Down To The River To Pray Piano Tutorial
If you are a fan of gospel music, you have probably heard the song “Down To The River To Pray”. It is a popular traditional gospel song that was first recorded in the early 19th century. Since then, it has been recorded by several artists and has become a staple of gospel music. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to play "Down To The River To Pray" on the piano.
Understanding The Basics
Before we get started with the tutorial, it is important to understand the basics of playing the piano. The piano is a musical instrument that has 88 keys. The keys are divided into white and black keys. The white keys are called naturals and the black keys are called accidentals. The naturals are further divided into groups of two and three. The first white key on the left is called A and the next white key is called B, and so on. The black keys are placed in between the white keys and are named after the white keys they are closest to.
Playing The Song
When playing "Down To The River To Pray" on the piano, you will need to play the chords and the melody. The chords are the foundation of the song, and the melody is the part that is sung. The chords for the song are A, D, and E. You will need to play each chord four times, and then switch to the next chord. The melody is played with the right hand, and you will need to play the notes in sequence.
Playing The Chords
To play the first chord, you will need to place your fingers on the A, C#, and E keys. Press down on the keys simultaneously to play the chord. To play the second chord, place your fingers on the D, F#, and A keys. Press down on the keys simultaneously to play the chord. For the third and final chord, place your fingers on the E, G#, and B keys. Press down on the keys simultaneously to play the chord.
Playing The Melody
The melody for "Down To The River To Pray" is played with the right hand. Here are the notes you will need to play, in sequence:
A - B - C# - B - A - G# - A - B - C# - B - A - G# - A - B - A
You will need to play each note for one beat, and play it in sequence. The timing for the melody is 3/4, which means you will need to play three beats per measure.
Putting It All Together
Now that you understand how to play the chords and the melody, it is time to put it all together. Start by playing the first chord (A) four times. Then, play the melody in sequence. When you reach the end of the melody, switch to the next chord (D) and play it four times. Play the melody again, and then switch to the final chord (E) and play it four times. Play the melody one final time, and then end with the A chord.
Conclusion
Playing "Down To The River To Pray" on the piano is relatively easy, once you have a basic understanding of the piano and the chords and melody for the song. With practice, you will be able to play the song smoothly and confidently. We hope this tutorial has been helpful to you. Happy playing!