If you have been searching for Brandon Lake Gratitude guitar chords, you have landed in the right place. Gratitude is one of the most beloved modern worship songs of the past several years, known for its emotional depth, singable melody, and guitar-friendly chord structure. Whether you are a beginner picking up the song for the first time or an experienced player looking to refine your technique for Sunday service, this guide covers everything you need to play it confidently from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- Gratitude by Brandon Lake uses a simple 4-chord structure that repeats throughout most of the song.
- The song is played in the key of B major, but a capo on the 4th fret lets you use open G-shape chords.
- Beginners can learn the basic version in one practice session.
- The strumming pattern is straightforward and rhythm-driven, making it accessible for most skill levels.
- Understanding the song’s dynamics (soft verses, powerful chorus) is just as important as knowing the chords.
About the Song
Gratitude was written by Brandon Lake and released in 2020 as part of the Passion album “Grave Into Gardens.” It quickly became a staple in worship settings across churches globally. The song carries a simple yet powerful message: choosing gratitude in every season of life, even in difficulty.
The musical arrangement reflects that emotional honesty. It starts quietly, building through verses and a pre-chorus before erupting into a full, powerful chorus. This dynamic arc is what makes the song so engaging to play and to lead in worship.
Brandon Lake is known for writing songs that are simultaneously intimate and congregational, and Gratitude is no exception. It sits comfortably in a range that most vocalists can manage, and the guitar parts are accessible enough that intermediate players can nail them with some focused practice.
Chords You Need to Know
The song uses four primary chords. In the key of B major (no capo), those chords are:
- B major
- F# major
- G# minor
- E major
If you use a capo on the 4th fret and play in the key of G, those shapes become:
- G major
- D major
- E minor
- C major
Most guitarists and worship leaders opt for the capo 4 version because open chord shapes are easier to play cleanly, transition between quickly, and sound naturally warm on acoustic guitar.
Here is a quick breakdown of each chord shape you will need:
G major: Place your middle finger on the 6th string (low E), 3rd fret. Ring finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret. Pinky on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Strum all six strings.
D major: Place your index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret. Middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret. Ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Strum strings 1 through 4 only.
E minor: Place your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret. Ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Strum all six strings.
C major: Place your ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret. Middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret. Strum strings 2 through 5.
How to Play: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to learn the song from scratch.
- Tune your guitar. Make sure your guitar is in standard tuning (E A D G B E) before placing the capo.
- Place your capo on the 4th fret. This shifts the pitch up so your G shapes sound in the key of B.
- Practice each chord shape individually. Spend 5 minutes on each chord, pressing down cleanly and strumming to check for buzzing or muted strings.
- Practice the chord transitions. The most common transitions in this song are G to D, D to Em, and Em to C. Drill each transition slowly before combining them.
- Learn the chord progression for the verse. The verse uses: G, D, Em, C. Repeat this throughout the verse section.
- Learn the pre-chorus progression. The pre-chorus often stays on Em and C, building energy before the chorus hits.
- Learn the chorus progression. The chorus uses the same four chords but with more rhythmic intensity and fuller strumming.
- Apply the strumming pattern. Once you know where each chord falls, layer in the strumming pattern (detailed in the next section).
- Practice with the original recording. Play along to Brandon Lake’s version at a reduced speed using a tool like YouTube’s playback speed control or an app like Capo or Amazing Slow Downer.
- Build up to full tempo. Gradually increase your speed until you are comfortable playing at the song’s natural pace.
Chord Progressions Breakdown
Verse: G – D – Em – C (repeat)
Pre-Chorus: Em – C – Em – C
Chorus: G – D – Em – C (repeat, with fuller strumming and more energy)
Bridge: The bridge of Gratitude often stays on one or two chords for an extended period, building intensity through repetition. It typically revolves around C and G, allowing the congregation or audience to stay engaged without needing to track complex changes.
Outro: Similar to the bridge, the outro is often simplified, holding on G or moving slowly between G and C to bring the song to a gentle close.
Strumming Patterns
The strumming pattern you choose will depend on the section of the song and how much energy you want to bring.
Basic Pattern (for verse): Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
This is a 4/4 pattern that sits naturally under the melody and gives the verse a gentle, flowing feel. Count it as: 1, 2-and, and-3-and. Keep your wrist loose and your movement small.
