“Build My Life” is a cherished contemporary Christian worship song that resonates deeply with believers around the world. Its hauntingly beautiful melody, paired with lyrics that express a profound commitment to God, has made it an anthem of devotion and surrender. In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a musical journey to unravel the enchanting chords that underpin this spiritual masterpiece. Whether you’re a novice strummer or a seasoned guitarist, this article promises to equip you with the knowledge and skill to master the chords of “Build My Life.”
Penned by a collective of gifted songwriters, including Pat Barrett, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Matt Redman, and Brett Younker, “Build My Life” made its debut in 2016 and quickly found its way into the hearts of congregations and individuals alike. At its core, the song is a heartfelt declaration of faith, a desire to construct a life firmly anchored in God’s unwavering love and grace.
As we delve into the intricate harmonies that make this song so special, you’ll discover that its simplicity in chord progression opens a gateway for worshipers to engage intimately with its profound message. So, let’s begin this musical pilgrimage and unlock the chords that allow “Build My Life” to inspire and uplift souls worldwide.
Section 1: Song Overview
Before we dive into the chords, let’s take a moment to understand the song itself. “Build My Life” was written by Pat Barrett, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Matt Redman, and Brett Younker. It was first released in 2016 and quickly gained popularity due to its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody. The song is a declaration of surrender to God and a desire to build one’s life upon Him.
Section 2: Chord Progression
The chord progression for “Build My Life” is relatively simple, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The song is typically played in the key of G, and the main chords used in the song are G, C, Em, and D. Here’s a breakdown of the chord progression:
- Verse: G – C – Em – D
- Chorus: G – C – Em – D
- Bridge: C – G – D – Em
Section 3: Chord Shapes
Now, let’s take a closer look at the chord shapes for “Build My Life.” We’ll provide chord diagrams and finger placements to help you get started:
G Chord:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Put your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th (low E) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
- Ensure all other strings are open.
C Chord:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd (B) string.
- Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Ensure all other strings are open.
Em Chord:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
- Ensure all other strings are open.
D Chord:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st (high E) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
- Ensure the 4th (D) string is open.
Section 4: Strumming Patterns
Now that you’ve learned the chord shapes, it’s time to focus on the strumming patterns. The strumming pattern for “Build My Life” is typically a steady downstroke strumming pattern. You can use simple downstrokes to maintain the song’s gentle and worshipful vibe. However, as you become more comfortable with the song, you can experiment with strumming variations to add your unique touch.
Section 5: Song Structure
Understanding the song’s structure is crucial for playing it smoothly. “Build My Life” follows a standard structure of verses, choruses, and a bridge. Here’s how it’s organized:
- Verse 1
- Chorus
- Verse 2
- Chorus
- Bridge
- Chorus (Repeat as desired)
Section 6: Practice Tips
Mastering any song, especially one as heartfelt as “Build My Life,” takes practice and dedication. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
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Start Slowly: Begin by playing the song at a slower tempo. This will help you get comfortable with the chord changes and strumming patterns.
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Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you maintain a consistent tempo as you practice. Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you become more confident.
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Practice Chord Transitions: Focus on smooth chord transitions. Practice moving from one chord to another without hesitation.
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Listen Actively: Pay attention to the original recording of the song. Listen for nuances in the strumming and chord changes to capture the song’s emotion.
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Sing Along: Singing along while playing will help you internalize the song’s lyrics and improve your overall performance.
Build My Life Chart
[Verse]
G C Em D
Worthy of every song we could ever sing
G C Em D
Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring
G C Em D
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
G C
We live for You
[Verse]
G C Em D
Jesus, the name above every other name
G C Em D
Jesus, the only one who could ever save
G C Em D
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
G C
We live for You
[Chorus]
G C
Oh, we live for You, yeah
Em D
We live for You, oh, God
[Verse]
G C Em D
Jesus, the name above every other name
G C Em D
Jesus, the only one who could ever save
G C Em D
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
G C
We live for You
[Chorus]
G C
Oh, we live for You, yeah
Em D
We live for You, oh, God
[Bridge]
C G
Holy, there is no one like You
D Em
There is none beside You
C G
Open up my eyes in wonder
D Em
Show me who You are and fill me
C
With Your heart
G
And lead me
D Em
In Your love to those around me
[Chorus]
G C
Oh, we live for You, yeah
Em D
We live for You, oh, God
Who wrote the song “Build My Life”?
“Build My Life” was co-written by Pat Barrett, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Matt Redman, and Brett Younker.
When was “Build My Life” first released?
The song “Build My Life” was first released in 2016.
What is the key of “Build My Life”?
“Build My Life” is typically played in the key of G.
What is the message of “Build My Life”?
The song is a declaration of surrender to God and a desire to build one’s life upon Him. It expresses the worthiness of Jesus and the commitment to live for Him.
Are there any notable covers or renditions of “Build My Life”?
Yes, “Build My Life” has been covered by various artists and worship bands, and it has become a popular song in many church worship settings.
Can I find sheet music for “Build My Life”?
Yes, sheet music and chord charts for “Build My Life” are widely available online and in music stores. You can find both lead sheets and piano arrangements to help you learn and perform the song.
What are the recommended strumming patterns for “Build My Life”?
The song typically uses a simple downstroke strumming pattern, especially for beginners. However, more experienced guitarists can experiment with different strumming patterns to add their personal touch to the song.
Conclusion
“Build My Life” stands as a poignant testament to the power of music to inspire and connect us with our faith on a profound level. This timeless worship song, penned by a talented group of songwriters, transcends mere melodies and chords. It serves as a heartfelt declaration of surrender and devotion, inviting believers to build their lives upon the unwavering foundation of God’s love and grace.
The song’s simplicity in chord progression, with its gentle shift between G, C, Em, and D, allows musicians of varying skill levels to engage with its message authentically. Whether you’re a novice strummer seeking to learn the basics or an experienced guitarist seeking to lead a congregation in worship, “Build My Life” provides a canvas upon which to express your devotion and connection with the divine.
As we’ve explored in this guide, the song’s structure, chords, and strumming patterns are accessible, making it a suitable choice for both personal reflection and communal worship. Its message, emphasizing the worthiness of Jesus and the desire to live wholeheartedly for Him, resonates with Christians worldwide.