Here I Am To Worship Chords – A Guide to Playing This Beloved Anthem

The first time I heard “Here I Am to Worship” by Hillsong United, I was instantly captivated. The song’s simple yet powerful melody, coupled with its profound lyrics, resonated deeply within me. It felt like an anthem of surrender and devotion, and I knew right then that I had to learn how to play it. Fast forward a few years, and I’m now leading worship at my church, and “Here I Am to Worship” remains a staple in our repertoire. There’s something about those chords that just seems to draw people into a place of worship, and I’m thrilled to share that knowledge with you today.

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Learning to play “Here I Am to Worship” on the guitar, piano, or even just singing it, is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s a song that has touched the hearts of countless people around the world, and it’s a song that speaks volumes about the power of worship. Today, we’ll break down the chords, explore the song’s history and meaning, and even offer some tips for making your own performance stand out.

The Basics of “Here I Am To Worship” Chords

At its core, “Here I Am To Worship” is a simple song, and its chords are no exception. The entire song revolves around just five main chords: G, C, D, Em, and Am. It’s a common progression that’s found in many other songs, making it a great building block for your guitar or piano playing.

The beauty of these chords lies in their versatility. Each chord has a distinct sound, and the interplay between them creates a sense of movement and emotional depth. For example, the G chord provides a bright and uplifting feel, while the Em chord conveys a sense of longing or yearning. The Am chord adds a touch of vulnerability, while the C and D chords offer a sense of hope and celebration.

When played together, these chords tell a story. They weave a tapestry of emotions that mirrors the lyrics, creating a moving and immersive experience for the listener.

Exploring the Song’s Meaning and History

Written by Hillsong United’s lead singer, Joel Houston, “Here I Am to Worship” was first released in 2002 on their album “For All You’ve Done.” The song quickly became a modern hymn, widely adopted by churches around the world for its powerful message of surrender and devotion to God.

The lyrics speak to the desire to set aside personal agendas and ambitions to focus solely on the presence of God. It expresses a longing to be wholly consumed by His love and to worship Him with every fiber of our being.

The song’s message is both personal and universal. It speaks to individuals struggling with doubt, fear, or uncertainty, offering a message of hope and reassurance. It also speaks to the collective yearning of the church to live for a higher purpose, to find meaning and fulfillment in serving God.

Mastering the “Here I Am To Worship” Chords

Now, let’s delve deeper into the chords themselves and discuss some helpful tips for mastering them:

1. Start with the G Chord: This is the foundation of the song, so it’s essential to get a comfortable grip on it. For guitar players, the G chord is a relatively easy one to learn. Focus on the placement of your fingers, ensuring they are placed securely on the strings. For pianists, practice the basic G chord positioning and work your way up to more complex versions.
2. Tackle the C Chord: This chord can be a bit trickier for beginners, but with practice, it becomes more natural. For guitarists, try using the barre technique for the C chord, while pianists need to be precise with their finger placement on the white keys.
3. Conquer the D Chord: The D chord can be a bit of a challenge, especially for guitarists. Finding the right finger placements is crucial here. Pianists can approach the D chord with a fairly straightforward pattern, making it a relatively easy chord.
4. Practice the Em Chord: The Em chord provides a darker, more melancholic tone in the song. For both guitarists and pianists, the Em chord involves transitioning from a major chord to a minor chord, and it’s important to get the finger positions right.
5. Master the Am Chord: Like the Em chord, this chord is a minor chord, bringing a touch of vulnerability and sensitivity to the song. Focus on finding the correct finger positions on the fretboard for guitarists, while pianists can approach it with a simple pattern.
6. Practice Chord Transitions : The key to playing “Here I Am To Worship” is smooth transitions between the chords. It’s not about speed, but rather fluency and accuracy. Practice these transitions slowly at first, and gradually increase your tempo as they become easier. Focus on making the changes sound seamless.
7. Add Your Own Flair: Once you’ve mastered the basic chords, start experimenting with different strumming patterns, picking techniques, and variations. This will allow you to add your own personal touch to the song. For piano players, try incorporating simple melodies or arpeggiated patterns.

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Tips for Improving Your “Here I Am To Worship” Performance

Here are a few additional tips that can elevate your performance and truly make you shine:

• Engage with the Lyrics: Don’t just play the chords. Connect with the lyrics and allow them to guide your interpretation. Think about the meaning behind each verse and let your emotions come through in your playing.
• Listen to Different Versions: Many artists have performed “Here I Am To Worship,” each bringing their unique style and interpretation. Listen to different versions to get inspiration and find creative ways to approach the song.
• Practice with a metronome: This will help you develop a consistent tempo and improve your timing.
• Record yourself: This allows you to objectively assess your playing and identify areas for improvement.
• Practice in front of others: Performing in front of an audience helps build confidence and improve your stage presence.
• Don’t be afraid to improvise: While it’s essential to master the basic chords, there’s room for creative exploration. Adding in your own melodies or variations can make your performance stand out.

FAQ

What is the best key to play “Here I Am to Worship” in?

The original key of the song is G major. This key is a popular choice for guitarists because it allows for open strings and easy chord transitions. Pianists can also easily navigate the G major key.

Can I play “Here I Am to Worship” on the piano?

Absolutely! The chords are well-suited for piano, and many pianists have created beautiful arrangements of this song. The simplicity of the chords makes it an accessible choice for both beginners and experienced players.

What is the meaning of the lyrics?

The lyrics express a deep desire to surrender to God’s will and to focus solely on His presence. They convey a longing for intimacy with God and a passionate desire to worship Him with every fiber of our being.

What are some other well-known worship songs similar to “Here I Am to Worship”?

Here are a few other beloved worship anthems with similar themes:

• “Agnus Dei” by Michael W. Smith
• “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Paul Baloche
• “How Great is Our God” by Chris Tomlin
• “Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman

Here I Am Worship Chords

Conclusion

Learning to play “Here I Am To Worship” is a truly rewarding experience. Not only will you master a classic worship song, but you’ll also develop your musical skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the power and beauty of worship. Remember, the key is to practice regularly, have fun, and let your passion shine through!

Let us know in the comments below: are you a fan of this song or do you have any other favorite worship anthems that you’d like to learn?