How to play "Here On Our Knees"

In this lesson, we are breaking down the powerful worship anthem, “On Our Knees” by the anointed Minister Oncemore Six.

This song is a perfect example of how simplicity can create a massive atmosphere for worship. We are going to be playing this in its original key, the Key of F, and we will be using the Nashville Number System to make it easy for beginners to follow along. Whether you are playing with just a piano or layered with soft pads and strings, this breakdown will help you master the core progressions.

The Basics: Key of F & The Number System

Before we jump into the chords, let’s look at our scale in the key of F. Understanding these numbers is the foundation of every professional gospel arrangement:

• 1 = F
• 2 = G
• 3 = A
• 4 = Bb
• 5 = C
• 6 = D
• 7 = E

Part 1: The Verse Progression (We Bow Before You)

The first part of the song is incredibly soft and atmospheric. In the original recording, you’ll hear very simple movements played with a lot of “padding” (sustained notes).

The Core Movement

The main loop for the verse is: 1 ➔ 6 ➔ 5 ➔ 1.

1. Start on the 1: You can play the root note F in your left hand and the 1st inversion of the F chord in your right hand.
2. The 6 Chord: Move your left hand to the D (6) while maintaining a soft, worshipful texture.
3. The 5 Chord: Shift to the C (5).
4. Resolve to 1: Return to the F (1).

Adding “The Glow”: The Diminished Walk-down

If you want to move away from basic triads and add that professional gospel flavor, you can “walk down” to the 6 using diminished chords. Instead of jumping straight to the 6, try this:

• Step 1: Start on the 1st inversion of the 1 chord (F).
• Step 2: Play an E Diminished 7th (Left hand on 7 / Right hand: G, Bb, Db).
• Step 3: Move to an A Diminished chord.
• Step 4: Land on your 6 chord (D).

This walk-down adds a layer of emotional tension and resolution that makes the song feel much more sophisticated, even for a beginner.

Part 2: The Chorus (On Our Knees)

The second part of the song maintains the same spirit but often requires a bit more “movement” to keep the sound full, especially if you aren’t playing with a full band.

The Breakdown

In the chorus, we focus on the transition from the 5 back to the 1. A common mistake beginners make is leaving too much “empty space” between chords. To fix this, we use a walk-up from 5 to 1.

1. The 7 to 5 Split: Play the 7 (E) in your left hand, but play a 5 chord (C) in your right hand. This is a very common gospel voicing that bridges the gap between the 5 and the 1.
2. The 5 Loop: Continue the progression: 5 ➔ 1 ➔ 2 ➔ 5.
3. Inversion Choices: For the 5 chord, you can use the root position (C-E-G) or invert it (G-C-E) depending on where your hand is already positioned on the keyboard.

If playing the 5 over the 7 feels uncomfortable, you can substitute it by playing a Bb (4 chord) in your right hand over the E (7) in your left. Experiment with both to see which “color” fits your playing style best.

Technical Tips for Worship Piano

1. Avoiding the “Empty Space”

Unless you have a heavy synth pad or a string section playing behind you, “empty space” can make your playing sound thin. If you feel the song is too empty, use the 1 ➔ 4 ➔ 1 ➔ 4 movement in your right hand while holding the bass note. This keeps the rhythm alive without changing the core harmony of the song.

2. Dynamics are Key

Minister Mahendere’s music is highly dynamic. Start very softly—almost whispering with your fingers. As the song builds, increase the weight of your left-hand octaves. This tells a story through your music and leads the congregation or listeners on a journey.

3. Simplify the Minor Chords

For complete beginners, don’t feel pressured to play complex minor 9th chords immediately. You can stay on the basic triads (1, 4, 5, 6) and still sound excellent. The goal is “heart” over “hype.”

Practice & Progression

Mastering “On Our Knees” is about more than just hitting the right numbers; it’s about timing and atmosphere. I recommend practicing the Diminished 7th walk-down specifically, as that is a skill you will carry into almost every other gospel song you learn.

Keep practicing, stay on your knees in worship, and I will see you in the next tutorial!