The song “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship has become a beloved worship anthem worldwide, resonating deeply with audiences through its powerful lyrics and captivating melody. For musicians and worship leaders, being able to play this song effectively is essential to creating an atmosphere of praise and reflection.
Knowing the chords to “What a Beautiful Name” helps bring the song to life, whether you’re leading a congregation or playing for personal devotion.
Understanding the chord progression, structure, and nuances of the song elevates your musical interpretation and allows you to connect more intimately with the message. The chords are accessible for guitarists and pianists alike, making it a popular choice for worship teams at all skill levels.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the essential chords, tips for playing them, and how to capture the song’s emotional depth.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned player, these insights will help you master “What a Beautiful Name” and enhance your worship experience.
Overview of “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong
“What a Beautiful Name” is a modern worship song written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood, members of the Hillsong Worship team. Since its release in 2016, it has gained immense popularity across churches around the globe for its heartfelt lyrics and stirring melody.
The song focuses on the beauty and power of Jesus’ name, drawing listeners into a worshipful state through both lyrical depth and musical composition. Its moderate tempo and flowing chord progression make it accessible for worship bands, soloists, and choir arrangements.
Its success is highlighted by numerous awards and chart-topping performance, solidifying its place as a contemporary worship classic.
“What a beautiful Name it is, the Name of Jesus Christ my King.” – Hillsong Worship
Song Background and Impact
Released as part of Hillsong’s album “Let There Be Light,” the song quickly captured the hearts of worshipers worldwide. It speaks to themes of redemption, grace, and the majesty of Christ, making it a staple for worship services and personal reflection.
Its influence extends beyond the church walls, with many artists covering the song and congregations adopting it as a regular part of their worship repertoire. Its musical arrangement provides a balance between simplicity and emotional power, making it ideal for varied worship settings.
Basic Chords for Guitar
To play “What a Beautiful Name,” you’ll want to familiarize yourself with a handful of basic chords that form the backbone of the song. These chords are beginner-friendly yet effective in delivering the song’s emotive quality.
The primary chords used in the song include D, A, Bm, and G. These chords create a smooth progression that supports the vocal melody beautifully.
Playing these chords in the correct sequence will allow you to accompany the song confidently during worship or practice.
Chord Progression Details
The song’s verse and chorus follow a straightforward progression, making it easy to memorize and play. Here is a simple breakdown:
- Verse: D – A – Bm – G
- Chorus: D – A – Bm – G
- Bridge: Bm – A – G – D
This progression repeats through the song, making it ideal for musicians who want to focus on expression rather than complex fingerings.
| Chord | Fingering (Guitar) | Description |
| D | xx0232 | Bright and open, ideal for uplifting parts of the song |
| A | x02220 | Creates warm, rich harmonic texture |
| Bm | x24432 | Minor chord adding emotional depth |
| G | 320003 | Resolves tension and adds fullness |
Playing Tips for Worship Leaders
Mastering the chords is just the beginning. To really bring “What a Beautiful Name” to life, worship leaders should focus on dynamics, tempo, and how to engage the congregation effectively.
Using fingerpicking or gentle strumming patterns can enhance the song’s intimacy, especially in quieter moments. Conversely, more robust strumming during the chorus helps elevate the energy and encourage congregational participation.
It’s important to maintain the song’s steady tempo around 68-70 beats per minute, which allows for expressive phrasing and emotional build-up.
Engagement and Arrangement
Consider these techniques to enrich your worship leading:
- Start softly during verses to draw listeners in
- Gradually increase volume and intensity through the chorus
- Involve backing vocals or a choir to emphasize key lyrics
- Use pauses effectively to highlight the song’s powerful statements
“Music is the bridge that connects the heart to God’s presence.” – Worship Ministry Wisdom
Keyboard Chords and Accompaniment
Pianists will find “What a Beautiful Name” straightforward to play, with chords that support both solo and band settings. The song’s harmonic structure is perfect for flowing arpeggios or sustained chords that match the worship atmosphere.
