Who You Say I Am” Chords: A Comprehensive Guide

March 21, 2025 admin

“Who You Say I Am” is a contemporary Christian worship song written by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan. First released by Hillsong Worship in 2017, the song quickly became a favorite in churches around the world. With its moving lyrics and powerful message about identity and the grace of God, it has touched countless hearts and inspired worshippers to sing about their relationship with Christ.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this song is its simplicity. It’s easy to learn and powerful to sing, making it a great addition to any worship session. Whether you’re a beginner guitarist or an experienced musician, “Who You Say I Am” can be played with ease. In this article, we will break down the chords for “Who You Say I Am” and provide tips on how to play the song, ensuring you can lead or participate in worship with confidence.

Understanding the Song’s Message

Before we dive into the technical aspects of playing the song, let’s take a moment to reflect on its powerful message. “Who You Say I Am” focuses on the theme of our identity in Christ. The lyrics express the freedom and grace that believers receive through Jesus, emphasizing the idea that we are chosen, forgiven, and loved. The song speaks to God’s grace, our redemption, and the fact that our worth is defined by God, not by the world.

The song’s structure, with its worshipful tone and simple yet profound lyrics, provides a great platform for reflection and praise. As you learn to play the song, keep in mind its deep message, which will help guide your emotions as you perform it.

The Chords You Need to Know

“Who You Say I Am” is a relatively easy song to play on the guitar, making it accessible for beginners and intermediate players alike. The song follows a straightforward chord progression and is often played in the key of G. Below are the main chords used in the song:

The Main Chords

G Major (G)
The G chord is one of the most commonly used chords in contemporary worship music. To play the G chord, place your fingers as follows:
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string (6th string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum all strings.
D Major (D)
The D major chord is another essential chord in worship music. To play the D chord:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the e string (1st string).
- Strum from the D string (4th string) down.
Em (E minor)
The E minor chord is a simple yet powerful minor chord often used in worship songs. To play Em:
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
- Strum all strings.
C Major (C)
The C major chord is one of the basic chords in guitar playing. To play C:
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum from the A string (5th string) down.

Simplified Chord Progression

The song uses a straightforward chord progression, with most of the verses following a basic pattern of G, D, Em, and C. The chorus follows a similar pattern, making it easy for beginners to play along. The chord changes occur relatively slowly, giving players plenty of time to switch between chords and focus on the song’s rhythm.

Here is a quick breakdown of the chords in each section of the song:

Verse 1:
G – D – Em – C (Repeat this progression twice for the first verse)
Chorus:
G – D – Em – C (Repeat this progression for the chorus)
Verse 2:
G – D – Em – C (Follow the same progression for the second verse)
Bridge:
G – D – Em – C (Repeat this progression during the bridge as well)

This simple chord progression allows the focus to remain on the lyrics, giving worshippers the opportunity to reflect on the message of the song.

Tips for Playing “Who You Say I Am”

Now that you know the basic chords, here are some tips to help you get the most out of playing “Who You Say I Am”:

1. Focus on the Strumming Pattern

A key part of playing worship songs is understanding the strumming pattern. While there’s no single “correct” strumming pattern, a common pattern for “Who You Say I Am” is:

Down, down, up, up, down, up

This pattern creates a flowing rhythm that works well with the song’s tempo and emotional tone. Practice this pattern slowly and focus on keeping your strums smooth and even.

2. Play with Dynamics

Worship songs often require dynamic shifts to emphasize certain parts of the song. In “Who You Say I Am,” start with a softer approach in the verses and gradually build intensity as you reach the chorus. This dynamic change helps to heighten the emotional power of the song.

3. Focus on Timing

Although the song’s structure is simple, the timing and pacing of the chord changes are crucial. Take your time to learn the transitions between the G, D, Em, and C chords. Once you’re comfortable with the transitions, practice playing along with the song to match the timing and tempo.

4. Personalize Your Playing Style

Once you’ve mastered the basic chords and strumming pattern, feel free to experiment with adding your own personal touch to the song. You can try fingerpicking, adding embellishments, or using different strumming patterns to make the song your own. Remember that worship is deeply personal, so it’s important to play in a way that resonates with you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As with any song, there are a few common mistakes that beginners might make when learning “Who You Say I Am.” Here are some things to watch out for:

1. Rushing Through the Chord Changes

One of the most common mistakes when learning a new song is rushing through the chord changes. Take your time to ensure you’re playing each chord cleanly before moving to the next one.

2. Inconsistent Strumming Patterns

The strumming pattern is an essential part of the song’s rhythm. It’s important to practice the strumming pattern slowly at first, focusing on consistency. Once you’re comfortable, gradually increase the speed until you can play it in time with the song.

3. Neglecting the Song’s Emotional Tone

Worship music is all about connecting with God and expressing your faith. While playing the chords correctly is important, it’s equally crucial to convey the emotional message of the song through your playing. Focus on the lyrics and the meaning behind the song as you play.

Conclusion: Bringing “Who You Say I Am” to Life

“Who You Say I Am” is a powerful and emotionally resonant song that speaks to the heart of Christian worship. Its simple chord progression and heartfelt lyrics make it accessible to musicians of all levels. By mastering the chords and focusing on the emotional delivery of the song, you can lead or participate in worship with confidence and authenticity.

Whether you’re playing for a church service, a small group, or just for your own personal reflection, “Who You Say I Am” provides a beautiful opportunity to connect with God and declare your identity in Christ. With the right chords, strumming pattern, and attention to dynamics, you can bring this song to life in a way that resonates with both you and those around you.

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FAQs

What are the chords for “Who You Say I Am”?
The main chords used in “Who You Say I Am” are G, D, Em, and C. These chords repeat throughout the verses and chorus.

Is “Who You Say I Am” easy to play on the guitar?
Yes, “Who You Say I Am” is relatively easy to play, even for beginners. The chord progression is simple, and the song follows a slow tempo, making it accessible for new guitarists.

What strumming pattern should I use for “Who You Say I Am”?
A common strumming pattern for this song is: down, down, up, up, down, up. Practice this slowly and focus on keeping a smooth, even rhythm.

How can I make my performance of “Who You Say I Am” more dynamic?
You can add dynamics by starting softly in the verses and gradually increasing your intensity as you approach the chorus. This will help emphasize the emotional shifts in the song.

What is the message behind “Who You Say I Am”?
The song emphasizes our identity in Christ, declaring that we are chosen, forgiven, and loved by God. It focuses on the freedom and grace that believers receive through Jesus.