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Banjo tablatures for I Saw the Light

Earl Scruggs

Recomended level: Beginner

Tags: #vocal song, #gospel music, #up-tempo

"I saw the light" is Hank Williams ' country gospel song. Williams was influenced by a remark his mother made as they arrived in Montgomery, Alabama, as they returned from a concert. During his first session with MGM Records, he recorded the song, and it was released in September 1948. The song is fixed to the tune of the classic Scottish folk tune "Bonnie Charlie," still popularly known as "Will you not come back again?" Williams ' version did not enjoy major success during its initial release, but it eventually became one of his most pop songs and the closing number for his live performances. It was quickly performed by other performances and became a staple of the country gospel. Williams and his wife Audrey sought to attract the recently formed music publishing firm Acuff-Rose Music after the loss of his audition. Williams and his family met Fred Rose, who had signed a contract with him for six albums, exploiting an arrangement with Sterling Records. Williams was holding his first recording session in December 1946. The "Never Again" and "Honky Tonkin'" songs were popular, attracting MGM Records ' attention to Williams. He released the first track, "Roll It On Over."

  • Banjo I Saw the Light Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      130 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBD

    A good old gospel tune written by Flatt & Scruggs. There's a tricky measure of 2/4 at the end of the form. Learn a verse of the I Saw the Light song to stay on track.

    Banjo I Saw the Light Scruggs Style
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  • Banjo I Saw the Light Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      130 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBD

    This arrangement of I Saw the Light starts up high and gives you a lot of fancy melody runs to work with. They sound great, and stay true to the melody!

    Banjo I Saw the Light Melodic Style
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  • Banjo I Saw the Light Backup

    Backup

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      130 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBD

    This backup arrangement of I Saw the Light teaches how to play up the neck and transition to a down the neck variation with more Scruggsy fill licks.

    Banjo I Saw the Light Backup
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Practicing Tips

Learning Overview:

'I Saw The Light' offers a unique learning experience for those eager to grasp the essence of bluegrass banjo tabs. Presented in Scruggs, Melodic, and Backup Styles, this musical piece provides beginner players a means to grasp the depth of vocal song, gospel music, and an upbeat tempo. Utilize the key features of our renowned Tunefox platform to enhance your learning process and explore your musical creativity.


Creative Learning Tools:

Our hallmark learning tools - the Lick Switcher and Arrange Slider - facilitate an immerse and personalized learning experience. The Lick Switcher opens up the opportunity to add innovative licks to the song, offering a fresh perspective and numerous variations of the song. On the other side, the Arrange Slider fine-tunes the learning curve by allowing users to adjust the song's difficulty level and tone, thereby fostering self-styled interpretations of the tune.


Practice Tools:

A wide range of practice tools is made available for learner use, ranging from tempo adjustments to backing tracks for play-along sessions, a Speed Up Function for brisk practice, and the Hide Notes tool for ear learning. Additional nuances of these tools aid in creating an optimal practice environment tailored to your individual learning pace and style.


General Practice Tips:

We always advocate for slow and steady learning. Starting slow sets the foundation for progressing at a constant pace, and allows for solid retention of learning. As you gradually build confidence and finesse, feel free to scale up the tempo and engage with the more challenging features designed to augment your learning journey.


I Saw the Light lyrics

Hank Williams

I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin;
I wouldn't ask my dear Saviour in.
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night;
Praise the Lord, I saw the light!

Chorus:
I saw the light, I saw the light.
No more darkness; no more night.
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight.
Praise the Lord, I saw the light!

Just like a blind man I wandered alone,
Worries and fears I claimed for my own.
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight;
Praise the Lord, I saw the light!

Chorus

I was a fool to wander astray,
For straight is the gate and narrow is the way.
Now I have traded the wrong for the right;
Praise the Lord, I saw the light!

Chorus