This is a neat video. Two Amish sisters from Charm, Ohio sing perhaps the best-known of all Christian hymns, “Amazing Grace“.

This was filmed after a meal in an Amish home – probably a home business which welcomes in English guests. Why is one of the girls playing guitar? You might have thought that Amish don’t play musical instruments. Well, Amish don’t play them to the extent English do. But there are some cases where you’ll find musical instruments among the Amish.

One is the harmonica, though that is not usually paired with singing. Baptized adults even play that. It seems to be popular in Lancaster County.

Another example: an Amish young person might play the guitar. This seems to be more common among Midwestern Amish in the mainstream-to-progressive groups, though also seen among Lancaster Amish as well.

You may also come across keyboards and accordions. I haven’t seen much sign that older adults play these instruments (though they would probably be less public about it), but among Amish youth in some communities, it’s not so unusual.

Another example we’ve seen is this group of Amish girls singing “How Great Thou Art” accompanied by multiple instruments – guitar, keyboard, and accordion.

In church, instruments are not used. I have not seen or heard of them used at youth group singings either, though maybe that occurs in places.

If you’re wondering, again there were comments on this video suggesting these two sisters are not Amish. But nothing to the extent of the recent funeral singing commenter. Video poster James Wagler, who has Amish ties, states that this family is from a New Order Amish church.

As a bonus, here’s another video of the sisters singing “Walk A Mile.”  A little faster and peppier tune. I like this one.

Walk A Mile

Did you get up this morning
With both feet on the floor
Did you take a deep breath
And thank God once more

For the many blessings
He has given you
Before you take another step
There’s something you should do

Walk a mile in your brother’s shoes today
Stop to help someone struggling on their way
In your sister’s wheelchair sitting patiently
Share the sunset with someone who cannot see

You can tell me my friend
Life just isn’t fair
Troubles and trials
Are more than you can bear

No one understands
All that you’ve been through
Stop for just one minute
And here’s what you should do

Walk a mile in your brother’s shoes today
Stop to help someone struggling on their way
In your sister’s wheelchair sitting patiently
Share the sunset with someone who cannot see

Walk a mile in your brother’s shoes today

You might also like:


Get the Amish in your inbox


    Question on the Amish? Get answers to 300+ questions in 41 categories at the Amish FAQ.