How To Play: Don't Worry, Be Happy

In 1988 Bobby McFerrin, an American vocalist, wrote a very catchy song... Don't Worry, Be Happy. He's also a 10 time Grammy Award winner. He's worked with Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock. For more information on this songwriter, visit his website, http://spirityouall.bobbymcferrin.com/

No, I'm not into the philosophy of Meher Baba, but I think this acapella song in just 4 words is pretty cool. Dont Worry Be Happy 12"

 I play it in the Key of Bb, 4/4 time signature and brightly. First, here's a chord chart that I found online.

Simple chords to the song:

C
Here is a little song I wrote 
G
You might want to sing it note for note 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry be happy
C
In every life we have some trouble 
G
When you worry you make it double 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry, be happy 

C
Ain't got no place to lay your head 
G
Somebody came and took your bed 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry, be happy 
C
The land lord say your rent is late 
G
He may have to litigate 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry, be happy 

C
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style 
G
Ain't got not girl to make you smile
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
But don't worry be happy 
C
Cause when you worry, your face will frown 
G
And that will bring everybody down 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
So don't worry, be happy

C
There is this little song I wrote 
G
I hope you learn it note for note 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry, be happy; Listen to what I say
C
In your life expect some trouble 
G
But when you worry, you make it double 
F/C         C       F/C       C       F/C
Don't worry, be happy

Here's what I'm playing:

Bb
Here is a little song I wrote 
Cm
You might want to sing it note for note 
Eb         Bb       Eb      Bb       Eb
Don't worry be happy
Bb
In every life we have some trouble 
Cm
When you worry you make it double 
Eb         Bb       Eb       Bb       Eb
Don't worry, be happy 

Bb
Ain't got no place to lay your head 
Cm
Somebody came and took your bed 
Eb        Bb      Eb       Bb       Eb
Don't worry, be happy 
Bb
The land lord say your rent is late 
Cm
He may have to litigate 
Eb         Bb       Eb       Bb      Eb
Don't worry, be happy 

Bb
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style 
Cm
Ain't got not girl to make you smile
Eb         Bb       Eb       Bb       Eb
But don't worry be happy 
Bb
Cause when you worry, your face will frown 
Cm
And that will bring everybody down 
Eb        Bb       Eb       Bb       Eb
So don't worry, be happy

Bb
There is this little song I wrote 
Cm
I hope you learn it note for note 
Eb        Bb       Eb       Bb       Eb
Don't worry, be happy; Listen to what I say
Bb
In your life expect some trouble 
Cm
But when you worry, you make it double 
Eb         Bb       Eb       Bb       Eb
Don't worry, be happy

Don't Worry Be Happy (In the Style of Bobby McFerrin) [Instrumental Only] - Single


Melody for the right hand (single notes):

D,  C,  D,  C,  D,  D,  F            Here's a little song I write
G, C, C, Bb, C, Bb, D, Bb, C   You might want to sing it note for note
D, Bb, Bb, D, Bb, Bb               Don'y worry, be happy

C, D, C, D, C, D, F, F, F          In every life we have some trouble
Bb, C, Bb, C, C, Bb, D, Bb, C, Bb but when you worry you make it double
F, Bb, Bb, D, Bb, Bb                 Don't worry, be happy.

Bb, G, F, G, C, D                     Oo
F, D, C, Bb, C, D, C                Oo  Don't worry
F, D, C, Bb, C, D, C                Oo  Be happy

Db, C, Bb, G, Bb                    Oo   Don't worry, Be happy



Chord Breakdown:

Bb/DFD
C/EbGC
EbGBb/EbG

Here's some Oos to play with:

G/FBb
  /DF
  /CEb
D/BbD
C/CEb
C/DF
C/CEb

or

F/FBb
  /DF
 /CEb
Bb/BbD
Eb/CEb
Eb/DF
G/CEb

or

F/DF
G/CEb
Bb/BbD
G/GBb
Bb/BbD

or

Bb/BbDF
G/GCEb
F/FBbD
   /GCEb
  /CFG
 /DGBb
G/FBbD
   /DFBb
  /CEbG
D/BbDF
C/CEbG
C/DFBb
C/CEbG

and

Bb/FBbD
     /DFBb
F/CEbG
  /BbDF
Eb/CEbG
Eb/DFA
Eb/CEbG

F/DbFA
  /CEbG
F/BbDF
F/GBbD
Bb/BbDF

You may be interested in, Chords 101 and 102

Hope this song puts a smile on your face.



