Amazing Grace is an iconic classic that should be part of every guitarist’s repertoire. In this lesson we will cover guitar chords for this song as well as sheet music with tablatures for its melody as well as finger style guitar arrangements for this piece.
This version consists of only four simple open chords, making it simple for beginners to pick up and practice different hand positions and transitions.
G Major
Amazing Grace is one of the world’s most beloved spiritual songs. Not too difficult to play, this tune can sound very rich when added more chords into its arrangement.
This particular version is in G major, which is an ideal key for beginners to start out in. There is only one sharp (F), and finger positions on the fretboard don’t become overly complex as soon as learning these notes.
Once you become more comfortable with G major chords, you can begin adding complexity and exploring variations to create your own distinctive sound and style.
D Major
Amazing Grace is an iconic song that can be played on guitar in various ways. While its complexity may appear daunting at first, anyone with basic guitar skills can pick it up easily – the chord progression is straightforward and manageable.
For most audiences, this song is most frequently played in G major, making it easy and comfortable for singing. But if you prefer adding an extra flourish, try switching it up a little by switching over to D major – it only requires adding one additional flat note (B) but provides a richer chord progression sound!
C Major
Amazing Grace is one of the world’s most beloved traditional songs that can be performed in different musical styles. While most frequently associated with funeral services, its performance can also bring great enjoyment in other settings.
This song’s chords are relatively easy to arrange to fit different genres and styles of music; here, for example, is an arrangement suited for beginners called claw finger picking that features three simple chords arranged in claw style finger picking arrangement.
As with other major scales, C Major Scale requires mastery of various fret positions to enable finger dexterity for effortless song performance.
E Major
Amazing Grace is typically played in G major, but you can switch up its key with different versions such as A minor for an interesting sound and to enable finger style playing (by plucking strings rather than strumming with a pick).
To master the chord progression, focus on learning the E major scale. That way, you will quickly recognize patterns on the fretboard and transfer them across other regions of your guitar for faster learning that allows you to memorize songs without needing music sheets as reference.
F Major
Try playing Amazing Grace in F Major for a fun variation – chords remain identical but with one whole step down, making the song easier! Just be sure to arch those second and third fingers to avoid buzzing the strings!
This version also employs a smaller barre at the second fret to make playing easier by not covering thickest strings with it; just make sure that only thinnest strings touch you while touching all.
This song provides an ideal opportunity to practice your finger picking technique. Set to a Mississippi John Hurt-inspired arrangement, this track lets you get into the groove of the tune!
A Minor
For an added challenge, try playing Amazing Grace in A Minor key. This adds more complexity to its chord progression while still being easy enough for beginners to play.
Practice block and broken chords in this key to strengthen your fingers and make chord changes quicker and simpler on the fly.
Amazing Grace is a beloved hymn composed by slave trader-turned-minister John Newton that has become one of the world’s most iconic Christian songs, beloved by people of all ages and backgrounds worldwide.