How to play it on your instrument
Flute
Fingering for every note in this song, from lowest to highest. A filled circle is a key pressed down.
Violin
Every note is in 1st position. The string and finger for each note:
| Note | String | Finger |
|---|---|---|
| G4 | D | 3 |
| A4 | A | 0 (open) |
| B4 | A | 1 |
| C5 | A | low 2 |
| D5 | A | 3 |
Guitar
Guitar music is written an octave higher than it sounds. In 1st position the fret is the finger (fret 1 = finger 1).
| Note | String | Fret |
|---|---|---|
| G4 | string 3 (G) | open |
| A4 | string 3 (G) | 2 |
| B4 | string 2 (B) | open |
| C5 | string 2 (B) | 1 |
| D5 | string 2 (B) | 3 |
Chords to accompany (shown above the staff):
Piano
Right hand plays the melody. The left hand can play the chord shown above the staff, broken or together.
Left-hand chords:
Practice tips
- The long whole notes last four beats: count all the way through before starting the next phrase.
- Listen to the melody twice before playing, following the notes as they light up on the staff.
- Practise in 2- or 4-bar phrases, then put them together.
- Start slower than the suggested tempo. Speed comes with repetition.
About the song
| Key | G major (1 sharp: F♯) |
|---|---|
| Time signature | 4/4 |
| Tempo | 112 beats per minute (suggested) |
| Range | G4 – D5 |
| Origin | An African-American spiritual from the early 20th century that became a New Orleans jazz standard with Louis Armstrong’s 1938 recording. |
Play with someone checking you
In the app each note lights up on time and the microphone checks whether you got it right. Free, no sign-up.
Play it in the app with the mic →Frequently asked questions
Is this sheet music free?
Yes. The melody is in the public domain and this arrangement was written by Dedilhado Vivo. You can print it and use it to practise or teach.
What key is this version in?
G major (1 sharp: F♯). It sits comfortably on flute, violin, guitar and piano for beginners.
How do I know I'm playing it right?
Open the song in the Dedilhado Vivo app and turn on the microphone: it listens to every note, shows where to press and gives you stars at the end.