How to Play Glory to God by Collen Maluleke

Glory to God Song Breakdown

Learning to play the powerful worship song 'Glory to God' by Collen Maluleke on the piano can be a spiritually fulfilling experience. This tutorial is specifically designed for beginners, offering a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you master this beautiful song. Whether you are familiar with the piano or just starting your musical journey, this guide will make the process enjoyable and straightforward.

Understanding the Song Structure

'Glory to God' is structured into several distinct parts: an intro, verses, a bridge, and a chorus. Here, we will break down each section, providing you with simple chords and lyrics to follow along. The song is typically played in the key that suits your vocal range, but we will maintain a general key that is accessible for anyone learning.

Playing the Introduction and Verses

To start, the intro consists of the following chord progression: 1, 7b, 4, 1, played twice. This means you will play the first, flattened seventh, and fourth chords along with the tonic chord again. This progression sets a joyful tone for the worship experience.

Next, we move to Verse 1. The lyrics here are:

'The Lord had delivered us from the fowler's snare,
Glory to God,
Glory to God.'

For this part, repeat the chord progression 1, 7b, 4, 1 after each line. Following this, the lyrics continue with:

'And He has set us free, we are free indeed,
Glory to God,
Glory to God.'

The same chord progression applies here too, making it easy to follow. Repeating these patterns will help reinforce your learning.

The Bridge and Chorus

The bridge introduces a slightly different chord progression: 7b, 1, 2, 4, 1. The lyrics are:

'When the praises go up, His mercy comes,
Glory to God,
Glory to God.'

Again, after each line, play the bridge's chord progression to enhance the emotional delivery of this powerful message.

The final part is the chorus, where you return to the familiar progression of 1, 7b, 4, 1 while proclaiming:

'Glory to God,
Glory to God.'

Repeat this as needed, allowing your playing to flourish with emotion and conviction.

Tips for Mastery

As you practice each section, take your time with the chord transitions, ensuring you feel comfortable. It may help to play at a slow tempo at first. Use a metronome to gradually increase your pace as you gain confidence. Don't forget to express the emotional weight of the lyrics; worship is about connection, both musically and spiritually.

In conclusion, mastering 'Glory to God' on the piano is not just about hitting the right chords; it's about embracing the message of freedom and joy that this song delivers. Happy playing, and may your worship be filled with spirit!