, check out this list of best Easter hymns!

Conclusion

Come Thou Fount chords are simple and easy to play on piano, guitar, and other instruments. This classic hymn is great for Sunday morning worship or your own personal time of worship with the Lord. I hope you enjoy the chord charts. Please share this post on social media so more people can use them!

The post Come Thou Fount Chords: PDF charts in 3 Keys! appeared first on .

For as long as I can remember, I have loved playing hymns and worship songs with nothing more than a chord chart in front of me.

Be Thou My Vision is perfect for worship or personal devotion, and learning this song will enhance your musical skills.

So let’s learn all about the chords to Be Thou My Vision!

Keep reading for tips and information on different versions, or scroll to the bottom for chord charts (on site & PDF).

Be Thou My Vision Chord Progression

When playing Be Thou My Vision, there are a variety of chord progressions that can be used.

This song has been arranged in many ways over the years!

In the chord charts I have included in this post, we will use a simple chord progression with only 4 chords for the most part (and one or two special chords).

This makes it a great chart for a worship band, when you need something that will work for a variety of levels.

Now that said, there have been a variety of versions that have been made. Let’s look at what chord progressions these people have used (I will not include chord charts for these arrangements since they are not mine, but we can still talk about them!)

The Original Hymn

The original version of Be Thou My Vision in the hymnal is actually a very nice arrangement!

Sometimes I don’t care for the original hymn arrangements, but this one is nice. Like most hymns though, there are a LOT of chord changes. This makes it harder to play in a contemporary style.

It is also written in the key of Eb, which is not a beginner’s key.

Shane & Shane

A popular newer version of Be Thou My Vision is by Shane & Shane. This one is very beautiful!

It has a unique intro, and it includes the song “Lord You Are” almost as a bridge. As for the chords, the first line starts out with a pedal tone on tonic, then moves to dominant and a few other chords.

View their unique chord chart here.

Ascend the Hill

Another popular version is by Ascend the Hill! This one is a slow but still upbeat & contemporary.

The chords they use are actually very similar to the chord chart download in this post.

Audrey Assad

One last version we’ll talk about is by Audrey Assad! This one is much more still and calm, especially at the beginning.

The entire first verse is a pedal tone on tonic. After this the drums add and so do additional chords.

Little Red Piano

Of course, there is also the version provided by this website, which we will get to soon (keep scrolling down if you want to get straight to the charts!)

In my version, here are the main chord progressions:

Line 1: I – vi – IV – V – I

The progression above is for the first line of any given verse (for example, be thou my vision o Lord of my heart). We go from tonic, to minor 6, to the perfect 4 chord, perfect 5 chord, and then back to tonic.

Line 2: V – V – IV – V (naught be all else to me save that thou art).

For the second line of a given verse, we stay mostly on the perfect 4 & 5 chords.

Line 3: IV – vi – I – IV – A (Thou my best thought by day or by night).

For the third line, the chords are more mixed up again. We start with perfect 4, then go to minor 6, tonic, perfect 4 again, and perfect 5.

Line 4: I – vi – IV – I

And for the last line of any verse, we do tonic, minor 6, perfect 4, and then end on tonic.

Here is an example of how I use the chords in my chart to improvise on the piano:

Using This Info

Having the roman numerals as shown above can help you transpose Be Thou My Vision into ANY key! I hope this is helpful to you.

Related: Come Thou Fount Chord Charts & How Great Thou Art Chords

Tips for Playing Be Thou my Vision

The beauty of a chord chart is that you have so much freedom to improvise and make the song your own! (If you want to strictly read what’s on the page, Be Thou My Vision Sheet Music might be what you want instead).

On Piano

When I play Be Thou My Vision on piano, I usually do something flowy in my left hand and then the chords in my right hand.

But don’t feel like that’s all you can do! You can play melody along with the chords if you can figure it out, or you can do little riffs and improv in the spaces between chords.

The best way to practice this is by just doing it, experimenting!

On Guitar

If you’re following these charts on the guitar or ukelele, you can use a variety of strum patterns.

Here is a post on 7 types of strum patterns. The patterns that work well for this song are #1, & #4 (but I’m sure there are other options too!)

Be Thou My Vision Chord Charts

Without further ado, let’s get to the chord charts! Below you will find chord charts in 3 different keys.

You can view them directly on this website through the images, OR you can download a PDF that includes all 3 keys, perfect for easy printing.

