Learning to play the guitar can be a rewarding and enriching experience, especially when you can incorporate beautiful hymns into your practice. For beginners, finding hymns that are both meaningful and easy to play is essential to keep the learning process enjoyable and motivating. This collection of 23 extremely easy guitar hymns is perfect for those just starting out, offering simple chords and familiar melodies that are easy to master.
Each hymn in this list has been carefully selected to ensure that even novice players can quickly pick up the chords and strumming patterns. These hymns cover a range of themes, from worship and praise to comfort and assurance, providing a rich tapestry of spiritual songs to enhance your practice sessions and personal worship. Whether you’re playing for a small group, a church service, or just for yourself, these hymns will help you grow in your musical abilities and deepen your spiritual journey.
Explore these timeless classics and enjoy the process of learning to play guitar while worshiping and giving praise to God.
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To God be the glory, great things He hath done; So loved He the world that He gave us His Son.
Author: Fanny J. Crosby – Celebrates God’s redemptive work through Christ.
Chords: G, D, G, D, G
10. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Author: Elisha A. Hoffman – Focuses on the security and fellowship found in Christ.
Chords: G, D, C, G7
11. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Author: Thomas Chisholm – Celebrates God’s faithfulness.
Chords: G, C, D, Em
12. When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, And time shall be no more.
Author: James M. Black – Focuses on the hope of resurrection.
Chords: G, C, D, G7
13. Just As I Am
Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me.
Author: Charlotte Elliott – Focuses on coming to Christ as we are.
Chords: G, C, D, Em
14. Jesus Loves Me
Jesus loves me, this I know, For the Bible tells me so.
Author: Anna B. Warner – A simple, yet profound hymn about Jesus’ love.
Chords: G, D, C, G7
15. When We All Get to Heaven
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace.
Author: Eliza E. Hewitt – Celebrates the hope of eternal life with Jesus.
Chords: G, C, D, Em
16. Softly and Tenderly
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me.
Author: Will L. Thompson – An invitation to come to Jesus.
Chords: G, C, D, G7
17. I Surrender All
All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give.
Author: Judson W. Van DeVenter – Emphasizes total surrender to Christ.
Chords: G, C, D, Em
18. Nearer, My God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!
Author: Sarah F. Adams – Expresses the desire to draw closer to God.
Chords: G, C, D, Em
19. Trust and Obey
When we walk with the Lord In the light of His word.
Author: John H. Sammis – Focuses on the importance of trust and obedience to God.
Chords: G, D, C, G7
20. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face.
Author: Helen H. Lemmel – Encourages looking to Jesus for hope and guidance.
Chords: G, C, D, Em
21. Blessed Be the Name
Blessed be the name, blessed be the name, Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Author: William H. Clark – Celebrates the name and person of Jesus.
Chords: G, C, D, G7
22. There Is Power in the Blood
Would you be free from the burden of sin? There’s power in the blood.
Author: Lewis E. Jones – Celebrates the power of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Chords: G, C, D, G7
23. Victory in Jesus
O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever.
Author: Eugene M. Bartlett – Celebrates the victory we have in Jesus.
Chords: G, C, D, Em
These hymns are perfect for beginner guitar players, with simple chords and timeless melodies that are easy to learn and play. They can enhance personal devotion, small group worship, or congregational singing.
Why Hymns are a Great Starting Point for Beginner Guitarists
Before we dive into the specifics of playing hymns on the guitar, let’s discuss why they are an excellent choice for beginner guitarists. Hymns typically have simple chord progressions that are repetitive and easy to memorize. They also tend to have slower tempos, allowing beginners to focus on their finger placement and strumming technique without feeling overwhelmed by speed. Additionally, hymns often have meaningful and heartfelt lyrics, making them a joy to play and sing along to.
Furthermore, playing hymns on the guitar can help beginner guitarists develop their musical ear and improve their ability to play by ear. Since hymns are often played in churches and religious gatherings, beginner guitarists may have the opportunity to play alongside other musicians, such as pianists or vocalists. This experience of playing in a group setting can enhance their sense of rhythm and timing, as well as their ability to collaborate with other musicians.
Essential Equipment: What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you begin your journey into playing hymns on the guitar, there are a few essential pieces of equipment that you will need. Firstly, you will need a guitar. When choosing a guitar for playing hymns, opt for an acoustic guitar as it produces a warm and rich sound that complements the traditional nature of hymns. It’s also a good idea to invest in a guitar tuner to ensure that your instrument is always in tune. Additionally, consider purchasing a capo, which can be used to change the key of a song without having to learn new chords.
