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What a Beautiful Name Chords – Guitar Piano Worship Guide

Oliver Thomas Thompson Harrison • 2026-04-09 • Reviewed by Hanna Berg

What a Beautiful Name stands as one of the most frequently performed worship songs in contemporary church services since its release. Musicians seeking to lead this composition by Hillsong Worship require accurate chord progressions that accommodate various vocal ranges and instrumentation while maintaining the song’s emotional resonance.

The song appears on the 2017 album Let There Be Light, written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood. Multiple tutorial resources offer guidance for guitarists and pianists, with variations available for different skill levels and keys to support diverse worship settings.

What Are the Chords for What a Beautiful Name?

Artist: Hillsong Worship
Key: D (Original)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Chords Used: D, G, Bm, A
  • The original key of D suits female vocal leads, while transpositions to A accommodate male ranges.
  • Beginners can use simplified versions with G, C, D, and Em in place of barre chords.
  • The verse progression requires quick transitions between D, G, and Bm.
  • A/C# appears as a passing chord in the original arrangement.
  • Capo positioning allows players to use open chord shapes while maintaining the original key.
  • The bridge shifts to a progression featuring C, D, Em, and Bm.
Attribute Details
Released 2016 (written), 2017 (album)
Album Let There Be Light
Writers Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood
Genre Contemporary Worship
BPM 142
Original Key D
Publisher Hillsong Music
CCLI Number 7068424

How Do You Play What a Beautiful Name on Guitar?

Chord Progressions for Verse and Chorus

The verse progression in the original key follows D, G, Bm, A, with an A/C# variation appearing in specific measures. According to Worship Together, this sequence creates the harmonic foundation that supports the melody through the opening lines.

In the chorus, the progression shifts to emphasize the tonic and dominant relationships, utilizing G, C, D, and Em in transposed versions. Some arrangements incorporate B minor to add harmonic tension during climactic moments.

Capo Positions and Transpositions

Guitarists frequently employ a capo on the second fret, allowing them to play C-shaped chords while the song remains in the key of D. Video demonstrations show this approach eliminates the need for barre chords and makes the progression accessible to intermediate players.

Alternative transpositions include the key of A for male vocalists and the key of G for easier open-chord positioning. Tutorials demonstrate these variations with specific finger positioning for different vocal ranges.

Strumming Patterns and Timing

The 142 BPM tempo requires consistent eighth-note strumming patterns. Beginner guidance suggests starting with downstrums on each beat to establish timing before progressing to more complex syncopated patterns that match the recording’s dynamics.

Beginner Adaptation

New players can substitute the B minor barre chord with a simplified Bm7 or avoid it entirely by using a capo on the fourth fret and playing in the key of G shapes.

What Are the Piano Chords for What a Beautiful Name?

Keyboard Arrangements and Inversions

Piano tutorials for this composition are available in multiple keys, including a Key of C version that simplifies the black-key requirements. Keyboard players use inversions of D, G, Bm, and A to create smooth voice leading between chords.

Simplified Versions for Beginners

Beginner tutorials reduce the progression to basic triads, removing suspended chords and complex extensions. This approach allows novice pianists to focus on rhythm and vocal accompaniment without advanced harmonic techniques.

Key Signature Note

The Key of C tutorial eliminates all black-key requirements, making it suitable for beginners uncomfortable with sharp and flat keys.

Who Sings What a Beautiful Name and What’s the Background?

Hillsong Worship released this track as part of their Let There Be Light album in 2017. Brooke Ligertwood and Ben Fielding wrote the composition, which has since become a staple in contemporary worship repertoires. How to Check Credit Report – Free Weekly Access Guide appears alongside other resource listings.

The song garnered significant recognition within the Christian music industry, appearing on compilation recordings and live worship albums. Worship Tutorials provides multitrack resources covering drums, bass, guitars, keys, and vocals for this recording.

Resource Availability

Chord charts are available in multiple formats through various platforms. Some instructors have moved detailed materials to subscription services like Patreon, hosting play-along charts and extended tutorials.

Song Development and Release Timeline

  1. : Song written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood during the composition phase for the upcoming album.
  2. : Official release on the album Let There Be Light by Hillsong Worship.
  3. : Worship Together publishes official chord charts and lead sheets for church use.
  4. : Electric guitar tutorials released covering gear setup and arrangement techniques.

Chord Variations: Studio vs Live

Studio Recording Live Adaptations
Key of D with full band arrangement Often transposed to A or G for male worship leaders
Standard chord voicings on electric and acoustic guitars Frequent use of capo on 2nd fret playing C-shaped chords
Piano-driven bridge section Extended bridge with alternating progression patterns
Consistent 142 BPM tempo Variable tempo based on congregational participation

Why These Chords Work in Worship Settings

The progression relies on standard diatonic chords within the key, creating familiarity for volunteer musicians. The movement from D to G establishes a stable I-IV relationship, while the inclusion of Bm provides the vi chord common in modern worship music.

Modulation options remain straightforward due to the song’s structure. Leaders can easily shift to neighboring keys without complex transitional passages, accommodating vocalists with different ranges during live services. For those interested in the specifics, the chords for “What a Beautiful Name” can be found at $soft boil egg time.

The harmonic rhythm supports contemplative lyrics without distracting from congregational singing. Acoustic arrangements demonstrate how these progressions maintain their impact with minimal instrumentation.

Official Sources and Chord Charts

CCLI lists the song under number 7068424, with authorized chord charts available through their SongSelect platform. Worship Together hosts the official lead sheets and chord charts as licensed by Hillsong Music.

“The song is available in multiple keys and instrument arrangements with comprehensive tutorial resources for musicians of all levels.”

— Worship Tutorials

Next Steps for Learning

Musicians should practice the chord transitions slowly before attempting full-speed performance. Tonde Hi Ni Iru – SPYAIR Haikyuu Opening Lyrics Meaning offers insights into learning complex musical arrangements, while dedicated worship guitar resources provide song-specific guidance. Consider starting with the beginner version using G, C, D, and Em before advancing to barre chord arrangements in the original key.

Frequently Asked Questions

What capo do I use for What a Beautiful Name chords?

Place the capo on the second fret to play C-shaped chords while remaining in the key of D. For the key of G using basic open chords, position the capo on the fourth fret.

What key is What a Beautiful Name in?

The original recording by Hillsong Worship is in the key of D. However, the song is frequently transposed to A for male vocalists or G for easier chord shapes.

What a Beautiful Name chords for beginners?

Beginners can play simplified versions using G, C, D, and Em chords with a capo on the fourth fret. This eliminates barre chords while maintaining the song’s harmonic structure.

Is there a simplified version of What a Beautiful Name chords?

Yes, tutorials exist that replace B minor barre chords with Bm7 or skip them entirely. Some arrangements use only G, C, D, and Em throughout the entire song.

What is the chord progression for the chorus?

The chorus typically follows G, C, D, Em in transposed keys, or D, G, A, Bm in the original key. Some variations include additional passing chords for emphasis.

Who sings What a Beautiful Name?

Hillsong Worship performs the original recording, with Brooke Ligertwood as the primary vocalist. The song appears on their 2017 album Let There Be Light.

What album is What a Beautiful Name from?

The song appears on Let There Be Light, released by Hillsong Worship in 2017. It was written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood.

Oliver Thomas Thompson Harrison

About the author

Oliver Thomas Thompson Harrison

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.