Best,







"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

How Do You Drop and Raise A Note?

MAILBOX MONDAY

Question: (from Sarah)

How do you drop and raise a note?

Answer: (great question!)

Chords can be voiced - that is, they can be arranged on a keyboard in many different ways. Two general types of voicings are open voicings, in which the notes re spread apart with fairly large distances between them, and close voicings, in which the notes are situated in close proximity.

Example of "open":

CG/EBE = Cmaj7

Example of "close":

CG/BCEG = Cmaj7

Good keyboard arrangements make use of both types. They can be used for variety, or even for special effects; it can be quite dramatic when the chords suddenly "spread out" beneath a tune, especially if the melody is rising and the effect becomes one of opposite motions... the top going higher, the bottom going lower, and the middle filling out!

BC/ EG = Cmaj7

AC/ FC = F

GCD/ GD = Gsus

FAC/ GCE = Fmaj7

One method that big band arrangers use to change from a close - to an open - voicing is the "drop" technique. Here's how it works. Start with a closely-voiced chord.

B/CEGB = Cmaj7

Now, take one of the pitches on top - say, the one right below the melody - and drop it down an octave.

GB/ CEB

Use the same process with another pitch!

CGB/ EB

If you practice this method of dropping notes (or raising notes) from one octave to another, your voicings will take on new sounds... and you will become a more versatile player.

You might be interested in what I call the Hear and Play Theory Book. It's like a huge music resource for your bookshelf that you can refer to often. You'll need a pencil to fill in the answers. Visit, 300 page Piano By Ear Home Study Course

Dear Readers,

If you follow LadyDpiano RSS Feed in Google Reader, you'll need to make a change before July 1 when Google Reader will be closed. I like Blog Lovin and you can follow my blog, here... or click in the icon in the sidebar.

As you know, Google Reader (Google Friend Connect) will be on its way out in about 2-3 weeks. There's still time to transfer the blogs you read over to Bloglovin. Here's a few blogs that show you how to do that.

The Kimmie Chronicles

A Beautiful Mess

Nutritionella

Thanks for following my blog!

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

5 Sites for Free Music Worksheets

Welcome to Friday Freebie! I thought I'd get back to the swing of things this summer. If you're looking for free print outs to help with your own music studies, or perhaps to share with your students, then hopefully this list will help. Sometimes building your own music resources is a great addition to your music library, as well as purchased music books and dvds.

List

1. Opus Music Worksheets

Here you'll find flash cards for tempos and worksheets on time signatures, rests and note values.

2. Pianoanne

These teeny tiny flash cards are just right to place over the piano keys for teaching purposes. You'll find tons of teaching aides here, along with major and minor references numerous free printables.

3. Fun and Learn Music

This is the place to learn Treble Clef and Bass Clef notes. You'll find tons of note reading, interval, sharps, whole steps work sheets  and much more at this site.

4. Jennifer Pins Music

For the younger child at home, let's say the 4 year olds on up, you can find charts on music rhythm values and more for the beginner. Even a Christmas ornament that is so easy to make.

5. Music Motivation

Jerald Simon has a great website with some valuable PDF resources. Take a look around, especially for more in-depth studies of scales and chords for the intermediate and advanced.

Happy Friday!







"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Related articles

• Mailbag Monday: What Are Chord Inversions?

Monday Mailbag: How Do I Train The Thumb?

Question: Do you have warm-up exercises for the thumb?

Answer: Thanks Roberta for this question and yes, I wrote a blog post for warm up exercises that you can take a look at if you want, but not specifically for our thumbs. Yes, that's lots of scale practice one can use with the "thumb under" approach. So, I got to thinking about your question and came up with one.

Here's a warm-up exercise that helps to develop and maintain flexibility of the thumb joint. Notice the chromatic scale (all half steps) in contrary motion (opposite directions) starting with D.

The beauty of starting here is that the two hands can work in mirror image to each other - the thumbs turn under at the same time and whenever a finger of the right hand is on a black key, the same is true for the left.

Practice this pattern at different tempos starting with the 1-3-1 fingering. Then try 1-4-1 and finally the 1-5-1. Strive for keeping your shoulders, arms and wrists down and relaxed, guarding against your elbows rising as you move out from the center. The goal here is not muscle building but comfort and naturalness of motion.

