Unlocking the Secrets: How to Play “Oceans” by Hillsong
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong United is a powerful worship song that resonates with many due to its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody. Whether you’re an experienced guitarist or just starting out, this guitar tutorial will guide you through the process of playing this song on your acoustic guitar. In this article, we will cover the chord progressions, strumming patterns, and some fingerstyle techniques to help you master this beloved piece of worship music.
The Chord Progression for “Oceans”
Before diving into the specifics of how to play “Oceans,” let’s first familiarize ourselves with the chord progression. The song is played in the key of D, and the main chords used throughout are:
- D
- A
- Bm
- G
This simple chord progression will repeat throughout the verses and choruses, making it easy to learn. Here’s how you can play each chord:
Chord Diagrams
For those who may need a refresher, here are the chord diagrams:
- D Major:
E|-2|
B|-3|
G|-2|
D|-0|
A|—|
E|—| - A Major:
E|-0|
B|-2|
G|-2|
D|-2|
A|-0|
E|—| - B minor:
E|-2|
B|-3|
G|-4|
D|-4|
A|-2|
E|—| - G Major:
E|-3|
B|-3|
G|-0|
D|-0|
A|-2|
E|-3|
Step-by-Step Process to Play “Oceans”
Now that you know the chords, let’s break down how to play “Oceans.” Follow these steps to get started:
1. Practice the Chord Transitions
Before playing the song, practice switching between the chords D, A, Bm, and G. Aim for smooth transitions, as this will make playing the song much easier. Here’s a suggested practice routine:
- Strum D for four beats.
- Switch to A for four beats.
- Move to Bm for four beats.
- Finally, transition to G for four beats.
Repeat this cycle several times until you feel comfortable.
2. Learn the Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “Oceans” can vary based on your style, but a common pattern is:
- Down, down-up, up, down-up
Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable with the pattern. You might find it helpful to use a metronome to keep your timing consistent.
3. Playing the Verses and Chorus
Now that you’ve practiced your chords and strumming pattern, let’s put it all together. The structure of the song mostly follows this pattern:
- Verse: D – A – Bm – G
- Chorus: D – A – Bm – G
Repeat this progression for the verses and the chorus. As you play, focus on the dynamics of your strumming, letting the softer parts breathe and building intensity during the choruses.
4. Experiment with Fingerstyle
If you want to add a unique touch to your playing, consider incorporating fingerstyle techniques. Here’s a simple approach:
- Use your thumb to pluck the bass notes (the lowest string of each chord).
- Use your index and middle fingers to play the higher strings.
This technique adds depth and texture to the song, making it even more engaging.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some common issues you might encounter while learning “Oceans” and how to overcome them:
- Chord Changes are Slow: Practice switching between the chords without strumming. Just focus on getting your fingers in place quickly.
- Strumming Pattern Feels Off: Break it down into smaller sections. Practice strumming just downstrokes before adding the upstrokes.
- Difficulty with Fingerstyle: Start with simpler patterns and gradually incorporate more complexity as you gain confidence.
Additional Resources and Music Lessons
If you’re looking for more in-depth music lessons or tutorials on worship music, there are plenty of resources available online. Websites like Ultimate Guitar offer tabs and lessons for various songs, including “Oceans.” You can also check out YouTube for video tutorials that visually guide you through the song.
Conclusion
Playing “Oceans” by Hillsong on your acoustic guitar can be a fulfilling experience, both for your personal growth and for leading worship. By mastering the chord progression, strumming patterns, and perhaps even trying some fingerstyle techniques, you’ll be able to play this beautiful song with confidence.
Remember, practice is key. Take your time, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process of learning. Soon enough, you’ll be able to share your rendition of “Oceans” with your friends, family, or your worship community.
Now that you’ve unlocked the secrets to playing “Oceans,” grab your guitar and start practicing today!
This article is in the category Theory and created by MusicProTips Team