How to Play Hymns on the Organ - 24 Powerful Techniques to Refresh Your Service Playing

When it comes to organ hymn-playing, everyone has their own style and favorite techniques. What is your favorite way to play hymns? Or perhaps you are looking for the ideas to refresh you service playing? Discover the 24 main techniques in hymn-playing by reading this article. This list is arranged from the easiest to the most difficult. Note that some of the techniques listed below are surprisingly seldom used yet they create a powerful impression on the congregation.

1. In octaves on manuals only.

2. In two parts with the tune in the soprano.

3. In two parts with the tune in the bass.

4. In three parts (trio) with the tune in the soprano.

5. In three parts with the tune in the tenor played by the left hand.

6. In three parts with the tune in the tenor played by the pedals with the 8' stop.

7. In three parts with the tune in the bass played by the pedals.

8. In four parts with the tune in the soprano on one manual without pedals.

9. In four parts on one manual with the tune in the soprano using the pedals for the bass part.

10. In four parts on two manuals with the tune in the soprano in the right hand with the solo registration.

11. In four parts on two manuals with the tune in the tenor in the left hand with the solo registration.

12. In four parts with different harmonization with the tune in the bass played by the pedals.

13. In four parts with non chordal notes.

14. In four parts with the tune in the alto with double pedals.

15. In four parts with the tune in the alto played by the pedals with the 4' stop.

16. In five parts with the tune in soprano and a pedal point.

17. In five parts with the tune in the soprano.

18. In five parts with the tune in the tenor played by the left hand.

19. In five parts with double pedal with the tune in the tenor played by the right foot and the left hand simultaneously.

20. In five parts with the tune in soprano and descant added.

21. In five parts with the tune in the bass.

22. In six parts with the tune in the soprano I.

23. In six parts with the tune in the tenor.

24. In six parts with the tune in the bass.

Try one or all of the above techniques today in your hymn playing. Explore them to enhance your service playing. For best results, pick one technique of your choice and practice at least 10 hymns this way. Playing this way will ensure that this technique becomes your own. Note that some techniques are more difficult than others to master so have patience and practice accordingly.

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