How to play Amazing Grace on piano
- Level
- Easy
- Key
- C major
- Composer
- John Newton (lyrics), 'New Britain' melody
- Written
- 1779 lyrics, 1829 melody, paired in 1835
John Newton's hymn was published in 1779; the melody it is sung to today, called 'New Britain', was attached in 1835. It is in 3/4 time and its slow, wide phrases are a gentle introduction to moving your hand around the keyboard.
Amazing Grace letter notes
Press play to hear each line while the keys light up. Then play along, one line at a time.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
GCECEDCAG
That saved a wretch like me
GCECEDG
I once was lost, but now am found
EGEGECGACA
Was blind, but now I see
GCECEDC
Underlined notes are long notes: hold them for two beats or more.
Hand position
Start with the right thumb on G4, then shift to C position for the rest of the line. Finger 5 reaches high G.
Easy left-hand chords
Once the melody is comfortable, add these chords in your left hand, one per line or bar: C F C | C G | C F C | C G C.
Chord diagrams: C major, F major, G major.
Practice tips
- Count '1 2 3' for each bar. Most long notes last two beats.
- The leap from G4 to C5 at the start is the shape of the whole hymn. Make it smooth.
- Left hand: C, F, C, G is enough to accompany the first verse.
How to practice this song
- Listen to each line once with the play button.
- Play one line slowly with the right hand until you make no mistakes three times in a row.
- Join two lines together, then the whole song.
- Add the left-hand chords, at half speed, once the melody is automatic.