Amazing Grace (lesson)

Music Lesson: Arranging "Amazing Grace" in DADGAD Tuning

Introduction
Today, we're going to explore a familiar melody, "Amazing Grace." We'll develop a unique arrangement to showcase the possibilities within DADGAD tuning.

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Basic Melody Introduction

• Key: D
• Melody: "Amazing Grace"
• Approach: Start with a simple rendition
  • The melody note and bass note (A) are introduced.
  • Transition to the V chord in D with an A7.

Exploring Chords

• A7 Chord Construction:

  • In standard tuning, you would finger it traditionally.
  • In DADGAD tuning, the shape moves up to the seventh fret.

• Texture Addition:

  • Utilize open strings to create texture.
  • Play the melody again, incorporating bass notes.

Complexifying the Arrangement

• Add Complexity:
  • Start with a D chord.
  • Add a seventh to create a D7 chord with E in the melody, thus forming a D9 chord.

Finger Positioning

• Fingering Technique:

  • Notice the use of the pinky for the G bass note, which is good practice.
  • Alternate finger options for increased mobility.

• Exercise Suggestion:

  • Hold down the G while playing a pattern on top to strengthen finger usage.

Transitioning Chords

• B Minor Chord:

  • Based on standard tuning fingering.
  • Melody note: D (open string).
  • Include an A to form a rich-sounding B minor 7th chord.

• Moving to E Chord:

  • Instead of an open E, structure it as an E7 with F# as the melody (the ninth).

Chord Comparison

• C Chord Variation:
  • Standard C chord compared to C9 in DADGAD tuning.
  • The shifted notes create a rich, mobile ninth chord voicing.

Application to "Amazing Grace"

• Chord Progressions:
  • D9 chord transitioning to B minor.
  • E chord progression leading naturally to A.
  • B minor walking down to E, creating harmonious movement.

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Complete Arrangement

Exploring Harmonic Twists:

• Slide Technique:

  • Begin with a slide on the fourth string from the seventh to the twelfth fret.

• Voicing Introductions:

  • Use an F# augmented chord for complexity.
  • Include a G chord with added A.

Percussive Elements

• Incorporate Rhythm:
  • Use a little slap percussively.
  • Transition from A7 while maintaining the A bass note and moving up a half step.

Interval Techniques

• Tenth Intervals:
  • Create a pleasing sound by moving in tenths.

Chord Movements

• Progression Notes:
  • Casually finger down to F# minor 7 and B minor 7.
  • Alternate between standard and first inversion E9 chords for bass movement.

Conclusion

• Ending the Arrangement:
  • Conclude with a coda leading to C9, then to B, and finish with an A13.
• Final Touch:
  • End with a simple turnaround.

Now, let's go ahead and play the arrangement of "Amazing Grace."