Practice over 3 octaves, then return.

Right Hand Fingering and Notes

1   5     1   4   5    1   5     1    5    1   4   5    1
1   4     1   3   4    1    4    1    4    1   3   4    1
1   3     1   2   3    1    3    1    3    1   2   3    1

D  D#  E  F  F#  G  G#  A  A#  B  C  C#  D  etc.

Left Hand Fingering and Notes

D  Db  C  B  Bb  A  Ab  G  Gb  F  E  Eb  D

1   3     1   2   3    1    3    1   3     1  2   3    1
1   4     1   3   4    1    4    1   4     1  3   4    1
1   5     1   4   5    1    5    1   5     1  4  5     1

Musicians that play with speed and seem to do it effortlessly have simply found an effective way to train their fingers to think on their own. They've built up muscle memory, strength, coordination, independence, and speed over time using various techniques.

Pianists, Keyboardists, and Organists struggling to play smoothly and accurately at fast tempos... and want a proven, guaranteed way to improve their speed, coordination, and independence NOW... You may be interested in Hanon Exercises

All the best,





"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

How To Play When I Look into Your Holiness

Above the Eternal Peace Buy From Art.com

In 1980 Wayne and Cathy Perrin wrote this beautiful song, When I Look into Your Holiness. I've had the opportunity to play this lovely piece many times with the worship team and have kept the chord chart to it. Are you familiar with the song?

Chord Chart

When I Look Into Your Holiness


Psalm 34:5

 F/G      C              F
When I look into your holiness
 F/G      C              Em7 F F/G
When I gaze into your loveliness
G7/F        Em  C/E       Em
When all things that surround
C/E       F                Dm/C  Am/C  G7sus G 
Become shadows in the light of You

 F/G         C                         F
When I've found the joy of reaching your heart
 F/G       C              Em7            F F/G
When my will becomes enthralled in your love
 G7/F       Em   C/E  Em
When all things that surround
 C/E      F                Dm/G Em/G Dm/G G7sus G7
Become shadows in the light of You


          Fmaj7 G/F           Em7 Am
I worship You,    I worship You
    Dm        F/G  G F/G  G    CMaj7 Dm7 Em7
The reason I live is to worship You
C/E Dm7 G Fmaj7 G/F         Em7 Am
I worship You,    I worship You
    Dm            F/G G F/G G7 C            
The reason I live is to worship You


Chord Breakdown


L.H./R.H.


GF/CE


C/DEG


F/BEG


GF/AC


C/EG


E/BDG


FC/GAC


GD/FA


FD/GBE


E/GDG


E/CG


EB/DG


EG/CG


F/CEG * (Chorus 2nd time)


G/CD


G/BD


F/AC (repeat)


Chorus


GF/AD


GF/GBE


GF/ADF


GF/CDG


F/EAC


F/DGB


EE/DG


A/CEA


DA/DF


GF/AC


C/GBE


D/ACF


E/BDG


E/CG


D/CFA


G/DGB


F/EAC


F/DGB


EE/DG


A/CEA


DA/DF


GF/A


GF/AC

GF/B

CGE/C



I have a Wow Worship songbook and found a great arrangement for reverential background music. Here are the chord progressions to the song:




G       C2             F2
When I look into your holiness
       C2              F2
When I gaze into your loveliness
         Em7           C/E
When all things that surround
       F2                      Dm7/G G Dm7
Become shadows in the light of You

G7          C2                Em7         C/F F
When I've found the joy of reaching your heart
Fmaj7/G   C2              Em7            F2
When my will becomes enthralled in your love
Fmaj7      C2/E              
When all things that surround
C/E    C/F F          Dm7    Dm7/G Em/G F/G Gsus G
Become shadows in the light of You


          Fmaj7 G/F           Em7 Am7
I worship You,    I worship You
 Dm7          Dm7/G   Fmaj7/G G7 Cmaj7 Dm7 C2/E C/E
The reason I live is to worship You
Cmaj7    Fmaj7 G/F           Em7 Am7
I worship You,    I worship You
    Dm7       F/G               C 
The reason I live is to worship You



Here's what I'm playing:


L.H. / R.H.


