Tomlin/Giglio, "Amazing Grace"

Amazing Grace is probably the best representative of British Sacred Music. Amazing Grace was published in 1779, with words written by the English clergyman John Newton (1725–1807).

Newton wrote the words from personal experience. He grew up without any particular religious conviction but at a crucial crossroad in his life he called out to God for mercy, a moment that marked his spiritual conversion. Soon, he began studying Christian theology and was ordained in the Church of England in 1764. "Amazing Grace" was joined to a tune named "New Britain" to which it is most frequently sung today. 

With the message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of sins committed and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God, "Amazing Grace" is one of the most recognizable songs in the English-speaking world. Author Gilbert Chase writes that it is "without a doubt the most famous of all the folk hymns". Amazing Grace fits the Classical guitar to perfection and the main challenge is to keep the renown melody in centerstage. Mastering how to detach notes in chords will be the most essential technical skill that you will have to master in order to perform the work perfectly.