I need some guidance with Churchy Chords

[kingrhollo]

Hello LGM family.....

I need a little help.  I'm consider myself to be a beginner and I have been practicing on choir songs and there has been a great deal of progress.  I have been able to play chorded songs and pick up a few chords by ear.  Where I am having trouble is on churchy chords like on the song "When The Gates Swing Open" (can be found on Youtube by Otis Clay).

I tried to play the movements I heard in the key of C.  But noticed that it was more Cm or the C Blues Scale (same thing right?)  In the right hand I thought I heard (I'm not at the keyboard, So I hope this is right):

EGC (2x)
FAD (2x)
(Repeat 3 times)

GBbCEb (6x)

FAC  (2x)
GBbD (2x)

Something like that.  But there were other fill-ins that sounded like octave chords decending the Blues Scale.  And the keys sounded much fuller.  If I can grasp these chords, then I should be able to handle devotion and the Mens' Choir.  Chip in and let me know if I am on the right track.

[T-Block]

Honestly man, most "churchy" songs are in minor keys.  It took me a while to figure that.  So, what you should focus on 1st is learning minor and blues scales.  Next, I've done a post on help with Congregational Songs that you can check out to get some help with chords and bass lines.  Here's the link: http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,32178.0.html

[kingrhollo]

Thanks man, that helps alot.  I ran across that before, but never thought to go back to it. 

Question:  When it comes to slower songs like "I Know the Lord Will Make A Way"  & "When The Gates Swing Open", is it the same chords and basslines with abunch of fill-ins?

[T-Block]

Thanks man, that helps alot.  I ran across that before, but never thought to go back to it. 

Question:  When it comes to slower songs like "I Know the Lord Will Make A Way"  & "When The Gates Swing Open", is it the same chords and basslines with abunch of fill-ins?

Pretty much the same.  You just have to know the basic pattern for each song.  The fill-ins u can add in later after u know the pattern.  I don't know if I've heard those 2 songs before.  Who are the artists so I can go listen to them?

[kingrhollo]

Pretty much the same.  You just have to know the basic pattern for each song.  The fill-ins u can add in later after u know the pattern.  I don't know if I've heard those 2 songs before.  Who are the artists so I can go listen to them?

Thanks again!

Smokie Norful sings a version of I Know The Lord Will Make A Way &
Otis Clay sings a version of When The Gates Swing Open.

Both can be heard on youtube.