Verified Voicings CCLI #7201044

Holy Forever

Chris Tomlin

Composers: Chris Tomlin, Jenn Johnson, Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham, Jason Ingram

Original Key: Db
Tempo: 72 BPM
Time: 4/4
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Active Chart: Key of Db
Standard Monospace Layout

Holy Forever

Verse 1
DbGbDb
A thousand generations falling down in worship
BbmAbGb
To sing the song of ages to the Lamb
DbGbDb
And all who've gone before us and all who will believe
BbmAbGb
Will sing the song of ages to the Lamb
Pre-Chorus
GbBbm
Your name is the highest, Your name is the greatest
AbDb
Your name stands above them all
GbBbm
All thrones and dominions, all powers and positions
Ab
Your name stands above them all
Chorus 1
GbBbm
And the angels cry Holy
AbDb/F
All creation cries Holy
GbBbm
You are lifted high, Holy
Ab
Holy forever
Verse 2
DbGbDb
If you've been forgiven and if you've been redeemed
BbmAbGb
Sing the song forever to the Lamb
DbGbDb
If you walk in freedom and if you bear His name
BbmAbGb
Sing the song forever to the Lamb
BbmAbGb
We'll sing the song forever and amen
Chorus 2
GbBbm
Hear Your people sing Holy
AbDb/F
To the King of Kings Holy
GbBbm
You will always be Holy
Ab
Holy forever
Bridge
GbBbm
Your name is the highest, Your name is the greatest
AbDb
Your name stands above them all
GbBbm
All thrones and dominions, all powers and positions
Ab
Your name stands above them all
GbBbm
Jesus, Your name is the highest, Your name is the greatest
AbDb
Your name stands above them all
GbBbm
All thrones and dominions, all powers and positions
Ab
Your name stands above them all
Chorus 3
GbBbm
And the angels cry Holy
AbDb/F
All creation cries Holy
GbBbm
You are lifted high, Holy
Ab
Holy forever
GbBbm
Hear Your people sing Holy
AbDb/F
To the King of Kings Holy
GbBbm
You will always be Holy
Ab
Holy forever
GbBbmAbDb
Holy forever
Live Team Synchronization

Rehearsing with your band this week? Sync this chart live across your team's phones and tablets.

No more printing paper charts or texting PDFs. When the leader transposes to a new key or reorders the setlist, every musician’s screen updates instantly.

  • Live Setlist Sync
  • Stage Mode Fullscreen
  • Personal Capo & Key Overrides
Create Free Setlist in Team Chords

Arranger & Band Performance Notes

Arrangement & Performance Notes

  • Feel & Tempo: 72 BPM, 4/4 time. Keep a wide, anthemic ballad feel with heavy quarter-note groove.
  • Acoustic Guitar Voicings: Use open C-shape chords with Capo 1 (C, Fadd9, Am7, Gsus4, Em7) to get open ring and resonance.
  • Key Alternatives:
    • Male Lead: Db (Original) or C (easy open keys for vocalists with lower range).
    • Female Lead: Ab or Bb.
  • Vocal Flow: Verse 1 is intimate and reverent. Chorus 1 steps up. Save vocal belt and three-part choir harmonies for Chorus 2 and Bridge 2.

Frequently Asked Questions about Holy Forever

Key selections, acoustic guitar capo positions, and chord transitions for Sunday services and live gigs.

What key is Holy Forever originally recorded in?
Holy Forever by Chris Tomlin was originally recorded and released in the key of D-flat major (Db) at a steady tempo of 72 BPM in 4/4 time.
What is the best acoustic guitar capo key for Holy Forever?
For acoustic guitarists, playing in Key of C shapes with Capo 1 sounds in Db matching the original recording. For female worship leaders leading in G or Ab, Capo 1 in G shapes or Capo 3 in E shapes are popular choices.
What is the chord progression for the chorus in Holy Forever?
In the original key of Db, the chorus progression follows Gb - Bbm - Ab - Db/F - Gb - Bbm - Ab (or in Key of C with Capo 1: F - Am - G - C/E - F - Am - G).
How should our band approach dynamics on Holy Forever?
Start Verse 1 softly with acoustic guitar, ambient synth pad, and gentle piano. Keep Verse 2 building with light kick and cross-stick. Release into full band energy on Chorus 2, then peak dynamically during the Bridge anthems.