Learning to translate the resonant praise of "How Great Is Our God" into sound on your guitar begins with understanding the song’s core identity. This worship standard, popularized by Chris Tomlin, relies on a blend of open, resonant chord shapes and dynamic strumming patterns that capture the expansive feel of the lyrics. The piece is less about technical virtuosity and more about emotional expression, making it an ideal bridge for players looking to move from basic chords to more fluid, worship-style accompaniment.
Deconstructing the Essential Chord Palette
The foundation of any "How Great Is Our God" guitar tutorial centers on a specific set of chords that repeat throughout the song. Mastering these shapes is the first tangible step for a student, as they form the harmonic skeleton that drives the entire arrangement. The progression feels familiar to many worship leaders because it utilizes common major and suspended chords that create a sense of lift and resolution without being overly complex.
Primary Chords and Variations
When breaking down the song, most tutorials highlight the following chords as the primary colors of the piece:
D Major: Often played as a standard open shape or a barre at the fifth fret, this chord provides the bright, triumphant quality of the verse.
G Major: The home base of the progression, offering a sense of stability and grounding.
Many advanced tutorials will also introduce the concept of slash chords (e.g., D/F#), where the bass note changes while the chord name remains the same. This technique is frequently used to create a smoother bass line that walks down from D to G, giving the strumming pattern a more fluid, professional sound that is often highlighted in detailed guitar tutorials.
Strumming Patterns That Breathe Life Into the Song
Beyond just changing shapes, the feel of "How Great Is Our God" is dictated entirely by the strumming hand. A standard tutorial will move the player away from rigid down-up patterns and toward a more relaxed, syncopated rhythm. The goal is to mimic the gentle swell of a worship band, where the guitar acts as the heartbeat rather than the driving engine.
Capturing the Groove
Typically, a tutorial will break the strumming into two distinct parts: the verse and the chorus. The verse usually employs a softer, more muted strum, often emphasizing the upbeats to create a sense of intimacy. In contrast, the chorus opens up, allowing the strumming to become more vigorous and full, matching the emotional peak of the lyrics "How great is our God!" Understanding this dynamic shift is crucial for moving from simply playing the notes to actually performing the song.
Exploring the Intro and Verse Melody
While the chord progression is the backbone, many players are drawn to the iconic piano riff that opens "How Great Is Our God." A comprehensive guitar tutorial will often adapt this melodic element to fit the fretboard. This usually involves playing a series of ascending notes on the high strings, which adds a layer of sophistication and immediately signals that the song is beginning.
Translating Piano Riffs to Guitar
Transcribing the piano intro to guitar requires a different approach to finger positioning. A tutorial will guide the player on how to voice these notes in a way that feels natural on the neck, often utilizing open strings to replicate the bright, crystalline quality of the original. This section of the tutorial is vital for setting the tone and ensuring the arrangement doesn't sound like a simple block-chord exercise.
