This notation is pretty simple; dark circles mean covered holes; empty circles mean uncovered holes; a '+' below means to blow harder to get the upper octave; a '#' below means this note is too low for the whistle chosen and you'll have to fake it :) The author of this program always plays accidentals by closing holes, so you'll never see half-covered holes.
When I was starting, I found notation like this to be very helpful, and I know plenty of people who have trouble reading music who find this notation easier. Good luck!
(This score available as
ABC,
SongWright,
PostScript,
PNG, or
PMW, or
a MIDI file)
(Choose a whistle key:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Ab
Bb
Cb
Db
Eb
Fb
Gb
A#
B#
C#
D#
E#
F#
G#)
Dulcimer tab
for this song is also available
Admiral Benbow Come all ye seamen bold, and draw near And draw near Come all ye seamen bold, and draw near It is of an admiral's fame O brave Benbow was his name How he fought all on the main You shall hear, you shall hear. Brave Benbow he set sail, for to fight For to fight Brave Benbow he set sail, for to fight. Brave Benbow he set sail, With a fine and pleasant gale But his captains they turn'd tail In a fright, in a fright. Says Kirby unto Wade, "We will run, We will run." Says Kirby unto Wade, "We will run. For I value no disgrace Or the losing of my place But the enemy I won't face Nor his guns, nor his guns." Then Ruby and Benbow fought the French Fought the French, Then Ruby and Benbow fought the French. They fought them up and down 'Til the blood came trickling down 'Til the blood came trickling down Where they lay, where they lay. Brave Benbow lost his legs by chain shot By chain shot, Brave Benbow lost his legs by chain shot. Brave Benbow lost his legs And all on his stumps he begs Fight on, my English lads 'Tis our lot, 'tis our lot. The surgeon dress'd his wounds, cries Benbow Cries Benbow, The surgeon dress'd his wounds, cries Benbow. "Let a cradle now in haste On the quarterdeck be placed, That the enemy I may face 'Til I die, 'til I die. From English Folk Songs, Sharp play.exe ADBENBOW.2 RG
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!