Elevation Worship Come To The Altar Chords: A Complete Guide For Worship Leaders And Musicians
Have you ever struggled to find the right chords for Elevation Worship's powerful song "Come to the Altar"? You're not alone. This contemporary worship anthem has touched countless hearts worldwide, but finding accurate chords and learning to play it effectively can be challenging for many worship teams. Whether you're a beginner guitarist or an experienced worship leader, mastering these chords can elevate your worship experience and help your congregation connect more deeply with this moving song.
Understanding the Song Structure and Basic Chords
"Come to the Altar" by Elevation Worship follows a relatively straightforward chord progression that makes it accessible to worship teams of various skill levels. The song primarily uses basic open chords that most guitarists learn early in their journey. The foundation of the song rests on chords like G, C, Em, and D, creating a progression that's both simple and emotionally powerful.
The verse section typically begins with a gentle G chord, moving to C, then Em, and resolving to D. This creates a sense of anticipation and longing that perfectly matches the song's lyrical theme of approaching God's altar. The chorus builds intensity with a similar progression but adds dynamics through strumming patterns and vocal delivery.
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For keyboard players, the song translates beautifully to piano chords, with the same harmonic structure but enhanced by the instrument's rich tonal qualities. Many worship teams find that combining guitar and keyboard creates the most impactful sound for congregational singing.
Detailed Chord Breakdown and Variations
Let's dive deeper into the specific chord voicings that work best for "Come to the Altar." While the basic chords are simple, there are several variations that can add depth and professional quality to your performance.
The G chord can be played as a standard open G, but many worship guitarists prefer the G2 variation (320033) for a more contemporary sound. This adds a suspended quality that complements the song's worshipful atmosphere. The C chord works well as a Cadd9 (x32033), which creates a smoother transition between chords.
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For the Em chord, consider using the Em7 (022033) variation, which adds a subtle complexity without making the chord more difficult to play. The D chord can be enhanced with a D/F# (2x0232), where the F# note in the bass creates a stronger connection to the G chord that follows.
Here's a complete breakdown of the most effective chord voicings:
G major: 320033 or 320003
C major: x32033 or x32010
Em: 022033 or 022000
D: xx0232 or x00232
D/F#: 2x0232
Strumming Patterns and Rhythm Techniques
The strumming pattern for "Come to the Altar" is crucial to capturing the song's emotional impact. The song begins with a gentle, almost arpeggiated pattern that creates an intimate atmosphere. As the song progresses, the strumming becomes more pronounced and dynamic.
For the intro and verses, try a pattern like this: down-down-up-down-up, with a slight emphasis on the first and third beats. This creates a gentle, flowing feel that matches the song's contemplative nature. The chorus calls for a more energetic approach: down-down-up-up-down-up, with increased intensity and volume.
Dynamics are essential when playing this song. Start softly and gradually build intensity throughout each section. The bridge section typically calls for the most powerful strumming, with full, ringing chords that create a sense of triumphant worship.
Capo Usage and Transposition Options
Many worship teams use a capo when playing "Come to the Altar" to better match the original recording or to accommodate vocal ranges. The song is originally in the key of G, but using a capo can make the chords more accessible or change the tonal quality.
Common capo positions include:
- Capo 2: Transposes to A, making chords slightly higher
- Capo 4: Transposes to B, creating a brighter sound
- No capo: Original key of G
When using a capo, the chord shapes remain the same, but they sound higher in pitch. This can be particularly useful for matching vocal ranges or creating a different atmosphere for your worship setting.
Playing Tips for Worship Teams
For worship teams looking to perfect their rendition of "Come to the Altar," here are some essential playing tips:
Timing and Tempo: The song moves at a moderate pace, typically around 68-72 beats per minute. Use a metronome during practice to maintain consistent timing, especially during the more dynamic sections.
Dynamics Control: Work with your team to create intentional volume changes. The song should start softly and build to powerful climaxes, then pull back again. This creates emotional journey that enhances worship.
Instrument Balance: If you have multiple instruments, establish clear roles. Often, the acoustic guitar carries the verses while electric guitar adds texture during choruses. Keys can provide atmospheric pads throughout.
Vocal Support: Ensure your chord voicings support the vocal melody. Some chord variations might sound interesting but could clash with the vocal line. Always prioritize the song's singability.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Many worship teams encounter similar challenges when learning "Come to the Altar." Here are common issues and their solutions:
Chord Transitions: The move from G to C can be tricky for beginners. Practice the transition slowly, focusing on finger placement. Use the anchor finger technique where your third finger stays planted on the same string.
Strumming Consistency: Maintaining consistent strumming while changing dynamics can be challenging. Practice with a metronome and record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
Vocal Range: The melody might sit uncomfortably for some vocalists. Experiment with capo positions or consider transposing the song to a more suitable key for your team.
Team Coordination: Getting all team members to start and stop together requires practice. Use visual cues and establish clear signals for dynamic changes.
Advanced Techniques and Variations
Once you've mastered the basic chords and structure, consider incorporating these advanced techniques:
Fingerpicking Patterns: For a more intimate feel, try fingerpicking the verses instead of strumming. Use your thumb for the bass notes and fingers for the higher strings.
Suspended Chords: Add suspended chords (like Gsus4) to create tension and release. These work particularly well in the bridge section.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Incorporate these techniques to add texture to your playing. A hammer-on from the open A string to the second fret can enhance the D chord.
Dynamic Ramping: Practice smooth transitions between soft and loud passages. This creates a more professional sound and enhances the worship experience.
Resources for Further Learning
To continue improving your "Come to the Altar" performance, explore these valuable resources:
Online Tutorials: YouTube offers numerous video lessons breaking down the song chord by chord.
Chord Charts: Websites like Ultimate Guitar and Worship Together provide accurate chord charts and tabs.
Backing Tracks: Practice with instrumental tracks to improve your timing and dynamics.
Worship Training Courses: Many online platforms offer courses specifically for worship musicians.
Conclusion
Mastering the "Come to the Altar" chords opens up a powerful worship song that can transform your church services and personal worship time. Remember that the goal isn't just technical perfection but creating an atmosphere where people can encounter God. Start with the basic chords, practice consistently, and gradually incorporate more advanced techniques as your team grows in confidence.
Whether you're leading a small group or a large congregation, this song has the potential to become a cornerstone of your worship repertoire. Keep practicing, stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, and watch how this beautiful song continues to impact lives through your faithful ministry.