Scroll down to the very bottom if you want the PDF.

Key of C

The first chord chart is in the key of C! While this is not the standard key for Be Thou My Vision, it very easy to play in.

Key of D

Next, we have the Key of D Major. This is the closest “easy” key to the original hymn (which is in E flat).

When it comes to playing this song in worship services, this key is a great option.

Key of G

Lastly, here is Be Thou My Vision chords in G major. This key is quite a bit higher than the other 2 versions.

Be Thou My Vision Chord Chart PDF

Ready to download all 3 of these chord charts? Simply click the button below!

If you only need one of the 3 keys, just make sure to print out multiple copies of the single page you need.

I hope this is helpful!

Conclusion

Be Thou My Vision chords range from extremely easy to more complicated, depending on the version you choose. The timeless lyrics of this song are sure to draw you near to the Lord as you worship. I hope the chord charts provided in this post work great for your personal use, or use in a church. Enjoy!

Read Next:

• Jesus Paid it All Chord Charts
• Best Easter Hymns

The post FREE Be Thou My Vision Chord Charts (3 Keys!) appeared first on .

What hymns are best to sing in church on easter Sunday?

It depends what you mean when you are looking for hymns! There are a variety of traditional hymns that focus on Christ’s death and resurrection.

These can be played traditionally with an organ, or in a more contemporary style with a band.

But the broader definition of a hymn is “a song of praise to God” (Merriam Webster). So when some people search for hymns, they don’t mind if they are traditional or more modern praise songs.

Personally, my church does a mix of both, which I think is neat. For that reason, I will show you a variety of songs in different styles.

We’ll start out with classic hymns, then look at some lesser known traditional hymns, and finally look at modern worship Easter songs!

So without further ado, let’s jump right in.

Classic Easter Hymns

Let’s start out with popular hymns that have been classic on Easter for a long time!

1. The Old Rugged Cross

The Old Rugged Cross must be one of the most well known and loved hymns there is! Written by George Bennard in 1912, this song focuses on the cross as a symbol of Jesus’ love and suffering for us.

2. Amazing Grace

Speaking of well known and loved, Amazing Grace is another very popular hymn. Since it describes our salvation from Christ in a heart-piercing way, it makes a great Easter hymn.

3. Christ the lord is risen today

Christ the Lord is Risen Today is a hymn known for the fun vocal parts every time “Allelujah” is sung. It has 4 verses, with each one focusing on a different aspect of the resurrection. My personal favorite is verse 3, which begins with “Love’s redeeming work is done” and goes on to talk about how Jesus won the fight and destroyed death.

This hymn is particularly epic when sung by a choir! I enjoyed listening to this version:

4. Nothing but the blood

If you want to focus specifically on the blood of Jesus, Nothing But the Blood is a great choice. This hymn would work great for Good Friday in particular. It was composed by Robert Lowry and based on Hebrews chapter 9.

Get free Nothing But the Blood Chord charts here!

5. Because He Lives

The Easter hymn “Because He Lives” is a great one that reminds me of 1 Corinthians 15. The main phrase in the refrain is “because He lives, I can face tomorrow…life is worth the living just because he lives.” This is a great reminder that we have no hope without Jesus. Only with him can we find purpose in life.

6. Jesus Paid it all

One of my favorite hymns is Jesus Paid it All! This hymn speaks of our weakness and Christ’s strength and sacrifice. Amazingly, this hymn has been sung by Christians around the world for over 150 years. Elvina Hall wrote it in 1865.

One great contemporary version of Jesus Paid it All is this one by Kristian Stanfill. It includes an extra bridge. See below:

Check out these free Jesus Paid it All chord charts if you want to do this song!

7. There is Power in the blood

There is Power in the Blood is another old hymn, written in 1899 by Lewis Edgar Jones. Jones went to Moody Bible Institute and wrote over 200 songs in the course of his life. This hymn in particular, with the theme of our cleansing from Jesus’ blood, has definitely remained popular through the years!

8. Easter Song

Easter Song is a hymn that clearly uses the resurrection story in the lyrics. It speaks of the angel at the tomb, the disciples spreading the word, and then moves to a joyful chorus about the resurrection. I love that it also makes the connection of being born again to the resurrection.

