Category: Learn To Play

Ode To Joy: Play Melody in Key of G (1st pos.)

This familiar tune composed by Ludwig van Beethoven has a relatively simple melody (only 5 notes). It’s also a good tune for beginner guitarists to learn. Read this related introductory article about this tune for more background information.

‘Ode To Joy’ uses only the first five notes of a Major Scale, also known as the “do re mi” scale. So that would be these notes: do, re, mi, fa, so. The 5th scale note (“so”) appears as both a high sounding “so” and low sounding “so”. So, technically speaking, there are six notes, but the “so” appears in two different places.

In the key of G, that would be notes G, A, B, C and D. The “so” note in key of G is the D note. The play-by-number guitar tablature for ‘Ode To Joy’ in the key of G is below. This arrangement is in first position, which indicates your index finger is playing at fret 1.

I’ve included the chord grids and chord names above the measures. If you already know these chords, you can also learn the accompaniment. If you have a friend who plays guitar or piano, they can accompany you with just three chords (G, C and D).

To view smartphone-friendly chord grids and tablature, keep reading…

Continue reading “Ode To Joy: Play Melody in Key of G (1st pos.)”

Martin Richard’s words in song (Peace)

I send my thoughts and prayers to the people of Boston; those who lost their lives, the injured, and their families and friends.

Like many, I was touched by the words from one of the youngest victims.  Eight year old Martin Richard lost his life due to this terrible bombing.  While in second grade, Martin had made a poster with this message to his classmates, teachers and parents, and now for the world:

“No More Hurting People, Peace”

My condolences go to Martin’s family, and I pray for healing for his mother and sister who were injured by the bomb blast.

I hope Martin’s words will live on, in song, and other art forms.  I was inspired to put his words to music.

On Sunday, April 21st, at Grace Congregational Church in Rutland, VT, I was to play “People Get Ready” by Curtis Mayfield at the annual Laity Service.  Given the events of the past week, I instead played and sang “Let There Be Peace On Earth, And Let It Begin With Me”.  I used the above musical setting of Martin Richard’s words as a bridge between the verses, and a song ending, so it was a medley of two Peace songs.

Martin freely gave his words to America and the world (marathon runners come to Boston from all over the world).  So I share this song with other musicians.  Perhaps others can compose other settings to these beautiful words, in a variety of musical genres, and even various ethnic music styles.

May Martin’s words live on.  But even more importantly, may we all as humankind heed Martin’s message and work to create Peace for future generations.