Note: the audio sample uses the Grand Staff #2 score (melody played on a 6-inch, 8-note Tongue drum and chords played on a 12-inch, 13-note Drum); the YouTube video uses the Grand Staff #1 score with each part played on a separate 12-inch drum.Here is an easy song to play on a key of C Tongue Drum (8, 11, or 13-note drums). This sheet music is notated for an 8-note, C major diatonic scale Tongue Drum (sometimes called a Hand Drum or Steel Drum). Whether beginner or experienced musician, this set of scores can be used in numerous ways from solo playing to playing with a partner or as a group. A note and chord reference chart is included as well as a rhythm pattern chart. Descriptions, suggestions, and uses for each score and chart are detailed on the introduction page and summarized below:
Grand Staff #1This score combines the melody staff with the chord staff. The top staff is the melody staff and shows the notes used to play the melody. Those new to reading standard music notation as well as those already familiar with music notation will find the numbers above the staff helpful. These numbers correspond to the numbers on the Tongue Drum. The bottom staff uses
Rhythm #1 and consists of 2-note chords that harmonize with the melody. These simplified chords follow the beat making it easy to accompany yourself or someone else singing the melody. Lyrics between the staves are provided for sing along enjoyment
Grand Staff #2This score is identical to
Grand Staff #1 except it shows an alternate rhythm pattern on the bottom staff. This alternate accompaniment uses the same chords, but follows a variation of
Rhythm #2.
Melody ScoreThis score can be played as a solo or with accompaniment using the chord names. Chord names are shown above the staff and note numbers are shown below the lyrics. Chord names can be used when playing with other instruments such as a Ukulele or Guitar.
Note and Chord ChartThis chart consists of two separate staff rows. The first staff shows the notes used for the melody. The second staff shows the notes in each chord used in this song. Any combination of the notes within a given chord can be played using one of the rhythm patterns. The chord names are shown above the staff. The corresponding Tongue Drum numbers are shown below the staff.
Rhythm ChartThis chart shows four rhythm patterns that can be used as an accompaniment for the melody. Using the
Melody Score, follow the chord names above the melody staff to play notes from the given chord using one of the rhythm patterns.