Hey guys! Ever wanted to play "My Portion You Will Ever Be" on your guitar? Well, you're in the right place! This guide breaks down everything you need to know about playing this beautiful song. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the chords and structure will help you nail it. Let's dive in and make some music!

Understanding the Song

"My Portion You Will Ever Be" is a deeply moving gospel song often played in churches and Christian gatherings. Knowing the song's message can really help you connect with the music and play it with more heart. The song generally talks about finding solace and fulfillment in faith, portraying a sense of reliance and trust in a higher power. This understanding isn't just about notes and chords; it’s about conveying emotion and spiritual depth.

When approaching the song, consider the dynamics and tempo. It's not just about strumming the chords; it's about creating an atmosphere. Pay attention to the transitions between verses and choruses. Sometimes, a slight pause or a change in strumming pattern can add a lot of depth to your performance. Think about how you can use your guitar to tell the story of the song. Are there moments where you can add a little flourish or a subtle riff to enhance the melody? Listening to various renditions of the song can also provide inspiration and insight into different ways to interpret it. Remember, the goal is to communicate the song’s message in a way that resonates with both you and your audience. Feel the music, and let it guide your fingers. This connection will transform your playing from a technical exercise into a heartfelt expression.

Basic Chords

Let's get started with the basic chords you'll need. Don't worry, we'll keep it simple. Typically, this song uses chords that are common in gospel music, making it accessible for most guitar players.

• G Major (G): A foundational chord, usually played as 320003.
• C Major (C): Another essential chord, often played as x32010.
• D Major (D): A bright chord that adds energy, played as xx0232.
• Em (E minor): Adds a touch of melancholy, played as 022000.

These four chords—G, C, D, and Em—form the backbone of many versions of "My Portion You Will Ever Be." Mastering these will allow you to play through the song smoothly. Let’s break down some tips for each chord.

For G Major, focus on getting a clean sound from all six strings. Use your middle finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret; your index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Practice transitioning to G from other chords to build muscle memory. The C Major chord can be a bit tricky for beginners. Make sure your index finger is pressing down on the 2nd string, 1st fret, without muting the adjacent strings. Your middle finger goes on the 4th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret. A common mistake is muting the high E string, so take your time to ensure a clear sound. The D Major chord is played by placing your index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret; your middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Strumming only the four thinnest strings will ensure a bright, clear sound. Finally, E minor is one of the easier chords. Place your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Strum all six strings. This chord provides a nice contrast and adds depth to the song. Practice these chords individually and then try transitioning between them. Smooth transitions are key to a seamless performance. Once you're comfortable with these basic chords, you'll find it much easier to tackle the song.

Chord Progressions

The most common progression you'll find is:

G - C - G - D G - C - Em - D

This progression repeats through much of the song, but there might be slight variations depending on the version you're playing. Let's break down how these progressions work within the song’s structure. The G - C - G - D progression often forms the foundation of the verses. It provides a stable and comforting feel, which aligns well with the song’s theme of finding solace in faith. Notice how the movement from G to C creates a gentle lift, while the return to G and then to D adds a sense of resolution and forward momentum. This progression is easy to remember and play, making it ideal for congregational singing. On the other hand, the G - C - Em - D progression introduces a touch of melancholy with the Em chord. This progression is often used in the chorus or bridge to add emotional depth. The Em chord creates a slight tension that resolves beautifully with the D chord, reinforcing the song’s message of overcoming challenges through faith. Experiment with different strumming patterns for each progression to find what sounds best to you. For example, you might use a slower, more deliberate strum for the verses and a slightly more energetic strum for the chorus. Pay attention to the dynamics as well. Building up to the chorus can add a lot of impact. Also, listen closely to different versions of the song to hear how other musicians interpret these progressions. Some may add passing chords or slight variations to make it their own. The key is to understand the basic structure and then feel free to experiment and add your personal touch.

Strumming Patterns

For a gentle, worshipful feel, try a simple down-down-up-up-down strumming pattern. If you want a bit more energy, go for a down-up-down-up pattern. The key is to keep it steady and not rush.

