How to Practice Will the Circle Be Unbroken

'Will the Circle Be Unbroken' is one of the great American gospel-folk songs. The chord progression is forgiving, the melody is simple, and the song works equally well as a solo vocal piece, a band singalong, or a four-part harmony arrangement. Every Americana, bluegrass, and country guitarist knows this song.

What to Focus On

Solid open chords (G, C, D). Steady strumming or boom-chuck rhythm. Singing the melody in any key (it works in everything from G up to D).

Practice Tips

1. 1

   The song was written for harmonized singing. Even when performed solo, leave room in your strumming for vocal harmony — don't fill every beat.

2. 2

   The chorus is what people sing along to. Practice it first; the verses can follow.

3. 3

   It's a great song to practice transposing. Play it in G, then C, then D. Each key feels slightly different and teaches you how key choice affects the song's energy.

Why This Song

It's the universal gospel-folk song. Every Americana artist has it in their book.