Amazing Grace

Brief History of Amazing Grace

The lyrics to the song "Amazing Grace", penned by the slave trader turned church minister John Newton (b.1725), form one of the best known christian hymns. It resonates with believers in Christ because it speaks vividly of God's love for humanity. The song is also popular with human rights activists due to its connection with slave trading and Newton's testimony. The song recently featured in the film "Amazing Grace" (2006, directed by Michael Apted) chartering the campaign led by William Wilberforce to overturn slave trading.

Tips on how to play Amazing Grace Hymn in G

Amazing Grace can be played in the key of G, and is the simplist key for performing in on the guitar and piano (click here for a printable sheet of Amazing Grace in G). The first note in the melody to Amazing Grace is a D, which rises to a G, coinciding with the first 'G' chord. This is a useful song for remembering the 'perfect forth ' interval (d to g). Simply sing the first word 'amazing' and you're singing a perfect forth!

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come;

'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

When we've been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we'd first begun.

And here's the Amazing Grace hymn again, this time in the more conventional key of F major (here is a pdf in F you can print). This is more difficult for the guitar as it involves the barre chords of F and Bb. However, this pitch is generally easier for most people to sing at.

Amazing Grace in F key for guitar or piano