The Easiest Christian Songs To Play On Guitar

Looking to learn some easy Christian songs on the guitar? You’ve come to the right place. Playing worship songs on the guitar is a fantastic way to get closer to God through music. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with a list of the top beginner Christian songs that are perfect for acoustic guitar.

If you don’t have time to read the full piece, here’s a quick answer: Some of the easiest Christian songs to play on guitar include 10,000 Reasons, Lord I Lift Your Name on High, Amazing Grace, and Open the Eyes of My Heart. These songs only use basic guitar chords like G, C, D, Em, and A.

Choosing the Right Beginner Christian Songs

Start With Simple Chord Progressions

When choosing beginner Christian songs to play on the guitar, it’s important to start with simple chord progressions. These songs typically have a limited number of chords and use basic strumming patterns.

By starting with songs that have easy chord progressions, beginners can build their confidence and gradually progress to more complex songs.

Focus on Slow Worship Songs

Slow worship songs are a great choice for beginner guitarists. These songs often have slower tempos, allowing beginners to play at a comfortable pace. Additionally, slow worship songs tend to have repetitive chord progressions, making them easier to learn and memorize.

Some popular slow worship songs for beginners include “How Great is Our God” and “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord).”

Consider Your Vocal Range

When choosing Christian songs to play on the guitar, it’s important to consider your vocal range. If you’re just starting out as a singer, it’s best to choose songs that are within your comfortable vocal range. This will make it easier to sing along while playing the guitar.

Websites like Worship Together offer resources for finding songs that match specific vocal ranges, helping beginners find songs that are suitable for their voice.

Pick Uplifting Songs With Meaningful Lyrics

Choosing uplifting songs with meaningful lyrics is another important factor when selecting beginner Christian songs. These songs not only bring joy and inspiration to the guitarist but also allow for a deeper connection with the message of the song.

Songs like “Amazing Grace” and “Blessed Be Your Name” are great examples of uplifting Christian songs with powerful lyrics.

By considering these factors, beginners can choose the right Christian songs to play on the guitar. Starting with simple chord progressions, focusing on slow worship songs, considering vocal range, and picking uplifting songs with meaningful lyrics will help beginners build a strong foundation and enjoy their musical journey.

The 10 Easiest Christian Songs to Play on Acoustic Guitar

1. Amazing Grace

One of the most beloved hymns of all time, “Amazing Grace” is a great song for beginners to learn on the guitar. With simple chords and a recognizable melody, it’s a perfect choice for those just starting out on their musical journey.

2. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)

Popularized by Matt Redman, “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” is a beautiful worship song that is relatively easy to play on the guitar. The song features a simple chord progression and repetitive lyrics, making it a great choice for beginners.

3. Lord, I Lift Your Name on High

“Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” is a timeless praise and worship song that is both uplifting and easy to play. With just a few basic chords, you can strum along and join in the joyful celebration of God’s name.

4. Open the Eyes of My Heart

Written by Paul Baloche, “Open the Eyes of My Heart” is a heartfelt prayer set to music. The song’s simple chord structure and repetitive lyrics make it accessible for guitarists of all skill levels.

5. Come, Now is the Time to Worship

With its catchy melody and powerful message, “Come, Now is the Time to Worship” is a popular choice in many churches. The song features a straightforward chord progression and is a great song for beginners to learn and play.

6. Reckless Love

Originally performed by Cory Asbury, “Reckless Love” has quickly become a modern worship anthem. While the song has a few more chords than some of the others on this list, it is still relatively easy to learn and play.

7. How Great is Our God

Written by Chris Tomlin, “How Great is Our God” is a powerful worship song that is often sung in churches around the world. With its simple chord progression and inspiring lyrics, it’s a great choice for beginner guitarists.

8. Shout to the Lord

Hillsong’s “Shout to the Lord” is a classic worship song that has stood the test of time. With its memorable melody and straightforward chords, it’s a great song for beginners to learn and play on acoustic guitar.

9. Cornerstone

“Cornerstone” by Hillsong Worship is a popular song that is often sung in church services. With its powerful lyrics and simple chord progression, it’s a great choice for beginners looking to play Christian songs on guitar.

10. As the Deer

Based on Psalm 42:1, “As the Deer” is a beautiful worship song that is often sung as a prayer of longing for God’s presence. The song features a simple chord progression and is a great choice for beginners on acoustic guitar.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Start with these easy Christian songs on acoustic guitar and gradually work your way up to more challenging pieces. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll soon be playing your favorite worship songs with confidence and joy.

Helpful Tips for Beginner Christian Guitarists

Learning to play the guitar can be an exciting journey, especially for those who want to incorporate their faith into their music. If you’re a beginner Christian guitarist, here are some helpful tips to get you started on your musical path:

Use a Capo to Change Key

Using a capo is a great way to easily change the key of a song without having to learn new chord shapes. A capo is a device that you can place on the neck of your guitar, which effectively raises the pitch of the strings.

This allows you to play familiar chord shapes in a different key, making it easier to play along with your favorite Christian songs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different capo positions to find the right key for your voice or the song you’re playing.

Learn Basic Strumming Patterns

Developing a solid foundation in strumming patterns is essential for any guitarist. Start by mastering basic strumming patterns, such as downstrokes and upstrokes, and gradually progress to more complex patterns.

One popular strumming pattern used in many Christian songs is the “down, down, up, up, down” pattern. Practice these patterns with a metronome to improve your timing and rhythm.

Simplify Chord Shapes

As a beginner guitarist, some chord shapes may seem challenging to play. To make things easier, try simplifying chord shapes by omitting certain notes or using alternative fingerings. For example, instead of playing a full barre chord, you can play just the top three or four strings to achieve a similar sound.

As you become more comfortable with these simplified shapes, you can gradually progress to the full chords.

