Learn to play Worthy Is the Lamb with easy tabs and chords, including versions in key of C and G for guitar and piano.
There’s something amazing about the opening few notes of “Worthy Is the Lamb.” Whether you’re sitting in a small room noodling on an acoustic guitar, preparing to lead a Sunday morning service, this song just resonates. I still recall the first time I ever attempted to play it on guitar, struggling with odd chord changes, doing my best to keep up with the angelic vocals of Darlene Zschech, and hoping no one opened the door to my shaky performance of the bridge.
If you’re here, chances are you’re in the same boat, or perhaps you’re a bit further along and simply want a clean, dependable tab of the song that won’t make you scour dozens of busted links or pop-up-laden websites. I’ve got you.
In this update, I’ll be sharing with you:
- Simple-to-read guitar tabs
- Chord Progressions with Lyrics and Capo Instructions
- A breakdown of tips for strumming and picking
- Background on the spiritual strength of the song
- And some of my personal struggles (and minor triumphs) while I learned to play this contemporary worship standard.
If you’re interested in developing your own discipline and drive—much like mastering a song—check out the 7 Business Mindsets of Successful Entrepreneurs for insights on cultivating focus and perseverance.
So, whatever you are, a beginner, a church leader, or simply a person who likes to quietly worship in their bedroom, pick up your guitar (and/or piano) and let’s begin.
Article Breakdown
The Heart behind “Worthy Is the Lamb”
Let’s take a moment. Now, as we are about to become all technical about the tabs and the fingers, I feel we should first understand why this song is so special.
Worthy Is the Lamb” was composed by Darlene Zschech and first performed by Hillsong Worship in the early 2000s.
It’s a church standard the world over because it’s reverent, anthemic, and scriptural. The verses directly reference Revelation 5:12:
Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed, to receive the authority and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!
This song isn’t simply another worship song, it’s a declaration. You’re entering a place of holy reverence when you play it. And if you’re as susceptible as I am, it makes your strumming hand quiver a little the first time through.
Song Name: Worthy Is the Lamb
Chord diagrams:
e
Let’s dive into what you actually came for: tabs you can rely on. Here’s the intro riff and some of the underlying chord structure. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry, this one’s simplified just enough to sound stunning but not too complicated.
If you’ve been on the lookout for accurate worthy lamb tabs, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll go through them step by step.
Intro Tab (Lead Guitar – Simplified)
e|–0–2–3–2–0——–0———
B|——————3——3–1–0-
G|——————————-
D|——————————-
A|——————————-
E|——————————-
This opening sounds even lovelier played fingerstyle. Allow each note to ring and don’t rush. It establishes the tone for the rest of the song.
Chords and Lyrics (Acoustic Friendly Version)
This can be played perfectly with a capo on the 2nd fret, bringing it to a key most congregations are comfortable singing. You can alter to suit your personal voice. If you are particularly looking for worthy is the lamb key of g, this will feel completely at home with a capo.
If you’re playing worthy is the lamb tabs which do not specify capo placement, you’ll struggle to fit the song to the original key. Avoid the hassle, capo 2 is the spot.
[Verse 1]
G D/F#
Thank You for the cross, Lord
Em C
Thank You for the price You paid
G D/F#
Bearing all my sin and shame
Em C
In love You came and gave amazing grace
[Verse 2]
G D/F#
Thank You for this love, Lord
Em C
Thank You for the nail-pierced hands
G D/F#
Washed me in Your cleansing flow
Em C
Now all I know, Your forgiveness and embrace
[Chorus]
G D
Worthy is the Lamb
Am7 G/B
Seated on the throne
C G/B
Crown You now with many crowns
Am7 D
You reign victorious
G D
High and lifted up
Am7 G/B
Jesus, Son of God
C G/B
The Darling of Heaven crucified
Am7 G/B C
Worthy is the Lamb
Am7 G/B C
Worthy is the Lamb
Strumming Patterns & Tips
Now, let’s talk about strumming. If you’re anything like me, strumming was the worst part for you, getting it to sound smooth without it sounding robotic.
