Yesterday, as I was fulfilling my semi-daily duty of getting back to a new slew of online messages/comments, I came across yet another message from a listener who was requesting the chord charts for a song of mine called “Divine Romance”. As I read this humble yet forceful young man’s message I leaned back in my chair and exhaled a sigh that could be heard down the hall. Don’t get me wrong, in no way was I frustrated with the writer of this request. In fact, even the hundreth time getting one of these requests still rose up in me a certain sense of pride and accomplishment. The sigh was more of contemplation than anything else. You see, there are at least four websites that I can think of off the top of my head that would have exactly what this young man desired. Yes, there would be tab options, note options, chord options, transposing options, font, size, color…, but he came to me, just like the hundreds of others before him. So I leaned back in my chair, I sighed, I put my hands behind my head, and I thought.
“How can I solve this problem once and for all?” I asked myself. “It needs to meet the needs of the people but still be fun and unique.” Then it dawned on me. Two words that will change my blog, and possibly, the world forever.
“Interactive Learning”
So I created this video below. Mind you this is the first one. An experiment, if you will. In later “Interactive Learning with Phil Wickham” videos there will be guitars and singing, and maybe even some cameo appearances. So get out your guitars. Sit up. And let’s make some ROCK!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V1D4x-zU5U]
hey Phil, I went along with a friend to see you play in Toronto and realised at the event that I was already your fan, because I’d been worshipping to a few of your songs during our worship sessions at the bible school I was attending there, I just didn’t know your name until then. Now I’m back home in Australia and learning guitar. I’m drawn to your music because it has a real sense of intimacy, I’d like to learn some of your songs so I can worship with them here at home, thanks for taking the time to put the two interactive learning clips on you tube. I’ve been trying to get the finger picking intro to Divine Romance but can’t figure out which person’s tabs are right, and I’m also finding it challenging figuring out your strum patterns. maybe you could do a quick run through of your strum pattern if you make another interactive learning clip? If you ever made a booklet for worshippers detailing exactly how Phil Wickham plays his songs, I’m sure both individuals and church worship teams would buy it. I’d buy it, I know it’d save me a lot of time searching on the web and trying all the different tab versions. I also can’t find any tabs for High Above. so after hours of effort without results, refusing to admit defeat, I said to myself “that’s it, I’ll just have to tell Phil about this problem”.
yea, to interactive learning! I do not know what is more cooler…. the music or the lyrics?
It is the lyrics, what an amazing place to be with God , a divine romance. Please keep up the greatness phil
you should teach more songs like that. why not?
haha. phil, your so funny. Push it. push it now! your music has incouraged me so much in my life. Thank you phil!
Hi Phil,
Just got your album and love every song! I know that you wrote out the guitar tabs for the guitar players, but I noticed you also play a bit of piano and am wondering if you might be able to jot down a few chords for us piano players. I tried to pick it out and can play the vocal line, but the bass line just doesn’t sound right. I just won’t be able to rest until I can get the notes right, so you’d be doing me a huge service if you could jot down a few – you don’t have to do the whole interactive learning thing, although it was intertaining! P.S. Are you planning any trips to play at churches near Sacramento?
This was such an awesome thing for you to do Phil…. of course, if I could sing in tune, it would have been even better, lol! Got to see you last year at Liberty University and am so sad to see that it will be awhile before you will be back around Virginia…… thank you for loving GOD so much and for sharing that love with us….. It is SO much fun watching the way you interact with your fans here! You are in my prayers that GOD will watch over you and keep you safe during all your travel… (((HUGS))) & I can’t wait until the new album!!!!!!!!!!
that is the most adorable thing i’ve seen . . .
Phil,
Thank you SO much for sharing your music and being willing to let us partake of this beautiful song! Keep your eyes on the prize in your worship and thank you again for sharing this with God’s people.
Love in Christ,
amanda
Hey Phil, I wanted to thank you for coming up to Auburn with the Awaken Crusade. I thank you for making the choice to become the great musician you are and spreading God’s Message through your wonderful, inspiring, and encouraging songs. My sister and I love your music and are always listening to it. Thank you again for coming to Auburn and sharing your gift of song. God Bless You!!!
-Ryan
hey Phil! that’s so cool and so sweet!
i love your music and your lyrics!
God Bless U!!!
-Caroline
haha that’s funny to me…you’re so clever! haha
I never really listened to your music too much, until this past week. I’ve been on vacation at the beach this week, and every night, I listened to your music while I was drifting off to sleep. I really enjoy your voice. It’s really soothing..and your lyrics man! I love the song Grace… I’ve been kinda having a hard time in my relationship with Jesus lately… I know that my relationships with others directly affects my relationship with Him. You know, how the Bible says in 1John 4, that If I say I love God, yet hate my brother, then I’m a liar,etc. I’ve just been having a hard time being with my family the whole week. I work all the time now, so we arent usually together very much, so I’ve had to learn patience when being with them this week. I just get frustrated with them very easily, and I’ve gotten an attitude with them many times and I’ve just been acting very bitter.I know it’s not about “feelings”, but I’ve felt so far away from Jesus, and this song really encouraged me… It makes me realize that I NEED Jesus. I NEED to spend time with Him because I can’t do it on my own. I can’t do it in my own strength. Without Him, I’m bitter, impatient, and unkind. It just gave me hope… I can just call on Him for His grace… to help me be more patient, loving, kind, gentle,etc. So I know that was long, but I jsut wanted you to know that I like your song,it’s encouraged me, and I’m enjoying reading your blog, and lookin at your site.and I want to know what it was like for you, being a pastor’s kid because I am one too!… thanks Phil!
-Jessica
Oh yeah I forgot, PLEASE COME UP TO CANADA SOON!!
Hey Phil!
I think it’s a really awesome idea that you had making the interactive video. It’ll help alot of us out:) Right now I’m trying to learn “i will wait for you there” but I’ve never done finger picking before so I’m really building up the calluses, haha! I was wondering if you could give some us aspiring song writers any tips? Thanks!
God bless!
oh phil… haha!! this one cracked me up tremendously. it’s simple and efficient. but what cracks me up, is that when you show the sheet… a part of your face is peeping out… like “ooo… hello…” sweet beans.
El Phil,
Question. Do the v-necks play any part in your vocal range? haha. Gees dude. My voice isn’t exactly like…Barry White-low but man, I have to sing DRomance in Ab instead of your B otherwise I’ll be singing it ala Bee Gees. Yay for falsettos!! I’m not a cool guitar person like most people but I play the best I can on the keys (piano). DRomance on piano…a lil wierd-sounding but hey, it’s a string instrument too. Looking forward to hearing your new stuff but still loving the old. I’m of to purchase a v-neck tee. I kid I kid. Later Bro!
I just barely found this blog. WordPress rocks btw.
Blessings!
-Isai
Hey Phil,
Thanks for coming to creation this year. I’ve never heard of you before this past week. There are a lot of inspiring people there, but God touched me through your songs (especially divine romance) and your messages behind them. Thank you for being so transparent, showing His heart for us. I’m still smiling over it, and will be for a long time. I hope to meet you someday, come to Pa for another concert! May God bless you and draw you ever closer to Him.
P.S. I can’t wait to start playing that song!
As helpful as it is to most people…it’s absolutely hilarious.
that shirt is icky. please don’t wear it anymore.
I am dying laughing. That was SO great! You’ve got quite the sense of humor. =) While I’m here, I must say your music is great and your lyrics captivating and awe inspiring. It’s truly a blessing to sing alongside your music in worship to our King. May God continue to direct your steps and guide you with His faithful hand. Take care.