Worship · Folk

Amazing Grace Chords

Traditional Beginner Key of G 3 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · C · D

Amazing Grace Chords – Guitar

The most recognized hymn in the English language, and often the first worship song guitarists learn. Three chords, a waltz-time strum, and a melody that has moved people for over 250 years.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↑

123

Tip: The bass note on beat 1 is key. For G, hit the low E string first. For C, hit the A string. For D, hit the D string.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You only need G, C, and D. Practice switching between them slowly. The G to C change is hardest — focus on keeping your ring finger anchored.

2

Get the waltz rhythm

This song is in 3/4 time. Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and strum: bass note on beat 1, gentle strums on beats 2 and 3. The slow tempo makes every chord change manageable.

3

Learn the progression

The pattern repeats: G, G, C, G, G, D, G. Each chord lasts one full measure (3 beats). Play through the progression without singing first.

4

Add the melody

Once strumming feels natural, start singing along. The melody begins on A- (mazing) which lands on beat 1 of the G chord. Let the words guide your rhythm.

5

Polish and perform

Add dynamics: play verse 1 softly, build through verse 2 and 3, then let verse 4 ring out. Try fingerpicking the intro for a gentle start.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Guitar Version

Verse 1

G G C G

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,

G D

That saved a wretch like me.

G G C G

I once was lost, but now am found,

G D G

Was blind but now I see.

Verse 2

G G C G

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

G D

And grace my fears relieved.

G G C G

How precious did that grace appear,

G D G

The hour I first believed.

Verse 3

G G C G

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

G D

I have already come.

G G C G

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

G D G

And grace will lead me home.

Verse 4

G G C G

When we have been there ten thousand years,

G D

Bright shining as the sun,

G G C G

We have no less days to sing God’s praise,

G D G

Than when we first begun.

Practice tip: Play through verse 1 slowly 10 times before moving on. Once your fingers know where to go without thinking, add your voice. Trying to sing and play simultaneously too early is the #1 reason beginners get frustrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Amazing Grace"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, C and D.

Is "Amazing Grace" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Amazing Grace" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Amazing Grace"?

It was written by John Newton, and released in 1772.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · C · D

Amazing Grace Chords – Ukulele

The most recognized hymn in the English language, and often the first worship song guitarists learn. Three chords, a waltz-time strum, and a melody that has moved people for over 250 years.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↑

123

Tip: The bass note on beat 1 is key. For G, hit the low E string first. For C, hit the A string. For D, hit the D string.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You only need G, C, and D. Practice switching between them slowly. The G to C change is hardest — focus on keeping your ring finger anchored.

2

Get the waltz rhythm

This song is in 3/4 time. Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and strum: bass note on beat 1, gentle strums on beats 2 and 3. The slow tempo makes every chord change manageable.

3

Learn the progression

The pattern repeats: G, G, C, G, G, D, G. Each chord lasts one full measure (3 beats). Play through the progression without singing first.

4

Add the melody

Once strumming feels natural, start singing along. The melody begins on A- (mazing) which lands on beat 1 of the G chord. Let the words guide your rhythm.

5

Polish and perform

Add dynamics: play verse 1 softly, build through verse 2 and 3, then let verse 4 ring out. Try fingerpicking the intro for a gentle start.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Ukulele Version

Verse 1

G G C G

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,

G D

That saved a wretch like me.

G G C G

I once was lost, but now am found,

G D G

Was blind but now I see.

Verse 2

G G C G

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

G D

And grace my fears relieved.

G G C G

How precious did that grace appear,

G D G

The hour I first believed.

Verse 3

G G C G

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

G D

I have already come.

G G C G

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

G D G

And grace will lead me home.

Verse 4

G G C G

When we have been there ten thousand years,

G D

Bright shining as the sun,

G G C G

We have no less days to sing God’s praise,

G D G

Than when we first begun.

Practice tip: Play through verse 1 slowly 10 times before moving on. Once your fingers know where to go without thinking, add your voice. Trying to sing and play simultaneously too early is the #1 reason beginners get frustrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Amazing Grace"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, C and D.

Is "Amazing Grace" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Amazing Grace" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Amazing Grace"?

