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The chorus of "To God be the Glory" is rather
plain in the hymnal because it uses only the
I and V chord.
The following improvising ideas will help dress-up
a rather mundane bass line.
Editor's notes for today's music example:
Measure #1
I usually rest during these words... but wrote
a note in the first measure for congregations
who depend on the piano to help them enter a chorus.
Measure #2
Right hand plays an echo instead of sitting still for two beats.
Measure #2 and 3
Left hand plays an alternating bass for the A flat chord
For example: the chord for measures 2 and 3 is A flat.
I simply use the 5th note of the A flat chord (which is E flat)..
as my alternating bass note for variety.
Measure #4
A grace note in the right hand adds extra life to the song.
Measure #8
The right hand can play a repeated E flat octave which works
well since the chord in that measure is E flat.
The left hand fills in with stepping octaves, giving extra
movement for added zest!
The chorus of "To God be the Glory" can be livened up by
a few improvisational ideas like this to make the song
more meaningful.
Try playing this example and notice how the hand feels even
more free, not having to be a slave to the melody.
