Music has a magical way of connecting us to our emotions, memories, and faith. One song that has touched countless hearts is “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, a worship leader, or just someone who loves music, learning the chords to this beautiful song can be both inspiring and rewarding.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about “What a Beautiful Name” chords, from the basics to tips for playing it smoothly. By the end, you’ll feel confident enough to pick up your guitar or keyboard and play this soul-stirring worship song.
What Is “What a Beautiful Name”?
Before we jump into the chords, let’s talk about the song itself. Released in 2016 as part of Hillsong Worship’s Let There Be Light album, “What a Beautiful Name” quickly became a global anthem for worship. Written by Brooke Ligertwood and Ben Fielding, the song celebrates the beauty, power, and majesty of the name of Jesus.
Its heartfelt lyrics and melodic tune make it a favorite in churches, small gatherings, and personal worship sessions. Now, let’s learn how to play it!
The Chords for “What a Beautiful Name”
The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity. It’s played in the key of D, which makes it perfect for beginners. Below are the basic chords you’ll need to know:
- D
- A
- Bm
- G
If you’re comfortable with these chords, you’re already halfway there! But don’t worry if you’re new to playing — we’ll break it down step by step.
Basic Chord Progression
The song follows a simple chord progression. Here’s how it looks for the verse:
D – A – Bm – G
And for the chorus:
D – A – G
You’ll notice this progression is repetitive, which makes it easy to memorize.
Tips for Playing “What a Beautiful Name”
1. Start Slow
If you’re just starting out, don’t rush. Play each chord slowly and focus on transitioning smoothly between them.
2. Strumming Pattern
A basic down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works well for this song. Once you’re comfortable, experiment with variations to make it your own.
3. Use a Capo
If you find the key of D a bit high to sing along with, use a capo on the 2nd fret and play in the key of C. Here’s the chord conversion:
- D → C
- A → G
- Bm → Am
- G → F
Playing “What a Beautiful Name” on Piano
If you prefer the piano over the guitar, good news — this song is just as easy to play on keys. Stick to the same chords (D, A, Bm, G) and follow these tips:
- Use your right hand for the melody and your left hand for the chords.
- Break the chords into arpeggios for a softer, more emotional sound.
- Practice transitioning between chords to keep the flow smooth.
Why “What a Beautiful Name” Is Perfect for Beginners
- Simple Chords: With only four basic chords, this song is beginner-friendly.
- Repetitive Structure: The chord progression repeats, so you don’t have to memorize too much.
- Emotional Impact: Even when played simply, the song sounds amazing and resonates deeply with listeners.
Adding Your Personal Touch
Want to take your performance to the next level? Here are some ideas:
- Harmonies: Add vocal harmonies to make the song more dynamic.
- Dynamics: Start softly and build up the intensity in the chorus for an emotional impact.
- Fingerpicking: On the guitar, use fingerpicking instead of strumming for a gentler feel.
Conclusion
Learning the chords to “What a Beautiful Name” is a journey into the heart of worship. Its simplicity makes it accessible, while its depth allows for endless creativity. Whether you’re playing it in a church setting, at home, or for friends, this song has the power to uplift and inspire.
So grab your instrument, practice those chords, and let the beauty of this song shine through your playing.
FAQs
1. What key is “What a Beautiful Name” in?
The original key is D major, but you can transpose it to suit your vocal range.
2. Can beginners play this song?
Absolutely! With only four simple chords, it’s perfect for beginners.
3. Do I need a capo to play this song?
No, but using a capo can help you adjust the key to match your voice.
4. What’s the best strumming pattern for this song?
A basic down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works well, but feel free to experiment.
5. Is it hard to play on piano?
Not at all! The chords are straightforward, and you can keep it simple or add flourishes as you gain confidence.
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start playing! What are you waiting for? Let the music flow and let your heart sing out, “What a beautiful name it is!”
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