Guitar - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1188865 By Martin Hay. By Traditional. Arranged by Martin Hay. Celtic,Folk,Historic,Irish,Multicultural,Traditional,World. Guitar Tab. 2 pages. Martin Hay #788479. Published by Martin Hay (A0.1188865). Amazing Grace is a Christian hymn with lyrics that were written by English poet and clergyman John Newton (1725–1807), who used to be involved in the slave trade before he became a Christian. The melody of the hymn is believed to have originated from a traditional tune used in Scotland and is sometimes attributed to Scottish musician William Walker. The hymn has since become one of the most beloved and widely recognized songs in the Christian tradition.