MODULE 8
Song 6 - "AMAZING GRACE"
In this module you will have a go at playing another melody lines with fantastic song arrangements in 3/4 time. The song, AMAZING GRACE which was first published in 1779 by JOHN NEWTON.
Newton, an Englishman who once worked on slave ships, underwent a profound transformation. A treacherous storm during a voyage led him to a spiritual awakening. Despite grappling with doubts and setbacks, he eventually became a minister and composed "Amazing Grace" to express his gratitude for God's saving grace. This timeless hymn resonates with the enduring power of redemption and serves as a reminder of hope in our darkest moments.
Newton, an Englishman who once worked on slave ships, underwent a profound transformation. A treacherous storm during a voyage led him to a spiritual awakening. Despite grappling with doubts and setbacks, he eventually became a minister and composed "Amazing Grace" to express his gratitude for God's saving grace. This timeless hymn resonates with the enduring power of redemption and serves as a reminder of hope in our darkest moments.
WARM UP & RECAP
Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to recap which fingers are used to fret and pluck each string. Then we’ll begin with a quick warm-up to get your hands moving and ready to play.
Taking it slow at first will build your confidence and help you play the full song with ease and accuracy.
Taking it slow at first will build your confidence and help you play the full song with ease and accuracy.
LET'S BEGIN
Line 1: Breaking It Down
The first line begins with a pick-up note — also known as an anacrusis, if we’re being technical! This note is played on beat 3 of the count-in bar and is an open C string.
Following that, the rest of the bar includes notes played across three different strings, featuring a mix of quarter notes (crotchets), half notes (minims), and eighth notes (quavers).
Take your time here to get comfortable with both the rhythm and string transitions before moving on — mastering these fundamentals will set you up for success with the rest of the piece.
The first line begins with a pick-up note — also known as an anacrusis, if we’re being technical! This note is played on beat 3 of the count-in bar and is an open C string.
Following that, the rest of the bar includes notes played across three different strings, featuring a mix of quarter notes (crotchets), half notes (minims), and eighth notes (quavers).
Take your time here to get comfortable with both the rhythm and string transitions before moving on — mastering these fundamentals will set you up for success with the rest of the piece.
Line 2: Rhythm Focus
Line 2 introduces a couple of important rhythmic elements: a tie and a dotted minim.
A dotted minim is held for three beats — the dot adds half the value of the original note (in this case, a minim worth 2 beats + 1 extra beat = 3 beats total).
This dotted minim is then tied to the next note, which adds 2 more beats, meaning you'll hold the note for a total of 5 counts.
Make sure to count steadily and resist the urge to play again when moving to the tied note — it’s all about sustaining the sound across both note values.
Line 2 introduces a couple of important rhythmic elements: a tie and a dotted minim.
A dotted minim is held for three beats — the dot adds half the value of the original note (in this case, a minim worth 2 beats + 1 extra beat = 3 beats total).
This dotted minim is then tied to the next note, which adds 2 more beats, meaning you'll hold the note for a total of 5 counts.
Make sure to count steadily and resist the urge to play again when moving to the tied note — it’s all about sustaining the sound across both note values.
Line 3: Keeping It Simple
Line 3 is nice and straightforward, giving you a chance to focus on steady timing and clean transitions.
Each bar begins with a minim (2 beats), setting a solid rhythmic foundation.
Line 3 is nice and straightforward, giving you a chance to focus on steady timing and clean transitions.
Each bar begins with a minim (2 beats), setting a solid rhythmic foundation.
- In Bar 1, the minim is followed by two eighth notes (quavers)
- In Bars 2 and 3, the minim is followed by a quarter note (crotchet)
Line 4: Wrapping Up with Rhythm
Line 4 continues the steady pattern with a minim (2 beats) at the beginning of each bar, helping you maintain a consistent tempo.
The final bar ends with another tied note, just like in Line 2. This time, the note is held for a total of 5 beats — a dotted minim (3 beats) tied to a minim (2 beats). Remember, no re-plucking is needed — simply hold the note for the full duration to let it ring out.
This line is a great way to reinforce your control over sustained notes and smooth transitions.
Line 4 continues the steady pattern with a minim (2 beats) at the beginning of each bar, helping you maintain a consistent tempo.
The final bar ends with another tied note, just like in Line 2. This time, the note is held for a total of 5 beats — a dotted minim (3 beats) tied to a minim (2 beats). Remember, no re-plucking is needed — simply hold the note for the full duration to let it ring out.
This line is a great way to reinforce your control over sustained notes and smooth transitions.
Practice Exercise: Putting It All Together
Once you feel confident playing each line on its own, it’s time to bring everything together.
Try playing along with the video below at 70 BPM (beats per minute). This steady tempo will help you lock in your rhythm and build fluency as you move through each part.
Focus on accuracy over speed — it’s perfectly fine to pause and replay sections as needed. The goal is to play smoothly and with good timing.
🎵 Ready? Let’s go! 🎵
Once you feel confident playing each line on its own, it’s time to bring everything together.
Try playing along with the video below at 70 BPM (beats per minute). This steady tempo will help you lock in your rhythm and build fluency as you move through each part.
Focus on accuracy over speed — it’s perfectly fine to pause and replay sections as needed. The goal is to play smoothly and with good timing.
🎵 Ready? Let’s go! 🎵
AMAZING GRACE - SONG FACTS:
JOAN BAEZ first performed "Amazing Grace" at Woodstock in the late 1960s, teaching people the lyrics as she sang it. The song quickly became a staple of her performances and remains one of her most iconic and beloved renditions.
JUDY COLLINS, a renowned American singer-songwriter, delivered a captivating rendition of "Amazing Grace." Her version, featured on the album "Whales & Nightingales" in 1970, showcases her soulful vocals and emotive performance style and is said to be the "best version" becoming a beloved classic, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide and solidifying the song's enduring popularity. Her rendition beautifully expresses the essence of redemption, faith, and the transformative power of grace. Have a listen for yourself and see if you get goosebumps like I did!
For an extensive list of artists that covered and released this song CLICK HERE.
JOAN BAEZ first performed "Amazing Grace" at Woodstock in the late 1960s, teaching people the lyrics as she sang it. The song quickly became a staple of her performances and remains one of her most iconic and beloved renditions.
JUDY COLLINS, a renowned American singer-songwriter, delivered a captivating rendition of "Amazing Grace." Her version, featured on the album "Whales & Nightingales" in 1970, showcases her soulful vocals and emotive performance style and is said to be the "best version" becoming a beloved classic, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide and solidifying the song's enduring popularity. Her rendition beautifully expresses the essence of redemption, faith, and the transformative power of grace. Have a listen for yourself and see if you get goosebumps like I did!
For an extensive list of artists that covered and released this song CLICK HERE.
16 FRET STRETCH @ 100BPM
Great work so far!! Remember to take your time and go at your own pace!!
Once you feel confident playing these pieces, why not send us a little video to share on our socials?
Otherwise, onto the next module...
Once you feel confident playing these pieces, why not send us a little video to share on our socials?
Otherwise, onto the next module...