Eagles Wings Hillsong: Easy Guitar Chords For Beginners

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 56 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving into one of Hillsong's most beloved worship songs, "Eagles Wings." This track is a real goosebumps-inducer, filled with powerful lyrics about God's sheltering love and grace. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, learning to play "Eagles Wings" on guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience. We're going to break down the chords you need, make it super easy to follow, and get you strumming along in no time. So grab your guitar, tune it up, and let's get ready to lift our voices in worship with this beautiful song!

Understanding the Core Chords of Eagles Wings

Alright guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the chords for "Eagles Wings." The beauty of this song, especially for beginners, is that it primarily sticks to a few essential chords that are relatively easy to play. The main players you'll encounter are G, D, Em, and C. These four chords form the backbone of almost the entire song. Mastering these will unlock the ability to play "Eagles Wings" and many other popular worship songs. Let's talk about how to play them:

G Major (G): This is a fundamental chord. You'll typically place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string, your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string. Strum all six strings.
D Major (D): Another cornerstone chord. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. You'll usually strum from the D string downwards.
E Minor (Em): This one is super straightforward! Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. Strum all six strings.
C Major (C): This chord can be a little trickier for absolute beginners, but it's definitely achievable. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. Strum from the A string downwards.

Knowing these chords is your first major victory! Practice transitioning between them smoothly. A common progression you'll hear is G - D - Em - C. Try playing this sequence over and over. Listen to the song and try to identify when each chord changes. It might feel a bit clunky at first, but trust me, with a little practice, your fingers will start to remember the movements. We'll get into the song structure and how these chords fit together in the next section. Remember, consistency is key, so even just 10-15 minutes of practice a day will make a huge difference. You've got this!

Navigating the Song Structure with Eagles Wings Chords

Now that you've got the main chords down, let's talk about how they fit into the actual song structure of "Eagles Wings." Understanding the verse, chorus, and bridge sections will help you play the song in its entirety and with the right feel. Hillsong often uses a repeating chord pattern that makes their songs accessible and powerful. For "Eagles Wings," the core progression of G - D - Em - C is your best friend and appears frequently throughout the song. Let's break it down:

The Verses:

The verses of "Eagles Wings" typically follow a pattern that builds anticipation. You'll often find the G - D - Em - C progression here. For example, a verse might sound something like this:

(G)Above the deepest (D)ocean, (Em)A mighty river (C)flows. (G)Above the highest (D)mountain, (Em)The gentle Spirit (C)goes.

This pattern repeats, creating a sense of flow and wonder that mirrors the lyrics. The strumming pattern here can be kept relatively simple. A common pattern is Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up. Try to match the rhythm to how the lyrics are sung. Don't stress too much about perfection right away; focus on getting the chord changes smooth and the rhythm steady. As you get more comfortable, you can start to add a bit more dynamic to your strumming, perhaps strumming a bit softer in the verses to let the lyrics shine.

The Chorus:

The chorus is where "Eagles Wings" really takes flight, and the chord progression often becomes even more impactful. While the G - D - Em - C pattern is still very present, sometimes there's a slight variation or emphasis that makes it feel more anthemic. A common chorus progression might look like this:

(G)And He will lift you (D)up, (Em)Lift you up upon the (C)wings of an eagle. (G)He'll give you strength and (D)hope, (Em)Lift you up upon the (C)wings of an eagle.

Notice how the same chords are used, but the phrasing and the emotional delivery make the chorus feel distinct. For the chorus, you might want to strum a bit more assertively. Consider a pattern like Down - Down - Up - Down - Up or even a more driving Down - Down - Down - Down. Listen to the recording to get a feel for the energy. The key is to make the chorus feel like a powerful declaration of faith. It’s about lifting your voice and your playing to match the soaring message of the song. Keep those transitions between G, D, Em, and C clean and confident.

The Bridge:

The bridge often introduces a slight shift in harmony or intensity, offering a different perspective before returning to the powerful chorus. In "Eagles Wings," the bridge might introduce a new chord or use the existing ones in a slightly different order to create a sense of reflection or a build-up. A common bridge progression might involve the C - G - D sequence, sometimes leading back into Em or directly into the final chorus. For instance:

(C)So let us fly (G)high, (D)On His mighty wings we'll (Em)rise. (C)Toward the heavens (G)we will soar, (D)Forevermore.

This section usually calls for a slightly different feel. You might slow down the strumming, play more sparsely, or build the intensity gradually. The C - G - D progression creates a nice, uplifting feel. After playing the bridge, you'll typically resolve back into the chorus, often starting with the G chord again. Pay attention to how the song builds in intensity from the bridge into the final chorus. This is your cue to play with conviction and passion. Practicing these sections individually and then linking them together will help you master the entire song. Don't forget to use your ear – listen to how the original song flows and try to replicate that feeling. You’re doing great!

Strumming Patterns and Variations for Eagles Wings

Now that we've got the chord progression and song structure down for "Eagles Wings," let's talk about how to make it sound awesome! The strumming pattern is where you really inject your own style and energy into the song. While there are countless ways to strum, we'll cover a few common and effective patterns that work really well for this Hillsong classic. Remember, the goal is to match the feel of the song – gentle and reflective in the verses, powerful and soaring in the chorus.

Basic Strumming Pattern:

For beginners, a simple and effective strumming pattern is Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up. This is a versatile pattern that works for most parts of the song. Let's apply it:

Verse: Keep it light and steady. Play the pattern once per chord, focusing on clean changes. Try strumming softer here to let the lyrics take center stage.
Chorus: You can use the same pattern but strum a bit harder and faster to build energy. Really feel the rhythm and let it drive the song forward.

