A Brief History of "This Little Light of Mine"
The gospel song "This Little Light of Mine" has been a favorite of many generations since it was first written in the early 1900s. The song was written by American gospel composer and lyricist, Harry Dixon Loes. It was based on a passage from the Bible, Matthew 5:14-16, which states: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
This powerful message has been a source of inspiration for many, and has been covered by a variety of different artists over the years. The most popular version was recorded by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in 1960. Her version is the one that is still most commonly known today. It was even performed at the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in 2009.
The Chords for "This Little Light of Mine"
The song is commonly played in the key of A major. To play the song in this key, you will need to know the following chords: A major, D major, E major, and F# minor. The song is typically played with down-strums, but you can add some up-strums for a more interesting sound. The chord progression for the song is as follows: A major, D major, E major, A major, F# minor, E major, D major, and A major.
Tips for Playing "This Little Light of Mine"
When playing this song, it is important to keep the guitar part simple. Try to focus on the rhythm and the strumming pattern, as the chords are easy to play. Start by strumming the down-strums along with the words of the verse, and then add in the up-strums on the chorus. You can also add in some single notes or arpeggios to add some texture to the song.
It can also help to keep the tempo at a moderate pace. This will allow you to really focus on the rhythm of the song. You can also add a bit of swing to your strumming to give the song a bit more energy. Finally, make sure to keep the volume of the guitar at a reasonable level. This will help the vocals and other instruments stand out in the mix.
Adding Your Own Style to "This Little Light of Mine"
Once you have the basics down, you can start to add your own style to the song. Begin by adding in extra chords or notes to the verse and chorus. You can also experiment with different strumming patterns, and try to add in some dynamics to the song. Finally, you can add in some flourishes to the end of the song to give it an extra bit of flare.
Practicing "This Little Light of Mine"
As with any song, it is important to practice it regularly. Start by playing the song slowly, and focus on the rhythm. Once you have nailed the rhythm, you can start to speed up the tempo. You can also practice adding in different chords or strumming patterns, as well as trying to add your own solo sections. Finally, practice playing the song with a metronome to ensure that you are keeping the tempo steady.
Conclusion
The gospel song "This Little Light of Mine" is a timeless classic with a powerful message that has inspired many. It is easy to learn and play, and it is also an excellent way to practice your guitar playing skills. With a bit of practice, you will soon be able to play the song with ease. So grab your guitar and start strumming!
