The Legend:
It is said that a string quartet played this hymn on the deck of the sinking Titanic. The musicians did not survive, and there are conflicting reports about exactly which hymn they did play, but there is pretty universal agreement that they did play a hymn, and it might very well have been this one, as it has long been a favorite, and would certainly have been appropriate.
The Music:
It's really a simple tune, with only three chords. I use the barred G chord, because it makes the notes come out in the right register. I also like to include a lot of "fill" notes. If you just want the melody, play only the notes directly above a written syllable of the lyrics. All the rest are fill. It's easy, and it's in the Public Domain.
Ghost Riders In the Sky / Ghost Chickens in the Sky
This is my version of the Burl Ives cover of this song, which involves chords, not the flat-picked version more suitable for electric guitars. It works well for accompanying a singer, as rhythm, but not as a guitar solo, unlike practicaly all my other postings. I include it, only because I love it. I love the Christian message, the beat, and the tune. The chords are easy-- so easy in fact that you can hammer-on the entire chord, which is well, as that's what gives the song its beat. If you can't do the hammer-ons, you can still play the song without them, but it won't sound as good.
The chart may be a little unclear about the ending. The first chorus ends, "Ghost herd in the sky!" Second time, it's "Ghost riders in the sky!" Third time, it's "ghost herd in the sky," descending to a very low E note on "sky." Then repeat, "ghost riders in the sky," rising to and hitting the high E on "sky" (two octaves higher than the low E) and holding it. There's a transition measure between the end of the chorus and the beginning of the next verse, except for the last time.
After the chart and the lyrics, there's a Scout version, which cub scouts especially love. Play it straight, try not to laugh, or even crack a smile, and the young boys will just die laughing. Older kids will laugh, too, but they'll be laughing AT you. When performing for older kids, I play up to this by flapping my elbows on the chorus: Pok, pa-pok, POK; Pok, pa-pok, POK! If you can do it without laughing, you're better than I am! Don't try it unless you don't mind looking truly ridiculous!
Both versions are in the public domain.
The chart may be a little unclear about the ending. The first chorus ends, "Ghost herd in the sky!" Second time, it's "Ghost riders in the sky!" Third time, it's "ghost herd in the sky," descending to a very low E note on "sky." Then repeat, "ghost riders in the sky," rising to and hitting the high E on "sky" (two octaves higher than the low E) and holding it. There's a transition measure between the end of the chorus and the beginning of the next verse, except for the last time.
After the chart and the lyrics, there's a Scout version, which cub scouts especially love. Play it straight, try not to laugh, or even crack a smile, and the young boys will just die laughing. Older kids will laugh, too, but they'll be laughing AT you. When performing for older kids, I play up to this by flapping my elbows on the chorus: Pok, pa-pok, POK; Pok, pa-pok, POK! If you can do it without laughing, you're better than I am! Don't try it unless you don't mind looking truly ridiculous!
Both versions are in the public domain.
I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go
Easy to DO (Go where the Lord wants)
Easy to SAY (what the Lord wants)
HARD to BE (what the Lord wants!)
Fortunately, it's not hard to PLAY!
One of my family's long-time favorite hymns, and the very first one I ever learned to sing without the hymnal. Sounds really good with a mandolin, violin, flute, or clarinet as a duet, or as part of an instrumental group. As a duet, I'd have each instrument take the lead during one verse, then play together for the last verse. You can even do this as a trio. Who says it can only have three verses?
Only three chords: G, C, & D. If you just want to accompany a singer, just strum the regular chords; you don't need to play the barre versions. I include them because it makes it possible to hit all the melody notes, easily.
Easy to SAY (what the Lord wants)
HARD to BE (what the Lord wants!)
Fortunately, it's not hard to PLAY!
One of my family's long-time favorite hymns, and the very first one I ever learned to sing without the hymnal. Sounds really good with a mandolin, violin, flute, or clarinet as a duet, or as part of an instrumental group. As a duet, I'd have each instrument take the lead during one verse, then play together for the last verse. You can even do this as a trio. Who says it can only have three verses?
Only three chords: G, C, & D. If you just want to accompany a singer, just strum the regular chords; you don't need to play the barre versions. I include them because it makes it possible to hit all the melody notes, easily.
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