How to Play Amazing Grace on Violin | the Fun Way
Are you an a violinist or instrumentalist who wants to master the soulful tune Amazing Grace?
How about in a guided practice session that’s tailored to your skill level?
Look no further! In the play-along lesson videos below, (curated from our members’ classes ) I’ll guide you to play this timeless hymn. The first lesson is tailored for intermediate players, and the second is for advanced players.
With step-by-step instructions and encouragement somewhere between the style of Bob Ross and Richard Simmons (or so I’ve been told) I will all but hold your hand –as you play Amazing Grace on the violin (or any instrument).
But wait, there’s more… You’ll do more than just play the melody. These guided practice sessions are designed to give you a window into harmony, improvisation, accompaniment, and arrangement- to go past playing prescribed parts so you can make music in more varied ways.
Now, grab your instrument and get ready to unlock the magic.
Play Along with the Intermediate Lesson
“I don’t want to hear Amazing Grace”, said nobody, ever. That’s why we’ve created one of, if not the, easiest Amazing Grace violin tutorials.
In this video, you’ll be able to synchronize your playing with the demonstrated techniques. By following my cues, watching and listening to the accompanying audio, you can internalize the fingerings, bowing patterns, and rhythmic nuances essential for creating your own personal version of this hymn. Push play and start. (If it’s too difficult, try easier lessons.)
Play Along with The Advanced Lesson
In the advanced lesson, we’ll cover pentatonic scales, chords, and rhythmic exercises too. Follow along via the chapters in the video as you can easily toggle between the lesson sections.
There are times when I instruct the class to write out visual aids. These can help you memorize and eventually hear/internalize the chord progressions and scales. In this video are just some of the tricks I employ in my regular classes for members of our coaching community.
Taking Your Skills To The Next Level With Other Songs and Styles
In our practice and coaching community (Creative Strings Academy) you can access more to grow your musicianship and build upon new skills over the course of each month, as we address many styles and tunes including Fiddle styles (Bluegrass, Country, Celtic), R&B, Jazz, Latin, Pop, Blues, and more.
Join Creative Strings Academy.
Fortunately, the violin is a versatile instrument that lends itself to various musical genres and styles, offering countless opportunities for growth and exploration. For videos in various styles, get our directory of 400+ free play along lessons at our play-along hub.
If you’re a beginning to intermediate player, or just curious about other resources, I’ll include more info below.
Understanding The Notes And Finger Placements For Amazing Grace
Let’s start by breaking down the notes of the main melody. This arrangement of Amazing Grace is primarily composed in the key of G major, with the main melody using mostly notes from the G major pentatonic scale (First note G, second note A, then B, D, and E)— as well as notes from the G major scale. The melody notes of the violin solo can be played on the G, D, and A strings, using your left hand’s first, second, and third fingers.
Experiment with different finger pressure, sliding the notes higher and lower to allow for intonation and slight vibrato techniques to add depth and expressiveness to your playing.
Mastering Bowing Techniques
Alongside the proper finger placement, the bowing technique plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and expression of Amazing Grace on the violin. The bow is the “voice” of the instrument, and a good balance of weight and speed makes all the difference in your sound.
One of the key bowing techniques to master is a smooth, sustained legato. This is essential for capturing the soulful, hymn-like vocal quality of Amazing Grace. You can improvise your bowings, slurring and hooking the bow as you wish. Experiment with different bowing patterns, such as alternating between long, sustained notes and shorter, more rhythmic passages, to create a rich, textured sound that resonates with the listener.
Tips For Improving Your Overall Violin Playing and Musical Skills
While mastering specific techniques is useful for playing Amazing Grace , it’s equally important to focus on developing your overall violin playing and musical skills. By improving your fundamentals, you’ll unlock the ability to tackle a wide range of musical genres and styles.
Developing a strong, consistent tone is one of the most important aspects of violin playing. Spend time practicing long, sustained notes, focusing on maintaining a clear, vibrant sound throughout the bow stroke. Experiment with different bow pressures and speeds to achieve a variety of tonal qualities, from rich and resonant to delicate and ethereal.
Move your left hand fingers to seek intonation, even if you’re not aiming to have vibrato quite yet.
Pay attention to your posture and bow hold. Proper body alignment and a well-balanced bow grip will improve your technical control and help prevent strain and fatigue during extended practice sessions. Consult with a qualified violin instructor to ensure your fundamental techniques are solid and efficient. Find more at our fiddle playing and violin playing hub pages.
Common Challenges When Learning Amazing Grace On The Violin
While the melody of Amazing Grace may seem like a straightforward piece to learn, violinists often face several common challenges. Recognizing and addressing these challenges early on can help you achieve a polished, expressive performance.
One of the challenges is maintaining a consistent tempo and rhythm throughout the piece. The flowing, legato nature of the melody can make it easy to lose track of the underlying pulse, leading to uneven phrasing and a lack of rhythmic cohesion. To combat this, practice with the backing tracks in either video above, focusing on keeping a steady tempo while still allowing for subtle expressive variations.
Another common hurdle is achieving a seamless transition between different notes across strings. The melody of Amazing Grace often requires quick crossings between the D and A strings and the occasional foray onto the E string. Mastering these with grace and fluidity can be challenging, but with dedicated practice and attention to your bow control, you’ll be able to navigate these transitions.
Taking Your Skills To The Next Level With Advanced Techniques
As you become more proficient in playing the melody of Amazing Grace on the violin, you may be eager to explore more advanced techniques that can elevate your performance.
One such advanced technique to consider is the use of vibrato. Vibrato, the subtle pulsing of the pitch, can infuse your playing with a rich, expressive quality. Experiment with different vibrato speeds and amplitudes, finding the right balance that complements the emotional character of Amazing Grace. Incorporate vibrato strategically, and take time to learn it slowly.
Another advanced technique to explore is the incorporation of double-stops, where you play two notes simultaneously on adjacent strings. This can add depth and harmony to the melody, creating a richer, more orchestral sound.
Conclusion: Embracing The Beauty And Emotion Of Playing Amazing Grace On The Violin
This timeless hymn, with its soulful melody and profound lyrics, has the power to touch the hearts of listeners, and a fiddle is the perfect instrument to convey its beauty.
Whether you have an interest in religious or secular music, Irish , pop, Latin, R&B, Blues, Jazz, or other fiddle styles, you can find more at our free lessons hub, where 1,000+ videos on our YouTube Channel have received over 4.5 million views from pros, amateurs, young students, and teachers.
Through dedicated practice and attention to detail, the end result will be your ability to move your audience and, just as important, enjoy the process.
Whether you’re playing for a large audience or your own enjoyment, keep exploring, keep practicing, and keep unlocking the magic.
If you want personalized instruction, accountability, and motivation to stay focused and maximize your musical potential, there is support available in our coaching and practice community including sheet music , Play-Along classes, co-working sessions, 1-1 coaching during office hours, and a private member forum, with additional specialized classes for teacher training, career support, and EFT tapping.
