Soulful Lead Guitar Licks Over "Amazing Grace" - Beginner Tips Included!
Lesson #521 • Oct 16, 2023
In this lesson I’m excited to teach you how to combine basic strumming with soulful lead guitar licks over “Amazing Grace”. This will all be in open position (the first 3-4 frets of the guitar), and is a great way to dip your toes into the fun of lead guitar. I’ll show you two ways to approach things, starting with a simpler version before venturing into intermediate waters. For both versions, we’re embracing the C major pentatonic scale — a five-note sequence that gives us all the melody notes needed to play this classic song.
- 0:00 Lesson Overview
- 1:31 Song Structure
- 2:52 Line 1 of 4
- 5:56 Line 2 of 4
- 7:00 Line 3 of 4
- 8:51 Line 4 of 4
- 10:28 Intermediate Licks & Fills
- 13:04 Jam Track Preview
Instructional PDF 3 pages
Lesson Discussion
Extended Video Lessons
The following videos are available to members of Song Notes Premium. If you’re not a member, learn more about the many perks of Premium membership here on my Song Notes website. To those of you who are members — thanks for your support! It makes these lessons possible.
Slow Playthrough (Simple Tab)
Slow Playthrough (Intermediate Tab)
Video Jam Track (80bpm)
Video Jam Track (108bpm)
Audio Jam Tracks for Offline Practice
If you want to use the audio that’s used in either of my video jam tracks above, I’ve made them available here in mp3 audio format. You can play these directly on this page, in addition to downloading them for offline use. There’s two tempos – one a bit slower (80bpm) and the other a bit more swift in its pace (108bpm). Play and/or download them below!
Also Recommended
Amazing Grace, Played Fingerstyle?
Back in lesson #474 I also looked at playing Amazing Grace - but with a fingerstyle focus. I borrow heavily from John Prine’s playing style, and show how you can use his typical fingerpicking approach to play this song. Note, I’m in 3/4 time in this earlier lesson - which is different from the 4/4 vibe I use in my lesson at the top of this page. PDF download available via the link above.
Major Pentatonic Scales in Open Position
Back in lesson #492 I teach the major pentatonic scales in open position, for the five most common major keys: C G D A and E. I share this because it’s the C major scale that (almost) every single lead note I play is coming from. Learn these scales once, use them in countless situations! PDF download available via the link above.
Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!
Most of the lessons on my website are 100% free. If you have the means, please show your support with a tip jar contribution. I put many hours into every lesson — but it only takes you a minute to make a donation. You have my thanks!
Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!
Recent Lessons
-
July 24, 2024
Must-Know Strumming Patterns in 6/8 Time
-
July 13, 2024
"Wondering Why" by Red Clay Strays
-
July 8, 2024
Viewing Notes in a Certain Area of the Fretboard
-
June 21, 2024
"Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits
-
June 14, 2024
"Have a Little Faith In Me" by John Hiatt
-
June 6, 2023
"And It's Still Alright" by Nathaniel Rateliff
-
June 1, 2024
Introduction to Reggae Strumming & Rhythm
-
May 20, 2024
What Types of Play-Along Covers are Most Helpful?
-
May 10, 2024
"Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell
-
May 1, 2024
Tour of My New "KeyMaster" Web Tool
-
April 24, 2024
13 Must-Know Riffs with Droning Strings
-
April 18, 2024
"Moonshadow" by Cat Stevens