The Church Pianist: Chord Substitutions
I know many church pianists already use chord substitutions but some of you may not be sure what chords fit where.
Today, I was trying to show one of my hymnplaying students several chord substitutions for the last line of “Just As I Am”. We were short on time…so I had her video me playing the chord substitutions so I could just email it to her. The thought occured to me…maybe others could benefit from this very brief video demonstration of chord substitutions.
You may have to pause here and there to get a glimpse of the chord substitutions.
Editor notes for today’s quick video…
Scenario: When the same chord lasts for an entire measure…it’s time to try a chord substitution for a more interesting sound.
For example…the last line of “Just As I Am”…
“And that Thou bidst me…” uses a C chord
Chord substitution used: G minor 7th to a C 7
Next few words…
“…come to Thee O…” uses a F chord
Chord substitutions used: F , d minor, G7
Next words…
“…Lamb of God, I come!” uses a C to G chord
Chord substitutions: a minor 7 on “God” d minor 7 for “come”
Church pianists can revolutionize the sound of their hymnplaying just by adding chord substitutions!
Now…for a quickie video, demonstrating these chord substitutions…
hello is there sheet music for this? 🙂
I have no sheet music available for this chord substitution example but maybe could add it when able 🙂
[…] Just As I Am (video link: chord substitutions) […]
I play by ear, and an old friend recently requested Just As I Am. Most of what I know is major chords, but wanted something better for this song. Searched the web for a couple of weeks, then found your post today. Within an hour, my video was done and on Youtube. Thank you so much- it was exactly what I needed to know!
If I’m allowed to post it, here’s the song you taught me to play:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBPpdgqGv54
Thank you, again, very very much.