https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/near-the-cross-mandolin-intermediate
I just love this old melody! It’s like it was made for mandolin, and the guitar backup is both challenging and fun! Grab a buddy and give both a try. The final lines in the chorus say, “Till my ransomed soul shall find, Rest beyond the river.” Anyone else ready for that?
I am SO ready for that. I love the life I have now - but I can NOT wait for the “rest beyond the river”!
Definitely looking forward to that.
Like your flashy bracelet!
Enjoyed this one. It is definitely on the top of my favorites!
Is definitely better than living in a van down by the river!
Haha, funny story there. My little girl made that for me. I had thrown it away because, well, there’s not enough room for all the stuff you end up collecting. She FOUND it in the TRASH! She was crushed. So I put it on and forgot to take it off to record this lesson 
Oh Ben, you are going to be paying for that for YEARS! Threw your daughter’s gift in the trash! Ben Ben Ben. We gotta talk when I come down for Cabin Camp next week….LoL. I have many of the little gifts my children gave me over the years…my youngest is 34 years old but I still have a nice Cross™ pen that he gave me (well, I’m sure his Mom had to buy it) when he was 5 or so (Christmas gift). My daughter (37) recently gave me this little banjo-shaped pic box for my birthday…and it wasn’t even on my Amazon wish list! This stuff is precious. You are SO gonna pay for this. LoL
Oh, the lesson…. This is awesome. I grew up listening to my grandmother sing gospel music and this was one she did. (Kitchen rocking chair with her Bible on the lampstand and her knitting in her lap.) Can’t wait to learn how to play it.
Ohhhh snap… 
Maybe wearing it in the lesson would ease the blow
Hey Ben,
I am so ready to have rest beyond the river!!! Losing my daughter and then the divorce and then losing my job. Lots of tears this last 8 months.
Your arrangement is wonderful. I am truly blessed (as all us pickers on your site) to have your talents given to us.
Thank you
BanjoBen, you said it. On a similar note: “On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand and cast a wistful eye to Canaan’s fair and happy land where my possessions lie.” I’m still on the beginner banjo track, and as much as I love the old folk and bluegrass tunes, I’d rather sing songs that point people to Christ than old broadside ballads that remind people how grim and awful the world can be.
Any plans to develop a version for the banjo?
Hi Ben,
When you’re playing tremolos with a melody note and a harmony note, like in measure 25, how do you know how to pick a harmony note?
My best,
Morris
Great question, @msuttles! Check out this lesson: https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/amazing-grace-tremolo-harmony-mandolin-beginner
Oh! I understand; a harmony note is another chord note, such as a neighboring triad note.
That is really funny. I guess wearing it is the only thing you could do to ease and appease her! I was wondering if your daughter made it for you
I understand what you’re saying, some hymns just seem to “fit” certain instruments.
Another beautiful arrangement of a classic hymn!