Every Praise Chords are foundational elements in gospel and contemporary Christian music, serving as the musical backbone for many worship songs. Whether you're a beginner learning to play guitar or piano, or an experienced musician aiming to deepen your worship experience, mastering these chords can significantly enhance your ability to lead or participate in praise and worship sessions. In this article, we will explore what Every Praise Chords are, how to play them, their common progressions, and tips to improve your playing.
What Are Every Praise Chords?
Every Praise Chords refer to the specific set of chords used in the popular gospel song "Every Praise" by Hezekiah Walker. The song is celebrated worldwide for its uplifting lyrics and simple, powerful chord progressions that facilitate congregational singing. The chords are designed to be accessible for players at various levels, making it an ideal song for church groups, choir rehearsals, and individual practice.
While these chords are most famously associated with the song "Every Praise," the progression and structure have become a template for many gospel songs, often adapted with slight variations. Understanding these chords enables musicians to easily learn and perform a wide array of praise songs that share similar harmonic structures.
The Basic Chords Used in Every Praise
The song primarily uses a handful of chords that cycle throughout the verses and chorus. The most common chords include:
- G Major
- C Major
- D Major
- Em (E minor)
- A minor
These chords are approachable for beginners and provide a rich harmonic foundation that supports the song's uplifting message.
The Chord Diagram Breakdown
Here are the basic fingerings for the chords used:
G Major
- Notes Played: G, B, D
- Fingering:
- Place your second finger on the 3rd fret of the sixth string.
- Place your first finger on the 2nd fret of the fifth string.
- Place your third finger on the 3rd fret of the second string.
- Place your fourth finger on the 3rd fret of the first string.
C Major
- Notes Played: C, E, G
- Fingering:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the second string.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the fourth string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the fifth string.
D Major
- Notes Played: D, F, A
- Fingering:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the third string.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the first string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the second string.
E Minor (Em)
- Notes Played: E, G, B
- Fingering:
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the fifth string.
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the fourth string.
A Minor (Am)
- Notes Played: A, C, E
- Fingering:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the second string.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the fourth string.
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the third string.
Common Progressions in Every Praise
The song "Every Praise" follows a simple yet powerful chord progression that can be adapted for other praise songs. The common progression is as follows:
Verse Progression
- G | C | D | G
- G | C | D | G
Chorus Progression
- G | C | D | G
- G | C | D | G
Bridge Progression (optional)
- Em | D | G | C
- Em | D | G
This progression emphasizes a cyclical pattern that builds emotional intensity and facilitates congregation participation.
How to Play Every Praise Chords Effectively
Strumming Patterns
A common strumming pattern for "Every Praise" is:
- Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up
This pattern maintains a lively momentum and encourages rhythmic engagement.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice each chord individually until you can switch smoothly.
- Use a metronome to keep consistent timing.
- Start slow, then gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
Advanced Techniques
- Incorporate chord embellishments such as hammer-ons or pull-offs for a richer sound.
- Experiment with capo placement to change the key to suit your vocal range.
Transposing Every Praise Chords
Sometimes, the key of the original song may not suit your vocal range. Transposing involves shifting all chords by the same number of semitones.
Step-by-Step Transposition
1. Decide the new key you want to play in.
2. Shift each chord accordingly:
- For example, transposing from G to A involves moving all chords up two semitones.
3. Use a capo to make transposition easier without changing your chord shapes.
Common Transpositions
- G to A
- C to D
- D to E
- E minor to F minor
Practice Tips for Mastering Every Praise Chords
- Consistent Practice: Dedicate regular time to practice chord transitions.
- Play Along with the Song: Use recordings to develop a sense of timing and rhythm.
- Learn the Lyrics: Knowing the song's words helps you stay connected and improve your musical expression.
- Join a Group: Playing with others can improve your timing and provide valuable feedback.
Variations and Adaptations of Every Praise Chords
Musicians often adapt the basic chords to add flavor or suit different musical styles.
Popular Variations
- Using seventh chords (e.g., G7, C7) for a jazzier sound.
- Adding suspended chords (e.g., Csus4) for tension and release.
- Incorporating minor chords for emotional depth.
Creating Your Own Progressions
Feel free to experiment by:
- Changing the order of chords.
- Modulating to different keys.
- Combining chords from different progressions to craft unique arrangements.
Resources for Learning Every Praise Chords
- Online chord charts: Websites like Ultimate Guitar and Chordify provide user-generated chord sheets.
- Video tutorials: YouTube channels dedicated to gospel and praise music.
- Apps: Guitar and piano apps that help with chord recognition and practice.
- Music books: Gospel songbooks often include chord sheets and arrangements.
Conclusion
Mastering Every Praise Chords opens the door to engaging in powerful worship sessions and participating in the rich tradition of gospel music. By understanding the basic chords, practicing common progressions, and experimenting with variations, musicians can enhance their skill set and bring more spirit into their playing. Remember to be patient, practice consistently, and enjoy the spiritual journey that comes with playing praise music. Whether you're leading a congregation or simply worshiping on your own, these chords serve as a vital tool to uplift and inspire through music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key to playing 'Every Praise' chords smoothly?
Practicing the chord transitions slowly and gradually increasing speed helps in playing 'Every Praise' smoothly. Focus on maintaining rhythm and using proper finger placement to ensure seamless transitions.
Which chords are commonly used in the 'Every Praise' song?
The song typically uses chords like C, G, Am, F, and D minor. These chords form the core progression that supports the uplifting melody.
Can beginners easily learn 'Every Praise' chords?
Yes, beginners can learn 'Every Praise' chords with patience and practice. Starting with the basic chords and slow practice can make the learning process manageable.
Are there simplified chord versions for 'Every Praise' for acoustic guitar beginners?
Yes, simplified versions often replace some chords with easier ones or omit complex transitions, making it accessible for beginners on acoustic guitar.
What is the strumming pattern recommended for 'Every Praise'?
A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up, which complements the song's upbeat and praise-filled vibe. However, you can adapt it to fit your style.
Where can I find free chord charts for 'Every Praise'?
You can find free chord charts on various music websites like Ultimate Guitar, Chordify, or worship music resources online, which provide accurate and easy-to-follow diagrams.
