These simple songs below are easy to play by ear using the chart below in the Key of C.   The Key of C is the simplest key in which to play because all the notes are white keys.  (However, these same numbers can be used in any key once one knows the appropriate scale in that key. )   Read just the RED with the chart under it for FAST TRACK.NOTE:  1 and 8 are the same notes but 8 is an octave higher.

Even very young children, possibly as young as four year olds can be taught these songs, if an adult demonstrates for them.  They may not understand all the theory but they do understand numbers.   Just make sure they keep their hands in the correct positions:

RIGHT HAND:  Thumb on 1; pointer on 2; middle finger on 3; ring finger on 4; pinkie on 5.

LEFT HAND: Thumb on 5; pointer on 4; middle finger on 3; ring finger on 2; pinkie on 1.

NOTE ON TIMING  No timing is notated in these songs, but most children or at least the parents should know some of these classic or traditional songs.  The numbers played will produce the MELODY of the song.

Once the student learns the melody, HARMONY may be added with the left hand.  The chords are usually played with the LEFT HAND while the MELODY is usually played with the RIGHT HAND, but this can be reversed for variation.

 

To simplify the chords for children,  just keys 1+5 can be used played with the pinkie and the thumb.  1+5 played together is called a BLOCKED FIFTH (INTERVAL).  Technically, this is not a chord, for a chord is made up of three notes, but is called a “C suspended.”

SIMPLEST TONIC CHORD FOR CHILDREN

 

TONIC CHORD = 1+3+5 played together.

In the Key of C, the TONIC is “c” and TONIC CHORD is the C chord:  c+e+g.   A memory aid for this is Cows Eat Grass.   The TONIC is always the base TONE (1) in a KEY.

 

DOMINANT CHORD = 5+7+9 (same as 2 but an octave higher)

 

To simplify this, and to play without changing hand positions, we can play just 2 + 5.

Another option, if you prefer, as harmony can be varied within certain rules, is to play a SEVENTH with the DOMINANT CHORD.    The easiest way to do this for children is to play just 4+5 together.  So, in the Key of C, this would be a shortened G7 Chord, g+ f or for an INTERVAL of a  SECOND.   (Please see this page for an understanding of INTERVALS.)

It is rather easy for children to go back and forth between a FIFTH (1 + 5) and a SECOND (4 + 5) in the Key of C.

 SIMPLEST DOMINANT CHORD (with 7th) FOR CHILDREN

 

SONGS by NUMBER:

Suggestion: Print out on bright paper with “landscape” printing orientation for children.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

LOVE is KIND!