Chorus Pattern: Down, Down, Down-Up, Down-Up
This pattern has more drive and forward momentum, which suits the energy of the chorus well. You can also add a palm mute on beats 1 and 2 during the verse to keep things restrained before the chorus opens up.
Power Strumming (for climactic moments): Straight down strokes on every beat with full arm involvement. This works well during the final chorus or bridge when the song reaches its emotional peak.
Fingerpicking Option: Some players prefer fingerpicking the verse for a more intimate texture. A simple pattern alternating between the bass note of each chord and the upper strings works beautifully. Try: Bass, Middle, Top, Middle and repeat.
Capo Placement Guide
Using a capo correctly is essential for playing this song in the right key, especially if you are accompanying a vocalist or playing with a band.
- Capo 4: Plays in key of B major using G-shape chords. This is the standard position for the recorded version.
- Capo 2: Plays in key of A major. Good for vocalists who need a slightly lower key.
- Capo 6: Plays in key of C# major. Useful for higher-voiced singers or when playing alongside another guitarist using capo 4 (creates a natural layering effect).
- No Capo: Play barre chord versions in B major. This is more demanding but useful for electric guitar players wanting a full, rich sound without capo coloring the tone.
When playing with another guitarist, one player can capo 4 using G shapes while the other capos at a different position or plays without a capo, creating a textured, layered sound.
Pro Tips
Tip 1: Master your transitions before your strumming. Most beginners try to add the strumming pattern too early. Nail your chord changes first, even if that means strumming once per chord. Smooth transitions make the song feel musical immediately.
Tip 2: Use your pinky on the G chord. Keeping your pinky planted on the 1st string while transitioning between G, Cadd9, and D can make changes almost seamless since fewer fingers need to move.
Tip 3: Play dynamically. The biggest difference between a flat performance and a moving one is dynamics. Play the verse at 40 to 50 percent of your full volume and let the chorus swell naturally. This mirrors how the song was designed.
Tip 4: Listen before you play. Spend at least two full listens to the original recording with headphones, paying attention to where the guitar sits in the mix. Notice when it pulls back and when it pushes forward.
Tip 5: Less is more in a band context. If you are playing with a full worship band, consider playing a simpler strumming pattern or even just pads (holding chords with minimal strumming) during verses so the arrangement has room to breathe.
FAQ
What key is Gratitude by Brandon Lake in? The song is recorded in the key of B major. Most guitarists play it with a capo on the 4th fret, using open chord shapes in the key of G to make it more comfortable on the hands while still sounding in the original key.
Do I need a capo to play Gratitude? No, a capo is not strictly required. You can play all the chords as barre chords without one. However, using a capo on the 4th fret makes the song significantly easier to play, particularly for beginners and intermediate players who are more comfortable with open chord shapes.
Is Gratitude a good song for beginner guitarists? Yes, it is considered one of the more beginner-friendly worship songs. The four-chord structure repeats throughout most of the song, meaning once you learn the basic progression, you can play the majority of the arrangement without needing to learn new material.
What strumming pattern does Brandon Lake use? The exact strumming varies throughout the song and across live performances, but the most common pattern for the verse is a relaxed down, down-up, up-down-up pattern in 4/4 time. The chorus tends to use a more driven, straight-down approach with fuller strumming.
Can I play this song on electric guitar? Absolutely. Electric guitar works well, especially with a clean tone and light reverb for the verses. Many worship bands use electric guitar alongside acoustic for a layered texture. Try playing barre chord versions in B major for a clean electric sound with no capo needed.
How long does it take to learn this song? Most intermediate guitarists can learn the basic structure in a single practice session of 30 to 60 minutes. Beginner guitarists may need a few sessions to get chord transitions clean and the strumming pattern comfortable. Adding dynamics and musicality to the performance naturally takes more time and intentional listening.
Conclusion
Learning Brandon Lake Gratitude guitar chords is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a worship guitarist. The song’s simplicity is its strength: four chords, a clear structure, and a dynamic arc that naturally moves people. Whether you are playing it alone at home, leading a small group, or performing on a full stage, the principles in this guide give you everything you need to play it well. Focus on clean transitions, thoughtful dynamics, and letting the music breathe, and this song will become a natural part of your repertoire.