Amazing Grace in C#

John Newton(1772)swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B
C♯/F
G♯7sus4
C♯7/F
C♯/F
F♯/C♯

Chord Diagrams — Amazing Grace in C# (Guitar)

Display
FingerNoteDegree
C♯
EADGBE11x432
4frEADGBE1112346frEADGBE1113249frEADGBE111342
C♯/F
EADGBE11x432
4frEADGBE1112346frEADGBE1113249frEADGBE111342
F♯
EADGBE111342
4frEADGBE11x2436frEADGBE1114329frEADGBE111234
G♯7sus4
EADGBE1122xx
4frEADGBE1111349frEADGBE11x23411frEADGBE111134
G♯7
EADGBE111xx2
4frEADGBE1111326frEADGBE11x32411frEADGBE111134
C♯7/F
EADGBEx3241x
4frEADGBE111x346frEADGBE1114329frEADGBE111132
A♯m
EADGBE11x342
6frEADGBE1111346frEADGBE111xx38frEADGBExx1342
D♯m9
4frEADGBE2222x1
7frEADGBExx24139frEADGBE333x1211frEADGBE111134
F♯/C♯
4frEADGBE11x243
EADGBE1113426frEADGBE1114329frEADGBE111234

Amazing Grace in C#

Key of C#

C# major (or Db) sits in barre chord territory across the fretboard. Every chord demands precise barring, but the payoff is a bright, crystalline sound a half step above C that cuts through a band mix. C# is a intermediate-advanced-level key on guitar because no open strings fall within the key naturally, so every chord requires full barre technique. Expect to rely on barre chords throughout, which builds hand strength and unlocks the entire fretboard.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through C# to C# (ascending unison), C# to F# (ascending perfect fourth), F# to G# (ascending whole step), G# to G# (ascending unison), G# to C# (ascending perfect fourth), C# to A# (descending minor third), A# to D# (ascending perfect fourth), D# to F# (ascending minor third). The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from F# to C# by perfect fourth.

Scales for Improvisation

C# major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, C# Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.

swing3/4 · 19 bars · Form: AB

Chords: C♯, C♯/F, F♯, G♯7sus4, G♯7, C♯7/F, A♯m, D♯m9, F♯/C♯.

Scales for Improvisation C# bebop, C# bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of C#