Christ Our King

🎸 Strum Pattern — Intro — Keyboard Riff

The song opens with a keyboard riff before the band enters. The riff follows scale degrees 1-2-3-2-1-4-3-1 in A major, spelling out A-B-C#-B-A-D-C#-A. Play it with a clear, bright tone. No pad underneath yet — let the riff stand alone so the congregation knows something is coming. Keep the notes even and unhurried.

The chord intro uses A-A/C#-F#m-E. The A/C# means you play an A chord with C# as the lowest note. On guitar, place your index finger on the C# at the A string (4th fret) while forming the A chord shape above it. This walking bass movement (A root → C# → F#m) gives the intro a strong, ascending feel.

The stanza uses A-E/G# / F#m-E-D. The E/G# is an E chord with G# in the bass — place your thumb over the top to fret the G# on the low E string, or have your bass player handle that note. This chord creates a descending bass line (A → G# → F#) that pulls the progression downward with purpose. Keep the strum steady and moderate.

The pre-chorus builds tension through Bm-A/C#-D then Bm-A/C#-E. Notice the second line ends on E instead of D — that unresolved E chord is your launch pad into the chorus. When you land on that final E, let it ring, let the drummer roll, and then hit the D of the chorus with full force.

The chorus has two chord lines followed by a short turnaround D-E. First line: D-E-A/C#-F#m-E. Second line: D-E-C#m-F#m-E. The switch from A/C# to C#m on the second line adds intensity — C#m has a heavier, darker sound than A/C#, which pushes toward the peak of the song. Play both lines with full energy and clean chord changes.

The bridge ends with a second keyboard riff: scale degrees 3-7-1-2-3 in A, spelling out C#-G#-A-B-C#. This riff is more tense than the intro riff because it starts on 3 and passes through G# (the major 7th), creating a sense of longing before resolving upward to C#. Play it clearly and let it breathe.

🔊 Dynamics — Bridge

The bridge A-Bm-F#m-D is a step back from the intensity of the chorus. Start it slightly softer, as if the music is taking a breath before a final declaration. Many worship teams build the bridge dynamically — whisper on the first pass, full band on the second, then a final big chorus after.

🎵 Band Direction

Keys lead this song — the opening riff sets the tone before anything else plays. Acoustic guitar holds the chord rhythm underneath. Electric guitar can add swells and sustained notes during the chorus but should not compete with the keyboard lines. Bass follows the bass note of each slash chord (A/C# → C# in bass, E/G# → G# in bass). Drums: tight hi-hat pattern on the stanza, open up on the chorus.

🎤 Vocal

Key of A sits comfortably for most male worship leaders. The stanza melody is conversational and sits in a mid range. The chorus pushes higher, so your vocalist should pace themselves through the stanza and pre-chorus. If the key feels too high, capo 2 on guitar and play G-shape chords, which will still sound in A for the congregation.