Amazing Grace - Chords & Structure Guide
Original FretCompare guide - no tab or lyrics reproduced. First line (public-domain incipit): Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
| Key | G major |
|---|---|
| Capo | No capo needed; try capo 2 and play in G shapes if you prefer the sound in A |
| Difficulty | Beginner - 3 chords in 3/4 time |
| Chords used | G, C, D, Em (optional colour) (fingerings in our chord library) |
Section chord map
Verse (repeat for each verse)
G - C - G - D | G - C - G / D - G
One chord per bar in 3/4. Start on G; lift to C for the second phrase; D pulls you home to G.
Strumming suggestion
In 3/4: bass note on beat 1, gentle down-strums on beats 2 and 3. See our strumming patterns and practise slowly with the metronome.
Easier / substitute chords
Skip Em entirely. If D is hard, play D7 from our chord library as a stepping stone.
Practice tip
Practise the G-to-C change slowly with the metronome before singing along.
Public-domain basis
Words John Newton, first printed Olney Hymns 1779; tune New Britain (Virginia Harmony 1831). Text and tune public domain (Hymnary lists both as Public Domain).
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