Hi Hey

by Teresa Jennings

Beginning guitar students will feel pretty good when they are able to play this simple tune right away. It features only two chords, G and C, and both of them are 4-string versions. We have indicated the chord diagram and TAB for both on the music at the bottom of page 65 for ease of reference. The guitar part is no more than three strums of one chord followed by a rest to prepare for the next chord. Since it's a little difficult to hear this simple pattern on the full performance track on the recording (thanks to the accompanying guitars and mandolin playing a more complex rhythm), we have made a student part mix and put it on our web site free for downloading and listening. They will very easily be able to hear how it all fits together.

The vocal part that includes cheerful yells and singing could be performed by the guitarists, too. However, it might be better to have a separate group do those. That way they can also do the clapping, unless you prefer not to use that at all. Of course, the guitarists could sing along with the others as much as they can. But if it's confusing to change chords and sing, no worries. Just stick with the guitars. Conversely, if you have no guitar students and just want to use the song, go for it. It's a happy tune with a message of greeting that's just plain fun to sing, too.

Text is taken from Music K-8 magazine.