Organ, Piano, or Keyboard
For organists, keyboard players, and pianists who are accompanying hymns using chords, this book gives them what they need.
The chords are chosen to support the full harmonies of the choir and congregation.
Guitar
For guitarists, hymns may require a slightly different approach than songs you have played. Songs are composed of steady strumming to establish the beat and rhythm, as well as introducing and carrying through parts that do not include lyrics.
Hymns maybe sung without instrumental accompaniment because their rhythm is chordal — meaning that the harmonies in the parts the singers sing move the hymn forward without needing strong instrumental accompaniment.
Instruments, however, are useful – and at times even essential for hymn singing because they provide a consistent pitch throughout the song.
For backing up hymns with subtle chord changes, strum each chord change and let it ring out while the singers sing until the next chord name appears. Think of yourself playing as a harpist, letting each chord ring out. Alternately, you may fingerpick the notes of the chord while not emphasizing any “beat” in the process.