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[H1478]How To Play Amazing Grace

by Peter Edvinsson, Pet

Here is the lyrics to the first verse:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see

We will start this ukulele lesson by introducing an ukulele tab notation suitable for article sites.

If you want to play with the help of the more common ukulele tab staff notation you are welcome to visit my site.

An ukulele can be tuned in many ways. I usually tune my ukulele this way:

G C E A

This tuning is very common and is called C-tuning. A is on the first string with the highest pitch.
Look at this ukulele tab example:

1/2

The first number indicates the fret to press down. The number after the slash tells you which string to play.

In other words, press down the first fret on the second string. Play the note with your right hand thumb, for example.

We will start by playing the first part of the melody with these lyrics:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

0/3 1/2 0/1 1/2 0/1 3/2 1/2 2/3 0/3

This ukulele tab notation doesn't indicate the rhythm of the song. As you know the melody and maybe can sing it I guess you will feel how long the notes should be.

Let's continue with the next part of the melody and the song lyrics:

That saved a wretch like me

0/3 1/2 0/1 1/2 0/1 3/2 0/1 3/1

What fingers should you use with your left hand? Well, it's a little bit up to you, of course!

However, I recommend that you use your first finger for the notes on the first fret, the middle finger for the notes on the second fret and, you guessed right!, the ring finger for the notes on the third fret.

These fingerings will help you as you play in many ways. With one finger taking care of one fret each you will not have to look at your fingers as much as you will feel your way around on the fretboard better.

Another reason is that you can keep your hand in the same position as you only need to move your fingers and not your left hand. This will help you a lot when you start to play more difficult melodies.

Using your ring finger might feel awkward at first but with persistence you will get used to playing this way and you will benefit from it even when you play melodies on a guitar.

Let's look at the next ukulele tab:

I once was lost, but now am found

0/1 3/1 0/1 1/2 0/1 3/2 1/2 2/3 0/3

We will now complete this ukulele tab melody:

Was blind, but now I see

0/3 1/2 0/1 1/1 0/1 3/2 1/1

I hope you will enjoy playing this melody on your ukulele! I recommend that you learn the melody by heart by practicing one little part of the melody at a time.

Learning how to play the guitar can change your life. You may well find yourself being invited to play at parties and special occasions, you will also have at your finger tips a skill that you can use to get rid of your frustrations when you are stressed or anxious. It's simply a wonderful thing to know how to play acoustic guitar. But maybe you already know some basic chords and are ready to move into the realm of learning how to play licks and riffs. If so, this article is for you.

Based On Chords And Scales

If you can become totally familiar with a range of popular chords and keys, you're on your way to mastering those rock guitar riffs. Learning scales is the next step in your guitar instruction. You can get a guitar chord book from the local discount department store, and spend a short time each day familiarizing yourself with the scale names and diagrams that are shown.

The Key To Licks And Riffs Are In Chord Variations

If you look at a book of guitar chords, you'll see that you don't have just one "G" chord, but several "G" chords, for instance G7, and G9, and G major 7, and G minor 7.. . well, you get the picture. Each voicing has it's own special feel. For instance, the major 7th chords have a misty, soft feel, while a series of 7th chords has a "blues feel to them. For playing modern guitar music, especially jazz and blues, a thorough understanding of these variations is a must. Older songs don't use these variations as much, and if all you like to play is classic bluegrass or country, you may not need anything fancier than a couple of minors.

Your Picking Hand Is Also Important

Sometimes it seems like all the work needed in learning how to play riffs and licks focuses on the chording hand. However it's just as important to find the string you want with your right hand. (Left for you lefties). The chording hand might have the riff down pat, but if your pick lands on the wrong string, you're not going to get the sound you want. Explore different ways of picking as well, to find what works for you. Some guitarists never pick up a pick, as they would rather feel the strings with their fingers. Some have several picks on various fingers. Most use a standard flat pick, but try some alternative methods and you might discover your own personal style for playing guitar licks and riffs.

Article Source : Christmas Music Sheet Music

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Both Peter Edvinsson & Ian Major are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Peter Edvinsson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Guide Guitar, Programming and Guide Guitar. Peter Edvinsson is a musician, composer and music teacher. Visit his site Capotasto Music and download your and learn to play ukulele resources at. Peter Edvinsson's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.

Ian Major has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Home Buyers Guide and Music. . Ian Major's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.