28 Most Popular Christian Hymns of All Time (With Guitar Chords)

There is something so deeply grounding about the old hymns – they comfort families through loss, strengthen those experiencing hardship, and fill homes with worship.

If you’ve been searching for a list of some of the most popular Christian hymns of all time, I’ve gathered 28 beloved classics here.

I’ve listed each song with beginner-friendly guitar chord suggestions so you can can learn to play and sing your favorite hymns at the same time.

So, whether you’re leading worship, teaching your children, or learning guitar at home, I hope that this list will give you a beautiful place to start.

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28 Most Popular Christian Hymns of All Time

The songs in this list are ones that have been sung across multiple generations and are still use in many church services today. The lyrics are also beautiful and theologically rich.

Each popular hymn below includes:

The author and year it was written
A short note about its origins
The opening lyric line
A suggested beginner chord progression

Let’s start with one of the most powerful and beautiful hymns of all time.

1. Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace was originally written as a a poem in 1772 by John Newton and reflects his conversion from a former slave trader and is arguably the most recorded Christian hymn in history!

Its a beautiful song to sing and one I go back to often as it reminds me of being born again.

Opening line: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

Beginner Key: G
Chords: G – C – G – D

2. How Great Thou Art

This song was originally written in 1885 by Swedish preacher, Carl Boberg, and then later translated and popularized into English by Stuart K. Hine in 1949.

It is a sweeping hymn praising God’s creation and redemption.

Opening line: O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder

Beginner Key: A
Chords: A – D – A – E – A

3. Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Written by Thomas O. Chisholm in 1923, this hymn is a powerful reminder of God’s unchanging character.

Opening line: Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father

Beginner Key: G
Chords: C – F – G – C – F – C – D – G – C – F – C – G – C

4. Blessed Assurance

Written by Fanny Crosby in 1873, this is one of her most beloved hymns – she wrote more than 8,000 during her lifetime.

Opening line: Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine

Beginner Key: C
Chords: C – F – C – Am – G – D – G – C – F – C – Dm – G – C

5. It Is Well With My Soul

Horatio Spafford wrote this beautiful hym in 1873 after the tragic loss of his children at sea – it is a hymn of deep trust in God.

Opening line: When peace like a river attendeth my way

Beginner Key: G
Chords: G – Em – C – D – G – Em – A – D – G – C – A – D – G – C – D – G

6. Holy, Holy, Holy

Written by Reginald Heber in 1826, this hymn is Trinity-focused and still sung widely in churches around the world.

Opening line: Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Beginner Key: C
Chords: C – Am – G – Dm

7. Be Thou My Vision

An ancient Irish hymn poem that scholars date back to between the 8th and 11th century, the English version was translated by Mary Elizabeth Byrne in 1905 and versified by Eleanor Hull in 1912.

It is a prayer for God to be our wisdom and guide.

Opening line: Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart

Beginner Key: C
Chords: C – Am – F – C – G – F – G – Am – F – C – F – G – C – Am – F – C

8. What a Friend We Have in Jesus

This popular hymn was originally written by Joseph M. Scriven as a poem in 1855 to comfort his mother in Ireland while he was living abroad in Canada. It was set to music by Charles Crozat Converse in 1868.

Opening line: What a friend we have in Jesus

Beginner Key: G
Chords: G – C – G – D – G – C – G – D – G – Am – G – C – G – D – G – C – G – D – G

9. The Old Rugged Cross

Written by George Bennard in 1912, this hymn is centered on Christ’s sacrifice.

Opening line: On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross

Beginner Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – G – C – D – G

10. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Written by Martin Luther in 1529, this is a foundational Reformation hymn. The first line of this popular hymn paraphrases Psalm 46.

Opening line: A mighty fortress is our God

Beginner Key: C
Chords: C – G – Am – G – Am – Em – C – Dm – C

Play even more worship songs on guitar:

11. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Written by Robert Robinson in 1758, this hymn has rich theological lyrics paired with a beautiful melody.

Opening line: Come, Thou Fount of every blessing

Beginner Key: G
Chords: G – D – C – D – G – G – D – C – D – G – Em – C – G

12. I Surrender All

Written by Judson W. Van DeVenter in 1896 to express the struggle he was facing in choosing a career in art and a full-time call to ministry.

Opening line: All to Jesus I surrender
Key: D
Chords: D – A – D – A – D (G is only played with the word Savior during the chorus)

13. Just As I Am

Charlotte Elliot wrote this hymn in 1834 during a period of time where she struggled with depression and feelings of unworthiness after an illness had left her permanently disabled.

Opening line: Just as I am, without one plea
Key: C
Chords: C – G – C – G – F – G – C – F – C – G – C

14. Crown Him With Many Crowns

Written in 1851 by Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring, this hymn is sung to the music of “Diademata”.

Opening line: Crown Him with many crowns
Key: G
Chords: C – Am – F – C – F – G – C – Am – D – G – D – G

15. In the Garden

This hymn was written in 1912 by Charles Austin Miles and is inspired by John 20:14-18. It emphasizes the closeness and comfort believers feel when walking with Christ.

