"Little Mountain Church House" is a country gospel song by Ricky Skaggs. The song is played in a standard D key with three basic chords: D, G, and A. These chords are common in many country and folk songs, making this a great song for beginners.
Chords and Transitions
The song uses three basic open chords:
- D major (D)
- G major (G)
- A major (A)
The transitions between these chords are straightforward, but it's important to make sure your fingers are correctly placed to ensure a clear sound. Practice transitioning between these chords until it becomes smooth and second nature.
Strumming Pattern
A simple strumming pattern to use for this song is the basic down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U). This pattern is often used in country and folk music and fits well with the rhythm of the song. Try to emphasize the down strums on the 2nd and 4th beat to give the song a stronger rhythm.
Technique
The song includes a few instrumental sections and an outro, which can be played using the same chords as the rest of the song. For a more authentic country sound, you could add some simple fingerpicking or a little bit of country-style twang in these sections.
Remember, the key to mastering any song is practice. Start slow, get comfortable with the chords and strumming pattern, then gradually increase your speed as you become more confident.
IntroD D G G D A D
Verse 1There's aD little mountain church, in myG thoughts of yesterday,
WhereD friends and family gathered for theA Lord.
There anD old fashioned preacher, taught theG straight and narrow way
For-what-fewD coins the congregA ation could afD ford.
Verse 2D Dressed in all our Sunday best, we sat onG pews of solid oak,
And I reD member how our voices filled theA air.
How MamaD sounded like an angel, on thoseG high soprano notes
And "When theD Roll is Called UpA Yonder I'll BeD There."
ChorusLooking back now thatD little mountainG church house,
Has beD come, my life's cornerA stone.
It wasD there, in that little mountainG church house,
I firstD heard the word IA based my life upD on.
InstrumentalD G D A D G D A D
Verse 3At theD all day Sunday singing, withG dinner on the ground.
D Many were the souls that were reA vived.
While theD brothers and the sisters who've goneG on to Gloryland
Slept inD peace in theA maple grove nearD by.
ChorusLooking back now thatD little mountainG church house,
Has beD come, my life's cornerA stone.
It wasD there, in that little mountainG church house,
I firstD heard the word IA based my life upD on.
ChorusLooking back now thatD little mountainG church house,
Has beD come, my life's cornerA stone.
It wasD there, in that little mountainG church house,
I firstD heard the word IA based my life upD on.
OutroD G D A D G D A D
D G D A D G D A D