How to Play Amazing Grace on Guitar

This classic hymn is among those popularly played on any number of instruments, from bagpipes to piano. On the guitar, you can play the chord accompaniment to the song or even the melody line, with a little knowledge of basic chord structures and music theory, and maybe a few helpful books or materials. Read on to learn how to play "Amazing Grace" on guitar.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Choose a key. Your key will determine what strings and chords you will use to play the song, and some are easier than others. The key of A major is a common key for beginners.
2. Start out with the opening chord. In the key of A, the song will start out with the A major chord, which is just barring the D, G and B strings at the second fret. You can stay on the A chord through the first line until you get to "saved a wretch...like me."
3. Alternate between three basic chords. The first time you will change chords is in the line mentioned above. After the word "wretch" you will go down to the E major chord, which is putting your fingers on the second fret of the A and D strings and the first fret of the G string. Later in the song, in the last bar, you'll use the D major chord, which is barring the second fret of the G and high E strings, and the third fret of the B string.
4. Find your rhythm. It helps to sing along in order to hear how you will play your three chords rhythmically (and where to change chords). The song "Amazing Grace" has a particular rhythm called a 3/4 rhythm. There are three beats in a cycle, which means you will want a rhythm that is based on three beats, a waltz-like cadence of chord strumming.
5. Pick out the melody line. Many of the notes of the "Amazing Grace" melody are easily found in the key of A, in case you want to play the vocal notes on guitar. Otherwise, just stick to the chords.