“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is a beloved Christian hymn, admired for its heartfelt lyrics and uplifting melody. For guitarists, learning to play this timeless piece is a rewarding endeavor. This guide provides you with easy-to-follow guitar chords for “Come Thou Fount,” enabling you to bring this beautiful hymn to life on your guitar.
Simple Chords to Play “Come Thou Fount”
The basic chords for “Come Thou Fount” are accessible to guitarists of all levels, especially beginners. The song primarily uses three chords in the verses and chorus, making it relatively easy to learn and play. Here are the chords you’ll need:
- D Major (D)
- A Major (A)
- G Major (G)
These chords are fundamental in guitar playing and are often among the first chords beginners learn. Let’s look at how these chords fit with the lyrics of “Come Thou Fount.”
“Come Thou Fount” Chords and Lyrics Breakdown
Here’s a verse-by-verse breakdown of “Come Thou Fount” with the guitar chords indicated above the lyrics. You’ll notice the repeating chord pattern, which makes the song easier to memorize and play.
Verse 1:
D A
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
G
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
D A
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
G
Call for songs of loudest praise.
G A
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
G D
Sung by flaming tongues above;
D A
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
G D
Mount of Thy redeeming love.Verse 2:
D A
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
G
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
D A
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
G
Safely to arrive at home.
G A
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
G D
Wandering from the fold of God;
D A
He, to rescue me from danger,
G D
Interposed His precious blood.Verse 3:
D A
Oh, that day when freed from sinning,
G
I shall see Thy lovely face;
D A
Clothed then in the blood washed linen,
G
How I’ll sing Thy wondrous grace.
G A
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
G D
Take my ransomed soul away;
D A
Send Thine angels now to carry,
G D
Me to realms of endless day.Verse 4:
D A
Oh to grace how great a debtor,
G
Daily I’m constrained to be;
D A
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
G
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
G A
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
G D
Prone to leave the God I love;
D A
Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it,
G D
Seal it for Thy courts above.Tips for Playing “Come Thou Fount” on Guitar
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Strumming Pattern: A simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern in 4/4 time works well with “Come Thou Fount.” Feel free to experiment with variations as you become more comfortable.
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Tempo: “Come Thou Fount” is typically played at a moderate tempo. Listen to recordings of the hymn to get a feel for the appropriate speed.
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Dynamics: Consider varying your strumming dynamics throughout the song. You might play softer during the verses and build to a stronger dynamic in certain phrases to add emotional depth.
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Chord Transitions: Practice smooth transitions between the D, A, and G chords. This is key to playing the song smoothly and musically. Use chord diagrams and online resources to ensure your finger placement is efficient.
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Listen and Play Along: Listen to different versions of “Come Thou Fount” being played on guitar. Playing along with recordings can help you develop your timing and feel for the song. YouTube is a great resource for finding guitar versions of this hymn.
Enhance Your Playing of “Come Thou Fount”
Once you are comfortable with the basic chords, there are several ways to enhance your rendition of “Come Thou Fount”:
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Fingerpicking: Explore fingerpicking patterns instead of strumming. Fingerpicking can add a delicate and intricate texture to the hymn.
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Adding a Capo: If you want to sing along in a different key, using a capo can be helpful. Experiment with placing the capo on different frets to find a key that suits your vocal range.
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Chord Variations: As you progress, you can explore incorporating chord variations or embellishments to add complexity and richness to your playing.
Conclusion
“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is a beautiful and spiritually enriching hymn to learn on guitar. With its simple chord structure and repetitive pattern, it’s an excellent choice for guitarists looking to expand their repertoire with meaningful and classic songs. By practicing these “Come Thou Fount Guitar Chords” and incorporating the tips provided, you’ll be well on your way to playing this cherished hymn and sharing its message through music. Enjoy playing!
