Who You Say I Am” is a beloved worship song by Hillsong Worship that has resonated with Christians worldwide. With its powerful lyrics and heartwarming melody, it has become a staple in churches, youth groups, and personal devotionals. If you’re learning to play this song, you’ll want to know the chords, transitions, and how to incorporate it into your worship experience.
In this article, we’ll break down the chords for “Who You Say I Am” and provide tips for playing it effectively on guitar or piano. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, you’ll find helpful insights to improve your playing.
“Who You Say I Am” Song Overview
Before diving into the chords, it’s essential to understand the context and themes of the song. “Who You Say I Am” focuses on the identity of believers in Christ, reminding us that we are chosen and loved by God. The lyrics highlight the truth of being adopted into God’s family and the freedom that comes with that. This powerful message is reflected in the song’s structure and melody, making it easy to see why it has become a favorite in modern worship.
The song is written in a moderate tempo and in the key of G major, making it accessible to most musicians. The structure follows a simple verse-chorus format, making it easy to pick up for musicians of various skill levels.
Chord Progressions for “Who You Say I Am”
The chord progressions for “Who You Say I Am” are straightforward and repetitive, allowing for an emphasis on the lyrics and the emotional delivery of the song. Below is a guide to the main chords and how they are used in the song.
Verse Chord Progression
The verses of “Who You Say I Am” primarily follow this progression:
G – D – Em – C
This progression creates a calm and reflective mood, allowing the lyrics to be the focal point. It’s easy to play on both guitar and piano, making it perfect for worship leaders or individual musicians. The simplicity of the progression allows you to focus on singing and connecting with the message of the song.
Chorus Chord Progression
The chorus of the song builds slightly with the following chord progression:
G – D – Em – C
Interestingly, the same chord progression is used in both the verses and chorus, but the dynamic and emotional intensity of the chorus is enhanced by the increase in vocal energy and instrumentation. This pattern is common in modern worship songs, as it allows the singer to emphasize the message of the song through performance rather than relying on complex musical changes.
Bridge Chord Progression
The bridge in “Who You Say I Am” takes the song to an emotional peak with a slight variation in chord structure:
Em – D – C – G
This progression adds a slight tension before resolving back into the verses, creating a powerful climax that leads back into the final chorus. The combination of chords creates a sense of freedom and triumph, complementing the theme of the song.
Tips for Playing “Who You Say I Am” on Guitar
Playing “Who You Say I Am” on guitar is relatively straightforward, but there are a few tips that can help you get the best sound and feel from the song.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “Who You Say I Am” is simple but effective. A basic down-up strumming pattern works well throughout the song, but you can add accents or variations depending on the dynamics of your performance. A good starting point is:
Down – Down – Up – Up – Down – Up
This pattern provides a smooth, flowing rhythm that complements the song’s reflective nature. If you’re playing in a worship setting, feel free to adjust the intensity of your strumming to match the energy of the congregation or your personal expression.
Capo Position
You can play “Who You Say I Am” without a capo, but many musicians prefer to use a capo on the 3rd fret to make the chords easier to play. With the capo, you can still use the same chord shapes (G, D, Em, and C) but play them in a more comfortable position on the guitar neck.
Tips for Playing “Who You Say I Am” on Piano
If you’re playing “Who You Say I Am” on piano, the chord progressions are just as simple, but there are a few tips to ensure a smooth performance.
Playing in Root Position
One of the easiest ways to play this song on piano is by using root position chords. Start by playing the following triads:
G major (G – B – D)
D major (D – F# – A)
E minor (E – G – B)
C major (C – E – G)
This will create a solid foundation for the song and allow you to focus on the lyrical delivery and dynamics of your performance. For a more sophisticated sound, you can experiment with inversions, adding some variation to the chords as you play.
Dynamic Control
The emotional intensity of “Who You Say I Am” builds throughout the song, and dynamic control is key to conveying that feeling. Start softly with the verses and gradually increase your volume and intensity as you move into the chorus and bridge. This will help capture the full emotional depth of the song and draw the listener’s attention to the message.
Additional Tips for Worship Leaders
For worship leaders looking to incorporate “Who You Say I Am” into a service, here are a few tips to ensure the song has the desired impact:
Build the Energy Gradually
Since the song has a repetitive chord structure, the key to keeping it fresh and engaging is in the dynamics. Start quietly in the verses and build momentum as you move into the chorus. The bridge provides an opportunity to reach an emotional peak, so be sure to emphasize this part of the song with a full band arrangement or a powerful vocal delivery.
Engage the Congregation
“Who You Say I Am” has a deeply personal and reflective message, so encourage the congregation to sing along with passion. As a worship leader, guide them in focusing on the words and the truth they convey about their identity in Christ.
Conclusion
“Who You Say I Am” is a beautiful worship song with a simple, yet powerful chord progression that makes it accessible for musicians of all skill levels. Whether you’re playing on guitar or piano, the message of the song resonates deeply and encourages believers to reflect on their identity as children of God. By practicing the chord progressions and focusing on the dynamics of the song, you can effectively lead worship and connect with others through this meaningful hymn.
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FAQs
What key is “Who You Say I Am” in?
The song is written in the key of G major, which is a comfortable key for both guitar and piano players.
Can I use a capo to play “Who You Say I Am” on guitar?
Yes, many guitarists use a capo on the 3rd fret to make the chords easier to play.
What is the strumming pattern for “Who You Say I Am”?
A basic down-up strumming pattern works well, such as Down – Down – Up – Up – Down – Up.
What chords are used in “Who You Say I Am”?
The primary chords used in the song are G, D, Em, and C. The bridge uses Em, D, C, and G.
How can I lead “Who You Say I Am” in worship?
Focus on gradually building energy throughout the song, starting softly in the verses and increasing the intensity in the chorus and bridge. Engage the congregation by encouraging them to sing along with the message.
