How to Find Chords When Writing a Worship Song (Even If You’re a Beginner)
As you write the lyrics and melody of your worship song, you will want to begin finding chords for the song. If you do not play an instrument, you will probably want to get advice from someone who does. However, if you do play piano or guitar - even if you are a beginner - you will most likely be able to find chords that fit perfectly in your song! Here are a few tips:
Tip #1: Choose a key that you can play.
Choose an easy key signature - one that you feel comfortable playing. If you are a beginner on your instrument, this will likely be either C, G, or D.
Tip #2: Figure out the main chords in that key.
Every key contains 6 diatonic chords. (Diatonic is a fancy term that just means that those chords use only notes that are in the key.) On each note of the scale, we can build a chord, resulting in the 6 chords for that key. For example, these are the 6 chords for the keys of C, G, and D:
Key of C: C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am
Key of G: G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em
Key of D: D, Em, F#m, G, A, Bm
If you would like to learn more about this topic, check out “Chords in a Key” article here. You can also download the Chords in a Key chart, along with other helpful worship piano resources, here.
Tip #3: Experiment with those 6 chords.
Now comes the fun part: you get to be creative! Sing through your song, trying these 6 chords to see what combination/progression you like best. If you aren’t sure at first, that is totally okay! It is perfectly normal to get “stuck” between two chords, and it might take a few days to figure out which option you prefer.
Here are a few additional hints to help you:
Hint #1: The most common chords in any key are 1, 4, 5, and 6m.
If the system of numbering chords is new for you, definitely reference the “Chords in a Key” article here. In any key, the chords that you will probably use most often will be the 1, 4, 5, and 6m.
Hint #2: Songs usually start and end on the 1 chord.
Approximately 90% of worship songs start and end on the 1 chord. Chances are, your song will too!
Hint #3: Music is typically constructed in 4-measure phrases.
Typically, each complete thought in your lyrics/music will be 4 measures long. Western music is typically organized in groups of 4.
Hint #4: Chords almost always change on beat 1, and sometimes they change on best 3 as well.
98% of the time, a new measure will necessitate a different chord. Beat 3 is also an excellent place for a chord change.
Worship Songwriting Course
If you would like to learn more about how to write songs unto Jesus from a heart of worship, check out my Worship Songwriting course. Topics include inspiration, brainstorming, song form, writing lyrics, composing a melody, finding chords, rewriting, songs of the Bible, partnering with God to write songs, and writing from a place of worship.
Want to learn more?
If you would like to learn how to play worship piano like a pro, check out my Worship Essentials courses. This unique approach combines a simple, easy-to-follow method of learning the piano along with teachings on the heart of worship - and it has proven successful for people of all ages and levels.
Or, if you would prefer one-on-one instruction, consider online lessons. Lessons incorporate the same content of the Worship Essentials courses but have the added bonus of one-on-one coaching and instruction.
Happy worshipping!