Opening line: I come to the garden alone
Key: G
Chords: G – C – G – D – G – E – A – D

16. Rock of Ages

Written in 1763 by August Toplady, this hymn is about salvation through Christ alone. This song emphases our dependence on God’s grace for forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ.

Opening line: Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Key: A
Chords: A – D – A – E – A – E – A – E – A

17. The Doxology

This hymn was written in 1674 by Thomas Ken and is often sung to the tune of “Old 100th”. It calls believers to give glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Opening line: Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Key: G
Chords: G – C – D – Em – D – C – D – Em

18. Nearer, My God, to Thee

Written by Sarah Flower Adams in 1841, this hymn is inspired by the story of Jacob and the ladder to heaven (Genesis 28). Its a beautiful song abut wanting to grow closer to God.

Opening line: Nearer, my God, to Thee
Key: C
Chords: C – F – C – G – C – F – C – G – C

19. To God Be the Glory

Fanny Crosby wrote this hymn in 1875 as a triumphant song of praise – it celebrates Christ’s redemptive work and God’s grace.

Opening line: To God be the glory, great things He has done
Key: G
Chords: G – D – G – C – G – A – D – G – D – G – C – G – D – G

20. Nothing but the Blood

Written by Robert Lowry in 1876, this hymn proclaims the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice for salvation.

Opening line: What can wash away my sin?
Key: C
Chords: C – Am – F – C – G – C

More guitar tips:

21. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Written in 1922 by Helen Howarth Lemme, this hymn calls on believers to focus on Christ in the midst of life’s struggles.

Opening line: O soul, are you weary and troubled?
Key: C
Chords: C – F – G – C – G – C – D – G – C – G – C

22. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Edward Perronet wrote this hymn in 1779 as a joyful proclamation of Christ’s kingship. This song celebrates His authority and sovereignty.

Opening line: All hail the power of Jesus’ name
Key: G
Chords: G – D – C – G – D – G – G – Em – G – D – Em – D – A D

23. This Is My Father’s World

Written in celebration of God’s sovereignty over creation, this hymn was penned by Maltbie Davenport Babcock in 1901.

Opening line: This is my Father’s world
Key: G
Chords: G – D – G – C – G – D – G – D – Em

24. I Need Thee Every Hour

Written in 1872 by Annie S. Hawks and set to music by Robert Lowry, this hymn reminds believers that peace and strength are found in our continual need for God’s presence and grace in every moment.

Opening line: I need Thee every hour
Key: G
Chords: G – C – G – D – G – D – A – D – G – D – G – C – G – D – G

25. O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing

Charles Wesley wrote this hymn in 1739 to make the anniversary of his conversion. This song of praise calls on believers to worship Jesus for the redemption, freedom, and new life found in Him.

Opening line: O for a thousand tongues to sing
Key: G
Chords: G – D – G – Em – D – G – D – G – D – G – C – G – D – G

26. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Written by Elisha A. Hoffman in 1887, this is a hymn about the confidence and security we can feel in God’s care. It is inspired by Deuteronomy 33:27 and reminds us that we are upheld in His eternal strength and protection.

Opening line: What a fellowship, what a joy divine
Key: G
Suggested Capo: 1st fret
Chords: G – C – G – D

27. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Written in 1680 by Joachim Neander, this powerful call to worship celebrates God as Creator, Sustainer, and King. It invites believers to praise Him for His provision and steadfast love.

Opening line: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Key: C
Chords: C – F – G – C – C – F – G – C – Em – Am – C – G – C – G – C

28. Come, Thou Almighty King

This hymn is often attributed to Charles Wesley and was first published in 1757. It honors the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and invites God’s presence among His people as we celebrate His eternal reign.

Opening line: Come, Thou Almighty King
Key: G
Chords: G – D – G – C – G – D – G – D – G – D – G – C – G – Am – G – D – G

Our Family’s Favorite Books for Hymn Studies and Worship:

Easiest Hymns to Play on Guitar

If you’re just starting on guitar, I’d recommend beginning with these songs:

Amazing Grace
How Great Thou Art
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
Nothing But the Blood
Holy, Holy, Holy
I Surrender All
The Doxology

All can be played with simple open chords like G, C, D, A, and Em.

You can use a capo (I always recommend this one – you can operate with one hand and it has good tension without being overly tight) to easily change the key and play songs in a way that suits your voice even better.

Final Thoughts on Popular Hymns

Hymns are a wonderful way to assist in teaching theology through melody.

They also connect generations.

In our home, we’ve used hymns to combine music and faith and often spend time learning guitar and piano with Bible study as part of our homeschool.

The melodies to these hymns are simple and beautiful, and the chord progressions are accessible to both new guitar and piano students.

If you’re homeschooling, leading worship, learning guitar as a way to praise God, or simply want to bring more worship into your home, these 28 hymns are a great place to start.

Psalm 150:1-6

¹ Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. ² Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. ³ Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, ⁴ praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, ⁵ praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. ⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

Happy strumming, friend!

– Nikki

About the author

Nikki

I'm a homeschool mom of two, wife, self-taught musician, and entrepreneur. I help moms and dads learn how to incorporate music into their home education plans while balancing daily lessons and building an online business. My goal is to help families spend more time learning, exploring, and creating together!