Origin: Traditional African-American spiritual
Difficulty: Beginner
Notes Used: D, E, G, A, B, C (high), D (high)
Time Signature: 4/4
Key: C Major
A joyful spiritual that's become a jazz standard. This introduces high D, completing the first full octave!
Lyrics:
Oh, when the saints go marching in,
Oh, when the saints go marching in,
Oh Lord, I want to be in that number,
When the saints go marching in.
Practice reaching high D from C and returning.
Master the distinctive opening phrase.
Practice the descending melody in the third line.
Practice your complete D to D range.
Practice the ending ascending phrase.
When The Saints Go Marching In is a traditional African-American spiritual that originated in the late 19th or early 20th century. It became famous as a jazz standard in New Orleans and has been recorded by countless artists including Louis Armstrong, who popularized it in the 1930s. The song is often played at New Orleans jazz funerals and celebrations. Its joyful message about entering heaven made it a popular hymn, while its catchy melody made it a favorite in jazz and popular music. The song represents an important part of American musical heritage, bridging sacred and secular traditions.
Once you can play When The Saints confidently, try: