In Christ Alone Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn In Christ Alone in 5 steps

The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.

1
Chords: D – G – D – Em
How it goes
In Christ Alone sits in D major: D is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: D is D, F# and A; G is G, B and D; Em is E, G and B. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
DIGIVDIEmii
- DD · F# · A
- GG · B · D
- EmE · G · B
75 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Waltz roots
How it goes
One low note on each of the three beats: a simple waltz floor. Musicians call it root bass · 3/4 quarters (root bass rhythm), an easy pattern heard in 391 songs of the library.
Waltz rootsRoot bass rhythm · WaltzLeft handEasy
3
Right hand: the chords, held
How it goes
In this song the right hand mostly plays the tune itself. Hold the chords lightly, or play the melody over the left hand.
4
Both hands at 135 BPM
How it goes
Put the two hands together over the loop. Start at half speed with the player's speed control, and bring it up once every change is easy.
5
Ending: Em – G – D
How it goes
The last chords are ii – IV – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
EmGD

What chords are in In Christ Alone?

The loop is D – G – D – Em (I – IV – I – ii) in D major, and the song ends on Em – G – D.

What key is In Christ Alone in?

D major, at about 135 beats a minute in 3/4.

What does the left hand play in In Christ Alone?

Waltz roots: root bass · 3/4 quarters, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is In Christ Alone easy to play on piano?

Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 4 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.