How to play "Great Are You Lord"

“Great Are You Lord” is a powerful worship staple known for its steady, driving rhythm and soulful melody. In this guide, we will break down the song into three different keys. We’ll start with the original key of A, then move to C# (Db) and F to accommodate different vocal ranges and player preferences.

Rather than just playing basic triads, we will explore how to “advance” these chords using 7ths and suspended voicings to give your playing a professional sound.

1. The Song Structure & Main Progression

The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity. The Intro, Verse, Pre-Chorus, and Chorus all follow the same core progression: 4 – 6 – 5.

The only structural change occurs during the Bridge (“All the earth will shout Your praise”), where we introduce a minor chord outside the standard major scale to create tension and lift.

2. Key of A (Original Key)

Scale: A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G#

Verse / Chorus (4 – 6 – 5)

• The 4 (D): Play a D Major 7 for a modern feel.

  • Right Hand: A – C# – D – F#

• The 6 (F#): Instead of a plain F# minor, try a B Sus2/A.

• The 5 (E): Instead of a basic E major, try an E Major 6.

  • Right Hand: Add the C# (the 3rd note of the A scale) to your E major triad.

The Bridge (1 – b7 – 4 – 1)

The Bridge introduces an E minor chord, which gives the song its signature “off-scale” soulful sound.

• The 1: A Major

• The Minor Chord: E Minor (Notes: E – G – B)

  • Tip: While playing E minor in the right hand, keep your left hand on G.

• The 4: D Major

• The 1: A Major

3. Key of C# / Db

Scale: C# – D# – F – F# – G# – A# – C

Verse / Chorus (4 – 6 – 5)

• The 4 (F#): Use an F# Major 7.

  • Advanced Fingering: Use four fingers in the right hand, including the 3rd note of the scale (F).

• The 6 (A#m): A# minor.

• The 5 (G#): G# Major.

The Bridge

• The 1: C# Major (use 2nd inversion).

• The Minor Chord: G# minor (Abm).

  • Right Hand: B – D# – G# (Inverted).

• The 4: F# Major.

• The 1: C# Major.

4. Key of F

Scale: F – G – A – Bb – C – D – E

Verse / Chorus (4 – 6 – 5)

• The 4 (Bb): Bb Major.

• The 6 (D): D minor 7.

  • Right Hand: Play a D minor triad and add the C (the 5 of the F scale).

• The 5 (C): C Major.

The Bridge

• The 1: F Major (1st inversion).

• The Minor Chord: C minor.

  • Right Hand: C – Eb – G.

  • Left Hand: Finger on E.

• The 4: Bb Major.

• The 1: F Major.

Practice Tips for “Great Are You Lord”

1. Focus on the Left Hand: For the Bridge, notice how the bass movement (the G in the key of A or the E in the key of F) creates a “passing” feel that makes the minor chord sound grounded.

2. Inversions are Key: Don’t jump your hands across the keyboard. Try to find the closest notes. For example, in the key of A, move from the D major chord to the F#m shape by only moving one or two fingers.

3. Dynamics: Start the verses softly with simple triads. As you move into the chorus (“It’s Your breath…”), add the 7ths and suspended notes to build the energy.