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Super EasyClassicsPublic domain

When the Saints Go Marching In

Traditional

Starts on
G string, open
This excerpt
Main melody
Strings used
G, B
Written in
Open-string version

The tab

Tab is short for tablature: a picture of the strings. Numbers are frets. 0 means play the string open.

Computer notes — not the original recording.

Speed
Click track

Oh when the saints

B

0
1
3

G

0

Go marching in

B

0
1
3

G

0

Rhythm in words

Ohhh when the saaints… gooo march-ing iiiin.

How to play this

  1. 1Start with open G (0 on the G string). Let it ring — that is “Oh.”
  2. 2Then three notes on the B string: open, 1st fret, 3rd fret. Hold the last one.
  3. 3Phrase 2 repeats the same four notes.

Practice slowly

Marching songs like a steady beat. Do not rush. Start with Hear the notes at full speed or slower, then copy on the guitar. If a note buzzes, press a little closer to the fret wire — not in the middle of the space.

This arrangement is a simplified educational excerpt for learning. Playback is a computer playing the tab notes, not the original recording. It is not a full transcription and is not affiliated with Traditional.

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