It was written by John Newton, and released in 1772.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · C · D

Amazing Grace Chords – Piano

The most recognized hymn in the English language, and often the first worship song guitarists learn. Three chords, a waltz-time strum, and a melody that has moved people for over 250 years.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↑

123

Tip: The bass note on beat 1 is key. For G, hit the low E string first. For C, hit the A string. For D, hit the D string.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You only need G, C, and D. Practice switching between them slowly. The G to C change is hardest — focus on keeping your ring finger anchored.

2

Get the waltz rhythm

This song is in 3/4 time. Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and strum: bass note on beat 1, gentle strums on beats 2 and 3. The slow tempo makes every chord change manageable.

3

Learn the progression

The pattern repeats: G, G, C, G, G, D, G. Each chord lasts one full measure (3 beats). Play through the progression without singing first.

4

Add the melody

Once strumming feels natural, start singing along. The melody begins on A- (mazing) which lands on beat 1 of the G chord. Let the words guide your rhythm.

5

Polish and perform

Add dynamics: play verse 1 softly, build through verse 2 and 3, then let verse 4 ring out. Try fingerpicking the intro for a gentle start.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Piano Version

Verse 1

G G C G

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,

G D

That saved a wretch like me.

G G C G

I once was lost, but now am found,

G D G

Was blind but now I see.

Verse 2

G G C G

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

G D

And grace my fears relieved.

G G C G

How precious did that grace appear,

G D G

The hour I first believed.

Verse 3

G G C G

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

G D

I have already come.

G G C G

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

G D G

And grace will lead me home.

Verse 4

G G C G

When we have been there ten thousand years,

G D

Bright shining as the sun,

G G C G

We have no less days to sing God’s praise,

G D G

Than when we first begun.

Practice tip: Play through verse 1 slowly 10 times before moving on. Once your fingers know where to go without thinking, add your voice. Trying to sing and play simultaneously too early is the #1 reason beginners get frustrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Amazing Grace"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, C and D.

Is "Amazing Grace" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Amazing Grace" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Amazing Grace"?

It was written by John Newton, and released in 1772.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · C · D

Amazing Grace Chords – Banjo

The most recognized hymn in the English language, and often the first worship song guitarists learn. Three chords, a waltz-time strum, and a melody that has moved people for over 250 years.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↑

123

Tip: The bass note on beat 1 is key. For G, hit the low E string first. For C, hit the A string. For D, hit the D string.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You only need G, C, and D. Practice switching between them slowly. The G to C change is hardest — focus on keeping your ring finger anchored.

2

Get the waltz rhythm

This song is in 3/4 time. Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and strum: bass note on beat 1, gentle strums on beats 2 and 3. The slow tempo makes every chord change manageable.

3

Learn the progression

The pattern repeats: G, G, C, G, G, D, G. Each chord lasts one full measure (3 beats). Play through the progression without singing first.

4

Add the melody

Once strumming feels natural, start singing along. The melody begins on A- (mazing) which lands on beat 1 of the G chord. Let the words guide your rhythm.

5

Polish and perform

Add dynamics: play verse 1 softly, build through verse 2 and 3, then let verse 4 ring out. Try fingerpicking the intro for a gentle start.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Banjo Version

Verse 1

G G C G

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,

G D

That saved a wretch like me.

G G C G

I once was lost, but now am found,

G D G

Was blind but now I see.

Verse 2

G G C G

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

G D

And grace my fears relieved.

G G C G

How precious did that grace appear,

G D G

The hour I first believed.

Verse 3

G G C G

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

G D

I have already come.

G G C G

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

G D G

And grace will lead me home.

Verse 4

G G C G

When we have been there ten thousand years,

G D

Bright shining as the sun,

G G C G

We have no less days to sing God’s praise,

G D G

Than when we first begun.

Practice tip: Play through verse 1 slowly 10 times before moving on. Once your fingers know where to go without thinking, add your voice. Trying to sing and play simultaneously too early is the #1 reason beginners get frustrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Amazing Grace"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, C and D.

Is "Amazing Grace" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Amazing Grace" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Amazing Grace"?

