Amazing Grace
by Phil Leadbetter

Here it is March, and spring is right around the corner. Before you know it, it's going to be time to hit the road for the outdoor bluegrass festivals. This month I'm going to give you another tune that may come in handy in one of those late-night jam sessions common at many bluegrass festivals, a really nice gospel tune entitled "Amazing Grace". This well-known hymn is one of my favorite gospel tunes to play on the resonator guitar. This arrangement is written in the key of G, but it can be played in other keys with the use of a capo. "Amazing Grace" is pretty much a "required" tune if you play the resonator guitar. You'll get lots of requests for this one.

Hope this tune will become one of your favorites. Remember- the more you play it, the better it will sound, and the easier it will become to play. Pay close attention to your tone and attack on this tune. The idea is to play it smooth and pretty. Get with some of your picking buddies and teach this tune to them if they don't already know it. Maybe they will return the favor and show you a new tune as well. Learning new tunes is fun and it's one of the great benefits of jamming.

I want to pass along that this will be my last Guitar Sessions resonator column. I have had a great time writing the column in nearly a 2-year run, but due to overwhelming demands with my new band "Grasstowne", I'm going to pass this column along to another writer. My departure will present the opportunity to bring new ideas and tunes to the column. I've enjoyed writing the column, and I hope you have learned something here that has helped you become a better resonator guitarist.

Thanks for your loyalty each month, and I hope you will continue to visit the resonator column of Guitar Sessions.

See you down the road,
Phil Leadbetter

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CHECK OUT THE NEW BAND GRASSTOWNE (GULLEY / LEADBETTER / BIBEY):
Now booking for 2007! New CD coming in 2007!
http://www.grasstowne.com

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http://www.unclephilonline.com/

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THE GIBSON "PHIL LEADBETTER" SIGNATURE DOBRO GUITAR Check out the new Phil Leadbetter Gibson Signature Dobro:

http://www.gibson.com/Products/Bluegrass/Gibson%20Original/Gibson%20Dobros/Arist%20Series/Phil%20Leadbetter/