Learn to Play 'The Lord's Prayer' on Acoustic Guitar
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Key and Capo Placement
- Strumming Patterns
- Chords
- Verse 1
- Chorus 1
- Verse 2
- Chorus 2
- Bridge
- Tag and Conclusion
How to Play "The Lord's Prayer" on Acoustic Guitar
In this tutorial, we will learn how to play "The Lord's Prayer" by Matt Mayer on acoustic guitar. We will cover everything you need to know, including the key and capo placement, strumming patterns, and chords. This song can be a great addition to your worship repertoire, and we will discuss how it can be played in a church and congregational setting. So, let's dive in and learn how to play this beautiful song!
Key and Capo Placement
"The Lord's Prayer" was recorded in the key of A. To play along with the original recording, place a capo on the second fret. This positions the guitar in the G position. If you're not familiar with the G position, I have a video explaining it in detail, which you can find in the resources section.
If you want to play the song in a different key, you can simply move the capo to the appropriate fret. For example, moving the capo to the first fret would put you in the key of G#, while removing the capo entirely would put you in the key of G. Experiment with different capo positions to find the perfect key for your voice.
Strumming Patterns
In this song, we will be using three different strumming patterns. The first pattern is used in the intro and verses. It goes like this:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
D D U D U D U
Take your time to practice this pattern, ensuring that each strum is on beat. It might feel a bit tricky at first, but with practice, it will become natural.
The second strumming pattern is used in the chorus:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
D D U D U D U U D U
Pay attention to the up and down strums in this pattern, as they create the rhythmic feel of the chorus. Start off slowly and gradually increase your speed.
The third and final strumming pattern is used in the bridge:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
D D U U U D D U D U
This pattern has a slightly different feel, emphasizing the down and up strums. Practice it diligently to get the right rhythm.
Chords
Now let's go over the chords used in "The Lord's Prayer." I will provide chord diagrams in the upper right-hand corner of the video, so you can see the finger placement for each chord. Here are the chords we will be using:
Take your time to familiarize yourself with these chords and practice transitioning between them. It's important to have a solid grasp of the chords before moving on to the song sections.
Verse 1
In verse 1, we will be playing the chords A, C#m, D, and E. The lyrics for this verse are:
Father, let Your kingdom come
Father, let Your will be done
On earth as in heaven, right here in my heart
Play through this verse, focusing on the chord changes and maintaining a steady rhythm. Practice singing along with the lyrics to get a feel for the song.
Chorus 1
The chorus features the chords A, B, D, and E. The lyrics for chorus 1 are:
Give us this day our daily bread
Forgive us as we forgive the ones who sin
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
The chorus has a slightly different strumming pattern, so make sure to switch to the appropriate pattern while playing. Sing along with the lyrics to fully grasp the melody and phrasing.
Continue the same pattern for Verse 2, using the chords A, C#m, D, and E. The lyrics are the same as Verse 1, so you should already be familiar with them.
Chorus 2
Chorus 2 follows the same chord progression as Chorus 1. Sing along with the lyrics to capture the message and emotion of the song.
Bridge
The bridge brings a change in chords, utilizing A, B, F#m, and E. The lyrics for the bridge are:
It's Yours, it's Yours, all Yours
The kingdom, the power, the glory are Yours
It's Yours, it's Yours, all Yours
Forever and ever, the kingdom is Yours
The bridge has a unique strumming pattern, so make sure to practice it thoroughly before attempting to play along with the song.
Tag and Conclusion
After the final verse, there is a tag that consists of holding the G chord. This creates a powerful ending to the song.
Finishing the song in this manner gives it a beautiful, heartfelt touch. Experiment with dynamics and expression to truly convey the emotion of the lyrics.
Highlights
- Learn how to play "The Lord's Prayer" by Matt Mayer on acoustic guitar
- Choose the appropriate key and capo placement for your voice
- Master the three different strumming patterns used in the song
- Practice transitioning between chords and familiarize yourself with their finger placement
- Play through the different song sections, including the verses, choruses, and bridge
- Pay attention to the lyrics and sing along to capture the message and emotion
- Experiment with dynamics and expression to add depth to your performance.
FAQ
Q: Can I play this song without a capo?
A: While the original recording uses a capo on the second fret, you can play the song without a capo by using different chord shapes and transposing the key accordingly.
Q: Is this song suitable for beginners?
A: "The Lord's Prayer" might be a bit challenging for absolute beginners, but with practice and dedication, it can be learned by players of all levels.
Q: Can I play this song on other instruments?
A: Yes, "The Lord's Prayer" can be played on various instruments such as piano, ukulele, or even a full band arrangement. Adjust the chord shapes and arrangements to suit your instrument.
Q: Are there any recommended resources for learning the G position?
A: Yes, there are numerous online tutorials and resources available that can help you master the G position on the guitar. Check out reputable music websites or video tutorials for step-by-step guidance.
Q: Can I modify the strumming patterns to fit my style?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with the strumming patterns and add your own personal touch. The provided patterns are a starting point, but you can adapt them to suit your playing style and preferences.
Q: Where can I find the chord diagrams for the song?
A: The chord diagrams can be found in the upper right-hand corner of the video tutorial or in the accompanying resources section below the video.
Resources:
- Video tutorial on the G position: [link]
- Chord diagrams for "The Lord's Prayer": [link]
