“This Little Light of Mine” is a gospel children’s song written about 1920 by Harry Dixon Loes (1895–1965). The “light” might be referring to extracts of the Holy Bible (Matthew, Luke). It is one of the most popular African American spirituals, and is often included in gospel hymnals. It has been recorded by a number of famous artists including Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Odetta, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley.
On this page you can find the right This Little Light of Mine chords and tabs followed by an easy guitar sheet music and a printable PDF for free download.
Table of Contents
This Little Light of Mine Chords and Tabs
in C
“This little light of mine” is an easy 6-chord song in a major key. We suggest the key of C major (and, alternatively, the key of G major as you can see next). To play the tune in C one must be familiarized with the full “barré” technique, as the F Chord is present line after line. The remaining chords C, G, E, Am and D7 are essential for beginners.
The melody range that results when singing in the key of C is a 7th from G4 to F5 (see on the Music Sheet in C following) and is well suited to most children’s voice pitch. Nevertheless, you could use a capo to transpose to C#, D, Eb, or E major by placing it respectively on fret I, II, III, or IV.
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in G
As mentioned above, we also suggest the key of G major. The difficulty level is similar to that of the C key: there is a B chord with full “barré” while the remaining chords (G, C, Em, A7 and D) are essential for beginners.
Accordingly, the melody range extends to a seventh of D4 – C5 (see on the Music Sheet in G following), and it might not sound so bright compared to the C key – unless you sing an octave higher. Nevertheless, you could use a capo to transpose to G#, A, Bb, or B major by placing it respectively on fret I, II, III, or IV.
If you’d like to save this free image with the guitar chords of “This little light of mine” to your computer, right click (or tap and hold, on mobile devices) and choose “Save Image As…”.
Easy Guitar Sheet Music
in C
Here is a simple transcription for guitar with recommended fingering. As much as the song is great for singing with kids, it is also an ideal piece for guitar beginners. Actually you can play it within the first week of guitar lessons! The left hand is super easy with notes on the 1st position and up to the 3rd fret, using fingers 1, 2 and 3. Most of the notes are on the open strings E, B and G.
The piece is also good for right hand mobility and control, as one can practice the apoyando technique with i-m.
The rhythm of the song is an important element not to be missed! We suggest a guitar duet – one player for the melody and one for the rhythm and chords.
To save this free guitar music sheet of “This little light of mine” to your computer, right click (or tap and hold, on mobile devices) and choose “Save Image As…”.
in G
This is a simple transcription for guitar with recommended fingering. As said above, the piece is great for guitar beginners. The left hand is super easy with notes on the 1st position and up to the 4th fret; fingers 1, 2 and 4 are used. The majority of the notes are on the open strings B, G and D.
The piece can be useful for the introduction of the 4th string F# note on the 4th fret (see on measure 5). The right hand technique is same as in the key of C shown above.
If you’d like to save this free guitar music sheet of “This little light of mine” to your computer, right click (or tap and hold, on mobile devices) and choose “Save Image As…”.
Free Printable PDF for Guitar
If you want to download a printable PDF file with Guitar Chords, Tabs and Sheet Music for this song, click on the button above or on the following link.
This little light of mine – Guitar Chords, Tabs, Sheet Music PDF – Singing Bell
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