Learn to Play Polly Wolly Doodle in Key of C
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Learning to play G7
- Learning to play C
- Strum pattern
- Singing "Polly Wally Doodle"
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Playing the notes
- Picking the song
- Improving your skills
- Conclusion
Article
Introduction
Welcome to today's guitar lesson! In this tutorial, we'll be learning how to play "Polly Wally Doodle," an old folk song that dates back to 1843. This silly yet fun song only requires two chords - G7 and C. So, let's dive right in and start strumming!
Learning to play G7
Before we get into the song, let's first learn how to play the G7 chord. The G7 chord is played by placing your pointer finger on the first fret of the little E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the big E string. It looks similar to the C chord, but with a slight variation. Take some time to practice transitioning smoothly between the C and G7 chords until you feel comfortable.
Learning to play C
Now that you've mastered the G7 chord, let's move on to the C chord. To play the C chord, place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your pointer finger on the first fret of the B string. This chord shape should be familiar to you. Practice switching between the G7 and C chords until you can do it seamlessly.
Strum pattern
To play "Polly Wally Doodle," we'll need to learn the strum pattern. The strum pattern for this song is as follows:
- Down strum on the first beat
- Down strum on the second beat
- Down-up strum on the third and fourth beats
Practice this strum pattern slowly at first, making sure to maintain a steady rhythm. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the speed.
Singing "Polly Wally Doodle"
Now that you know the chords and the strum pattern, let's move on to singing the song. "Polly Wally Doodle" goes like this:
Oh, I went down south for to see myself,
Singing Polly Wally Doodle all the day.
Stay and see, fairly well, fairly well,
Fairly well, my fairy faith formed golden Louisiana.
For to see my Susie and a singing Polly Wally Doodle all the days.
Oh, poor grasshopper sitting on a railroad track,
Singing Polly Wally Doodle all the day,
Just picking his teeth with a carpet tack,
Singing Polly Wally Doodle fairly well, fairly well, fairly well,
My fairy faith formed golden Louisiana.
For to see my Susie and a singing Polly Wally Doodle all the time.
Feel free to sing along and strum the chords as you go. Remember to have fun with it and embrace the playfulness of the song!
Common mistakes to avoid
While learning to play "Polly Wally Doodle," it's common to make a few mistakes. Here are a couple of things to watch out for:
- Incorrect chord fingering: Ensure that you're placing your fingers on the correct frets and strings for each chord.
- Strumming too fast: Take it slow and gradually increase your strumming speed as you become more comfortable with the song.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you'll be able to improve your overall playing technique.
Playing the notes
Aside from the chords, you can also play individual notes on the guitar. The notes in this song are as follows:
C D E F G A B C
When playing the notes, remember to use your ear to determine the correct timing. Watch the movement of my fingers in the accompanying tutorial video for a visual reference.
Picking the song
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try picking the melody of "Polly Wally Doodle." This involves plucking individual strings to play the notes of the song. Use your ear and the tutorial video as a guide to figure out the timing and finger placement for picking.
Improving your skills
To improve your guitar skills, it's important to practice regularly. Set aside dedicated time each day to work on your strumming, chord transitions, and picking techniques. Experiment with different songs and styles to challenge yourself and keep things interesting. With consistent practice and patience, you'll continue to progress as a guitarist.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've learned how to play "Polly Wally Doodle" on the guitar. Remember to have fun with the song and don't be afraid to make it your own. Keep practicing and exploring new tunes to expand your musical repertoire. Happy strumming!
Highlights
- Learn to play the folk song "Polly Wally Doodle"
- Master the G7 and C chords
- Practice the strum pattern for the song
- Sing along with the lyrics of "Polly Wally Doodle"
- Avoid common mistakes while playing the song
- Explore playing the individual notes of the song
- Challenge yourself with picking the melody
- Commit to regular practice to improve your guitar skills
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the chords used in "Polly Wally Doodle"?
A: The chords used in this song are G7 and C.
Q: Can I pick the melody instead of strumming?
A: Yes, you can try picking the melody of "Polly Wally Doodle" by plucking individual strings to play the notes.
Q: How can I avoid common mistakes while playing this song?
A: Pay attention to your chord fingering and strumming speed to minimize mistakes.
Q: Can I play this song on an acoustic guitar?
A: Absolutely! "Polly Wally Doodle" can be played on both acoustic and electric guitars.
Resources:
