Most are made up of a set of four easy chords with a slightly more complex strumming pattern. Allowing anyone to lead worship with just their voice and a guitar.
Today, we are going to share with you 16 easy christian worship songs that are easy to play on the guitar.
16 Easy To Play Christan Worship Songs
We have put together a list of 16 worship songs that you can play for your congregation without too much difficulty.
Most of these songs use the basic four guitar chords – Em, C, D, and G. There are a few other chords thrown in here and there.
While not all songs use these chords in their original key, one of the joys of playing on guitar is that you can use a Capo to change the chords you need to play.
This song was written by British worship leader Tim Hughes in 2007. If you are looking for a lively song to kick off your Sunday morning service with – then look no further.
In its original key, Happy Day uses the following chords – C, F, Am, G, Em. But if you play this song in Capo 4 then the chords become much easier – G, C, Em, D, Bm. If you can play the F chord then you won’t even need to use a Capo.
This song is a celebration of what happened on the weekend of the first Easter. The chords and the strumming pattern match that. You might want to play this with a full band to capture the celebrations.
Lyric snippet:
The greatest day in history Death is beaten, You have rescued me Sing it out, Jesus is alive The empty cross, the empty grave Life eternal, You have won the day Shout it out, Jesus is alive He’s alive
Oh, happy day, happy day You washed my sin away Oh, happy day, happy day I’ll never be the same Forever I am changed
When I stand in that place Free at last, meeting face to face I am yours, Jesus, You are mine Endless joy, perfect peace Earthly pain finally will cease Celebrate, Jesus is alive He’s alive
And oh, happy day, happy day You washed my sin away Oh, happy day, happy day I’ll never be the same Oh no, forever I am changed
Oh, what a glorious day What a glorious way That You have saved me And oh, what a glorious day What a glorious name
2. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) By Matt Redman
Written by Matt Redman and Steve Angrisano in 2013
This song was written by the British songwriting duo Matt Redman and Steve Angrisano in 2013. And had only grown in popularity since it was released nearly 10 years ago.
This is partly because this song sounds as good in a stadium as it does in a small prayer group. It also touches on some theological topics modern worship songs regularly skip over.
This song celebrates the forgiveness offered by Jesus and the eternal life that awaits Christians in heaven – “10,000 days and then forevermore”. The top makes it a song that will fit well into any service.
This song uses a few lesser-known chords – however, they are all pretty easy to play, especially if you play this song in Capo 4.
This song starts off very slowly and quietly and then builds as it goes. You may want to start off by only partially playing, before speeding up as the song progresses.
While this song does contain a series of easy chords, you will be required to change between them very frequently. There is a chord change roughly every three seconds in this song.
Lyrics Snippet:
Chorus Bless the Lord oh my soul, oh my soul Worship His Holy name Sing like never before, oh my soul I’ll worship Your Holy name
V1 The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning It’s time to sing Your song again Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me Let me be singing when the evening comes
V2 You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger Your name is great and Your heart is kind For all Your goodness I will keep on singing Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
V3 And on that day when my strength is failing The end draws near and my time has come Still, my soul will sing Your praise unending Ten thousand years And then forevermore Forevermore
3. Cornerstone By Hillsong
Written by Jonas Myrin, Reuben Morgan, and Eric Liljero in 2012
Cornerstone was featured on and is the title track for the 21st worship album released by Hillsong Church. This church’s songwriting style has influenced many over the past decade and even before that.
While this song was released as part of the Hillsong Worship discography, it was written by members of the Hillsong United band.
Cornerstone focuses on the fact that even though we face difficulties throughout our lives, Christ is always there for us and we can rely on him. This will pair well with most sermons and very well when leading worship for a small prayer group.
Like many Hillsong songs, this was designed to be sung in a big arena but is written well enough to work in a stripped-down manner in smaller settings too.
If you can play the F chord then you will not have to use a Capo to play this song. It has a slow strumming pattern that can befit from the player being a little gentle on the strings.
Lyric Snippet:
V1 My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness And I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly trust in Jesus’ name When darkness seems to hide His face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil
Chorus Christ alone, cornerstone Weak made strong in the Savior’s love Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all
V2 His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the ‘whelming flood When all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay He then is all my hope and stay
Chorus Christ alone, cornerstone Weak made strong in the Savior’s love Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all He is Lord Lord of all
Bridge When He shall come with trumpet sound Oh, may I then in Him be found Dressed in His righteousness alone Faultless, stand before the throne
This is the perfect song to play in a moment of reflection. The lyrics are deceptively simple but offer each worshiper a chance to reflect on their personal relationship with God. This is another song where you can get away with just using a guitar. You do not need a full band.