I first heard this song from Keith Green’s recording:

9. Crown him with many crowns

While Crown Him With Many Crowns is not in the “Easter” section of the hymnal, the lyrics actually make it a great resurrection Sunday song! The focus of the words is on Jesus’ ascension and kingship, which is exactly what the resurrection helped usher in. I love the second part of the first verse: “Awake my soul and sing of Him who died for me, and hail him as thy matchless King thru all eternity.”

10. He Lives

He Lives is an upbeat resurrection hymn. It includes 3 verses and a refrain that traditionally alternates between the women and men. Written by Alfred H. Ackley, He Lives focuses on the fact that Jesus rose and now He lives within our hearts.

Lesser Known Traditional Hymns

If you look in the hymnal, you will find more resurrection/Easter themed hymns. These aren’t as well known as some of the previous. But many of them still have great lyrics and music!

11. Thine is the glory

Interestingly, Thine is the Glory was written by Edmund L. Budry using a melody from the composer Handel. This hymn is sometimes sung at Easter, weddings, or funerals. Its theme is Jesus’ glory and victory from conquering the grave.

Below you can hear it being sung traditionally:

12. He Rose Triumphantly

Written by Oswald Smith, He Rose Triumphantly also has a bright and victorious sounding melody. It has 3 verses and a refrain talking about the resurrection. Listen to a choir singing this hymn accapella here.

13. Jesus Lives, and So shall I

This one is a bit longer! Jesus Lives, and So Shall I has 5 verses filled with rich Easter lyrics. It was written by Christian Gellert and later translated by Philip Schaff.

Listen to this hymn with choir and organ here.

14. Worship Christ the risen King

While Worship Christ the Risen King is a well known hymn, it DOES share a melody with a well known Christmas song: Angels from the Realms of Glory. Listen to a cool version of this song by Word Music here.

15. Rejoice the lord is king

Rejoice the Lord is King does not have as huge of a focus on the resurrection, but it is still a great hymn to celebrate Christ’s kingship. The lyrics are based on Philippians 4:8 and written by Charles Wesley! Here is a more contemporary version of this hymn with a band.

16. Christ Arose

The last song for this category: Christ Arose, by Robert Lowry! Once again, this is a very triumphant sounding hymn with great lyrics. A contemporary version can be listened to here.

Worship Songs for Easter Sunday

Now lastly, let’s look at some modern praise and worship Easter songs!

17. In Christ Alone

In Christ Alone, written by Keith and Kristyn Getty, is a powerful modern hymn. The lyrics walk through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, making it the perfect Easter song! I particularly love the last verse that talks about our response to all of this.

18. Forever

Another great worship song for Easter is Forever, performed by Kari Jobe. This song does a great job of describing the anticipation leading up to the resurrection. Listen to this song here.

19. How deep the father’s love for us

A more reflective Easter song is How Deep the Father’s Love for Us. It was released in 1990 and written by Stuart Townend. The tone and feel of this song is incredible, perfect for reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice.

20. Glorious Day

Looking for a more upbeat modern resurrection song? It doesn’t get much better than Glorious Day! This classic has lyrics that never fail to pierce my heart (and sometimes bring me to tears!) Just take a look at the chorus:

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

21. This is amazing grace

This is Amazing Grace is a great upbeat worship song! Written by Phil Wickam, it makes a good celebration Easter hymn.

22. All Hail King Jesus

A newer song, written in 2017, is All Hail King Jesus. I know I keep saying these songs are powerful…but this one is too! I love the lyrics of the chorus, “All hail King Jesus, all hail the savior of the world!”

23. Resurrection Power

A more unique Easter song is Resurrection Power by Chris Tomlin. The focus of this song is how we as believers have Christ’s resurrection power inside of us as the New Creation. It is a celebration of that freedom that He gives us!

24. power of the cross

Talk about a moving song—Power of the Cross is another one that always brings me to tears. It was published in 2005 and written by Kristyn Getty. The song starts out describing the crucifixion, but ends with the resurrection.

25. Living Hope

Written by Phil Wickam, Living Hope starts out reflective but grows into a powerful song.

26. What He’s Done

What He’s Done is a newer song that is so awesome! I sang it in 2022 with an ensemble, and it is a wonderful celebration song of what Jesus has done for us.

27 & 28

A few last options are See a Victory & Man of Sorrows.

Conclusion

There are so many great Easter hymns that you can sing this year on Good Friday or Resurrection Sunday. I hope you found the perfect song for your family or church in this post. He is Risen!

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