Piano Worship Chords

Piano worship chords are different for sure, but why? Pianos are used in worship services throughout the world. Music in general is use as a means of giving praise and worshiping. As you might expect, worship music is a powerful, emotional, spiritual creation. What this means for us is that learning to play piano worship music is not as easy as reading the notes from the sheet. A very important influence in worship music is rhythm. The combination of strong chords with a strong rhythm is very moving. The use of syncopation is prominent in worship music. Basically, by accenting a part of the measure that is usually unstressed, and resting where a beat would normally be stressed, a new, unique rhythm is created. There are a number of chord progressions used in worship music. But not only that, but a number of "color chords" are also used. Many arpeggios are also used. This is accomplished by playing each chord one note at a time instead of all notes at once, as nearly everyone is initially trained. After all of this unique flavor, add in some unconventional runs, fillers modes, walk ups, walk downs at just the right spots, and you can see how difficult it can be to master playing Piano Worship Chords.

This is a skill developed over time with lots of playing the same pieces over and over. You have to get comfortable improvising on what you already know. Start out with a piece you are familiar with already. Then play it a few times over and over. Get really comfortable until the music begins to flow freely. Now begin to add some some arpeggios with your chord play. Maybe try a new chord and get comfortable with your hand positions. Play around with this, remember nobody is listening! Try one time straight, and one time arpeggio on the same chord, decide what you like, and what feels right to you. Try listening to the way the music is being played. Listen to the way chords are finshed off, maybe moving down a semitone and back for an ending.

Learn to Play Piano Worship Chords

Gospel music is considered to be music written and played to worship God in a Christian community. In keeping with God's majesty, Gospel music is written to be powerful and moving. Therefore piano worship chords should be played from the heart with passion.

The uniqueness of the Gospel piano style are a result of a few specific characteristics. Rhythm is a distinct characteristic of Gospel music. It adds emphasis when piano worship chords are supported by a strong rhythm. Since syncopated rhythms are typically found in Gospel, it's a great idea to to be comfortable with a number of rhythms.

Piano worship chords are used in a variety of progressions in Gospel music, but there are some used more than others. The progression I-IV-V is the most popular. It's not only the chord progressions, but the actual chords themselves that are important. The color chords like the dominant 7th (major and minor) are commonly used.

As Gospel is intended to be moving, it is common to add in walk ups and downs, runs, modes, fillers and arpeggios. In the case of runs, the exact placement must be determined first. Now find an appropriate rhythm and fill in the run. Then you can begin to experiment with the scales and find a suitable run. It doesn't have to be perfect the first time! Inserting a run during long measures of the same chord is a great way to start.

Other Gospel music sub-genres are known for their use of piano worship chords. For example Southern Gospel, Bluegrass Gospel, and Christian Rock are all different, yet share many of the same rhythms and chords.

Why Are Piano Worship Chords So Difficult?