This song is about reflecting on the love the Father has for his flock and inviting the Holy Spirit into your place of worship. We’re yet to find a service theme that this isn’t appropriate for.
This has a simple strumming pattern that drives the song, it does get faster and louder as the song reaches the bridge. However, this is not a song that you need to play throughout, there are tender moments in the song that benefits from softer strumming or even silence.
Lyric Snippet:
V2 I’ve tasted and seen of the sweetest of loves Where my heart becomes free and my shame is undone In your presence, Lord
Chorus Holy Spirit, You are welcome here Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for To be overcome by Your presence, Lord
Bridge Let us become more aware of Your presence Let us experience the glory of Your goodness Let us become more aware of Your presence Let us experience the glory of Your goodness Let us become more aware of Your presence Let us experience the glory of Your goodness
In the Christian worship music circle, this song is a beloved classic that has been sung around the world since it was first released. This is one of many Chris Tomlin songs that have captured our hearts.
This song draws its lyrics straight from the Bible in many places. Giving them a timeless and spiritual feel. This song is going to fit perfectly into any Sunday morning service.
This song uses a lot of imagery from the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation and focuses on the glory and the mercy of the Holy Trinity. While it works well with just the guitar, this song feels extra special when played with a piano or violin – or both. Even with a harp.
Chris Tomlin himself plays this song in Capo 2.
Lyric Snippet:
V1 The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty Let all the Earth rejoice All the Earth rejoice He wraps himself in light And darkness tries to hide And trembles at His voice Trembles at His voice
Chorus How great is our God, sing with me How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God
V2 Age to age He stands And time is in His hands Beginning and the end Beginning and the end The Godhead Three in One Father Spirit Son The Lion and the Lamb The Lion and the Lamb
The Rend Collective is a worship band based in Bangor, Ireland. Before they started working with Soul Survivor in 2012 they only played in their local church.
The Rend Collective is loved by many for the joy that can be found in their worship music and that they use traditional Irish instruments and styles to create it. It is reminiscent of many early Celtic hymns.
My Lighthouse is a song about the trials of life and how there is nothing for Christians to worry about as they have a lighthouse (God) leading them through the storm to safe waters.
Lyric Snippet:
V1 In my wrestling and in my doubts In my failures, You won’t walkout Your great love will lead me through You are the peace in my troubled sea, oh oh You are the peace in my troubled sea In the silence, You won’t let go In the questions, Your truth will hold Your great love will lead me through You are the peace in my troubled sea, oh oh You are the peace in my troubled sea
Chorus My Lighthouse, my lighthouse Shining in the darkness, I will follow You My Lighthouse, my lighthouse (oh oh) I will trust the promise, You will carry me safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore
V2 I won’t fear what tomorrow brings With each morning I’ll rise and sing My God’s love will lead me through You are the peace in my troubled sea, oh oh You are the peace in my troubled sea, oh oh You are my light
Chorus My Lighthouse, my lighthouse (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Shining in the darkness, I will follow You (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) My Lighthouse, my lighthouse (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) I will trust the promise, You will carry me safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore
Bridge Fire before us, You’re the brightest You will lead us through the storms X3
This song comes from a British songwriting group and church Jesus Culture. The song was written by one of their worship leaders Chris Quilala – both Tim Huges and Matt Redman are involved with Jesus Culture too.
This song draws its lyrics from a series of Psalms and talks about the unending love that the Father offers his followers – “on and on and on it goes // before it overwhelms and satisfies my soul.” It also alludes to Saint Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a.
The topics touched upon in this song make it an excellent option for nearly every service. However, this song has a Hillsong feel to it – it is driven by a heavy drum beat and is quite fast-paced. It is best played with a full band.
Lyric Snippet:
V1 Higher than the mountains that I face Stronger than the power of the grave Constant through the trial and the change One thing remains, yes, one thing remains
Chorus Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me
V2 Because on and on, and on, and on it goes Before it overwhelms and satisfies my soul And I never, ever, have to be afraid One thing remains, yes, one thing remains Sing it, your love
8. How Deep The Father’s Love For Us By Stuart Townend
This song is one of the oldest on this list and has been a favorite of many churches for over 40 years now.
This song reflects on the time that Jesus spent on the cross, the sacrifices made by both he and God that day, and what it means for Christians in the long term.
This song is incredibly easy to play and is written like a hymn from the 1800s. This is why we think that it has remained so popular for so long.