Another important piece of equipment to consider is a guitar strap. A guitar strap will allow you to comfortably play the guitar while standing or moving around. This is especially useful if you plan on playing hymns during church services or other events where you may need to be mobile. Look for a strap that is adjustable and made of durable material to ensure it can support the weight of your guitar.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap! With these 23 easy song arrangements, you’ve got everything a new guitar player needs to start strumming beloved worship song and sacred favorites. Keep leaning on the chord charts, start with comfy D chords, and practice smooth chord changes while locking in simple bass notes—especially on the first verse to set the groove. If a hymn calls for bar chords, try a capo at the second fret and use open shapes. Whether you’re picking through “A Mighty Fortress” or fingerpicking “Silent Night,” the included guitar tabs will help you move from hesitant to confident, one chorus at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest hymn to play on guitar?
Many beginners start with “Amazing Grace” because it uses just a few common chords (often G, C, D, and Em) and has a simple, steady rhythm. You can strum down on each beat or use an easy down-up pattern. The melody is very familiar, so even if your timing isn’t perfect at first, most people can still sing along. As you grow more confident, you can add a gentle finger-picking pattern or simple bass runs between chords.
What is the easiest song to play on a guitar for beginners?
Outside of hymns, any song that uses only two or three open chords is ideal for beginners. Simple progressions like G–C–D or G–Em–C–D let you practice smooth chord changes and basic strumming. Worship songs such as “This Is the Day,” “I Love You, Lord,” or “Jesus Loves Me” can all be played with just a handful of chords. The key is to choose a song you love so you stay motivated while your fingers toughen up.
What is the easiest hymn to play overall?
“Jesus Loves Me” is one of the easiest hymns to play and sing, especially with children. On guitar it can be played using just G, C, and D (or the equivalent in another key), and the melody sits comfortably in most people’s vocal range. Because the words are simple and full of gospel truth, it’s great for family devotions, children’s church, or nursing home visits. Learning this hymn helps you focus more on worship than on complicated chords.
What is the easiest worship song to learn on the guitar?
Many players find “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” or “I Love You, Lord” very beginner-friendly. Both can be played with three or four open chords and a slow, steady strum. The lyrics are short and repetitive, so the congregation or small group can join quickly. Start by practicing the chord changes slowly with a metronome or soft tap of your foot. Once you can move smoothly, add light singing and you’ll have a simple worship set ready.
What is the first song you should play on guitar?
The “first” song is different for everyone, but a great choice for Christian beginners is a one-chord or two-chord chorus such as “He Is Lord” or “This Is the Day.” These songs let you focus on holding the guitar, pressing the strings clearly, and strumming in time without being overwhelmed by chord changes. As soon as you can play even one simple song, use it in your personal worship—it’s encouraging to praise God with your own playing.
What is a famous three-chord worship song?
“Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” is a well-known worship song that can be played with just three basic chords in many arrangements (for example, G, C, and D). Because it is so familiar in churches around the world, it’s perfect for youth groups, small gatherings, and outdoor services. Learning a classic three-chord song like this builds your confidence and prepares you to tackle many other worship songs that use similar progressions.
What are some of the shortest hymns?
Short hymns and choruses are great for beginners and for prayer times. Examples include the “Doxology” (“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow”), “I Love You, Lord,” “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus” (the chorus), and “Father, I Adore You.” Most of these can be sung in under a minute and use only a few chords on guitar. Though brief, they are rich in theology and can be repeated several times as a simple, heartfelt response of worship.
What is a good song for guitar beginners in church?
A very approachable song for new players is “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” or “Open the Eyes of My Heart.” Both have slow tempos and repeat the same chord pattern throughout most of the song. Choose a key that fits the singer (often G or D) and practice moving between the chords until it feels natural. Because the lyrics are worshipful and repetitive, the congregation can easily join even if the playing is still simple.
What is the most sung hymn?
While it’s impossible to measure perfectly, many people consider “Amazing Grace” to be the most widely sung hymn in the world. It is used in churches of many denominations, at funerals, outreach events, and personal devotions. The words testify to God’s mercy toward sinners, and the tune is simple enough for nearly anyone to sing. For guitarists, learning “Amazing Grace” is a wonderful way to join in a hymn that has comforted believers for generations.
George Hendricks is the founder and managing editor of Godsverse.org. He has written and published over 200 skit reviews, church resource guides, and Bible study articles. With a background in data-driven content strategy and digital publishing, George built Godsverse into one of the most comprehensive collections of church skit reviews and printable scripts online. When he's not writing, he's researching what churches actually need and figuring out how to deliver it.
