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
The Cowman's Prayer Lord, pleaae help me, lend me Thine ear, The prayer of a troubled cowman to hear. No doubt my prayer to you may seem strange, But I want you to bless my cattle range. Bless the roundups year by year; Please then don't forget the growmg steer. Water the land with brooks and rills For my cattle that roam on a thousand hills. Now O Lord, if you'll be so good, See that my stock has plenty of food. Our mountains are peaceful, the prairies serene, Oh Lord, for the cattle, please keep them green. Prairie fires, won't you please stop? Make thunder roll and water to drop, It frightens me to see the dread smoke, Unless it is stopped, I'm bound to go dead broke As you, O Lord, my fine herds behold They represent a sack of pure gold, I think that at least five cents on the pound Would be a good price forbeef the year round. One thing more, and then I'll be through, Instead of one calf let my cows have two, I may pray different from all other men But I've had my say, and now, amen. From He was Singin' This Song, Tinsley RG
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!