“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is a beloved hymn that has been sung in churches for centuries, and its timeless melody and deep spiritual meaning continue to resonate with people of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner guitarist, learning to play this hymn on guitar can be a rewarding experience. If you’re looking to master the come thou fount chords, this guide will take you step by step through the song, offering tips for both beginners and intermediate players.
In this article, we’ll break down the song’s chords, provide helpful advice for playing, and answer some frequently asked questions about playing come thou fount chords on the guitar. Whether you’re preparing for a church service, a family gathering, or simply want to add it to your personal repertoire, this article will help you get started on the right note.
Overview of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
Before diving into the come thou fount chords, it’s important to understand the significance and structure of the song. Written by Robert Robinson in 1757, this hymn has become one of the most iconic worship songs in Christian history. The lyrics reflect a longing for God’s grace and the desire to be drawn closer to Him. The song has been sung in various worship settings, and its message remains timeless.
The song’s melody is relatively simple, and it can be played in several keys depending on the vocal range of the singer. The version we’ll cover in this article uses a key that is beginner-friendly, making it ideal for guitarists who are just starting out or those who prefer to play in a more accessible range.
The Basic Chords for “Come Thou Fount”
To play come thou fount chords on the guitar, you’ll need to master a few basic chords. While the song can be played with a variety of chord voicings and keys, this guide will focus on a simplified version using common chords. Below are the essential chords for this hymn:
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G Major (G)
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This is a basic chord for beginners and is one of the most commonly used chords in many hymns and modern worship songs. It’s played by placing your fingers on the following frets:
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3rd fret on the low E string
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2nd fret on the A string
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Open D, G, and B strings
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3rd fret on the high E string
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C Major (C)
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Another common chord, C major has a bright sound that complements the tone of the hymn. Here’s how you play it:
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3rd fret on the A string
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2nd fret on the D string
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Open G string
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1st fret on the B string
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Open high E string
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D Major (D)
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The D major chord is another essential chord for this song and is relatively easy to play. Here’s how to play it:
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Open D string
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2nd fret on the G string
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3rd fret on the B string
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Open high E string
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E Minor (Em)
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The E minor chord brings a subtle emotional depth to the song. To play this chord, follow these steps:
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Open low E string
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2nd fret on the A string
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2nd fret on the D string
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Open G, B, and high E strings
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A minor (Am)
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The A minor chord is another essential chord for come thou fount chords, adding to the song’s sense of movement. It’s played as follows:
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Open A string
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2nd fret on the D string
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2nd fret on the G string
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1st fret on the B string
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Open high E string
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Playing the Chords in the Song
Once you’ve mastered the basic chords, it’s time to learn how to play them in the context of the song. The structure of come thou fount chords is straightforward, and the song follows a common progression used in many hymns.
The typical chord progression for the first verse of the song looks something like this:
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G
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D
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G
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C
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G
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D
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G
For the chorus, you can follow a progression like this:
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G
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Em
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C
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G
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D
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G
This simple progression gives the hymn its uplifting and prayerful tone. As you progress, you can experiment with fingerpicking patterns, strumming variations, or even transpose the song to a different key to fit your vocal range.
Strumming and Fingerpicking Tips for Come Thou Fount Chords
For beginners, strumming is an excellent way to accompany the come thou fount chords. A basic down-up strumming pattern works well with the song’s rhythm. You can start with a simple down strum on each beat, then experiment with down-up patterns as you get more comfortable.
If you’re more experienced and want to add a bit of finesse to the song, consider using fingerpicking. A popular fingerpicking pattern for hymns like come thou fount chords involves plucking the bass note (root of the chord) followed by the higher strings in a rolling motion. This gives the song a more melodic feel.
Transposing the Come Thou Fount Chords
While the version we’ve outlined here is beginner-friendly, you may find that you want to change the key to better suit your voice or the arrangement you’re playing with. Fortunately, come thou fount chords are easily transposed to different keys, thanks to their straightforward chord structure.
For example, if you prefer a higher pitch for singing, you might transpose the song to the key of D or A. If you’re playing with a group or band, you can adjust the key to suit the instruments and vocalists. To transpose, you can shift all the chords up or down the same number of steps (e.g., shifting all chords by one full step, changing G to A, D to E, and so on).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Come Thou Fount Chords
1. What key is “Come Thou Fount” usually played in?
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Come Thou Fount chords are typically played in the key of G major. However, the song can be transposed to different keys depending on the vocal range of the singer or the preference of the musician.
2. How difficult is it to learn the chords for “Come Thou Fount”?
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The come thou fount chords are fairly simple and suitable for beginners. The most difficult part may be transitioning smoothly between chords like G, C, and D, but with practice, this song becomes manageable for players at all levels.
3. Can I play “Come Thou Fount” with a capo?
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Yes, using a capo is a great way to adjust the song’s key without changing the chord shapes. For instance, you can place the capo on the 2nd fret to play in the key of A while still using the same chord shapes as in the key of G.
Conclusion
Learning the come thou fount chords is a rewarding experience that opens up a timeless hymn for guitarists of all skill levels. With its straightforward chords and melodic structure, this song is an excellent choice for beginner guitarists looking to expand their repertoire. By practicing the chord transitions, experimenting with strumming and fingerpicking techniques, and using a capo to adjust the key, you’ll be able to play come thou fount chords in no time.
Whether you’re playing for personal enjoyment, church services, or a community gathering, this beautiful hymn is sure to inspire and uplift. Keep practicing the come thou fount chords, and enjoy making beautiful music with this classic song.
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