(Welling. Kent)
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Lesson Guide -
When the Saints come marching in
Any questions - just ask
TAB & ‘one to one’ tuition available
to members:
John’s notes;
Based on the “When the Saints come Marching in”
traditional American gospel tune this short
arrangement (suitable for acoustic and electric
guitars) can be played as a ‘stand alone’ guitar
performance i.e no need for a backing track or any
other accompaniment, just pick up your guitar and
go for it. You (or someone else) can sing along or
leave the guitar to play the melody and harmony, it’s
up to you.
I make use of the ‘A’, ‘E’, and ‘D’ triad shapes and
dominant seven (b7th) chords, and slides to
introduce a ‘jazzy’ and ‘bluesy’ feel. The melody
feeding into the chords which is a standard 1 - 4 - 5
chord progression in the key of A Major (chords = A -
D - E) I’m using their triad inversions which means
different ways of playing the same chords.
Play at any tempo (speed) you wish but a little
quickly suits this best.
This type of ‘chordal/melody playing has the
advantage of you not having to adhere to set timing
or keeping in step with other musicians or a backing
track. You can suit yourself how fast or slow you
want to play it and how you want it to sound.
Backing Track;
If you can get it up to speed enjoy playing along with
the backing track both rhythm and lead - Just like
being in a real band…Great Fun!
Backing Track
Lead Guitar
Lead and rhythm with Backing track