Lyric Snippet:
V1 How deep the Father’s love for us How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory
V2 Behold the man upon a cross My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished
V3 I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom
Huges wrote this simple song after his church had been accused of making their worship sessions into rock concerts.
He had been horrified by the accusation and wanted to rectify things – Coming Back To The Heart Of Worship by Matt Redman was written under the same circumstances.
This song has a very simple set of lyrics and chords – they can be played by nearly anyone. They can be played on just an acoustic guitar and then can be played in a small or large venue.
The strumming pattern to this song is nearly identical to the pattern from The Scientist by Coldplay – so if you know how to play that song then you already know how to play this one.
This song focuses on the wonder of the Father and all that he has done for his followers. This is a song about wanting to worship him and nothing more.
Lyric Snippet:
V1 Light of the world You stepped down into darkness Opened my eyes, let me see Beauty that made this heart adore You Hope of a life spent with You
Chorus Here I am to worship Here I am to bow down Here I am to say that You’re my God You’re altogether lovely Altogether worthy Altogether wonderful to me
10. Trading My Sorrows (Yes Lord) By Israel Houghton
This is another song from the impressive Hillsong catalog. This is an upbeat and catchy song that you will struggle to get out of your head after you have finished practicing it.
This song has been sung all over the world since it was first released and has been a favorite of many children’s camps as well.
If you are looking for a song that is going to have everyone, of every age dancing around with joy – then look no further.
This song changes from chord to chord at great speeds and it includes a few chords you might not be familiar with at first. However, they are all twists on traditional chords and you will get the hang of them in no time.
The most important thing to master for this song is the strumming pattern. It is slightly more complicated than some of the other songs on this list. But with just a little bit of practice, you will be able to master it.
Lyric Snippet:
V1 I’m trading my sorrows And I’m trading my shame And I’m laying it down For the joy of the Lord
And I’m trading my sickness And I’m trading my pain I’m laying it, laying it, laying it down For the joy of the Lord
I’m trading my sorrows I’m trading my shame I’m laying it down For the joy of the Lord
I’m trading my sickness I’m trading my pain I’m laying it down For the joy of the Lord
Chorus Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord Amen
11. In Christ Alone Keith Getty And Stuart Townend
This is yet another song by Stuard Townend that feels like it was written centuries ago. Its lyrics are complex and theologically sound.
While this song can be played with a guitar on its own, the song is so well written and so emotive that it would really benefit from being played with a full band. Even accompanied by an organ if that is an option for you.
This song starts by looking at the love that Christ has for his people and moves on to reflect on his time in the grave before rising again.
In our humble opinion, this is one of the best worship songs of all time.
Lyric Snippet:
V3 There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ
V4 No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life’s first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
If you have a congregation who enjoys complex lyrics full of imagery and biblical references then it is definitely worth taking the time to learn this song.
This song was written by The David Crowder Band in 2009 and took some time to make it into churches – however, it is now a song favorite of many.
This song really benefits from the full support of a band, as it builds with the repetition of the verses and the chorus. “He loves us // Oh, how he loves us.”
Lyric Snippet
V2 And He is jealous for me Love’s like a hurricane, I am a tree Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy When all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory And I realize just how beautiful You are And how great Your affections are for me
Chorus And, oh, how He loves us, oh Oh, how He loves us How He loves us all Yeah, He loves us Oh, how He loves us Oh, how He loves us Oh, how He loves
Bridge And we are His portion and He is our prize Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss And my heart turns violently inside of my chest I don’t have time to maintain these regrets When I think about, the way…
When we have put this down on the hymn sheet before, people have been worried that he has gone mad and is going to start playing James Blunt on a Sunday morning…
However, this quickly became a church favorite across the world. And once you read the lyrics we’re sure you’ll understand why.
This is a song that celebrates the beauty of nature and how it reflects God. It goes on to talk about Jesus’ death on the cross and the eternal life that his death has made possible for Christians.
This song shows that beautiful songs can be simple and vice versa. While it works well with just a guitar, you might want to consider pairing this song with a piano or a violin – or, of course, both.
It has a beautiful melody that builds throughout the song.
Lyric Snippet:
V3 I see You there hanging on a tree You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me Now You are sitting on Your heavenly throne Soon we will be coming home You’re beautiful (Oh, Oh, You’re beautiful, Oh, Oh)
V4 (We’re singing out) When we arrive at eternity’s shore Where death is just a memory and tears are no more We’ll enter in as the wedding bells ring Your bride will come together and we’ll sing You’re beautiful Oh, You’re beautiful
Bridge I see Your face, You’re beautiful You’re beautiful You’re beautiful
14. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) By Hillsong United
Written by Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, and Salomon Ligthelm in 2013
This is a song that has taken both the Christian music world and the secular music world by storm. The song spent 61 weeks at the top of the Billboard Christian Music charts.
