Goodness Of God Chords: Bethel Music's Hit

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 43 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the super uplifting and popular song, "Goodness of God" by Bethel Music. This worship anthem has touched so many hearts around the world, and learning to play it on guitar or piano is a fantastic goal. We're gonna break down the chords, explore different ways to play them, and get you jamming along in no time. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this guide is for you. We'll keep it real, keep it simple, and focus on making this beautiful song accessible. So grab your instrument, get comfy, and let's unlock the chords to "Goodness of God" together!

Understanding the Core Chords

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the chords for "Goodness of God." The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity and its emotional power, which is largely driven by a relatively straightforward chord progression. The key that Bethel Music often uses for this song is Eb Major. Now, don't let that intimidate you if you're not super familiar with Eb. We'll cover how to play it, but also offer alternative keys if Eb feels a bit stretchy on your instrument. The main chords you'll encounter are Eb, Bb, Cm, and Ab. These four chords form the backbone of almost the entire song, making it incredibly repeatable and learnable. We're talking about a classic I-V-vi-IV progression in Eb major (Eb-Bb-Cm-Ab). This progression is a staple in countless popular songs for a reason – it just works and evokes a sense of comfort, hope, and resolve. Understanding this foundational progression will not only help you play "Goodness of God" but will also unlock many other songs for you. So, even before we get to strumming, internalizing these four chords and how they relate to each other is your first big win. We'll break down how to play each of these in the next section, ensuring that regardless of your skill level, you have the tools to start playing. Remember, consistency is key, and practicing these basic shapes will build a solid foundation for your musical journey with this song and beyond. The goal here is not just to replicate the sound, but to feel the flow and connect with the message through the music. This simple yet powerful combination of chords creates the emotional landscape of the song, allowing the lyrics to shine.

Playing the Chords: Eb, Bb, Cm, Ab

Now, let's get hands-on with how to play these essential chords. For guitarists, playing in the key of Eb can be approached in a couple of ways. One common method is using barre chords: Eb (6th fret, E shape), Bb (6th fret, A shape), Cm (3rd fret, A shape), and Ab (4th fret, E shape). These barre chords give you that full, rich sound that matches the original recording. However, if barre chords are still a bit of a challenge, no worries! You can also play these chords using a capo. Placing a capo on the 1st fret and playing chords as if you were in the key of D (D, A, Bm, G) will transpose those shapes up to Eb. So, you'd be playing D (which becomes Eb), A (which becomes Bb), Bm (which becomes Cm), and G (which becomes Ab). This is a fantastic workaround that sounds great and is much easier on the fingers. For pianists, these chords are also quite accessible. In Eb Major:

Eb Major: Eb-G-Bb
Bb Major: Bb-D-F
Cm Minor: C-Eb-G
Ab Major: Ab-C-Eb

Experiment with different voicings and inversions on the piano to find what feels most comfortable and sounds best to you. The key is to practice transitioning smoothly between these chords. A good exercise is to cycle through them: Eb to Bb, Bb to Cm, Cm to Ab, and then Ab back to Eb. Do this slowly at first, focusing on clean chord changes. Once you feel comfortable, start trying to keep a steady rhythm. The strumming pattern for "Goodness of God" is generally quite simple, often emphasizing the downbeats to give it that driving, anthemic feel. Think about patterns like Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up or even simpler variations like Down-Down-Down-Down. The rhythm should support the feeling of unwavering faithfulness and goodness that the song conveys. Don't be afraid to adapt the strumming pattern to fit your style and comfort level; the core message remains the same. Mastering these basic shapes and transitions is your pathway to authentically playing "Goodness of God," allowing you to worship through music. Remember, practice makes perfect, and even a few minutes a day can make a huge difference in your chord fluency and confidence.

Strumming Patterns and Rhythm

Now that we've got the chords down, let's talk about rhythm and strumming – the heartbeat of "Goodness of God." The energy and feel of this song are really built upon a consistent and powerful rhythm. For guitarists, a common and effective strumming pattern that captures the essence of the original is a variation of the "down-down-up-up-down-up" pattern. However, for "Goodness of God," we often simplify this to really emphasize the downbeats and create a sense of steadfastness. A great starting point is simply "Down, Down, Down, Down" for each chord, especially in the verses where the lyrics are more narrative. As the song builds into the chorus, you can introduce a bit more movement. Try "Down, Down-Up, Down-Up" or "Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up". The key is to listen to the original recording and feel the pulse. Don't get too caught up in complex patterns; the power here comes from conviction and steady timing. Think of your strumming like a declaration: strong, unwavering, and full of faith. For pianists, this translates to a rhythmic accompaniment that mirrors the chord changes with a solid pulse. You might play the root note of the chord on the downbeat, followed by a simple rhythmic figure with the other notes of the chord on subsequent beats. For example, on an Eb chord, you could play Eb on beat 1, and then a quick Eb-G-Bb pattern on beats 2 and 3, or simply hold the full chord with a rhythmic emphasis. The goal is to provide a strong harmonic and rhythmic foundation that allows the melody and vocals to soar. Experiment with playing the chords on beats 1 and 3, or on every beat, depending on the section of the song. The verses tend to be more subdued, allowing for a simpler rhythmic approach, while the choruses build in intensity. The rhythm should reflect the unfolding narrative of God's faithfulness, starting gently and building to a powerful crescendo. Remember, the best strumming pattern is one that you can play comfortably and consistently while feeling the emotion of the song. So, practice these patterns slowly, focusing on maintaining a steady tempo. Gradually increase your speed and start incorporating dynamics – play softer in the verses and louder in the choruses to really bring the song to life. This rhythmic foundation is crucial for making "Goodness of God" feel as impactful when you play it as it does when you hear it.

