Monday, July 13, 2009

The Church Pianist: Nothing but the Blood (Free Accompaniment Ideas)

New website located at: http://thechurchpianist.com/



I just played this song for the congregation yesterday.

Nothing but the blood of Jesus has a wonderful
message and I try to bring the text to life by
improvising with a lively accompaniment.

Do you realize that this hymn uses only two chords?
The I and V....meaning....G and D chord.

If the congregation sings parts...I have to use the
written chords to agree with the voice parts.

Editor notes for "Nothing but the Blood"

Verse One:

Right hand: Plays three to four notes for fullness
Left hand: Uses stepping down octaves for a march-like tone

Verse Two:
Right hand: Adds an eighth note rhythm for livelier sound

Left hand: Consists of alternating bass note movement
to avoid a montone effect.

Verse Four:

Right hand: Adds a little change; especially in the last measure

Left hand: Same pattern as verse one but in eighth note pattern.

Try applying these same accompaniment ideas
to the hymn: A Shelter in the Time of Storm




1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thanks! I really can use the congregational tips.