Intermediate Strumming Pattern:

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, try this pattern: Down - Down - Up - Down - Up. This pattern has a bit more syncopation and can give the song a nice groove.

Verse: You can still keep this one a bit lighter, but the added "Down - Up" at the end adds a little more movement.
Chorus: Strum this one with more power! This pattern really drives the chorus and makes it feel anthemic. Emphasize the down strums for extra impact.

Fingerpicking Option:

While "Eagles Wings" is often played with a strumming guitar, fingerpicking can add a beautiful, delicate layer, especially during the intro or quieter moments in the verses. A simple fingerpicking pattern could involve picking the root note of the chord, followed by the higher strings. For example, on a G chord, you might pick the low E string, then the G string, then the B string, then the high E string. This requires more practice but offers a different flavor.

Dynamics and Feel:

Beyond specific patterns, the way you strum is just as important. Think about dynamics!

Volume: Start softer in the verses and gradually build volume as you approach the chorus. Then, really let loose in the chorus!
Accents: You can emphasize certain beats within the strumming pattern. For instance, in the chorus, really hit the first down strum of each chord change.
Rhythm: Listen closely to the original recording. Try to mimic the feel and rhythm of the drums and other instruments. Even if you're just playing alone, this will give your playing a more authentic sound.

Experiment with these patterns and variations. Don't be afraid to slow down the song and practice each section until it feels natural. The most important thing is to play with heart and connect with the message of the song. Use these strumming techniques to enhance the worship experience for yourself and anyone listening. You're well on your way to mastering "Eagles Wings"!

Tips for Practicing Eagles Wings Chords Effectively

So, you've learned the chords, you've got a handle on the structure, and you're experimenting with strumming. Awesome! Now, let's talk about how to make your practice sessions super effective so you can nail "Eagles Wings" and feel confident playing it. Practice doesn't have to be a chore, guys; it can be fun and productive if you approach it the right way. Here are some pro tips to help you along:

Break It Down: Don't try to learn the whole song at once. Focus on one section at a time. Master the verse chords and transitions first. Then move to the chorus, then the bridge. Once each section is solid, start linking them together. This step-by-step approach prevents overwhelm and builds a strong foundation.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Use a metronome or a slower version of the song. Practicing chords and transitions slowly allows your fingers to learn the correct movements without developing bad habits. Speed will come naturally with accuracy. It’s better to play it perfectly slow than sloppily fast.
Chord Transitions are Key: The hardest part for many beginners is switching smoothly between chords. Dedicate specific practice time just to transitions. For example, practice switching between G and D for a minute, then D and Em, then Em and C, and finally C back to G. Do this repeatedly until the movements become muscle memory.
Sing While You Play (Even if You're Bad!): This is a game-changer! Trying to sing the lyrics while playing forces you to coordinate your hands and voice, and it also helps you internalize the timing and rhythm of the song. Don't worry about your singing voice; the goal is coordination.
Record Yourself: Use your phone or any recording device. Listening back to yourself play can be incredibly insightful. You'll often notice timing issues, muted strings, or awkward transitions that you might not hear while you're playing.
Play with the Original Recording: Once you're feeling somewhat comfortable, try playing along with the official Hillsong version. This helps you fine-tune your timing, rhythm, and dynamics. You can even slow down the playback speed on some apps or YouTube settings to make it easier.
Focus on the Feel: "Eagles Wings" is a worship song, so it's about more than just hitting the right notes. Try to connect with the meaning of the lyrics. Let the message of God's strength and protection inspire your playing. Play with intention and heart.
Consistency Over Intensity: Short, regular practice sessions are far more effective than one long, infrequent session. Aim for 15-30 minutes every day rather than a 2-hour session once a week. Your brain and muscles learn best through consistent repetition.
Don't Be Afraid to Simplify: If a particular part or strumming pattern is too difficult, simplify it! Use a basic strum or play fewer chords if needed. The goal is to be able to play the song from start to finish, even if it's a simplified version. You can always add complexity later.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere. The fact that you're learning "Eagles Wings" shows you're dedicated to your musical and spiritual journey. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and most importantly, enjoy the process of making music. Keep practicing, and you'll be soaring like an eagle in no time!

Conclusion: Lifting Your Worship with Eagles Wings

And there you have it, guys! We've walked through the essential G, D, Em, and C chords that make up the beautiful tapestry of "Eagles Wings." We've explored how these chords fit into the song's structure – the gentle build of the verses, the powerful declaration of the chorus, and the reflective journey of the bridge. We've even touched on some awesome strumming patterns and techniques to bring the song to life, from simple beginner patterns to more nuanced variations, and even a hint of fingerpicking. Most importantly, we've talked about how to practice effectively, breaking down the song, focusing on transitions, and playing with heart.

Learning "Eagles Wings" on the guitar is more than just acquiring a new song for your repertoire; it's about embracing a powerful message of hope, strength, and divine protection. As you practice these chords and rhythms, remember the meaning behind the lyrics. Let your playing be an act of worship, a way to express your faith and connect with God on a deeper level.

Don't get discouraged if it takes time. Every guitarist, from the legends to the beginners, started exactly where you are now. Be patient, be persistent, and celebrate every small victory. Whether you're playing alone in your room or leading worship, the ability to play "Eagles Wings" will undoubtedly enrich your musical and spiritual life.

So keep strumming, keep practicing, and keep your heart open to the message. May you be lifted up upon the wings of an eagle as you play this incredible song. God bless, and happy playing!