Let's explore these strumming patterns in more detail. The down-down-up-up-down pattern is perfect for creating a soothing and reflective atmosphere. It works well during the verses, where the focus is on conveying the song’s message in a calm and heartfelt manner. To execute this pattern, start with two downstrokes, followed by two upstrokes, and finish with another downstroke. Focus on keeping the rhythm even and consistent. A common mistake is to rush the upstrokes, so practice slowing it down and maintaining a steady pace. This pattern is also a great way to practice your chord transitions. Try switching chords smoothly while maintaining the strumming pattern. On the other hand, the down-up-down-up pattern adds a bit more energy and drive to the song. It’s ideal for the chorus or any sections where you want to build intensity. This pattern is straightforward: simply alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes. The key here is to keep your wrist loose and relaxed. A tight wrist can lead to fatigue and make it difficult to maintain a consistent rhythm. Experiment with different variations of these patterns. For example, you could add a slight emphasis on certain beats or incorporate some palm muting to create a percussive effect. The possibilities are endless! Remember, the best strumming pattern is the one that feels natural to you and complements the song’s mood. Don’t be afraid to try different things and find your own unique style. Also, pay attention to the dynamics. Varying the intensity of your strumming can add a lot of expression to your playing. So, grab your guitar, practice these patterns, and have fun experimenting!

Tips for Beginners

If you're just starting, don't get discouraged! Start slow. Practice the chord changes until they become second nature. Use a metronome to keep time, and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. It's also super helpful to watch videos of other people playing the song. You can learn a lot from seeing how they finger the chords and strum.

Here are some additional tips to help you along the way. First, focus on clean chord transitions. This is one of the biggest challenges for beginners. Practice moving smoothly between chords without pausing. A good exercise is to repeatedly switch between two chords until you can do it without looking. Start with simple chord pairs like G to C or G to D. Once you’re comfortable with those, add more complex transitions. Second, pay attention to your finger placement. Make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly behind the frets. This will help you get a clear and buzz-free sound. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause fatigue. Find the right amount of pressure that produces a clean tone without straining your fingers. Third, use a metronome to develop your timing. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you improve. This will help you develop a solid sense of rhythm and make it easier to play along with others. Fourth, break the song down into smaller sections. Don’t try to learn the whole song at once. Focus on mastering a few bars at a time and then gradually piece them together. This will make the learning process more manageable and less overwhelming. Fifth, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling with a particular chord or technique, reach out to a guitar teacher or experienced player. They can offer valuable advice and guidance. Sixth, be patient and persistent. Learning guitar takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep practicing regularly, and you will eventually reach your goals. Finally, remember to have fun! Playing guitar should be enjoyable. Choose songs that you love and that inspire you. This will keep you motivated and make the learning process more rewarding.

Advanced Techniques

For those of you who are more experienced, try adding some embellishments to the chords, like adding a sus2 or sus4. Fingerpicking can also add a beautiful texture to the song. Experiment with different voicings and inversions to create a richer sound.

Let's explore these advanced techniques in more detail to elevate your playing. Firstly, adding sus2 or sus4 chords can create a more nuanced and interesting sound. A sus2 chord replaces the third of the chord with a second, while a sus4 chord replaces the third with a fourth. These chords create a suspended feeling that adds tension and release to the music. For example, you could try playing a Gsus4 (320013) instead of a G major. This will add a subtle but noticeable difference to the sound. Practice incorporating these chords into the song’s progressions to see how they fit. Secondly, fingerpicking can add a delicate and intricate texture to the song. Instead of strumming, you pluck individual strings with your fingers. This allows you to create more complex and melodic patterns. Start with simple fingerpicking patterns, such as alternating between the bass strings and the higher strings. As you become more comfortable, you can try more advanced patterns that involve multiple fingers and syncopated rhythms. Thirdly, experimenting with different voicings and inversions can create a richer and more dynamic sound. A voicing refers to the specific arrangement of notes within a chord. By changing the voicing, you can create different tonal colors and textures. An inversion refers to the order of the notes in the chord. By inverting the chord, you can create smoother transitions between chords and add more melodic interest. For example, you could try playing a G major chord with the third (B) in the bass instead of the root (G). This will create a different sound and feel. Finally, consider adding passing chords to smooth out the transitions between the main chords in the song. Passing chords are chords that are inserted between two chords to create a smoother and more interesting progression. For example, you could add an Am chord between a G and a C chord to create a more seamless transition. These advanced techniques can add depth, complexity, and beauty to your playing. Experiment with them and see how they can enhance your interpretation of "My Portion You Will Ever Be."

Final Thoughts

Playing "My Portion You Will Ever Be" on guitar is a rewarding experience. With a little practice, you'll be able to play this song beautifully and share it with others. Remember to have fun and let the music speak through you!

So there you have it! Everything you need to start playing "My Portion You Will Ever Be" on your guitar. Keep practicing, stay patient, and before you know it, you'll be playing this song like a pro. Happy strumming!