Pieces › Tunes everyone knows

When the Saints Go Marching In

Starting after a rest

This New Orleans gospel tune became a worldwide hit with Louis Armstrong. Every phrase starts after a rest: count “1” in your head, and play on 2, 3, 4.

The whole melody fits in C position, and the left hand has only three bass notes: C, F and G.

Heard in: versions by Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Fats Domino

Tips

• The rest is part of the music: don’t rush the first note.
• Turn on the metronome to really feel the first beat.

The melody

Right hand in C position. Each phrase starts on beat 2.

Both hands

The left hand sets down one whole note per measure: C (5), F (2) or G (1).