Amazing Grace is one of those songs that is suitable for many occasions and settings; everyone should learn it!
In this lesson, we’ll cover the chords for Amazing Grace and demonstrate how to play them rhythmically – it’s an ideal opportunity to increase your fingerpicking skills!
G7
Amazing Grace is an emotive song, capable of moving audiences whether played by a full orchestra or fingerpicked on one guitar. With its easy three-quarter time rhythm and its familiar chord progressions, Amazing Grace can be played effortlessly by anyone with minimal experience in playing music. Tap your foot while strumming to keep time.
This version of the song utilizes a two finger G chord, which requires you to use both middle and ring fingers. This chord variation provides beginners with an opportunity to practice new chord variations and perfect their playing.
D7
D7 chord is a four-note chord made up of root, major third, perfect fifth and flat seventh of the D scale. This chord resembles Dmaj7 but differs by being tuned one tone lower – using C note instead of Dmaj7 scale notes as its basis.
This chord is ideal for practicing barre chords and using in a progression. It naturally leads your ear to the next chord which is G, leading to another fantastic barre chord practice session and progression!
A7
A7 chords are barre chords, meaning that one finger must apply pressure across multiple strings at once to form them into an A7 shape. This provides a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with Amazing Grace as its rhythm is in 3/4 time.
The A7 chord is a dominant seventh chord composed of A, C#, E and G notes that can be best expressed when played using a simple major scale with emphasis on chord tones.
E7
Amazing Grace is an uplifting song that resonates powerfully when performed on any number of guitars or fingerpicked on the fretboard, yet remains simple enough for beginners as all chords use open strings. This version offers particularly easy chord progressions.
E7 chord is a dominant four-note chord (commonly known as an E dom 7 or an E b-7), composed of a major triad and flatted seventh. This formula mirrors A7.
F#7
Amazing Grace has long been used as a musical standard to comfort those experiencing grief or loss, as well as to celebrate life.
Acquiring chord progression skills is simple when you pay close attention to rhythm. Doing this ensures a recognizable melody and harmony when performing chord progressions.
G9
Amazing Grace is a classic music standard that can be performed in various contexts, from funeral services and church gatherings to spiritual ceremonies and religious services.
This song is in 3/4 time, so strumming to keep in time with its beat is a key component. One easy way of doing so is tapping your foot while playing chord progressions.
D9
Ed Sheeran uses chords to create an ethereal and slow sound in his song, providing one of many interesting examples of using ninth note chords in their guitar music. Doing so provides distinctive tones and helps drive forward musical progression.
6 chords are major or minor chords with a sixth added. You can find these chords everywhere from rock songs to more relaxed folk numbers.
A9
Amazing Grace has long been a beloved classic that’s played at funerals, funeral home services and celebrations that go beyond a strictly spiritual context.
This song is one of the easiest to play rhythmically since its chords and open strings use simple structures. If you need extra assistance in keeping an even rhythm while strumming, try tapping your foot as support!
E9
Amazing Grace is one of those songs where its chord progression remains stable, making it easy to pick up by ear; however, its melody may present challenges.
This song is usually performed in 3/4 time, which requires keeping time with a steady beat by tapping your foot while strumming! To aid with this task, try tapping your foot while strumming!
F#9
The F9 chord is a dominant 7 chord with an added 9th note. The diagonal slash in its symbol indicates it as being movable – you can alter its shape on the fretboard depending on your needs.
Try this shape as the basis of your next chord progression. Feel free to omit either of its third and fifth strings from this chord to ease tension if necessary.