What is a chorus in a worship song?

The chorus is the main statement of a worship song, with catchy lyrics, memorable riffs, and often the fullest part of the song.

Everything in a worship song builds toward, and revolves around, the chorus. The melody is the most memorable part of the song. The lyrics are broader and more direct, and the energy is higher than any other section. If the anyone is singing a section of a worship song on their own, they're likely singing the chorus.

Unlike the verse (usually), the chorus uses the same lyrics every time. Once you hear the chorus two times during a song play-through, you already know how it goes when you start the chorus again.

What to play

Generally, the chorus is where instruments open up. For songs that are slower or quieter, a chorus can mean playing bigger strums with a little more volume. For songs that are punchy or quick, a chorus can mean tightening the groove and strumming. It can also mean the band takes the song to the next level by increasing the dynamics even more, similar to a get-up-and-dance intro.

The contrast between the dynamics of a verse and a chorus is more important than the specific strum pattern. A chorus that feels the same as the verse is the most common mistake in worship rhythm guitar.

The second chorus: why it sounds different

Not every chorus hits the same way each time. In contemporary worship you may come across a song with a second chorus that's different from the "regular" chorus. The chords may be slightly different, or maybe the lyrics change but the chords are the same. Either way, be on the lookout for a slight variation in what you should be playing when you see "Chorus 2."

What to watch for

The chord progression may differ. This is one of the most common points of confusion. Knowing the verse chords does not mean you know the chorus chords. Learn both separately when preparing a new song. In some songs like How Great is Our God, the chords happens to be the same for both sections but the dynamics change.

Modulation on the final chorus. Some worship songs shift the key up a half step or whole step on the final chorus or two. This can be signaled by the worship leader or notated on the chart. If you're using a capo, you will need to know how to continue playing new chords in a new key with the capo in the same place.

Labels are different but everything is the same. In some cases, the chord charts may say "Chorus 1" and "Chorus 2," but in reality they are exactly the same in lyrics, chords, and melody. In this case it's just a notation preference.

Related glossary terms

• Verse - the section that comes before the chorus
• Pre-chorus - the tension-builder before the chorus in some songs
• Bridge - the contrasting section that often precedes a final chorus
• Tag - a repeated line or phrase often drawn from the chorus at the end of a song
• Song sections overview