How to Use a Hymnal’s Metrical Index

by Don Chapman

In the vibrant world of hymnody, there’s a secret language that’s been sung for centuries. It’s not just about the lyrics or the melody, but the rhythm and structure that give each hymn its unique heartbeat. This language is known as the metrical index, and it’s found in the back of nearly every hymnal. It’s a system that might seem complex at first, but once you’ve cracked the code, it opens up a whole new level of understanding and creativity in your worship planning.

Understanding the Basics of Metrical Index in Hymnody

The metrical index is like the DNA of a hymn – it defines its structure, its rhythm, and how it syncs with the melody. It’s a series of numbers, often separated by dots (like 8.7.8.7), that tell you how many syllables are in each line of the hymn. So, an 8.7.8.7 hymn would have four lines per verse, with eight syllables in the first line, seven in the second, eight in the third, and seven in the fourth.

Picture them as the rhythmic blueprint of a hymn, the heartbeat that gives life to the words. It’s like having a secret key that unlocks the full potential of each hymn, allowing you to lead your people in a more engaging and meaningful worship experience.

Common, Short, and Long Meter: What Do They Mean?

Now that we’ve unlocked the secret of numerical indications, let’s explore the world of common, short, and long meters. These terms might sound like something out of a poetry class, but they’re actually shorthand for commonly used metrical patterns in hymnody.

Common Meter (CM) is marked as 8.6.8.6, Short Meter (SM) as 6.6.8.6, and Long Meter (LM) as 8.8.8.8. Each of these patterns has its own unique rhythm and flow, like different dance styles.

Understanding these different meters can open up a world of possibilities for your worship services. You can experiment with different tunes that share the same meter for melodic variety.

Iambic and Trochaic Stress: The Rhythm of Hymns

Have you ever noticed how some hymns seem to bounce along, while others have a more steady, marching beat? That’s all down to whether the hymn is iambic or trochaic. These fancy terms simply refer to where the emphasis, or stress, falls in each line of the hymn.

In an iambic hymn, the stress falls on the even-numbered syllables, creating a rhythm that sounds like: da-DUM, da-DUM. It’s like the rhythm of a heartbeat, steady and comforting. On the other hand, a trochaic hymn puts the stress on the odd-numbered syllables, resulting in a DUM-da, DUM-da rhythm. It’s a more assertive beat, like the march of a drum.

Understanding these rhythms can help you bring out the best in each hymn, matching the mood of the lyrics with the rhythm of the music. It’s like being a conductor, guiding your congregation through the emotional landscape of the hymn with the power of rhythm.

Extended Meters, Alleluias, and Refrains: Adding Depth to Hymns

You might have come across hymns in your hymnal marked with ‘and alleluias’ or ‘and refrain’. These aren’t just fancy extras – they’re integral parts of the hymn that add depth and variety to the worship experience.

An ‘alleluia’ or a ‘refrain’ is like the chorus of a song, a repeated line or section that punctuates the hymn. They provide moments of unity and emphasis, where the congregation can join their voices together in a powerful expression of worship.

Similarly, a hymn marked ‘extended’ means that a phrase of the verse is repeated, like an echo. This repetition can add emphasis to a particular line, allowing it to resonate in the hearts of your church.

The Art of Substituting Hymn Tunes: When and How to Do It

Ever felt like shaking things up a bit? Breathing new life into an old hymn you want to sing? That’s where the art of substituting hymn tunes comes into play. It’s like being a chef who decides to spice up a classic recipe with a new ingredient. The result? A familiar dish with an exciting twist that delights the taste buds!

Substituting hymn tunes isn’t about discarding the old, but about exploring new possibilities. It’s about finding a different tune with the same metrical index and seeing how it changes the feel of the hymn. Maybe a more upbeat tune adds a joyful energy to a hymn of praise, or a slower, more solemn tune brings out the depth of a hymn of reflection.

But remember, it’s not just about picking any tune with the same metrical index. It’s about finding a tune that matches the mood and message of the hymn’s lyrics. It’s about creating a harmonious blend of words and music that enhances the worship experience.

Potential Pitfalls to Avoid When Changing Hymn Tunes

Now, before you rush off to try out this new trick, let’s talk about some potential pitfalls. Changing hymn tunes can be a wonderful way to add variety to your worship, but it’s not without its challenges.

One common pitfall is finding a tune that doesn’t match the mood of the hymn’s lyrics. A joyful tune might not work well with a hymn of lament, just as a solemn tune might feel out of place with a hymn of celebration. It’s like trying to dance a jig to a lullaby – the steps just don’t match the music.

Another potential issue is confusing the congregation. If you’re using a tune that’s strongly associated with a different hymn, the congregation might find it hard to focus on the new words. It’s like trying to read a book while someone else is talking – the two sets of words can get jumbled up in your mind.

So, when you’re experimenting with substituting hymn tunes, remember to consider the mood of the hymn, the familiarity of the tune, and the potential for confusion.

How to Use the Metrical Index to Enhance Your Worship Planning

So, we’ve journeyed through the world of metrical indices, explored the rhythms of hymns, and even dabbled in the art of tune substitution. Now, let’s bring it all together and see how this knowledge can enhance your worship planning.

Using the metrical index in your hymnal isn’t just about understanding the structure of hymns. It’s about using that understanding to create a more engaging and meaningful worship experience. It’s about choosing hymns and tunes that resonate with the theme of your worship service, that speak to the hearts of your people, and that create a harmonious flow of worship.

Imagine planning worship around the theme of God’s steadfast love. You could choose hymns with a consistent, steady meter to reflect the unchanging nature of God’s love. Or, for a service focused on joy and celebration, you could pick hymns with a lively, upbeat meter to reflect the exuberant mood.

The Power of the Metrical Index in Hymnody

The metrical index is more than just a series of numbers; it’s a key that unlocks the rhythmic heart of each hymn. It’s a tool that allows you to explore new musical possibilities, to deepen your congregation’s engagement with the hymns, and to enrich your journey of faith together.

What is a hymn stanza?

A hymn stanza is like a paragraph in a story, but in a hymn! Each stanza, or verse, carries a piece of the hymn’s message, often exploring different aspects of the theme. It’s a beautiful way to unfold the story of faith, one stanza at a time.

What does LM mean in hymns?

LM stands for Long Meter in hymnody. It’s a shorthand way of saying that each stanza of the hymn has four lines, with each line containing eight syllables. So, if you see LM next to a hymn, you can expect a steady, flowing rhythm as you sing.

What is common meter for hymns?

Common meter, often abbreviated as CM, is a popular metrical pattern in hymns. It’s marked as 8.6.8.6, which means the hymn has four lines per verse – the first and third lines have eight syllables each, and the second and fourth lines have six. It’s a rhythm that’s as comforting and familiar as a well-loved melody.