Old Gospel Guitar Tabs

Where to Find Old Gospel Guitar Tabs

Yet another reason to give thanks for the Internet is for the wealth of guitar tab and chord resources it provides the guitarist. The following songs are some of the most famous gospel songs ever written. Most of these songs follow very simple structures, so the beginner can quickly learn enough to lead a campfire sing-a-long. The music is so rich, however, that the more advanced player will be inspired to embellish the basic charts and to explore the potential of these beautiful songs.

Internet Sources

• Down to the River to Pray: The traditional hymn Down to the River to Pray was introduced to a new generation through its inclusion in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou? where it was performed beautifully by Alison Krauss.

• Amazing Grace: Perhaps the most famous traditional hymn ever, Amazing Grace is credited to John Newton, an Englishman who wrote the lyrics in 1772. This song's power lies in its simplicity, and the chords would be appropriate for the most novice guitarist.

• I Saw the Light: This gospel standard was written in 1948 by the legendary country songwriter Hank Williams, and it has been covered by some of the greatest gospel, country and bluegrass musicians in the years since. Follow these links for the guitar tabs and for the chords of this classic song.

• By The Mark: This song sounds like it is older than the hills, but it was actually written by the contemporary country songwriter Gillian Welch. Ms. Welch has honored the genre of old gospel songs with this modern classic. Visit FretPlay.com for the chords to this beautiful track.

• Steal Away to Jesus: An old African American spiritual, Steal Away to Jesus has been recorded by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon and Michelle Williams.

• This Little Light of Mine: Another song that began as an African American spiritual, This Little Light of Mine became a rallying cry for the civil rights movement and later evolved into a popular children's song. Paul Robeson recorded a famous version of the song in 1983.

• Keep on the Sunny Side: This classic gospel song made famous by The Carter Family, Keep on the Sunny Side has become an old-time bluegrass standard. Doc Watson and Flatt & Scruggs have performed popular versions of the song.

Books of Gospel Tabs

While the Internet is a fabulous an inexpensive source for chords and tabs, the guitarist who wishes to find more old gospel guitar tabs will be happy to know that there are a number of excellent books available.

• Creative Gospel Guitar in Tab: This Hal Leonard publication features over 20 gospel songs of easy to intermediate arrangements.

• Great American Gospel Guitar: Another Hal Leonard title, Great American Gospel Guitar has easy tab arrangements for over 60 gospel spirituals.

• Stephan Grossman's Early Masters of American Blues Guitar: Mississippi John Hurt is one of the most distinctive guitar players who ever lived. While not for the beginner, this book will take the more accomplished player through some of John Hurt's best known blues and gospel arrangements.

Final Thoughts

Finding and learning old gospel guitar tabs can be one of the most rewarding experiences for the guitar player. The timeless qualities of these songs tap into the roots of American music. These songs have been recorded and interpreted so many ways that the contemporary guitarist has a wealth of options when choosing which arrangement he or she wishes to learn. From the simplest arrangement of Amazing Grace to some of Mississippi John Hurt's more advanced versions of Since I've Laid My Burden Down, gospel music offers something for the guitarist of every level.