It was written by John Newton, and released in 1772.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · C · D

Amazing Grace Chords – Mandolin

The most recognized hymn in the English language, and often the first worship song guitarists learn. Three chords, a waltz-time strum, and a melody that has moved people for over 250 years.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↑

123

Tip: The bass note on beat 1 is key. For G, hit the low E string first. For C, hit the A string. For D, hit the D string.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You only need G, C, and D. Practice switching between them slowly. The G to C change is hardest — focus on keeping your ring finger anchored.

2

Get the waltz rhythm

This song is in 3/4 time. Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and strum: bass note on beat 1, gentle strums on beats 2 and 3. The slow tempo makes every chord change manageable.

3

Learn the progression

The pattern repeats: G, G, C, G, G, D, G. Each chord lasts one full measure (3 beats). Play through the progression without singing first.

4

Add the melody

Once strumming feels natural, start singing along. The melody begins on A- (mazing) which lands on beat 1 of the G chord. Let the words guide your rhythm.

5

Polish and perform

Add dynamics: play verse 1 softly, build through verse 2 and 3, then let verse 4 ring out. Try fingerpicking the intro for a gentle start.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Mandolin Version

Verse 1

G G C G

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,

G D

That saved a wretch like me.

G G C G

I once was lost, but now am found,

G D G

Was blind but now I see.

Verse 2

G G C G

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

G D

And grace my fears relieved.

G G C G

How precious did that grace appear,

G D G

The hour I first believed.

Verse 3

G G C G

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

G D

I have already come.

G G C G

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

G D G

And grace will lead me home.

Verse 4

G G C G

When we have been there ten thousand years,

G D

Bright shining as the sun,

G G C G

We have no less days to sing God’s praise,

G D G

Than when we first begun.

Practice tip: Play through verse 1 slowly 10 times before moving on. Once your fingers know where to go without thinking, add your voice. Trying to sing and play simultaneously too early is the #1 reason beginners get frustrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Amazing Grace"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, C and D.

Is "Amazing Grace" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Amazing Grace" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Amazing Grace"?

It was written by John Newton, and released in 1772.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · C · D

Amazing Grace Chords – Harmonica

The most recognized hymn in the English language, and often the first worship song guitarists learn. Three chords, a waltz-time strum, and a melody that has moved people for over 250 years.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↑

123

Tip: The bass note on beat 1 is key. For G, hit the low E string first. For C, hit the A string. For D, hit the D string.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You only need G, C, and D. Practice switching between them slowly. The G to C change is hardest — focus on keeping your ring finger anchored.

2

Get the waltz rhythm

This song is in 3/4 time. Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and strum: bass note on beat 1, gentle strums on beats 2 and 3. The slow tempo makes every chord change manageable.

3

Learn the progression

The pattern repeats: G, G, C, G, G, D, G. Each chord lasts one full measure (3 beats). Play through the progression without singing first.

4

Add the melody

Once strumming feels natural, start singing along. The melody begins on A- (mazing) which lands on beat 1 of the G chord. Let the words guide your rhythm.

5

Polish and perform

Add dynamics: play verse 1 softly, build through verse 2 and 3, then let verse 4 ring out. Try fingerpicking the intro for a gentle start.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Harmonica Version

Verse 1

G G C G

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,

G D

That saved a wretch like me.

G G C G

I once was lost, but now am found,

G D G

Was blind but now I see.

Verse 2

G G C G

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

G D

And grace my fears relieved.

G G C G

How precious did that grace appear,

G D G

The hour I first believed.

Verse 3

G G C G

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

G D

I have already come.

G G C G

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

G D G

And grace will lead me home.

Verse 4

G G C G

When we have been there ten thousand years,

G D

Bright shining as the sun,

G G C G

We have no less days to sing God’s praise,

G D G

Than when we first begun.

Practice tip: Play through verse 1 slowly 10 times before moving on. Once your fingers know where to go without thinking, add your voice. Trying to sing and play simultaneously too early is the #1 reason beginners get frustrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Amazing Grace"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, C and D.

Is "Amazing Grace" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Amazing Grace" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Amazing Grace"?

