It Is Well With My Soul – Piano Tutorial | Chords, Melody & Left Hand Guide

🎹 Download the FREE “It Is Well” Chord Chart 👉 https://larrytardy.myflodesk.com/itis... 🎧 Watch the FULL play-through Video in Db 👉    • It is Well with My Soul | Piano Hymn in Db...   Learn how to play It Is Well With My Soul on piano using simple chords, smooth inversions, and a natural, flowing style—perfect for beginners and anyone returning to the piano. In this lesson, I’ll walk you step-by-step through the melody, chord progressions, and how to bring both hands together in a way that feels comfortable and musical. You don’t need to read sheet music to follow along—this is a chord-based approach designed to help you actually sit down and play. We’ll build this song in layers so you can grow into it: • Start with the melody in your right hand • Add chords and learn how they map across the song • Bring in the left hand (simple root + 5th patterns) • Play hands together with confidence • Finish with a more expressive, musical version using movement and flow If you’ve seen my lesson on smooth chord changes and inversions, this is where it all comes together in a real song. ⸻ ⏱️ Chapters (Step-by-Step Piano Lesson) 00:00 Intro & Overview – How to Play It Is Well With My Soul on Piano 00:34 Verse Melody – Right Hand Only (Beginner Friendly) 02:46 Chorus Melody – Right Hand Only (Learn the Main Theme) 03:50 Verse Chords + Melody – Right Hand with Chord Mapping Explained 07:53 Chorus Chords + Melody – Right Hand with Chord Progressions 09:29 Full Song – Right Hand Melody + Chords Together 11:30 Left Hand Basics – Root Notes & Root + 5th Pattern (Verse) 12:39 Left Hand for Chorus – Simple Bass Patterns That Sound Full 13:05 Hands Together – Verse (Putting It All Together Slowly) 14:32 Hands Together – Chorus (Building Confidence and Flow) 15:15 Full Song Piano Tutorial – Hands Together with Arpeggios & Expression 16:34 Final Encouragement – How to Practice & Keep Improving ⸻ The Story Behind It Is Well With My Soul The words to this hymn were written by Horatio Spafford, a man whose life was marked by both success and deep sorrow. After losing much of his real estate holdings in the Great Chicago Fire, an even greater tragedy followed. While traveling across the Atlantic, the ship carrying his four daughters was struck by another vessel and sank. All four daughters were lost. His wife survived and later sent a telegram with the words, “Saved alone.” As Spafford later crossed those same waters, the captain is said to have pointed out the place where the tragedy occurred. It was there, in the middle of grief and loss, that he began to write the words: When peace like a river, attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul" These words were not written from comfort—but from a deep, steady faith in the middle of overwhelming sorrow. The music was composed by Philip Bliss, who gave the hymn a melody that carries both weight and hope. Together, the words and music formed one of the most enduring hymns ever written. ⸻ Why This Song Still Matters It Is Well With My Soul has been sung across generations, cultures, and continents. It has found its place in quiet moments, in times of loss, and in gatherings of worship all around the world. There’s a reason this song continues to endure. It doesn’t avoid hardship—it speaks directly into it. It doesn’t rush past grief—it gives it space. And yet, it gently points to something steady and unshaken. Psalm 46:1-2 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear..." Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." When you learn this song, you’re not just learning chords—you’re stepping into a piece of music that has carried people through some of life’s hardest moments, and continues to do so today. ⸻ If this helped you… • Subscribe for more simple, practical piano lessons ⸻ 🎹 About Pops Piano Bench Pops Piano Bench is all about helping you sit down and play—without overcomplicating the process. Whether you’re a beginner or getting back into piano after years away, these lessons are designed to help you move forward with confidence and enjoy the music again.