Song Structure and Chord Placement

The structure of "Goodness of God" is quite repetitive, which is a huge blessing when you're learning it! This predictability makes it easier to memorize the chord changes and focus on your delivery. The song generally follows this pattern: Verse - Pre-Chorus - Chorus - Verse - Pre-Chorus - Chorus - Bridge - Chorus - Outro. Let's look at where the chords typically fall within these sections. Remember, these are general placements, and slight variations can occur.

Verse

The verses often use a simple, cyclical progression. A common pattern you'll find is:

Eb - Bb - Cm - Ab

Each chord might get one or two measures, depending on the phrasing of the lyrics. The feel here is reflective and narrative. For example, the opening lines might sound like:

*(Eb)*I lay my head on the *(Bb)*shoulder of my Savior *(Cm)*I lay my life down at *(Ab)*the feet of God's Anointed *(Eb)*I close my eyes, but *(Bb)*still I see Him *(Cm)*The One who makes me whole (Ab)

This simple progression sets a calm, intimate tone, allowing the story of God's goodness to unfold gently. The repetition in the verse helps to establish a sense of peace and unwavering trust.

Pre-Chorus

The pre-chorus often builds tension and anticipation leading into the main chorus. The chord progression might shift slightly or emphasize different chords to create this build. A typical pre-chorus progression could be:

Cm - Ab - Eb - Bb

This progression provides a lift and a sense of rising emotion. You'll feel the dynamic shift here, preparing you for the powerful release of the chorus. It's like gathering your thoughts and strengths before proclaiming the central theme. This section is crucial for building momentum and emotional impact.

Chorus

This is the heart of the song, where the main message of God's goodness is declared. The chorus uses the core progression, often with a slightly more driving rhythm. It typically follows the same pattern as the verse, but with more intensity:

Eb - Bb - Cm - Ab

*(Eb)*And all my life You have *(Bb)*been faithful *(Cm)*And all my life You have *(Ab)*been so good *(Eb)*And with every breath *(Bb)*that I am breathing *(Cm)*Lord, with every *(Ab)*step I take *(Eb)*I will sing *(Bb)*of the goodness of *(Cm)*God (Ab)

The repetition of "Goodness of God" over this powerful progression is what makes the chorus so memorable and worshipful.

Bridge

The bridge usually offers a lyrical and musical shift, often providing a deeper theological insight or a moment of personal reflection before returning to the final chorus. The chords here might vary, but a common movement could be:

Ab - Eb - Bb - Cm

Or sometimes:

Ab - Bb - Eb

This section provides a different perspective, emphasizing God's unchanging nature and faithfulness through all circumstances. It often feels like a moment of profound realization before the final triumphant declaration.

Outro

The outro typically fades out or concludes with repetitions of the chorus chords, often emphasizing the main lyrical hook "Goodness of God." You might see a simple repeat of the Eb - Bb - Cm - Ab progression, slowing down and fading, or ending on a strong Eb chord.

Understanding this structure is like having a map for the song. It allows you to anticipate chord changes and feel the flow of the music, enhancing your playing and worship experience. The predictable structure makes "Goodness of God" an excellent song for developing your ability to follow along and play by ear, as you can often predict what's coming next.

Tips for Worship and Performance

Playing "Goodness of God" isn't just about hitting the right notes and chords; it's about conveying the heart of worship. When you're playing this song, whether for yourself, your small group, or a congregation, keep a few things in mind to make it truly impactful.

First, feel the lyrics. The words of "Goodness of God" are powerful declarations of faith, resilience, and God's unfailing love. As you play, let the meaning of the words resonate with you. Sing along if you can, or at least internalize the message. This connection will naturally translate into your playing, making it more expressive and authentic. Your emotional connection to the song is just as important as your technical skill.

Second, dynamics are your friend. The song has natural ebbs and flows. Start the verses gently, perhaps with a softer strum or simpler rhythm. As you move into the pre-chorus, begin to build intensity. The chorus should feel like a powerful declaration, so don't be afraid to play with more volume and energy. Then, the bridge might offer a moment of quiet reflection before building back up for the final chorus. Using dynamics will keep the listener engaged and reflect the journey of faith the song describes. Think of your playing as telling a story, with moments of quiet intimacy and grand pronouncements.

Third, keep it steady. While dynamics are important, the underlying pulse of the song should remain consistent, especially during the choruses. The strength of "Goodness of God" comes from its unwavering affirmation. Your rhythm should reflect that steadiness. If you're playing with others, locking in with the drummer or bassist is key to creating a solid foundation. If you're playing solo, using a metronome during practice can help you develop that internal clock.

Fourth, simplify when needed. Don't feel pressured to play complex fills or intricate patterns if you're still mastering the basics. The core chords and a simple, steady rhythm can be incredibly powerful. The message of God's goodness transcends musical complexity. Focus on playing cleanly and confidently. Sometimes, the most worshipful expression is the simplest and most sincere.

Finally, let it be an act of worship. Whether you're practicing alone or leading others, approach the song with a heart of gratitude and reverence. Your playing can be a form of prayer and adoration. Embrace the freedom to ad-lib slightly, add your own heartfelt touches, or even pause for a moment of spontaneous prayer or declaration if the spirit moves you. Ultimately, the goal is to magnify God's goodness through the music you create. By focusing on these aspects, your performance of "Goodness of God" will not only sound good but will also minister to hearts, including your own.

So there you have it, guys! We've covered the essential chords, how to play them, effective strumming patterns, the song's structure, and how to approach it as an act of worship. "Goodness of God" is a truly special song, and I hope this guide empowers you to learn it and make it your own. Keep practicing, keep worshipping, and never forget the goodness of God!