PIANUMERO
Easy piano · 9 keys

Oh Shenandoah easy piano by numbers

Traditional American sea shanty and folk song (19th century) · 21 s · 38 notes · public domain

Oh Shenandoah is easy to play on the piano with numbers. One hand, 9 keys, about 21 seconds: press the numbers in order, as they light up, and the lesson waits for you. Free, no account needed.

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On paper: the 25 easiest songs, in a printable book · 2 songs free to print

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The interactive lesson needs JavaScript. Meanwhile, here is the whole song in numbers.

Oh Shenandoah piano notes: G C C C D E F A · G C B A G A G E · G G A A A E G E …

The number sheet

The whole song, in numbers. Print it, or put it on your piano.

1G·2C·2C·2C·3D·4E·5F·7A·
6G·9C·8B·7A·6G·7A·6G·4E·
6G·6G·7A·7A·7A·4E·6G·4E·
3D·2C·3D·4E·3D·4E·7A·6G·
2C·3D·4E·3D·3D·2C·

How to play Oh Shenandoah on the piano

The long, rolling American river song, first sung by fur traders and then by sailors, in a free flowing rhythm. It is written in C major, on white keys, in the version that begins with a low pickup note.

This easy version uses 9 keys (all white keys) and the right hand only: 38 notes, about 21 seconds at 90 BPM in 4/4 time. It has no words.

  1. Find key 1: G3 (below middle C). The other numbers go up from there, to the next key the song uses. Key 1 comes only once: rest your thumb on key 2, C4, and move your hand down for key 1 when it comes.
  2. Press ▶ Listen to hear the song while the numbers light up.
  3. Press 🎹 Play it and play the numbers in order; an arrow shows the next key, and the lesson waits for you.
  4. Want the rhythm too? Press 🌧 Falling notes: each note falls onto its key, and its length shows how long to hold it (how falling notes work).
  5. Finish the song for up to three stars — fewer mistakes, more stars.

The keys

NumberNoteKeyWhere
1GG3below middle C
2CC4middle C
3DD4above middle C
4EE4above middle C
5FF4above middle C
6GG4above middle C
7AA4above middle C
8BB4above middle C
9CC5above middle C

New to numbers? How piano numbers work · Where is middle C? · Know do re mi? The same keys in do re mi

Oh Shenandoah in letter notes

Show the whole song in letter notes, line by line

G C C C D E F A

G C B A G A G E

G G A A A E G E

D C D E D E A G

C D E D D C

How to read piano letter notes

Questions

How do you play Oh Shenandoah on the piano, the easy way?

With one hand and 9 keys: put a finger on key 1, G3, and number the keys the song uses from there. Then press the numbers in order: 1 2 2 2 3 4 5 7 (in letter notes: G C C C D E F A). The whole song lasts about 21 seconds; the lesson on this page shows the next key and waits for you.

How many keys do I need for Oh Shenandoah?

9 keys, all white keys, played with the right hand: 1 = G, 2 = C, 3 = D, 4 = E, 5 = F, 6 = G, 7 = A, 8 = B, 9 = C.

What are the first notes of Oh Shenandoah?

In numbers: 1 2 2 2 3 4 5 7. In letter notes: G C C C D E F A.

Is Oh Shenandoah free to play and share?

Yes. Oh Shenandoah is in the public domain (Traditional American sea shanty and folk song (19th century)). This easy arrangement, its number sheet and its MIDI file are free to use and share for learning.

Can I play it without a piano?

Yes: tap the keys on the page on a phone or tablet, or press the numbers 1–9 on a computer keyboard. The lesson waits for the right key and shows the next one.

How long does it take to learn?

The whole song lasts 21 seconds at 90 beats a minute. Most beginners play it through within a few tries; lower the speed with the slider to go slower.

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