Have you ever heard a song that resonated so deeply with your soul, a melody that mirrored your own internal struggles and yearnings? For many, the song “Rest on Us” by Elevation Worship serves as a powerful anthem of vulnerability, a musical expression of finding solace in God’s unfailing love. But beyond the emotive lyrics, “Rest on Us” holds a captivating musical arrangement, and one that’s surprisingly easy to learn on the guitar.
Image: chordify.net
Learning the guitar chords for “Rest on Us” isn’t just about learning a song. It’s about unlocking a gateway to expressing your deepest emotions through music. Whether you’re a seasoned guitar player or just starting your musical journey, this song offers a unique opportunity to connect with a powerful message while expanding your guitar skills.
Breaking Down the Chords
The beauty of “Rest on Us” lies in its simplicity. The song primarily utilizes four basic chords: G, D, Em, and C. These chords are often considered “foundation chords” for aspiring guitarists as they form the backbone of countless popular songs.
G Major Chord
The G major chord is formed by placing your fingers on the following frets:
- Index finger: 3rd fret on the low E string
- Middle finger: 3rd fret on the A string
- Pinky finger: 3rd fret on the D string
- The high E, B, and G strings are left open.
For beginners, it’s important to practice transitioning smoothly between G and D to master the rhythmic flow of the song.
D Major Chord
The D major chord utilizes the following finger placement:
- Index finger: 2nd fret on the A string
- Middle finger: 3rd fret on the D string
- Pinky finger: 2nd fret on the G string
- The high E and B strings are left open.
For some, the D chord can be tricky initially, but with consistent practice, you’ll find it becoming as natural as striking a basic G.
Image: www.praisecharts.com
E Minor Chord
The E minor chord brings in a touch of melancholy to the song’s overall feel. Here’s how to play it:
- Index finger: 1st fret on the A string
- Middle finger: 2nd fret on the D string
- Pinky finger: 0 fret on the G string
- The high E string is left open.
The E minor chord utilizes the same finger placement as the A minor chord, but on a different set of strings. This means that you’ll be able to transition smoothly between the two if you are familiar with the A minor.
C Major Chord
The final chord in the song’s main progression is the C major. It’s a simple and open-sounding chord, giving a sense of resolution to the musical journey. Here’s the finger placement:
- Index finger: 1st fret on the A string
- Middle finger: 2nd fret on the D string
- Pinky finger: 3rd fret on the G string
- The high E and B strings are left open.
Chord Progression and Timing
The chords in “Rest on Us” are arranged in a simple yet powerful progression that repeats throughout the song:
- G – D – Em – C
Each chord is held for a duration of four beats, meaning each round of the progression takes 16 beats. This creates a consistent rhythm that is inviting to play and easy to follow.
Practice Tips
Mastering these chords can be done through focused practice. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
- Start with simple exercises: Once you have the finger positions down, practice switching between individual chords. Start with G-D, then D-Em, then Em-C and so on. This will build muscle memory and help your fingers move quickly from one chord to another.
- Listen and learn: Listen to the song carefully and pay attention to the rhythm and timing.
- Record yourself: Recording yourself while you practice allows you to hear your progress and identify any areas that need improvement.
- Be patient: Learning guitar takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t master the song right away. Celebrate small victories and gradually work your way towards smooth transitions and a better overall sound.
Beyond the Basic Chords
While the main chords give you the basic outline of the song, “Rest on Us” also features some beautiful variations and embellishments that can add depth and character to your playing.
- The Bridge: In the song’s bridge, you’ll find a transition using the chords Am, C, and G. This adds a touch of harmony and provides an opportunity to explore different fingerings for familiar chords.
- Strumming patterns and dynamics: While most guitarists use a basic down-up strumming pattern for “Rest on Us,” experimenting with different patterns and dynamics can add a new dimension to your performance.
- Adding a capo: A capo is a device that clamps onto your guitar neck, effectively raising the pitch of the strings. Using a capo on the 2nd or 3rd fret can help you play the song in a higher key, making it easier to sing along or providing a different tonal perspective.
Rest On Us Guitar Chords
Resources for Learning
The internet has become a treasure trove of guitar learning resources, offering plenty of options to acquire the skills you need to play “Rest on Us” effectively.
- Online tutorials: Websites like Youtube are filled with video tutorials showcasing how to play “Rest on Us” on the guitar. Search for “Rest on Us guitar lesson” to access a wide variety of instructional content.
- Guitar tabs: Many websites offer guitar tabs, which are visual representations of the guitar chords and strumming patterns. These tabs provide a structured guide for learning the song. Popular websites for guitar tabs include Ultimate Guitar and Songsterr.
- Guitar apps: Apps like Yousician and GuitarTuna can provide interactive lessons and feedback on your playing, making learning more engaging and personalized.
Learning to play “Rest on Us” is a journey of musical discovery and emotional expression. It’s a chance to connect with the power of this song, to cultivate your guitar skills, and to experience the joy of creating music that moves the heart and soul. Don’t hesitate to take the first step. Pick up your guitar, and let the music guide you to a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