It is easy to understand why – this song has everything we love about Hillsong’s songwriting style – the deep lyrics, the powerful vocals, and the interesting musical melodies.
This song draws from the story of Jesus asking Saint Peter to walk out onto the water with him. When Peter starts to doubt he starts to sink – hence the title “Where feet may fail”.
Because the original version of this song is written for a high voice, you will need to put it in Capo 7 to make it simple to play. However, once you have done that, you will have no issues.
This song features a lot of instrumental sections.
Lyric Snippet:
V1 You call me out upon the waters The great unknown where feet may fail And there I find You in the mystery In oceans deep my faith will stand
Chorus And I will call upon Your Name And keep my eyes above the waves When oceans rise My soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine
V2 Your grace abounds in deepest waters Your sovereign hand will be my guide Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me You’ve never failed and You won’t start now
This is the oldest song on this list, but there is a reason people all over the world are still singing it over 300 years after it was written.
There are hundreds of different versions of this song, and even more different recordings and covers. However, we still prefer the original version.
There is something about the simplicity of the original that allows a deeper connection to be made. The song is incredibly emotive and catchy. It is popular with congregations around the world but it is perhaps the most popular in America.
Lyric Snippet:
Amazing grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now I’m found Was blind, but now I see ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed
My chains are gone I’ve been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me And like a flood, His mercy rains Unending love, Amazing grace The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures
My chains are gone I’ve been set free (been set free) My God, my Savior has ransomed me (ransomed me) And like a flood (like a flood) His mercy rains (mercy rains) Unending love, oh, Amazing grace
16. Build Your Kingdom Here By The Rend Collective
We are ending this list with another beautiful, rousing, and passionate song from The Rend Collective.
Build Your Kingdom Here is a song about trying to make the earth look more like heaven. It is about living a life inspired every day by God’s love.
It is about learning to be more like God so that we can make the world a better place. This song is a heartfelt plea.
Like most Rend Collective songs, this is designed to be played by a full band. This is possibly the most lively and upbeat song on this list and it will benefit from the extra instruments.
Just listen to their recording of this song and you will understand what we mean.
If you want to play a song that the whole congregation can dance to then this, like most other songs from The Rend Collective, is a good option.
Lyric Snippet:
Chorus Build Your kingdom here Let the darkness fear Show Your mighty hand Heal our streets and land Set Your church on fire Win this nation back Change the atmosphere Build Your kingdom here We pray
V1 Come set Your rule and reign In our hearts again Increase in us we pray Unveil why we’re made Come set our hearts ablaze with hope Like wildfire in our very souls Holy Spirit, come invade us now We are Your Church And we need Your power In us
FAQ
What is the Christian Song to play on guitar?
Amazing Grace is usually considered one of the easiest Christian songs for a beginner to learn on guitar. Besides its simple melody, it also uses only three chords, G, C, and D.
Remember that these are the key open chords that you must learn when covering the basics of playing the guitar.
What Are The Most Commonly Used Chords In Worship Songs?
Worship songs might have several chords, but there are common chords you will likely encounter in most of these songs. These include;
G Major Chord
C Major Chord
G Major Chord
D Major Chord
F Major Chord
E Minor Chord
A Minor Chord
Summary
The majority of worship songs are written to be easy to play.
So, you will find that most songs can be converted into a set of easy chords using a Capo.
There are also plenty of videos on Youtube that will help you to learn how to play these songs. These are particularly useful when you are trying to learn strumming patterns.
We have put together this list to give you a wide range of songs to choose from. Some are reflecting songs while others are songs to dance to.
Some of these songs are older and some are fairly new. Some will have you full of joy and some will bring a tear to your eye.
These are a series of great and easy to play worship songs.
My name is Howard Matthews and I have been playing the guitar since I was knee-high. My parents like to joke that I was pulling the strings even before I was born. In fact, one of my earliest memories is sitting on the couch with my dad’s guitar, wreaking havoc on the chords.
Now, 40 years later, I can attest that I play them much better than I did back then. I have followed in the footsteps of both my parents – much to their delight – and have been the main guitarist in my band for the best part of three decades.
Music has always been my passion, and until recently my life has been so consumed with it that I haven’t had a moment to have a breath (and I wouldn’t have it any other way)!
