Gospel Piano Tutorial: “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” — Arranged by Dr. Alton Merrell
In this powerful gospel piano tutorial, Dr. Alton Merrell teaches you how to play his soulful arrangement of the beloved hymn, “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.” Known for his rich harmonic language and expressive playing, Dr. Merrell breaks down the techniques and concepts that give this arrangement its depth, beauty, and gospel authenticity.
This tutorial is designed for intermediate to advanced pianists who are looking to grow in their gospel piano playing by studying professional-level voicings, harmonization techniques, and expressive runs. The arrangement combines traditional hymn structure with contemporary gospel textures, providing a compelling learning experience for pianists seeking to expand their musical vocabulary.
In the full-length tutorial—available exclusively at www.minstrelschool.com—you will learn:
- Two-hand minor chord voicings with right-hand arpeggios
- Rootless minor 9 chord voicings
- Major triads with added 2nds
- Melodic harmonization techniques
- Use of upper structure triads
- Diminished whole-tone scales and runs
- Diminished chordal movement for tension and release
To preview the full performance of Dr. Merrell’s arrangement, watch his rendition on YouTube here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eztXk…
For those who want to practice along or study his phrasing in depth, a MIDI file of the accompaniment is available for purchase here:
👉 https://minstrelschool.com/product/ti…
Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of gospel piano or seeking inspiration for your own arrangements, this tutorial is an invaluable resource. Visit www.minstrelschool.com to access this lesson and explore a full library of gospel and jazz piano tutorials.