Playing with the right hand melody and left hand chords can add fullness and versatility to your performance. Using a subtle sustain pedal enhances the song’s emotional resonance.
Common Keyboard Chords
The keyboard chords mirror the guitar chords but with options for inversions and embellishments. Here’s a quick look:
- D major: D-F#-A
- A major: A-C#-E
- B minor: B-D-F#
- G major: G-B-D
Experiment with chord voicings to create either a gentle or powerful sound depending on the worship moment.
| Chord | Root Position | First Inversion | Second Inversion |
| D major | D-F#-A | F#-A-D | A-D-F# |
| B minor | B-D-F# | D-F#-B | F#-B-D |
Common Variations and Capo Usage on Guitar
Using a capo is a popular way to adjust the song’s key to match the vocalist’s range without changing chord shapes. For “What a Beautiful Name,” placing a capo on the 2nd fret is common, transposing the key up while maintaining familiar chord patterns.
Variations in strumming patterns and chord voicings also help keep the song fresh during repeated performances. This flexibility allows worship leaders and musicians to adapt the song to different settings and moods.
Capo Position and Key Changes
Here are common capo placements and their corresponding keys:
| Capo Fret | Key | Chord Shapes |
| None | D Major | D, A, Bm, G |
| 2nd Fret | E Major | D, A, Bm, G shapes, sounds as E, B, C#m, A |
| 4th Fret | F# Major | D, A, Bm, G shapes, sounds as F#, C#, D#m, B |
- Capo use saves time learning new chord shapes
- Adjust capo based on singer’s vocal comfort
- Experiment with fingerpicking for richer texture
How to Practice the Chords Effectively
Practicing the chords to “What a Beautiful Name” efficiently requires a combination of technical focus and musicality. Breaking down the song into sections and working on chord transitions will help you play smoothly.
Start slow, ensuring clean chord changes, then gradually increase your tempo. Incorporate metronome practice to maintain consistent rhythm, which is essential for worship settings.
Listening to the original recording while practicing helps internalize the song’s feel and dynamics.
Practice Routine Suggestions
- Warm up with finger exercises and chord drills
- Practice verse progression repeatedly before moving to chorus
- Record yourself to identify areas needing improvement
- Play along with a backing track or the Hillsong recording
“Repetition is the mother of skill, but expression is the soul of music.” – Music Educator Insight
Additional Resources and Related Topics
For those interested in expanding their musical skills and worship leading capabilities, exploring related topics can be very beneficial. Learning about guitar strings, music band names, and how to register a band can be part of growing your musical journey.
Understanding the technical side of your instrument, as well as the creative and legal aspects of music, helps you build a more professional and fulfilling experience.
- What Is the Name of Guitar Strings and How to Choose Them
- How to Register a Music Band Name: A Simple Guide
- How to Make a Band Name That Stands Out Instantly
- Why Is It Important To Use A Client’s Name
Diving into these resources will enhance not only your playing but also your understanding of the broader music industry and worship leadership.
Conclusion
Mastering the chords to “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong is a rewarding endeavor that opens up rich opportunities for worship and musical expression. The song’s beautiful melody and profound lyrics provide a foundation for heartfelt praise, and knowing how to play it effectively enhances that experience.
Whether you’re accompanying a congregation or playing for personal worship, the accessibility of the chords makes it easy to start playing right away. Attention to dynamics, tempo, and emotional connection will help you bring the song to life and touch the hearts of those listening.
Remember, the journey to mastering any song is as much about connecting with its message as it is about technical skill. Keep practicing, exploring variations, and allowing the music to guide your worship.
If you want to further develop your musical abilities, exploring topics such as guitar strings or registering a band name can provide new inspiration and insights.
Above all, let the powerful name of Jesus resonate through your music and ministry, creating moments of awe and worship that inspire and uplift.
