Last updated on August 15th, 2023

Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring was composed by Johann Sebastian Bach based on a chorale from Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben (Heart and Mouth and Deed and Life), BWV 147.

This post covers a fingerpicking arrangement of this piece including guitar tabs. This piece is ideal for intermediate to advanced levels. Grab your guitar and let’s get started!

Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring guitar tabs

This piece is written in a 9/8 time signature, meaning that 9 eighth notes make up each measure. The numbers next to some notes on the top staff indicate which fingers to use on the fretting hand. If needed, you can refer to this simple guide to understanding music symbols.

By the way, you can get the PDF of this piece below.

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring lyrics

Lyrics by Martin Janus, translation by Robert Seymour Bridges

Verse 1:
Jesus, joy of our desiring, 
holy wisdom, love most bright; 
drawn by thee, our souls aspiring 
soar to uncreated light. 
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, 
with the fire of life impassioned, 
striving still to truth unknown,
soaring, dying round thy throne. 

Verse 2:
Through the way where hope is guiding,
hark, what peaceful music rings; 
where the flock, in thee confiding, 
drink of joy from deathless springs. 
Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure; 
theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure. 
Thou dost ever lead thine own 
in the love of joys unknown.

To learn other popular pieces by Bach, check out Air, Bouree in E minor, or Minuet in G.

Get the free guitar practice guide here!

Want to learn more songs? Check out the sheet music with guitar tabs resource on this site.

All the best,

JG Music Lessons

References:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. wikipedia.org
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. hymnary.org