G/FAC  When I
C/DEG  look into Your holi-
F/GAC  ness, when I
C/DEG  gaze into Your loveli-
F/GAC  ness, when all
E/BDG  things that surround
E/CEG  become
F/CFG  shadows in the 
A/FGC  light of
G/FACD You.
G/DGB
D/ACF
G/GE   When I've 
C/DEG  found the joy of
E/BDG  reaching Your 




F/GCE  heart 
GF/ACE when my
C/DEG  will becomes en-
E/BDG  throned in Your
F/GAC  love,
F/ACE  when all
E/DG   things that surround
E/CG   become
F/GCE  shadows in the 
D/CF   light of
G/ACD  You.
G/GBE
G/ACF
G/CDG
G/BDG


Chorus


CC/BEG  I 
DD/CFA  wor-
EE/DGB  ship
F/EAC   You
F/BDG   I worship
E/DGB   You.
A/CEG   The *(last time to Coda)
D/AF    reason I live
G/FACD  is to
G/FACE  wor-
G/FGBD  ship
CC/GBE  You.
DD/ACF  
EE/DG
EE/CG


* repeat chorus 


* Coda


D/AF    reason I live
G/AF    is to
G/AC    wor-
G/FGB   ship
CG/EGC  You.    

These chords are from:

WoW Worship - Orange Songbook

Lastly, here's what I found on the internet search.

When I Look Into Your Holiness 

(online chords)

       C              Cmaj7 Fmaj7
When I look into your holiness
       C              Cmaj7 Fmaj7
When I gaze into your loveliness
         C              Em
When all things that surround
       F                       Gsus4 G
Become shadows in the light of You

          C                Cmaj7         Fmaj7
When I've found the joy of reaching your heart
        C              Cmaj7            Fmaj7
When my will becomes enthralled in your love
         C              Em
When all things that surround
       F                       Gsus4 G
Become shadows in the light of You


          Fmaj7 G           Em7 Am7
I worship You,    I worship You
    Dm7          G              C Dm7 C/E
The reason I live is to worship You
C         Fmaj7 G           Em7 Am7
I worship You,    I worship You
    Dm7          G              C F C
The reason I live is to worship You

MP3:
When I Look Into Your Holiness (A Tribute to On Holy Ground - Gospel) - Single


Happy Father's Day to all the Dads. Blessings on your family!






"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Mailbag Monday: What Are Chord Inversions?

Question: Is there more than one way to play a chord?

Answer: Yes, and thanks George for your email. In fact I wrote an article on chord inversions and for those who are interested in chording inversions with your left hand, you may want to read the approach, here.

Chord Inversions

What are inversions in music?
There are inverted chords, inverted melodies and inverted intervals. A chords inversion describes the relationship of its bass to the other tones in the chord. For instance, a C major triad contains the tones C, E and G; its inversion is determined by which of these tones is used as the bottom note in the chord.
The term inversion is often used to categorically refer to the different possibilities, although it may also be restricted to only those chords where the bass note is not also the root of the chord.

The Root Position and Two Inversions of the C triad:

We have been studying three toned chords. You know a C chord, F chord and a G chord. Now the number of tones = the number of ways the chord can be played. Since a triad or a basic chord is three -toned, it can be played three different ways: the root, the first inversion and the second inversion.

When a chord is inverted, the order of the notes is rearranged so that either the 3rd and 5th or just the 5th is below the inverted root.

If the ROOT (the note that is represented by the chord) of a C Major Chord is the lowest tone of the chord, it is said to be in the root or fundamental position.

For an example, if you are playing a C major chord with C as the lowest note, it is being played in Root or Fundamental position.

If another tone of the chord is the lowest tone, the chord is inverted.

The First Inversion would have the third of the chord as the lowest note.

The Second Inversion would have the Fifth of the chord as the lowest note.

The Third Inversion would have the Seventh of the chord as the lowest note.

C Major Chord (Root) = C E G

Since C is the lowest note, it is said to be in its root position.

C Major (1st Inversion) = E G C

Since E (the third of C major) is the lowest note, it is said to be in the First Inversion.

Since G (the fifth of C major) is the lowest note, it is said to be in the

Second inversion.

When a chord is played in its root position, the keynote is always on the bottom. When a chord is played in its first inversion, the keynote is always on the top. When a chord is played in its second inversion, the keynote is always in the middle.

So, what are chord inversions?

We have been dealing with chords in root position. Root position simply means that the root is the lowest note in the chord-the remaining note are stacked on top. But, you can also change the order of the notes, thereby inverting a chord.

