Format Requirements:

1. Include the hymn title at the top of the page. Under the Hymn title include the author(s) of the lyrics (and translator if appropriate). Below that put the tune name (what's that?) and finally the tune composer. Hymn books are inconsistent in associating certain hymns with certain tunes. So the tune name is absolutely essential! You may optionally put dates where these are appropriate, if you are certain about them.
   
2. You may exclude your name and email address from the text you submit, but I'll need your real email address to post your submission.


3. Arrange the chords above the words using a monospaced font (like CourierNew).


4. Use only spaces between chords & words. Do not use tabs anywhere in your submission. Why? Tab values vary from person to person (do you use .5", .33", .25", 12pt., 10pt., 10mm?). Your chances of chords lining up for someone else gets pretty low when you use tabs.

1. When a chord change happens at a syllable break, you may insert a dash ("-") at syllable break to give the guitarist another visual cue about when the chord change occurs. (Not a requirement, but it's a help.)


2. You may choose to insert chords for the first verse (and chorus/refrain) only, or you may align all the verses under the chords (like in a hymn book) to make it easier for the guitarist to play and while singing. This is especially helpful on more complex hymns. You may also put alternate verses in italics, when you align all the verses under the chords. But you'll have to send it as an RTF or HTML file for the formatting to be preserved. By the way, you can send the HTML code in a TXT file. I'll cut and paste it into my template anyway.


3. You may include tips or notes, including guitar chord voicings with your hymn, when your voicings (that is, the way you play the chord) are non-standard. But keep tips, notes, etc. to a minimum. When you wish to include chord voicings use a style similar to this one (for a standard E major chord: 022100). Assume standard (EADGBe) tuning, unless otherwise specified.


4. If you are certain that the hymn you're submitting is based on a certain Bible passage, you may note that under the composer's name.


5. When submitting a seasonal hymn (Christmas, Easter, etc.) please note that near the top, just under the composer's name, or the Bible passage (if present).


6. You may include alternative versions for hymns, or alternatives to posted hymns provided that the alternatives are substantially different from each other. Give your version a name and put it in the title. For example: "Amazing Grace (Bluegrass Version)."


7. You may include tabulature if you wish for all or parts of hymns. When you use tabulature, you may also include the note names in lower case over the words, as you would chords.
   

1. This is not a place to put original hymns or original compositions (tunes) for established hymns (at least not yet). But original arrangements of hymns are expected and encouraged.


2. This site is for hymns, not praise and worship choruses. While it's sometimes difficult to define what a hymn is, as a general rule of thumb, if it's not in a standard church hymn book, I'd have to question it. I will be the final authority on whether to put it up here or not.


3. Do not copy special (that is copyrighted) arrangements from books onto this site, unless you have written permission to do so included in your submission. Your church's CCLI # doesn't allow you to post that sort of thing here. If you submit arrangements you have copyrighted, they will be considered free for public use and performance, unless you specifically note otherwise and give provisions for the use of your arrangement.

Here is an example of a hymn that follows the above rules:

AMAZING GRACE (Standard Version)
   Words: vv.1-4 John Newton (1725-1807), v.5 John P. Rees
   Tune: Amazing Grace (Virginia Harmony)


   G                G/B    Bm7   C          G/D
1  Amazing          grace! how   sweet the  sound, 
2  ‘Twas grace that taught my    heart  to  fear, 
3  The  Lord  has   prom - ised  good  to   me, 
4  Through   many   dan  - gers, toils, and snares, 
5  When we've been  there  ten   thousand   years, 
   .
   .
   .
G/B  X20033
G/D  XX0033
Chords courtesy www.guitarhymns.com