Hey guys! Ever wanted to learn a beautiful, heartfelt song on your guitar or ukulele? "My Portion You Will Ever Be" is a fantastic choice! It's not only a moving piece but also relatively simple to play once you get the chords down. This guide will break down the chords, provide some helpful tips, and get you strumming along in no time. Let's dive in!

Understanding "My Portion You Will Ever Be"

Before we jump into the chords, let's take a moment to appreciate the song. "My Portion You Will Ever Be" is a contemporary Christian song that speaks of finding solace, strength, and ultimate satisfaction in faith. It is a declaration of trust and reliance on a higher power, acknowledging that true fulfillment comes not from material possessions or worldly achievements, but from a spiritual connection. The lyrics are both comforting and uplifting, making it a popular choice for worship services and personal reflection. When learning to play this song, understanding the sentiment behind the lyrics can add depth and emotion to your performance. The song's message emphasizes the importance of faith, hope, and the unwavering belief that we are never truly alone. So, as you practice, try to connect with the emotions and intentions of the songwriters, allowing the music to resonate within you. In this article, we will explore the chords and strumming patterns that bring this beautiful piece to life. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, this guide will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to play "My Portion You Will Ever Be" with confidence and grace. We will cover the basic chords needed, offer tips for smooth transitions, and provide suggestions for varying the strumming pattern to suit your personal style. Remember, the key to mastering any song is patience and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be able to play this inspiring song beautifully. Additionally, consider listening to different versions of the song to get a feel for the different interpretations and styles. This can help you develop your unique approach to playing "My Portion You Will Ever Be."

Essential Chords for "My Portion You Will Ever Be"

Okay, let's get to the good stuff – the chords! Most versions of "My Portion You Will Ever Be" primarily use a few simple chords, making it accessible for beginner guitarists and ukulele players. The most common chords you'll encounter are G Major, C Major, D Major, and Em (E minor). Occasionally, you might also see an A minor or a Cadd9, but don't worry, we'll keep it basic for now. G Major is a fundamental chord found in countless songs. To play it on guitar, place your middle finger on the 6th string (E string) at the 3rd fret, your index finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 1st string (E string) at the 3rd fret. On the ukulele, G Major is even simpler: just place your middle finger on the 2nd string (C string) at the 2nd fret. C Major is another essential chord, and it's super easy to play. On guitar, place your ring finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 3rd fret. On the ukulele, place your ring finger on the 1st string (A string) at the 3rd fret. D Major adds a bit of brightness to the song. On guitar, place your index finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 2nd fret, your middle finger on the 1st string (E string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 3rd fret. On the ukulele, D Major requires a bit more finger gymnastics: place your index finger on the 2nd string (C string) at the 2nd fret, your middle finger on the 4th string (G string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 3rd string (E string) at the 2nd fret. Em (E minor) brings a touch of melancholy to the song. On guitar, place your middle finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 2nd fret. On the ukulele, Em is played by placing your index finger on the 1st string (A string) at the 2nd fret, your middle finger on the 2nd string (C string) at the 4th fret, your ring finger on the 3rd string (E string) at the 4th fret, and your pinky finger on the 4th string (G string) at the 5th fret. Learning these chords and their transitions will set you on the path to mastering "My Portion You Will Ever Be." Don't be afraid to use online resources and diagrams to help you visualize the finger placements. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing!

Strumming Patterns and Song Structure

Now that you know the chords, let's talk about strumming! A basic strumming pattern that works well for "My Portion You Will Ever Be" is Down, Down, Up, Down, Up. You can modify this to suit your own style and the tempo of the song. Try experimenting with different variations like adding a pause or emphasizing certain strums. Pay attention to the rhythm of the original recording to get a feel for the appropriate timing. The song structure typically follows a verse-chorus pattern. You'll usually find the chord progression repeats through each verse and chorus, making it easier to memorize. Common progressions include G - C - D - Em or G - D - Em - C. Listen to the song carefully and try to identify the chord changes to help you anticipate them while playing. The intro often starts with a gentle G chord, setting a peaceful and reflective tone. The verses then build slightly in intensity, leading into the chorus where the emotion really shines through. Pay attention to the dynamics of the song and try to emulate them in your playing. Use lighter strums during the verses and stronger strums during the choruses to create contrast and emphasize the key moments. Also, don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to the strumming pattern. Experiment with different rhythms and accents to make the song your own. You can also incorporate fingerpicking patterns for a more intricate and delicate sound. The key is to find a strumming pattern that feels comfortable and natural for you while still capturing the essence of the song.

Tips for Beginners

If you're just starting out, don't get discouraged! Learning guitar or ukulele takes time and practice. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

• Start Slow: Practice the chord changes slowly and focus on getting your fingers in the correct position. Speed will come with time.
• Use a Tuner: Make sure your instrument is properly tuned. A digital tuner can be a lifesaver. Nothing sounds worse than playing the correct chords on an out-of-tune instrument!
• Practice Regularly: Even short, consistent practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones. Aim for at least 15-30 minutes of practice each day.
• Watch Tutorials: There are tons of great tutorials on YouTube that can help you visualize the chords and strumming patterns.
• Play with Others: Playing with other musicians can be a great way to improve your skills and learn new techniques.
• Be Patient: Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Learning an instrument takes time and practice. Just keep at it, and you'll eventually get there.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Even the most accomplished musicians were once beginners. The key is to be patient with yourself, practice consistently, and never give up on your musical goals. With dedication and perseverance, you'll be playing "My Portion You Will Ever Be" beautifully in no time!

Advanced Techniques and Variations

Once you've mastered the basic chords and strumming patterns, you can start exploring more advanced techniques and variations to add depth and interest to your playing. One technique is to incorporate fingerpicking patterns. Instead of strumming, you can pluck individual strings to create a more intricate and delicate sound. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns and see how they sound with the chords in "My Portion You Will Ever Be." Another technique is to add embellishments to the chords. This could include adding hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slides to create a more dynamic and expressive sound. You can also try adding a capo to change the key of the song. This can be useful if you find the original key too high or too low for your vocal range. Simply place the capo on a fret and adjust the chords accordingly. Experiment with different capo positions to find the key that works best for you. Additionally, consider exploring different voicings of the chords. Instead of playing the standard chord shapes, try using alternative fingerings to create a different sound. This can add variety to your playing and make the song sound more interesting. You can also try adding a bass line to the song. This involves playing the root notes of the chords on the lower strings to create a more full and complete sound. Experiment with different bass line patterns and see how they sound with the chords in "My Portion You Will Ever Be." The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding advanced techniques and variations to your playing. The key is to experiment and find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try new things and push your boundaries. With practice and creativity, you can transform "My Portion You Will Ever Be" into a truly unique and personal performance.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Playing "My Portion You Will Ever Be" doesn't have to be intimidating. With a little practice and this guide, you'll be able to play this beautiful song and share its message with others. Keep practicing, have fun, and enjoy the music! You got this!