How can you invert a chord?

You can invert a chord simply by transposing (moving) the lowest note up an octave, while leaving the others untouched. You can also invert downwards by transposing the highest note down an octave.

Chords can theoretically have as many inversions as they have notes. I say "theoretically" because larger ones tend to be fussy about their inversions: some inversions definitely sound better than others. Triads and seventh chords can, for most practical purposes, be freely inverted, depending on context.

Why invert?

There are many reasons. Progressions sound better with root position chords mixed with inverted chords. So various notes of one chord lead smoothly to notes in the next chord, with others not moving at all. This is called voice-leading.

Another reason for inversion, especially important for string instruments, is to make the chord easier (or in many cases, possible) to reach. Many chords-especially ones with four or more notes-are virtually unplayable in root position on instruments such as guitar and mandolin.

Enjoy playing many inversions in three different positions that will give you more options to your piano playing!

Good Teaching Video on YouTube

Inversion Printable

If you're looking for some visual aides to print out, visit Susan Paradis for Inverting Triads Poster, Inverting Triads in the Bass and an inversion worksheet, http://www.susanparadis.com

Inversion Ear Training

For easy ear training on Major and Minor Chord Inversions, visit http://www.easyeartraining.com

• Supercharge Your Hand Eye Coordination


• Results Tested Piano Course For Serious Piano Player


• Sign Up For Free Trials Now! 
• www.PianoImprov2.com

All The Best,







"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Related articles

• Songs of Peace with Three Primary Chords
• Famous Chord Progression: 2-5-1

Monday Mail: Chording with Right Hand

There's a very cool song that Morris Chapman wrote in 1984, called Be Bold, Be Strong. It has to do with Joshua 1:9 and Hebrews 13:6. I wrote about it and shared many chord charts with you, here.

Since then, I received a few emails regarding the ability to chord in the left hand and bring out the melody line in the right hand. Thanks to Jude and Gertrude for contacting me on this subject. Some struggle with this approach... So, today I wanted to show you the same song and how to play three note chords in your right hand, along with single bass notes in your left hand.

Song Chart

R.H. / L.H.

F/G C
C/E
F
G
C
C/E
F
G
F
G
Am
F
G
Am
F
G
Am
F
G
Am
F
G
G7
C

Chord Breakdown

L.H. / R.H.

G/ FAC     Be
C/EGC      bold,
C/EGC      be
E/CEGC   strong
E/EGC      for the
F/FAC      Lord, your God is
G/BDG     with you.

B/C            Be
B/EGC      bold
C/EGC      be
E/CEGC   strong
E/EGC      for the
F/FAC      Lord your God is
G/BDG     with you.

F/CFA      I
CF/CFA   am
G/DGB     not
DG/DGB  a-
A/EAC     fraid
F/CFA      I
CF/CFA   am
G/DGB     not
DG/DGB  dis-
A/EAC     mayed

EA/EGC  because I'm
F/CFA      walking in
G/DGB     faith and
AEA/EAC victory, Come on and
F/CFA      walk in
G/DGB     faith and
A/EAC     victory, For the
F/FAC      Lord your
G/DGB     God is
G/FBD     with
CC/EGC  you.

The part that goes "Run through the camp"  has these single notes:
B-A-G-G, B-A-G-G, G-A, G-A
Are you ready to take this land
C, D, E minor (GGGAAE, Esus, E)


Now, if you're playing the song in A...

   A                    G             D 
I'm gonna run through the camp, tell everybody get ready, get ready. (2x)
           A      G         D 
Are you ready to take the land? 
          A         G       D 
Are you ready to take a stand? 
          F#m              B                Esus - E 
Are you ready to take the land, for the Lord?

Hope this helps...

If you like Morris Chapman, then check out More-Songs-for-Praise-Worship


*How do I find time to practice?
*How can I get better at playing in different keys?
*How do I decide/recognize what the left hand chords are in a piece of music?
*How can I play and read sheet music faster?
*How do I decide on proper fingering?
The answer to these and many other piano playing questions can now be yours.
Step-By-Step Piano DVD Course Helps You Become A Better Piano Player
www.LearnPianoTips.com


Best,






"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

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• Monday Mail: How Do I Teach Myself Piano?
• Monday Mail: Why Didn't Schubert Finish His Unfinished Symphony?