The chord progression for "What a Beautiful Name"

The main progression uses four chords: E, B, C#m, and A. This repeats throughout most of the song. If you're comfortable with basic open chords or barre chords, you can play the entire piece with this one pattern.

The song sits in the key of E major, which means these chords fit naturally together. You'll play them in this order: E, B, C#m, A, then repeat. Each chord typically gets one or two beats per measure, depending on the tempo you choose.

If you're new to barre chords, C#m is the one that usually trips people up. It's a minor barre chord on the fourth fret. If that's too much right now, you can substitute Am (played two frets lower) and it will sound close enough while you build strength.

Key Takeaways

  • The main four chords—E, B, C#m, and A—repeat throughout the song and work in both open and barre chord voicings.
  • The song is in E major, so these chords naturally complement each other without requiring unusual fingerings.
  • If barre chords are difficult, you can play the progression in a lower position using open voicings or substitute simpler chords while learning.
  • The verse and chorus use the same progression, so once you lock in the pattern, you can play most of the song without changing your approach.
  • Strumming patterns can range from straightforward down-strokes to fingerpicking, depending on the arrangement you're following.

Open chord voicings for beginners

If you're still building barre chord strength, you can play this song entirely with open chords. E and A are standard open chords you likely already know. B is also an open chord, though it requires all six strings and can feel awkward at first—make sure your index finger is pressing the second fret of the A, D, and G strings cleanly.

For C#m, the open voicing uses the third fret. Place your index finger on the third fret of the A string, your middle finger on the fourth fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the fourth fret of the G string. Strum from the A string down. This is easier than a barre chord and sounds full.

Practice switching between these four chords slowly, focusing on clean transitions. Once you can move between them without stopping, increase your speed gradually. Most people can play this progression smoothly within a few weeks of daily practice.

Barre chord voicings for intermediate players

If you're comfortable with barre chords, you have more flexibility with tone and can match studio recordings more closely. E major is a standard open chord, but you can also play it as a barre chord on the seventh fret if you want a brighter sound or need to stay in a higher position on the neck.

B major as a barre chord sits on the second fret. Press your index finger across all six strings at the second fret, then add your other fingers to complete the shape. C#m is a barre on the fourth fret—index finger across all strings, then shape the minor chord. A major can stay open or move to the fifth fret as a barre.

Many players mix open and barre voicings in the same song. You might play E open, B as a barre, C#m as a barre, and A open. This combination gives you tonal variety and keeps your hand from tiring in one position.

Strumming patterns that fit the song

The simplest approach is a steady down-stroke on each beat: down, down, down, down. This works and keeps you locked to the rhythm. Once that feels solid, try a basic folk pattern: down, down-up, up, down-up, down-up. This adds movement without being complicated.

If you want to match the recorded version more closely, listen to which beats get emphasis. The song has a gentle, flowing feel, so avoid aggressive strumming. Many players use a fingerpicking pattern instead—plucking the bass note (usually the lowest string of each chord) followed by the higher strings in a rolling motion.

Start with whichever pattern feels natural to you. The chord progression is the foundation; the strumming pattern is decoration. Get the chords solid first, then experiment with rhythm once you're comfortable.

Chord chart layout for the verse and chorus

The verse follows the E–B–C#m–A pattern, usually played twice through. The chorus uses the same four chords in the same order. This repetition makes the song forgiving—you're not learning multiple sections, just one progression played with different lyrics and dynamics.

Some versions of the song add a pre-chorus or bridge that might shift the rhythm or add a variation, but the core chords stay the same. If you're learning from a video or a chord chart online, watch for any notation about timing or emphasis, but the fundamental shapes don't change.

Write the progression on a piece of paper and tape it to your music stand or the headstock of your guitar while you practice. This removes the mental load of remembering what comes next and lets you focus on clean transitions and consistent strumming.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is rushing the chord changes. Beginners often speed up when they switch chords, then slow down again. Use a metronome set to a slow tempo—around 60 beats per minute—and force yourself to change chords on the beat, not before or after. This builds muscle memory for timing.

Another frequent issue is muting strings accidentally. When you move to a new chord, make sure your fingers aren't touching strings they shouldn't. If a chord sounds dead or muffled, check that each finger is pressing directly behind the fret wire, not on top of it or too far back.

If you're playing barre chords, don't press so hard that your hand cramps. Pressure should be firm but not painful. If your hand hurts after a few minutes, you're likely squeezing too tight. Relax slightly and focus on finger placement instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play this song in a different key?

Yes. If E major is too high or too low for your voice, you can transpose the entire progression up or down. Moving it down two frets puts you in D major (D, A, Bm, G). Moving it up two frets puts you in F# major. The chord shapes and relationships stay the same; only the starting point changes.

Do I need to use a capo?

No. The song works fine without a capo if you play in E major. Some players use a capo to match a specific recording or to make the chords easier, but it's not necessary. If you do use one, place it on the first fret and play the shapes as if you're in D major—the capo shifts everything up one semitone.

What if I can't play a clean B chord yet?

Substitute an A chord or a simplified two-string version of B (just the second fret on the A and D strings). It won't sound identical, but it keeps you playing. As your finger strength builds, work toward the full B chord. Most players can play it cleanly within a few weeks of focused practice.

Should I fingerpick or strum this song?

Either works. Strumming is simpler and faster to learn. Fingerpicking sounds more delicate and matches some studio versions. Start with strumming to lock in the chords, then experiment with fingerpicking once you're comfortable. Many players use both in different parts of the song.

Where can I find a chord chart to follow along?

Search for "What a Beautiful Name chords" on Ultimate Guitar or Chordify. These sites host charts created by other players, often with multiple versions so you can compare. Watch a YouTube cover of the song while following a chart to hear how the progression sounds and see the timing in action.