schlange - Posted - 06/23/2014:  15:15:58

Words by English poet and clergyman John Newton (1725–1807)​

This week's tune is one you've probably never heard of--I'm talking, of course, of that obscure gospel number "Amazing Grace."  

So much could be written about this song--indeed, so much has already been written about it, that I won't try to summarize it all here. I'll give you a few quick details, though, and links for further info if you are so inclined.

The words for Amazing Grace were penned by John Newton for a sermon illustration in 1773 (about 20 years after he was converted from being a slave trader to a clergyman.) John truly saw himself as a wretch in need of God's amazing grace, and he would go on to actively work to abolish the slave trade. He worked closely with William Wilberforce, the driving parliamentary force behind England's successful abolition movement. (If you've seen the movie "Amazing Grace" you already know this.)

Nobody seems to be able to pin down the source of the actual tune we associate with the song today--read the text on this video (and listen to the cool shape-note version of the tune there as well) for the best summary of the melody's source that I've found.

Some say this is the most popular tune on the planet--one scholar estimates that it is sung over 10 million times each year.

For more info on Newton, the melody source, and the song itself, check out the Wikipedia page for Amazing Grace >

Lyrics:

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)

That sav'd 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 reliev'd;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believ'd!

Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,

I have already come;

'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis'd good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease;

I shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who call'd me here below,

Will be forever mine.

(John Newton, Olney Hymns, 1779)

Learn the Tune:

• Hear It: you can listen to various versions with the GrooveShark playlist to the right.


• Casey Henry has posted a Murphy Method lesson so you can learn the break on this tune (key of G)--only $6 thru the end of the week.​ Get it here >


• John Boulding has posted a backup lesson for this tune--20+ minutes of backup learning goodness. $5! Get it here >


• Backing Tracks: Band in a Box tracks are included below at various speeds for your practicing pleasure. 


• Tabs: lots of versions available in the tab archive.

Share!

I (and others) would love to hear (and see!) you play your version of this tune--post it in a reply below!

Amazing Grace Chords	VIDEO: The Stanley Brothers Amazing grace (click to view)	VIDEO: Amazing Grace: The Story Behind the Song (click to view)	Amazing Grace Backing Track (G) 80BPM
Amazing Grace Backing Track (G) 100BPM	Amazing Grace Backing Track (G) 120BPM

Rick McKeon - Posted - 06/23/2014:  16:35:27

Here's my take on it: rickmckeon.com/previews/banjo/...eview.wmv 

Rick

KidfromDeliverance - Posted - 06/23/2014:  16:48:14

Happy to see the thread is still going strong, and I know this one is popular, but how about something for us heathens next week?  Say, a nice murder ballad, or maybe a good outlaw tune.

Patrick

Banjophobic - Posted - 06/23/2014:  17:46:11

The video is loading now Eric..should be up in a few hours. 

pickincat - Posted - 06/23/2014:  22:11:26

When I first got a long-neck, this was the 2nd or 3rd song I transposed to it. I could actually hear Amazing Grace in the early strums on the long neck with standard tuning. It was a natural. This was one of the times where I took a song from a standard 5-string, transposed it to the long-necks different tuning and then reincorporated what I had learned and re-transposed back to a standard banjo and it made it better.

Amazing Grace is a timeless classic.

knipknup - Posted - 06/24/2014:  08:24:03

Haha, Come to Jesus KidfromDeliverance 

All the tunes I play, gospel or not, sound like murder ballads...  At least, that's my neighbor's excuse.

schlange - Posted - 06/24/2014:  08:31:45

quote:

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Originally posted by KidfromDeliverance

Happy to see the thread is still going strong, and I know this one is popular, but how about something for us heathens next week?  Say, a nice murder ballad, or maybe a good outlaw tune.

Patrick

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It's true, we've had a lot of Gospel tunes in this round! Next week is "Gum Tree Canoe" though. Is that heathen enough for ya? We DO need a good murder ballad....

schlange - Posted - 06/24/2014:  08:32:05

Added a link to John's backup lesso in the OP.

