intermediate

Ain't No Grave

Key: Dm

Chords: 3

Gospel

Jam Along

Chord Chart

Chorus

Verse

Chords used: A Dm G

Lyrics

There ain't no grave gonna hold my body down There ain't no grave gonna hold my body down When I hear the trumpet sound Gonna get up outa the ground There ain't no grave gonna hold my body down

Well go down yonder Gabriel Put your foot on the land and sea But don't you blow that trumpet until you hear from me Well look way over yonder See people dressed in white I know it was God's people I seen 'em doin right Oh look way over Jordan What do you think I see I see a band of angels and they're comin' after me Well I goin to the river of Jordan Bury my knees in the sand Gonna holler high Hosanna til I reach that promised land Oh look way over yonder What do you think I see I see a band of angels and they're comin' after me Well meet me Jesus meet me Meet me in the middle of the air And if these wings should fail me there won't be no other pair

Demo Videos

About This Song

Ain't No Grave is a powerful traditional gospel song that has found a strong home in bluegrass, typically played in the key of Dm. With just 3 chords, it's one of the more accessible tunes in the repertoire and a great choice for newer players joining their first jam sessions.

This spiritual standard brings deep emotional resonance to any jam. The minor key gives it a haunting, reflective quality that stands out from the major-key gospel songs common in bluegrass. While Dm isn't as common as G or D in bluegrass, this song's simple chord progression (usually Dm, Am, and C or Gm) makes it approachable for players at any level. The song has gained renewed popularity in recent years, becoming a favorite on Billy Strings tours and introducing it to a new generation of bluegrass fans.

The song works well at a moderate tempo, allowing the lyrics and harmonies to shine. It's often sung with strong harmony vocals, and the minor tonality offers a great opportunity for learning to blend voices in a darker, more somber style. In a jam setting, be prepared for either a sparse, reverent arrangement or a more driving bluegrass treatment—both approaches honor the song's powerful message.

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