…and the strongest passing chord to the G major triad is the D dominant seventh chord: Consequently, the best option of passing chords should be an unstable chord that resolves to chord 5. In the case of chords 4 and 5 above, the target chord is chord 5. The strongest passing chords are usually unstable chords that resolves to the target chord. These adjacent scale degree chords can be connected using a passing chord. …are scale degree chords of the fourth and fifth degrees respectively. A Quick Review On Passing ChordsĪ passing chord is a chord that connects two scale-degree chords. If you’re lucky (like me) to belong to a denomination where hymns are sung, then you have to be thankful because you’re about to learn a couple of chords and progressions that can help you spice up the hymn segment in a worship service, especially if you’re stuck to the basic version.

However, there’s no gainsaying the fact that hymns are an integral part of christian worship because there are hymns for every season (Christmas, Easter, and so on), time of the day (morning, noon, night, and so on), message (repentance, forgiveness, and so on)įrom the structure of hymns to it’s melody and harmony, hymns are purely liturgical and believe it or not, hymn songs have a way of creating a worship atmosphere. It’s also possible to attend a church service where hymns are not used in worship for certain reasons and that’s fine.

I’m aware that in the 21st century, there’s been an evolution of several contemporary approaches to hymn songs. In today’s lessons, I’ll be taking you by the hand and showing you step-by-step, how you can take the hymn segment of the church service to another level by introducing a couple of passing chords and spicing up your hymn arrangements with it.Īt the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to use passing chords to spice up hymns like Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior, I Need Thee Every Hour, and so on.Īlthough this lesson is written with beginners in mind, experienced players can benefit as well. If you’ve always wanted to learn passing chords that you can apply to hymn songs, then you’ve arrived at the right page.Įvery serious pianist must properly understand passing chords and how their application can spice up the harmonization of all songs and not just hymns alone.

Passing chord dictionary pdf