Jack Baker - Posted - 06/24/2014:  08:58:15

Patrick,

What are we going to do with you?  Music is music  no matter the source of melody. Some of the most beautiful melodies every written came from Gospel and other non Western Religions...Pick away regardless of the source--and that's the Gospel truth ...Jack

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Originally posted by KidfromDeliverance

Happy to see the thread is still going strong, and I know this one is popular, but how about something for us heathens next week?  Say, a nice murder ballad, or maybe a good outlaw tune.

Patrick

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Edited by - Jack Baker on 06/24/2014 09:02:18

Jack Baker - Posted - 06/24/2014:  09:17:04

Here's my arrangement using a special Hartford low Banjo tuning and Eddie Adcock inspired.

Amazing Grace

Edited by - Jack Baker on 06/24/2014 09:28:44

KidfromDeliverance - Posted - 06/24/2014:  13:01:39

quote:

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Originally posted by Jack Baker

Patrick

,

What are we going to do with you?  Music is music  no matter the source of melody. Some of the most beautiful melodies every written came from Gospel and other non Western Religions...Pick away regardless of the source--and that's the Gospel truth ...Jack

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Easy enough to say when it's your group's special music that's being featured in any and every BG event, and many online bluegrass or old-time forums, etc.  I'm happy to pick or sing any tune I find musically interesting, but I never enjoy being preached at, and some songs make it hard to separate the two.  This song happens to be one of those for me.  (I'm no wretch, and I was never "lost").  Can't get away from it in the BG world, though, which is one reason to seek refuge in what might be considered darker material.

Patrick

 

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Jack Baker - Posted - 06/24/2014:  13:26:32

Hi Patrick,

I was just referring to the music, not the message. I don't really listen that well to any lyrics, religious or not. I mostly listen to the music...thanks for the reply...Jack

Originally posted by KidfromDeliverance

quote:

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Originally posted by Jack Baker

Banjophobic - Posted - 06/24/2014:  13:47:06

Patrick

most songs are telling a story, much like a book. The author was a pretty 'wretched' character, being full bore slave trader. He just realized that his job and his view of black people was, well  wretched. The song was more about that situation and how to fix it, from his point of view. 

Songs like this no more attempt to convert 'you' than AC/DC 's "Highway To Hell" is either. They are just songs, some with personal stories, some made up tales. All you need do is take it as that and you won't be offended.its just music.

chuckv97 - Posted - 06/24/2014:  15:07:07

You bet, and I'd rather have some book wielding people come to my door and do a nice 2 part harmony rendition of "Amazing Grace" ,instead of verbally haranguing me with their particular slant on theology. ;-)

Rick McKeon - Posted - 06/24/2014:  15:11:55

One thing to keep in mind, whether you are religious or not, is that gospel music is a big part of the bluegrass tradition. Same thing with the blues. Many people used to say gospel music was God's music and the blues was the devil's music. Rev. Gary Davis was an early blues musician and preacher. He only played blues when his wife wasn't around.  

Rick

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 06/25/2014:  10:41:24

I love to play along with Lisa McCormack.

Doconc - Posted - 06/25/2014:  11:02:09

Slight correction.  The chord progression shows what looks like 4/4 time and this song is in 3/4 time.  Most of us probably already know this but it might confuse some.

schlange - Posted - 06/25/2014:  11:22:23

quote:

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Originally posted by Doconc

Slight correction.  The chord progression shows what looks like 4/4 time and this song is in 3/4 time.  Most of us probably already know this but it might confuse some.

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Whoops! Fixed it.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 06/25/2014:  13:08:50

Sharing - Eric, since you asked. My version is based on lessons by David Cavage (Music Moose), Murphy Henry and a little improvisation. My grateful thanks to Lisa McCormick for granting permission to use her recording in this video clip.

VIDEO: Amazing Grace - Banjo Backup (click to view)

Ken Mooney - Posted - 06/30/2014:  14:28:25

quote:

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Originally posted by Jack Baker

Here's my arrangement using a special Hartford low Banjo tuning and Eddie Adcock inspired.

Amazing Grace

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 I really liked your version !!!

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