“O Come to the Altar” Elevation Worship Ukulele CHORDS

“O Come to the Altar” is a popular Christian worship song by the band Elevation Worship. It was released as part of their album titled “Here as in Heaven” in 2016.

The song has gained significant popularity in Christian worship services and gatherings due to its heartfelt lyrics and moving melody.

Ukulele Tutorial Video

Strumming Pattern

Here’s a basic pattern to get you started:

Strumming Pattern: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down

1. Down Strum: Strum all the strings in a downward motion.
2. Down-Up Strum: Begin with a down strum, then immediately follow with an up strum.
3. Up-Down Strum: Start with an up strum, then follow with a down strum.

Here’s how the pattern would look in terms of beats:

1   &   2   &   3   &   4   &  
D       D   U   U   D   U   D  

Official Music Video

Song Facts

1. Writers: The song was written by Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Steven Furtick, and Wade Joye. These writers are associated with Elevation Worship, a contemporary Christian music group based at Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2. Album: “O Come to the Altar” is part of Elevation Worship’s album titled “Here as in Heaven,” which was released in 2016. The album also includes other well-known songs like “Resurrecting” and the title track “Here as in Heaven.”
3. Theme: The song’s lyrics center around themes of repentance, forgiveness, and coming to God’s altar to find redemption and salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The altar symbolizes a place of surrender and reconciliation with God.
4. Impact: “O Come to the Altar” has gained significant popularity in Christian worship circles and is often sung during church services and other gatherings. Its emotive lyrics and melodic simplicity have resonated with worshipers.
5. Charts and Awards: The song has achieved chart success in the Christian music world. It has been featured on various Christian music charts, and its impact has been recognized through nominations and awards within the contemporary Christian music industry.
6. Cover Versions: Due to its popularity, “O Come to the Altar” has been covered by numerous artists and worship groups. The song’s accessibility and powerful message have made it a staple in many worship repertoires.
7. Online Presence: The song’s official music video, along with lyric videos and performance videos, has garnered millions of views on platforms like YouTube. This indicates the song’s widespread reach and impact.
8. Worship Anthem: The song’s lyrics, especially its chorus, have been embraced as a worship anthem by many churches. It’s often used to lead congregations in a time of reflection, response, and worship.
9. Musical Style: The song features a melodic and accessible musical arrangement, combining acoustic guitar, piano, and vocals. Its simplicity allows for easy participation by both worship teams and congregations.
10. Message of Redemption: The central message of the song revolves around the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the call to approach God’s altar to find forgiveness, grace, and transformation.

Text Version of Chords

Intro]
G C/G
G C/G
 
 
[Verse 1]
G           C/G                    G           C/G
 Are you hurting and broken within? Overwhelmed
                          Em
by the weight of your sin?
         Cadd9
Jesus is calling
G             C/G                      G             C/G
 Have you come   to the end of yourself Do you thirst
                          Em
for a drink from the well?
         Cadd9
Jesus is calling
 
 
[Chorus]
G         Am7         Em7
 O come to   the altar
                      Cadd9 G              Am7
The Father's arms are open wide Forgiveness
was bought with
Em7                      Cadd9 G     C/G G C/G
   The precious blood of Jesus Christ
 
 
[Verse 2]
G            C/G                         G          C/G
 Leave behind   your regrets and mistakes Come today
                           Em
there’s no reason to wait
         Cadd9
Jesus is caling
G              C/G                        G          C/G
 Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy From the a
                       Em
shes a new life is born
         Cadd9
Jesus is calling
 
 
[Chorus]
G         Am7         Em7
 O come to   the altar
                      Cadd9 G              Am7
The Father's arms are open wide Forgiveness
was bought with
Em7                      Cadd9 G               Am7
   The precious blood of Jesus Christ O come to
         Em7
the altar
                      Cadd9 G              Am7
The Father's arms are open wide Forgiveness
was bought with
Em7                      Cadd9 G
   The precious blood of Jesus Christ
 
 
[Bridge]
C7M/E Em Cadd9          Gsus4 G
              Oh what a sa___vior
         C7M/E Em
Isn't He won__derful?
          Cadd9                 G
Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen
           Gsus4 G
Bow down before  Him
          C7M/E Em
For He is Lord  of all
          Cadd9                 G
Sing Hallelujah, Christ is risen
          Gsus4 G
Oh what a sa___vior
         C7M/E Em
Isn't He won__derful?
          Cadd9                 G
Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen
           Gsus4 G
Bow down before  Him
          C7M/E Em
For He is Lord  of all
          Cadd9                 G
Sing Hallelujah, Christ is risen
 
 
[Chorus]
G         Am7         Em7
 O come to   the altar
                      Cadd9 G              Am7
The Father's arms are open wide Forgiveness
was bought with
Em7                      Cadd9 G               Am7
   The precious blood of Jesus Christ O come to
         Em7
the altar
                      Cadd9 G              Am7
The Father's arms are open wide Forgiveness
was bought with
Em7                      Cadd9 G     Am7
   The precious blood of Jesus Christ
Em7 Cadd9 G Am7 Em7 Cadd9
 
 
[Outro]
G G
               C/G                         G              Fadd9
Bear your cross   as you wait for the crown Tell the world
       C
of the treasure you found
G C/G G C/G G