This is what succeeds for “Worthy Is the Lamb”:
Suggested Strumming Pattern
Down – Down – Up – Up – Down – Up
This pattern maintains the rhythm flowing smoothly while leaving sufficient space between the changes to actually lean into the song’s feeling.
And don’t be afraid to keep it simple. On my first time playing this at a small group setting, I just played slow, steady downstrums on the beat, and no one cared. What mattered most was the intention behind it.
Optional Fingerstyle Approach (For Intermediate/Advanced)
If you’d like something a bit more energetic, give this fingerpicking pattern a go on the verse chords:
Thumb: plays the bass note (E, A, or D strings)
Pindex: G string
Middle: B string
Ring: High E string.
T – I – M – R – M – I
This provides a gentle, intimate feel, ideal for quiet times of worship or self-reflection.
You’d be surprised at how alive the sound of the lamp tabs becomes when played with the fingerpicking dynamics rather than plain strums.
Printable PDF Tabs & Chord Sheet
Do you want to bring this along with you? I’ve got a clean, single-page, mobile-friendly PDF of the tabs and the sheet music right here. You can even take a screenshot of it and jam on the move.
This PDF features the same valuable worthy is the lamb tabs we’ve dissected here, laid out for beginners and intermediate players. I’ve also provided some additional layout variations of worthy is the lamb chords key of c in the event that’s the range best suited for your vocal.
Piano Chord Version
While this exercise is centered around guitar, I didn’t want to exclude my piano-playing colleagues. Here’s a simple chord sequence to follow:
Chord Progression: G major – D major – E minor – C major
Chorus Chord Sequence: G major – D major – A minor – G over B – C major
These progressions work equally well whether playing in key of g and worthy is the lamb, or converting it to another register.
If you’re a visual learner like myself, you may enjoy utilizing apps such as Chordify or Worship Together to watch the transitions in real time.
My first attempt at playing it (Spoiler: It was a disaster)
Let me back up to a few years ago when I first attempted to lead this song. It was a small Wednesday night gathering. I had my acoustic guitar, a shaky voice, and a rumpled chord sheet. Midway through the second verse, I completely stalled. I literally stood there with a forgotten word, a forgotten chord, a forgotten reason why I even said I would lead.
And the best part, the someone in the back quietly continued singing from where I had left off. And another joined in. And the next thing I knew, the entire room was picking up “Worthy is the Lamb” without my having to play a single note.
That evening shifted my perspective regarding worship. It has nothing to do with acing the tab or playing the perfect pitch, but making space for others to meet with God.
Why This Song Continues to Resonate
Even after all these years, “Worthy Is the Lamb” remains one of the most powerful and timeless worship songs ever written.
It’s not flashy. It’s not fast-paced. But it hits you right in the heart. The song calls attention to the sacrifice of Christ, and the music takes you to the heights of praise.
Being a musician makes you part of it. Whether you’ve only just begun to play or you’ve been playing for decades, there’s something special in playing an instrument to amplify something greater than yourself.
When you make the investment to study worthy of the lamb tabs, you’re not simply playing a song, you’re stepping into a realm of holy reverence. Add to this a solid familiarity with the lamb chords and you’ll be all set to lead others into worship with confidence.
Key Taking:
- If you’re still worried about getting every chord perfect, don’t be. I’ve played this song out of tune, out of time, and out of key more times than I can count. But I’ve never played it without feeling something shift inside me.
- That’s what worship is.
- So pick up your guitar or sit down at your piano. Pull up these tabs. Don’t stress about how you sound, just focus on why you’re playing.
Additional Resources:
- Worship Chords – Chords, Lyrics & Capo Instructions: Simple-to-read chord progressions with lyrics and capo tips — perfect for beginners and worship leaders.
- WorshipTabs – Simplified Chord Chart: Easy chord charts designed to help players of all skill levels grasp the song quickly.
- Songsterr – Interactive Chord Viewer: Interactive chords with rhythm notation for mastering timing and chord transitions.