Play Along with Tutorials

There are plenty of online tutorials and resources available that provide step-by-step instructions on how to play popular Christian songs. Take advantage of these resources and play along with the tutorials.

Not only will this help you learn the songs faster, but it will also improve your overall playing skills. Websites like Worship Tutorials and Guitar Lessons offer a wide range of tutorials specifically tailored for Christian guitarists.

Practice Transitioning Between Chords

One of the biggest challenges for beginner guitarists is transitioning smoothly between different chords. To improve your chord transitions, start by practicing common chord progressions found in Christian songs. Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and accuracy as you move from one chord to another.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so dedicate regular time to practicing chord transitions. Before you know it, you’ll be effortlessly moving between chords.

Remember, learning to play the guitar takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t progress as quickly as you’d like. Stay consistent with your practice, and soon enough, you’ll be playing your favorite Christian songs with ease and joy.

Commonly Used Chords in Christian Music

When it comes to playing Christian songs on the guitar, there are several chords that are commonly used. These chords provide the foundation for many worship songs and are relatively easy to learn for beginners.

In this article, we will explore some of the most frequently used chords in Christian music.

G Major

The G major chord is a staple in Christian music. With its bright and uplifting sound, it is often used in songs that celebrate joy and praise. To play a G major chord, place 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.

Strum all the strings, avoiding the low E string.

C Major

Another commonly used chord in Christian music is the C major chord. This chord has a warm and soothing sound, making it perfect for songs that focus on God’s love and faithfulness. To play a C major chord, place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your index finger on the first fret of the B string.

Strum from the A string down to the high E string.

D Major

The D major chord is often used in Christian music to create a sense of resolve and victory. It is commonly found in songs that talk about overcoming struggles and finding hope in God. To play a D major 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 down to the high E string.

A Major

The A major chord is frequently used in Christian music to create a sense of awe and reverence. It is commonly found in worship songs that focus on God’s majesty and power. To play an A major chord, place your index finger on the second fret of the D string, your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the B string.

Strum from the A string down to the high E string.

E Minor

The E minor chord is often used in Christian music to create a sense of reflection and introspection. It is commonly found in songs that express vulnerability and the need for God’s guidance. To play an E minor chord, place your index finger on the second fret of the A string and strum from the low E string down to the high E string.

F Major

The F major chord is frequently used in Christian music to create a sense of longing and anticipation. It is commonly found in songs that express a desire for God’s presence and a deeper relationship with Him.

To play an F major chord, place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the D string. Strum from the D string down to the high E string.

B Minor

The B minor chord is often used in Christian music to create a sense of contemplation and surrender. It is commonly found in songs that talk about surrendering to God’s will and trusting in His plan. To play a B minor chord, bar the second fret with your index finger and place your ring finger on the fourth fret of the D, G, and B strings.

Strum all the strings, avoiding the low E string.

D Minor

The D minor chord is frequently used in Christian music to create a sense of sadness and longing. It is commonly found in songs that express a need for God’s comfort and healing. To play a D minor chord, place your index finger on the first fret of the high E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string.

Strum from the D string down to the high E string.

How to Read Guitar Tabs for Christian Songs

Understand the Guitar Fretboard

Before diving into reading guitar tabs, it is important to have a basic understanding of the guitar fretboard. Familiarize yourself with the different strings, frets, and notes on the guitar. This will help you visualize the tablature and make it easier to follow along.

There are various resources available online that provide interactive fretboard diagrams and tutorials to help you learn the guitar fretboard. Websites like GuitarLessons.com offer step-by-step lessons that can be a great starting point for beginners.

Learn the Parts of a Tab

Guitar tabs consist of six horizontal lines representing the six strings of the guitar. Each line corresponds to a specific string, with the bottom line representing the thickest string (low E string) and the top line representing the thinnest string (high E string).

The numbers on the lines indicate the frets that need to be pressed down on each string. For example, a “0” on the bottom line means you play the open string, while a “3” on the top line means you press down the third fret on the high E string.

It is also important to pay attention to other symbols commonly used in tabs, such as bends, slides, and hammer-ons/pull-offs. Understanding these symbols will allow you to accurately recreate the nuances of the song you are learning.

Practice Reading Tab Rhythm

Reading the rhythm of a guitar tab is just as important as reading the notes themselves. Tabs typically use various symbols and notations to represent different types of rhythms, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, and rests.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the common rhythm notations used in tabs. Practice playing along with a metronome or a backing track to improve your timing and rhythm. It may take some practice, but with time, you’ll be able to read and play the rhythm of a tab effortlessly.

Use Tabs to Learn Songs Faster

One of the great advantages of guitar tabs is the ability to learn songs quickly. Tabs provide a visual representation of the song, allowing you to see exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, using tabs can significantly speed up the learning process. Start by choosing simple Christian songs with easy-to-follow tabs. As you become more comfortable, you can challenge yourself with more complex arrangements.

There are numerous websites dedicated to providing guitar tabs for Christian songs. Websites like WorshipTogether and ChristianGuitar.org offer a vast library of tabs for popular Christian worship songs.

Remember, reading guitar tabs is a skill that improves with practice. Take your time, be patient, and don’t get discouraged if you encounter difficulties along the way. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll soon be strumming your favorite Christian songs on the guitar with confidence.

Conclusion

Starting out learning Christian music on the guitar opens up a world of possibilities. Not only will you be able to play your favorite worship songs, but you’ll also learn fundamental guitar techniques that allow you to explore other genres.

The songs covered in this guide like Amazing Grace, As the Deer, and Shout to the Lord are perfect beginner Christian songs to help you progress quickly. Keep practicing daily, learn basic strumming patterns, and try out different chord variations.

With dedication, you’ll be leading worship services and writing your own Christian songs in no time.