Hey guys! Have you ever wanted to play "My Portion You Will Ever Be" but struggled to find the right chords? Well, you're in luck! This guide breaks down the chords and provides some helpful tips to get you playing this beautiful song in no time. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, this will help enhance your understanding and performance of this powerful worship song. So grab your guitar, tune up, and let's dive in!

Understanding the Song's Structure

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the chords, it's essential to understand the song's structure. "My Portion You Will Ever Be" typically follows a simple verse-chorus structure, with a possible bridge section. Knowing this structure helps you anticipate chord changes and play more smoothly. Understanding the song structure is the first step in mastering any song, and it's especially important for worship songs that often have repetitive yet dynamic arrangements. Identifying the different sections will allow you to better navigate the chord progressions and focus on the emotional delivery of the lyrics. Remember, it's not just about playing the right chords; it's about conveying the heart of the song. For instance, the verse usually sets the tone and introduces the theme, while the chorus serves as the emotional high point and summarizes the message. As you practice, pay close attention to how the chords support the meaning of the words and enhance the overall worship experience. Don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns or fingerpicking styles to add your personal touch. The key is to find what resonates with you and allows you to connect with the song on a deeper level. Ultimately, the goal is to lead others into worship, and a solid understanding of the song's structure will enable you to do just that.

Basic Chords Used

"My Portion You Will Ever Be" often revolves around a few key chords that make it relatively easy to learn. Common chords include G major, C major, D major, and E minor. These chords form the foundation of the song and appear frequently throughout. Mastering these basic chords will not only help you play this song but also many other worship songs. Let’s break down each of these chords to ensure you’re comfortable playing them. G major is a foundational chord that provides a warm and uplifting feel. The standard G major chord is played by placing your middle finger on the 6th string, 5th fret, your index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Make sure to strum all six strings to get the full sound. Next, C major offers a bright and hopeful tone. This chord is played by placing your index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret, your middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret. Strum from the 5th string to avoid a muddy sound. D major adds a sense of resolution and strength to the progression. To play D major, place your index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret, your middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Strum only the bottom four strings. Finally, E minor brings a touch of melancholy and introspection. Play E minor by placing your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Strum all six strings. These four chords, G, C, D, and Em, are your bread and butter for playing "My Portion You Will Ever Be." Practice transitioning between them smoothly to get a seamless sound. Don't worry if it feels awkward at first; with practice, your fingers will become more agile and your transitions will become smoother. Keep practicing until you can effortlessly switch between these chords, and you'll be well on your way to mastering the song.

Chord Progressions

The most common chord progression in "My Portion You Will Ever Be" is usually something like G - D - Em - C. This progression is simple yet powerful and can be repeated throughout the song with slight variations. Knowing this progression allows you to anticipate the chord changes and play along more easily. Understanding common chord progressions is vital for any musician, as it helps you recognize patterns and predict what comes next. The G - D - Em - C progression is particularly popular in worship music due to its emotional depth and ease of play. Let's break down why this progression works so well. G major is the root chord and provides a sense of stability. D major then adds a feeling of movement and anticipation. E minor introduces a touch of vulnerability and introspection, creating contrast. Finally, C major resolves the tension and brings a sense of hope. Together, these chords create a beautiful and dynamic musical journey. To practice this progression, start by playing each chord for four beats. Once you're comfortable, try speeding it up and adding a simple strumming pattern. Pay attention to the transitions between chords and focus on making them as smooth as possible. Experiment with different rhythms and dynamics to add your personal touch. You can also try adding embellishments, such as hammer-ons or pull-offs, to make the progression more interesting. Remember, the key is to feel the music and let it guide you. As you become more comfortable with the G - D - Em - C progression, you'll start to recognize it in other songs as well. This will expand your musical vocabulary and make it easier to learn new pieces. Keep practicing and exploring, and you'll be amazed at how much you can accomplish!

