The first time I heard the song “I Speak Jesus” by Elevation Worship, I was struck by its raw power and heartfelt lyrics. The song is not just a powerful declaration of faith, but it’s also a beautiful melody that draws you in and lifts your spirit. While I enjoyed listening to it, I wanted to take it a step further and learn to play it on my guitar. There’s something special about playing a song you love, and this particular song felt like a perfect fit to learn in the key of E, a key that’s comfortable for many guitarists.
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This journey sparked my curiosity about the chords and structure of “I Speak Jesus,” leading me to delve deeper and discover the beautiful simplicity of its progression in the key of E. This exploration became a journey into understanding how chord structures and progressions contribute to the emotional impact of a song, and I wanted to share that knowledge with you.
Unlocking the Chords of “I Speak Jesus” in the Key of E
“I Speak Jesus” is a powerful worship song that resonates with many individuals. The song’s key of E provides a familiar and approachable foundation for guitarists, offering comfort and a sense of familiarity. Learning the chords in this key allows you to join in on the worship experience, adding your own voice to the beautiful message of the song.
Understanding the chords behind this song is like peeling back layers of its musical tapestry. As you analyze each chord, you start to understand how they weave together to create the overall mood and feeling of the song. Learning how these chords work in the context of the key of E not only allows you to play the song but also gives you a deeper appreciation for music theory and how chords interact with each other.
The Essential Chords
The core of “I Speak Jesus” in the key of E relies on a handful of fundamental chords that are repeated throughout the song, creating a simple yet powerful progression. These chords are:
- E Major (E): This is the root chord of the song, providing a solid base for the progression and a feeling of stability.
- A Major (A): A major chord adds a bright and uplifting element to the progression, creating a sense of movement and energy.
- B Major (B): This chord brings a touch of warmth and adds a sense of tension, pulling the progression towards the resolution.
- C# Minor (C#m): This minor chord introduces a hint of melancholy, adding depth and emotional complexity to the song.
The Chord Progression
The beauty of “I Speak Jesus” lies in its simple and repetitive chord progression. This progression is repeated throughout the song, creating a sense of familiarity and allowing listeners to easily connect with the melody and lyrics.
The progression is as follows:
- E
- A
- B
- C#m
This four-chord progression is a fundamental building block in music. It’s used in countless songs, making it a great foundation for guitarists to learn and incorporate into their own playing. As you practice this progression, you’ll notice how each chord flows seamlessly into the next, creating a sense of continuity and momentum.
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Adding Depth with Variations
While the main progression remains constant, there are a few variations that add depth and interest to the song. These variations often involve adding or removing chords, or changing the rhythm or tempo of the progression. For example, sometimes an E major chord is added before the C# minor chord, creating a sense of anticipation and tension before resolving on the C# minor chord.
Beyond the Chords: Unlocking the Soul of the Song
Learning the chords of “I Speak Jesus” is just the first step towards understanding its core. To truly connect with the song, you need to go beyond the technicalities and dive into its emotional essence. Here are a few tips for bringing out the true soul of the song in your playing:
- Focus on the Lyrics: The lyrics of “I Speak Jesus” are profound and heart-felt. Spend time meditating on them, understanding their meaning, and allowing them to inspire your playing.
- Play with Emotion: Don’t just play the chords mechanically. Let your emotions guide your playing. Let your touch, your phrasing, and your dynamics express the love, hope, and faith that permeate the song.
- Embrace the Simplicity: The beauty of “I Speak Jesus” lies in its simplicity. Don’t overcomplicate your playing. Focus on conveying the message with clarity and conviction.
Tips for Playing “I Speak Jesus”
Here are some practical tips that will help you master this song:
- Start with a Slow Tempo: Don’t rush into playing the song too quickly. Start by practicing the chords slowly, focusing on smooth transitions between them.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome is a valuable tool for developing your timing and rhythm. Use it to practice the song at different tempos and build your accuracy.
- Break It Down: If you find the entire song challenging, break it down into smaller sections. Practice these sections individually, and then gradually combine them together.
- Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing the song can help you identify areas where you need to improve. It also provides a chance to reflect on your performance and find areas for growth.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about playing “I Speak Jesus” in the key of E:
Q: What are some good resources for learning more about guitar chords and progressions?
A: There are numerous online resources, books, and video tutorials available to learn more about chords and progressions. Websites like GuitarTricks.com, JustinGuitar.com, and Yousician.com offer interactive courses and lessons. Books like “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Playing Guitar” and “The Guitar Chord Bible” are also great resources.
Q: Can I play “I Speak Jesus” in other keys?
A: Absolutely! The song can be played in various keys depending on your preference and vocal range. You can use a guitar capo to shift the key higher or use different fingerings to adjust the chords to a different key. Many online resources provide chord charts for different keys.
Q: Are there any other worship songs that share a similar chord progression?
A: Yes, the E-A-B-C#m progression is popular in many worship songs. Many songs by Hillsong United, Elevation Worship, and Bethel Music use this progression, making it a versatile foundation for creating worship music.
I Speak Jesus Chords Key Of E
Conclusion
Learning to play “I Speak Jesus” in the key of E is a rewarding journey that deepens your understanding of music, expands your guitar skills, and allows you to experience the beauty of this special song in a new way. By embracing the chords, the lyrics, and the emotion, you can truly unlock the soul of this worship anthem and use it to connect with the power of faith and the message of love contained within its melodies.
Are you interested in exploring more worship hymns and songs? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!