Praise Chorus — Basic Gospel in G

Contemporary praise and worship music is the accessible face of gospel music, appearing in churches worldwide from Pentecostal congregations to megachurches. Songs like "How Great Is Our God," "Oceans," and "What a Beautiful Name" use simple diatonic chord progressions in first-position guitar keys (G, D, C, A) that allow beginners to participate immediately in congregational music-making. The G major I–IV–V–vi (G–C–D–Em) is the foundation of most contemporary Christian music. These four chords, in various orders, underlie hundreds of praise songs. Once a guitarist masters these four chords with smooth transitions, they can play along with a worship band at any church service from the second week of learning. The strumming pattern is a gentle down-up feel with emphasis on beats 2 and 4, creating a slight "lift" that gives contemporary worship music its uplifting, hopeful character without the heavy backbeat of rock.