Strumming Patterns

Choosing the right strumming pattern can significantly enhance the song's feel. A simple down-down-up-down-up pattern works well, but feel free to experiment with different rhythms to find what suits you best. Experimenting with strumming patterns can add depth and texture to your playing, making the song sound more engaging. A good starting point is the classic down-down-up-down-up pattern, which provides a steady and driving rhythm. This pattern can be easily adapted to fit the tempo and dynamics of the song. For example, you can emphasize the downstrokes to create a stronger, more powerful sound, or you can lighten the upstrokes for a softer, more gentle feel. Don't be afraid to try different variations of this pattern to see what works best. Another popular strumming pattern is the down-up-down-up pattern, which creates a more syncopated and groovy feel. This pattern can be particularly effective during the chorus, where you want to build energy and excitement. You can also try adding some palm muting to create a percussive effect. Palm muting involves lightly resting the side of your hand on the strings near the bridge of the guitar to dampen the sound. This can add a lot of character and interest to your strumming. Remember, the best way to find the right strumming pattern is to listen to the song carefully and try to match the rhythm and feel of the original recording. Pay attention to how the different instruments interact and try to emulate that with your guitar. Don't be afraid to experiment and be creative. The most important thing is to have fun and find a strumming pattern that you enjoy playing.

Tips for Beginners

If you're new to playing guitar, start slow and focus on getting the chord changes clean. Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase the tempo as you improve. Starting slow and focusing on clean chord changes is crucial for building a solid foundation. When learning a new song, it's tempting to rush through it and try to play it at full speed right away. However, this can lead to sloppy playing and frustration. Instead, take the time to learn each chord individually and practice transitioning between them smoothly. A metronome is an invaluable tool for this process. It helps you keep a steady beat and gradually increase the tempo as you improve. Start by setting the metronome to a slow tempo, such as 60 beats per minute, and practice playing the chords in time with the beat. Focus on making each chord change as clean and precise as possible. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo by 5 or 10 beats per minute. Continue practicing until you can play the song at the desired tempo without making any mistakes. Another helpful tip is to break the song down into smaller sections. Instead of trying to learn the entire song at once, focus on mastering one verse or chorus at a time. Once you're comfortable with that section, move on to the next one. This will make the learning process more manageable and less overwhelming. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help from a guitar teacher or more experienced player. They can provide valuable feedback and guidance, and help you correct any bad habits you may be developing. Finally, remember to be patient and persistent. Learning guitar takes time and effort, but it's well worth it in the end. Keep practicing regularly, and you'll be amazed at how much you can accomplish.

Advanced Techniques

For more experienced players, try incorporating techniques like fingerpicking or adding embellishments to the chords. This can add a unique flavor to your performance. Incorporating advanced techniques can elevate your playing and make the song sound more polished and professional. Fingerpicking, for example, involves plucking individual strings with your fingers instead of strumming. This can create a more delicate and intricate sound, and it allows you to bring out different melodies and harmonies within the song. To get started with fingerpicking, try assigning each finger to a specific string. For example, you can use your thumb to pluck the bass strings, your index finger to pluck the G string, your middle finger to pluck the B string, and your ring finger to pluck the high E string. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns to see what sounds best. You can also try adding embellishments to the chords. Embellishments are small, decorative notes that you add to the chords to make them sound more interesting. Common embellishments include hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. A hammer-on involves striking a string with your finger to produce a note without plucking it. A pull-off involves pulling your finger off a string to produce a note. A slide involves sliding your finger along a string to change the pitch. By incorporating these techniques into your playing, you can add a lot of personality and flair to your performance. However, it's important to use them sparingly and tastefully. Too many embellishments can make the song sound cluttered and distracting. The key is to find a balance between adding interest and maintaining the integrity of the song. Also, don't be afraid to experiment and be creative. Try different combinations of techniques to see what works best. The most important thing is to have fun and express yourself through your music.

Conclusion

"My Portion You Will Ever Be" is a beautiful and inspiring song that's relatively easy to play on guitar. By understanding the song's structure, mastering the basic chords, and experimenting with different strumming patterns, you'll be able to play this song confidently and lead others in worship. Keep practicing, and you'll continue to improve your skills and deepen your connection with the music. Continuous practice and a deeper connection with the music will enhance your overall worship experience, so keep at it, guys! Remember, playing music is not just about hitting the right notes; it's about expressing your heart and connecting with others. When you play "My Portion You Will Ever Be," let the lyrics and the melody speak to you and allow the music to flow through you. Don't be afraid to close your eyes and get lost in the moment. Let the song become a prayer, a declaration of faith, and an expression of love for God. As you practice, focus on the meaning of the words and try to convey that meaning through your playing. Let your emotions guide your fingers and let the music speak for itself. With practice and dedication, you'll be able to play this song with confidence and passion, and you'll be able to lead others into a deeper and more meaningful worship experience. So grab your guitar, tune up, and start practicing today. And remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Keep practicing, keep learning, and keep growing as a musician and as a worshiper. The sky's the limit!