Goodness Of God Chords: Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson
Hey guys! Are you looking for the chords to "Goodness of God" by Bethel Music featuring Jenn Johnson? You've come to the right place! This song has become a modern worship anthem, and for good reason. It's a powerful declaration of God's unwavering love and faithfulness. Whether you're leading worship, playing for personal devotion, or just love to sing along, knowing the correct chords is essential to capture the heart of this song. Let's dive into the chords and explore some tips for playing it beautifully.
Understanding the Song's Structure
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the chord progressions, let's take a moment to understand the basic structure of "Goodness of God." Knowing the different sections β intro, verse, chorus, bridge β will help you navigate the song more effectively and memorize the chords more easily. Typically, the song follows a structure something like this:
- Intro: Sets the atmosphere and introduces the main theme.
- Verse: Tells the story of God's goodness in our lives.
- Chorus: The main declaration of God's goodness, the catchiest part of the song.
- Bridge: A powerful section that builds in intensity, often leading to a reprise of the chorus.
- Outro: A reflective and often repeated section, solidifying the message.
Each of these sections may have slightly different chord voicings or rhythmic variations, but understanding the overarching structure will help you immensely. Also, remember that different live versions of the song might have variations in structure, so always listen closely to the version you are learning from.
Common Chord Progressions
"Goodness of God" primarily uses relatively simple and common chord progressions, which makes it accessible to musicians of varying skill levels. The key the song is played in can vary, but it's often in the key of A or Bb. Here are some of the chord progressions you'll likely encounter:
- Verse: A fairly simple progression like A β D β E β A might be used. This foundational progression allows the melody and lyrics to shine. Remember that the specific voicings can change the feel of the progression, so experiment with different inversions.
- Chorus: The chorus often emphasizes the tonic and dominant chords, such as A β E β D β A. This creates a powerful and uplifting feel, perfect for declaring God's goodness. Pay attention to the rhythm and dynamics in the chorus to make it impactful.
- Bridge: The bridge might introduce a minor chord or a different progression to build tension and create a sense of anticipation. For example, a progression like F#m β D β A β E could be used. The bridge often involves a build-up in dynamics, so be prepared to increase intensity.
These are just examples, and the actual chords might vary slightly depending on the specific arrangement. Always refer to the chords you find on Ultimate Guitar or other reputable sources and cross-reference them with the song recording.
Finding Accurate Chords on Ultimate Guitar
Ultimate Guitar is a fantastic resource for finding chords to almost any song, including "Goodness of God." However, it's essential to be discerning and make sure you're using accurate chords. Here's how to find the best chords on Ultimate Guitar:
- Search Carefully: Type "Goodness of God Bethel Music chords" into the search bar. Be specific to narrow down the results.
- Check the Rating: Look for versions with high ratings and a large number of votes. This indicates that other users have found the chords to be accurate.
- Read the Comments: Scroll down and read the comments section. Users often leave helpful tips, corrections, and alternative voicings.
- Compare Versions: If there are multiple versions with good ratings, compare them to see if there are any discrepancies. If so, listen carefully to the song and decide which version sounds more accurate.
- Be Wary of "Official" Tabs: While official tabs are generally reliable, they may not always be available. Always cross-reference with other sources.
Transposing Chords
Sometimes, the chords you find online might be in a key that doesn't suit your vocal range or the capabilities of your instrument. In this case, you can use a capo or transpose the chords. Most chord websites, including Ultimate Guitar, have a built-in transpose function. Simply select the desired key, and the chords will be automatically adjusted. If you're using a capo, you'll need to figure out the correct fret to place it on to achieve the desired key.
Transposing can also be useful if you're playing with a band that prefers a different key. Communicating effectively with your bandmates is crucial to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Playing Tips and Techniques
Once you have the chords down, it's time to focus on playing the song with feeling and musicality. Here are some tips and techniques to help you bring "Goodness of God" to life:
- Dynamics: Pay attention to the dynamics of the song. The verses are often quieter and more introspective, while the chorus and bridge build in intensity. Use your volume and attack to create contrast and emotion.
- Rhythm: The rhythm of "Goodness of God" is relatively straightforward, but it's important to maintain a steady and consistent beat. Use a metronome to practice and develop your timing.
- Voicings: Experiment with different chord voicings to add variety and interest. Try using inversions, sus chords, or add9 chords to create a richer and more textured sound. A simple change in voicing can significantly alter the feel of the song.
- Strumming Patterns: Use a variety of strumming patterns to keep the song engaging. Try incorporating different rhythms, accents, and mutes to create a more dynamic and interesting sound. A common strumming pattern might involve downstrokes and upstrokes with variations.
- Fingerpicking: If you're a fingerstyle guitarist, try fingerpicking the chords to create a more delicate and intimate feel. This can be especially effective in the verses.
- Listen to the Original: The best way to learn how to play "Goodness of God" is to listen to the original recording and pay attention to the nuances of the performance. Notice how the guitarists and other instrumentalists play their parts, and try to emulate their sound.
Adding Your Own Style
While it's important to learn the chords and rhythms accurately, don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to the song. Experiment with different voicings, strumming patterns, and embellishments to make the song your own. After all, worship is about expressing your own unique relationship with God.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced musicians can make mistakes when playing chords. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when playing "Goodness of God":
- Rushing: It's easy to get caught up in the emotion of the song and rush the tempo. Make sure to maintain a steady beat and avoid speeding up.
- Inconsistent Dynamics: Failing to vary your dynamics can make the song sound monotonous. Be sure to create contrast between the verses, chorus, and bridge.
- Incorrect Chords: Using the wrong chords can throw off the entire song. Double-check your chords and make sure they are accurate.
- Poor Transitions: Abrupt or awkward chord changes can disrupt the flow of the song. Practice smooth and seamless transitions between chords.
- Ignoring the Lyrics: The lyrics of "Goodness of God" are powerful and meaningful. Pay attention to the lyrics and let them guide your playing.
Practicing Regularly
The key to mastering any song is consistent practice. Set aside time each day to practice the chords, rhythms, and techniques. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. The more you practice, the more confident and proficient you'll become.
Using Chord Charts Effectively
Chord charts are a valuable tool for learning and playing songs, especially in a worship setting. Here's how to use them effectively:
- Understand the Notation: Make sure you understand the notation used in the chord chart. This may include chord symbols, rhythm markings, and other instructions.
- Mark Up the Chart: Don't be afraid to mark up the chart with your own notes and reminders. This can include things like chord voicings, strumming patterns, and dynamic markings.
- Follow the Chart: Follow the chart closely as you play, but don't be afraid to deviate if you feel inspired. The chart is a guide, not a rigid set of rules.
- Memorize the Chart: The ultimate goal is to memorize the chord chart so you can play the song without looking at it. This will allow you to connect more fully with the music and the congregation.
Benefits of Using Chord Charts
Using chord charts can provide several benefits:
- Organization: Chord charts help you organize the song and keep track of the different sections and chords.
- Consistency: They ensure that you play the chords and rhythms consistently each time you play the song.
- Communication: They facilitate communication with other musicians, especially in a band setting.
- Learning: They can help you learn new songs more quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
"Goodness of God" is a beautiful and powerful worship song that declares the unwavering faithfulness of God. By learning the chords, practicing regularly, and adding your own personal touch, you can play this song with confidence and passion. Remember to find accurate chords on Ultimate Guitar, understand the song's structure, and pay attention to dynamics and rhythm. So grab your guitar, find the chords, and let's worship! You'll be leading others in declaring God's goodness in no time! Keep practicing, stay humble, and let the music flow from your heart.