Frequently Asked Questions about “O Come to the Altar” on Ukulele

1. What are the basic ukulele chords used in “O Come to the Altar” by Elevation Worship?
   • The basic ukulele chords used in the song are C, G, Am, and F.
2. Is “O Come to the Altar” a contemporary Christian worship song?
   • Yes, “O Come to the Altar” is a contemporary Christian worship song popularized by Elevation Worship.
3. What is the strumming pattern for “O Come to the Altar” on the ukulele?
   • The strumming pattern can vary, but a common pattern is down, down, up, up, down, up for each chord change.
4. Who wrote “O Come to the Altar” and when was it first released?
   • “O Come to the Altar” was written by Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Steven Furtick, and Wade Joye and was first released in 2016.
5. Can “O Come to the Altar” be played in different keys on the ukulele?
   • Yes, you can transpose the song to different keys on the ukulele to match your vocal range.
6. What is the tempo of “O Come to the Altar”?
   • “O Come to the Altar” is typically played at a moderate tempo suitable for worship gatherings.
7. What is the significance of the song in contemporary Christian worship?
   • The song invites worshippers to come forward to the altar, symbolizing a call to repentance, renewal, and surrender.
8. Are there alternative chord progressions for “O Come to the Altar” on the ukulele?
   • While the basic chords are C, G, Am, and F, you can experiment with chord variations or fingerpicking patterns.
9. Can “O Come to the Altar” be played using fingerpicking on the ukulele?
   • Yes, fingerpicking or arpeggio picking can be used to create a more intricate and worshipful arrangement.
10. What is the overall mood and style of “O Come to the Altar” on the ukulele?
    • “O Come to the Altar” has a reverent and worshipful mood, making it suitable for use in church services and gatherings.
11. Is “O Come to the Altar” a well-known worship song?
    • Yes, “O Come to the Altar” is a widely recognized and sung worship song in contemporary Christian circles.
12. Are there any tutorials or resources for learning to play “O Come to the Altar” on the ukulele?
    • There are online tutorials and chord sheets available for learning to play “O Come to the Altar” on the ukulele. Websites and YouTube tutorials can be helpful resources for beginners.
13. What is the message or theme of “O Come to the Altar”?
    • The song’s lyrics focus on an invitation to come to the altar and find forgiveness, healing, and grace in God’s presence.
14. Is “O Come to the Altar” often performed in church worship services?
    • Yes, the song is commonly included in worship sets and church services, especially during altar calls and moments of reflection.
15. What is the song’s connection to the Christian sacrament of communion?
    • While the song doesn’t explicitly mention communion, it emphasizes the idea of coming to the altar, which can be associated with the act of taking communion.
16. Can “O Come to the Altar” be played on different types of ukuleles, such as soprano, concert, or tenor?
    • Yes, “O Come to the Altar” can be played on soprano, concert, or tenor ukuleles with the same chord progressions and strumming patterns.
17. Are there other contemporary Christian songs similar in style to “O Come to the Altar” that can be played on the ukulele?
    • Yes, many contemporary Christian worship songs share a similar style and can be adapted for ukulele playing, such as “Good Good Father” and “What a Beautiful Name.”
18. Is “O Come to the Altar” often sung at special church events and gatherings?
    • Yes, the song is frequently sung at special events, including Easter services, youth gatherings, and worship conferences.
19. Can you recommend any specific ukulele cover versions of “O Come to the Altar” for inspiration?
    • You can find ukulele cover versions of “O Come to the Altar” on YouTube and other video-sharing platforms. Listening to different interpretations can provide inspiration for your own rendition.
20. Is “O Come to the Altar” considered a contemporary hymn?
    • While not a traditional hymn, “O Come to the Altar” is often categorized as a contemporary Christian worship song with hymn-like qualities.
21. What is the role of the altar in Christian worship, and how does the song reflect this concept?
    • The altar is a symbol of sacrifice, surrender, and communion with God in Christian worship. The song’s lyrics call worshippers to come to the altar to meet with God and find solace and transformation.
22. Can “O Come to the Altar” be played using open chords, barre chords, or a combination of both on the ukulele?
    • The song can be played using open chords, which are typically easier on the ukulele. Barre chords are less common on the ukulele but can be used for specific arrangements.
23. What is the role of the bridge section in “O Come to the Altar,” and how does it impact the song’s dynamics?
    • The bridge section often serves as a climactic moment in the song, emphasizing the theme of surrender and the invitation to come to the altar.
24. How does “O Come to the Altar” create a sense of community and worship when performed in a congregation?
    • The song’s simple and heartfelt lyrics, along with its memorable melody, encourage congregational participation and a sense of unity in worship.
25. What musical instruments are commonly used alongside the ukulele when performing “O Come to the Altar” in a worship band?
    • In a worship band, you may find instruments such as acoustic guitar, keyboard, piano, drums, and bass guitar accompanying the ukulele to provide a full and harmonious sound.
26. Are there any notable recorded versions or live performances of “O Come to the Altar” that have had a significant impact on its popularity?
    • Elevation Worship’s original recording of the song has been influential in popularizing “O Come to the Altar” in worship circles.
27. What emotions and spiritual experiences does “O Come to the Altar” evoke in worshippers and performers?
    • The song often evokes feelings of surrender, gratitude, and a sense of being in the presence of God, making it a powerful tool for worship and reflection.
28. How can “O Come to the Altar” be adapted for solo ukulele playing while retaining its worshipful atmosphere?
    • Solo ukulele arrangements can focus on chord progressions and simple fingerpicking patterns while allowing the player to sing the lyrics, creating an intimate worship experience.
29. Is “O Come to the Altar” typically performed in a specific liturgical context, or is it suitable for various worship settings?
    • “O Come to the Altar” is versatile and can be used in various worship settings, including contemporary and traditional church services, conferences, and gatherings.
30. Can “O Come to the Altar” be sung with harmonies or in a choral arrangement in addition to ukulele accompaniment?
    • Yes, the song can be arranged with harmonies and choral parts to create a rich and harmonious worship experience, especially in larger congregations or choirs.