It was written by John Newton, and released in 1772.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · C · D

Amazing Grace Chords – Violin

The most recognized hymn in the English language, and often the first worship song guitarists learn. Three chords, a waltz-time strum, and a melody that has moved people for over 250 years.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↑

123

Tip: The bass note on beat 1 is key. For G, hit the low E string first. For C, hit the A string. For D, hit the D string.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You only need G, C, and D. Practice switching between them slowly. The G to C change is hardest — focus on keeping your ring finger anchored.

2

Get the waltz rhythm

This song is in 3/4 time. Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and strum: bass note on beat 1, gentle strums on beats 2 and 3. The slow tempo makes every chord change manageable.

3

Learn the progression

The pattern repeats: G, G, C, G, G, D, G. Each chord lasts one full measure (3 beats). Play through the progression without singing first.

4

Add the melody

Once strumming feels natural, start singing along. The melody begins on A- (mazing) which lands on beat 1 of the G chord. Let the words guide your rhythm.

5

Polish and perform

Add dynamics: play verse 1 softly, build through verse 2 and 3, then let verse 4 ring out. Try fingerpicking the intro for a gentle start.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Violin Version

Verse 1

G G C G

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,

G D

That saved a wretch like me.

G G C G

I once was lost, but now am found,

G D G

Was blind but now I see.

Verse 2

G G C G

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

G D

And grace my fears relieved.

G G C G

How precious did that grace appear,

G D G

The hour I first believed.

Verse 3

G G C G

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

G D

I have already come.

G G C G

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

G D G

And grace will lead me home.

Verse 4

G G C G

When we have been there ten thousand years,

G D

Bright shining as the sun,

G G C G

We have no less days to sing God’s praise,

G D G

Than when we first begun.

Practice tip: Play through verse 1 slowly 10 times before moving on. Once your fingers know where to go without thinking, add your voice. Trying to sing and play simultaneously too early is the #1 reason beginners get frustrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Amazing Grace"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, C and D.

Is "Amazing Grace" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Amazing Grace" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Amazing Grace"?

It was written by John Newton, and released in 1772.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Range

Varies by singer

Chords

G · C · D

Amazing Grace Chords – Vocal

The most recognized hymn in the English language, and often the first worship song guitarists learn. Three chords, a waltz-time strum, and a melody that has moved people for over 250 years.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↑

123

Tip: The bass note on beat 1 is key. For G, hit the low E string first. For C, hit the A string. For D, hit the D string.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You only need G, C, and D. Practice switching between them slowly. The G to C change is hardest — focus on keeping your ring finger anchored.

2

Get the waltz rhythm

This song is in 3/4 time. Count 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and strum: bass note on beat 1, gentle strums on beats 2 and 3. The slow tempo makes every chord change manageable.

3

Learn the progression

The pattern repeats: G, G, C, G, G, D, G. Each chord lasts one full measure (3 beats). Play through the progression without singing first.

4

Add the melody

Once strumming feels natural, start singing along. The melody begins on A- (mazing) which lands on beat 1 of the G chord. Let the words guide your rhythm.

5

Polish and perform

Add dynamics: play verse 1 softly, build through verse 2 and 3, then let verse 4 ring out. Try fingerpicking the intro for a gentle start.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Vocal Version

Verse 1

G G C G

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,

G D

That saved a wretch like me.

G G C G

I once was lost, but now am found,

G D G

Was blind but now I see.

Verse 2

G G C G

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

G D

And grace my fears relieved.

G G C G

How precious did that grace appear,

G D G

The hour I first believed.

Verse 3

G G C G

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

G D

I have already come.

G G C G

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

G D G

And grace will lead me home.

Verse 4

G G C G

When we have been there ten thousand years,

G D

Bright shining as the sun,

G G C G

We have no less days to sing God’s praise,

G D G

Than when we first begun.

Practice tip: Play through verse 1 slowly 10 times before moving on. Once your fingers know where to go without thinking, add your voice. Trying to sing and play simultaneously too early is the #1 reason beginners get frustrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Amazing Grace"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, C and D.

Is "Amazing Grace" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Amazing Grace" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Amazing Grace"?

It was written by John Newton, and released in 1772.