If you've been searching for a reliable how great is our god chords pdf, you're probably already aware of how much of a staple this song is in modern worship. Since Chris Tomlin released it back in the early 2000s, it hasn't really left the rotation for most church bands, and for good reason. It's one of those rare tracks that is both incredibly simple to play and deeply impactful for a congregation.
Whether you're just starting out on guitar or you're a seasoned worship leader putting together a setlist for Sunday morning, having a clean, printable PDF version of the chords makes life a whole lot easier. You don't want to be squinting at a tiny phone screen or dealing with weird formatting on a website while you're trying to find your groove.
Why This Song Stays on Every Setlist
It's actually kind of funny how some songs fade away after a few years, but "How Great Is Our God" just keeps going. I think a lot of that comes down to its accessibility. If you know four basic chords, you can pretty much play this entire song from start to finish. It's built on that classic G-Em-C-D progression (if you're playing in the key of G), which is the bread and butter of acoustic guitar playing.
But beyond the simplicity, there's a certain "bigness" to the song. It starts small and intimate and then builds into this massive anthem. When you have a how great is our god chords pdf in front of you, you aren't just looking at lyrics and letters; you're looking at a roadmap for how to guide a room full of people through a pretty emotional experience.
The Perks of Using a PDF Over a Website
We've all been there—you're in the middle of a practice session, you're looking at chords on a website, and suddenly a giant pop-up ad for lawnmowers covers the entire bridge. Or worse, the internet in the church basement is spotty and the page won't reload.
That's exactly why people hunt for a how great is our god chords pdf. Having a physical or local file means:
- Offline Access: You can practice in the woods if you want. No Wi-Fi needed.
- Easy Annotations: If you use an iPad with an app like OnSong or ForScore, you can scribble notes directly on the PDF. Maybe you want to remind yourself to drop the volume on the second verse or add a specific strumming pattern.
- Consistency: Websites often change their formatting. A PDF stays the same every time you open it.
- Printing: Sometimes, old-school is better. Printing out a sheet and putting it in a binder is still a solid way to manage a setlist.
Breaking Down the Chords
Let's talk about what you're actually going to see when you open that how great is our god chords pdf. Most versions are written in the key of G, which is the "standard" version Chris Tomlin made famous.
The Verse and Chorus
The structure is pretty straightforward. You're looking at a G major, followed by an E minor. Then you move to a C major and finally a D major. Some people like to use those "worship chords" where you keep your ring and pinky fingers on the bottom two strings at the third fret the whole time. It makes the transitions smoother and gives it that shimmering acoustic sound we all know.
The Bridge
"Name above all names" This is where the song really takes off. The chord progression usually stays pretty similar, but the rhythm changes. You might see a G/B (a G chord with a B in the bass) pop up here. Don't let slash chords scare you; they're just there to provide a "walking" feel to the bass line.
Tips for Nailing the Strumming Pattern
If you're just staring at a how great is our god chords pdf, it won't tell you exactly how to move your right hand. For this song, I usually suggest a standard 4/4 down-strum heavy pattern.
Start light. On the first verse, you might just do single down-strums on each chord change. Let the notes ring out. As you move into the chorus, you can start a more consistent Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up pattern. The key is to build the energy. If you start at a level 10, you have nowhere to go when the bridge hits. Keep it at a level 3 or 4 at the start, and by the time you're repeating "How great, how great is our God," you should be at a full-on level 9.
Transposing: Finding the Right Key for Your Voice
One thing to keep in mind is that the key of G might not be perfect for everyone. If you're a female lead singer, G can sometimes feel a bit low in the verses and then uncomfortably high in the chorus.
This is another reason why a how great is our god chords pdf is handy—you can find them in various keys. Common alternatives include: * Key of C: Great for a mid-range female voice. * Key of D: A good middle ground if G feels too "growly" at the start. * Key of A: This is often a sweet spot for male singers with a slightly higher range than Tomlin.
If you have a capo, you don't even need a new PDF. Just keep your G chords and slide that capo up to the 2nd fret for the key of A, or the 5th fret for the key of C (though C might feel a bit thin that high up).
Adding Your Own Flavor
Just because you're following a how great is our god chords pdf doesn't mean you have to play it exactly like the record. In fact, some of the best versions I've heard are the ones that strip it back.
Try doing a "broken" strumming pattern where you hit the bass note of the chord first and then pluck the higher strings. It gives the song a folkier, more intimate vibe. Or, if you're playing with a full band, the electric guitar can do some nice ambient swells with a delay pedal while the acoustic keeps the rhythm steady.
Final Thoughts on Using Chord Sheets
At the end of the day, a how great is our god chords pdf is just a tool. It's there to help you stay on track so you can focus on the music rather than worrying about what chord comes next.
If you're looking for a copy, there are plenty of resources online like Ultimate Guitar or CCLI SongSelect if your church has a subscription. Just make sure the version you download is clean, easy to read, and matches the arrangement your team is planning to play.
There's a reason we're still playing this song nearly twenty years later. It's simple, it's powerful, and it just works. So grab your guitar, pull up that PDF, and get to practicing. You'll have it down in no time, and honestly, your congregation will probably thank you for playing a song they actually know the words to!