Knowing this will enable you to quickly identify chord structures when they move up or down frets.
Key changes can add depth to a song or scene, as well as serve to build dramatic tension. Furthermore, they’re an effective way of learning new chord extensions!
1. You Raise Me Up
“You Raise Me Up” is an international hit song written and composed by Rolf Lovland of Norwegian group Secret Garden and Brendan Graham. Lovland originally composed an instrumental composition, but lyrics were added after reading Graham’s novel Whitest Flower and being inspired to write them by Lovland. Over time, several artists have recorded covers of this song. Josh Groban’s version reached #73 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on US Adult Contemporary chart; Westlife recorded one that reached #1 in UK Singles Chart and Dutch Popstars winner Wesley Klein performed his version reaching #4 in Dutch Top 40 chart and remaining there for 11 weeks – both notable achievements!
Alex Hemming directed and produced a 4K version of the official music video available for streaming on YouTube.
2. There You’ll Be
Josh Groban first recorded Secret Garden’s 1994 version of this song, before recording his 2003 version with Westlife for The Ellen DeGeneres Show and performing it during Super Bowl XXXVIII as part of a tribute to Space Shuttle Columbia crew members and on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, giving it worldwide exposure. Welsh singer Aled Jones and Irish group Westlife also have recorded versions, while Groban collaborated with African Children’s Choir during Oprah Winfrey’s 50th birthday celebration, giving it even greater international visibility. Disclaimer: Khmerchords does not own any songs posted or printed herein but are strictly educational purposes.
3. How Great Thou Art
A classic hymn, this emotive tune extolls God’s greatness. Ideal for funeral services and guitar, its beautiful melodies make this tune truly stunning – see this video tutorial (left) for help learning the chords and strumming pattern!
Carrie Underwood’s country hit, “When We Reach Heaven”, is a beautiful tribute to loved ones who have passed on, with lyrics that describe a day when all deceased will join together again in heaven – making this song particularly suitable for memorial services honoring parents.
This timeless Elton John tune makes for an emotive funeral performance, perfect for both piano and guitar players of any skill level. Beginner guitarists may benefit from using a capo on the first fret to play G, A, Bm, Am and C chords (this video tutorial can assist). Furthermore, this song provides the ideal opportunity to practice fingerpicking or flatpicking techniques or you could try strumming with regular patterns instead.
4. I Will Always Love You
If you’re searching for an emotive funeral song to perform, “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton could be just what’s needed. With its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful guitar licks, this Dolly Parton classic makes an impactful performance at any funeral or memorial service, plus there is even a handy guitar tutorial available (above right). This guitar tutorial will walk through chords and strumming patterns of this timeless tune.
Traditional hymns make great funeral songs, with none better than “How Great Thou Art.” However, novice players may find this challenging due to its need for many lower notes that may stretch their vocal cords beyond what is safe without sounding croaky.
Faith Hill’s classic country song, “There You’ll Be”, serves as a heartfelt remembrance for those who have passed on. Fortunately, its simple chords and strumming pattern makes this an accessible arrangement perfect for funeral and memorial services.