How Gentle God's Commands

Two versions -- an easy one in A, that uses only TWO chords (E and A), and a harder one in C that requires barre chords and harder techniques.  Both are in public domain.

First, the easy version.  The first verse uses pinched chords, and there are only two measures in the whole verse that require more than one pinch.  Easy.  It's in 3/4 time, and all the notes are quarter-notes. There are a couple of measures where only two of the three beats are shown.  In both cases, that's the first and third beats.  You can let the first beat ring for two counts (a half-note), or damp the first beat to a quarter-note and insert a quarter-rest.  Or, you can mix and match.  It's a simple tune to learn, but still sounds good.  If you're playing steel strings, you might try using finger-picks on this one.  If you're playing nylon strings, use your fingernails, for a crisp, "classical guitar" sound, or use your fingertips, if you want a mellow tone.

 In the fifth measure, the A chord is slightly changed.  Note the F# played on the third string at the fourth fret.  It's just a bit of a stretch, but don't leave it out or substitute another note for it; it's necessary to carry the melody.  It also provides a nice contrast with the normal A chord in the next measure.

The second verse is in 6/8 time, so all the notes are eighth-notes.  The chording is the same as the first verse, but the chords are all "broken chords".  A lot of "extra" drone notes on the open A string and E string are set in, to fill out the bass.  Rock the right hand, playing the bass notes with the thumb, and the melody notes with the fingers.  The audience will think it sounds much more difficult than the first verse, but it's actually very nearly as easy.  If you're comfortable with barre chords, substitute a barred Av for the last note, for a dynamite finale.