Rock-a My Soul

Learn these first. The dots are where your fingers go, numbered 1 (index) to 4 (little finger); an open circle means play that string open, and × means don’t play it.

About this tune

Two chords and eight bars. The tune is built from the notes of the C chord (G, E and C), with D and F over G7, so your fretting hand barely moves: it all sits on the top two strings in the first three frets. It is the perfect first tune for learning to change between C and G7 in time.

How to practise it

Learn the two chord shapes in the boxes above and change between them slowly: four strums of C, four strums of G7, without stopping.
Press Play with Chords only and strum along: one down-strum on every beat, short and even. That is jazz comping in its simplest form.
Learn the tune from the TAB, two bars at a time, with Slower on. Say the words in your head; they tell you the rhythm.
Play the tune with Chords only backing you, then swap: let the page play the tune while you strum.

A short history

Printed in 1867 as “Rock o’ my Soul” in Slave Songs of the United States, the first book of African-American songs, and sung ever since in churches, schools and around campfires.

“The bosom of Abraham” is the resting place of the faithful in the Gospel of Luke. The rocking is a cradle: the singer asks to be held safe.

Its rising, repeated notes and steady beat make it easy to swing, which is why it turns up in gospel, folk and jazz sets alike.

Where the tune comes from

The melody is the one on our kids’ piano page for Rock-a My Soul, from Slave Songs of the United States (1867), no. 94, moved up an octave for guitar notation.

Quick facts

Tune: Traditional (African-American spiritual, printed 1867)
Key: C major
Time signature: 4/4
Length: 8 bars
Tempo: Swing, crotchet = 100
Chords: C, G7
What it teaches: Two chords, C and G7, and the swing feel
Place in the course: Tune 1 of 10 (Your first tune)

Questions and answers

Which chords are in Rock-a My Soul?

C, G7. The chord boxes above show where to put your fingers, and each has a Hear it button.

Is Rock-a My Soul free to use?

Yes. Rock-a My Soul is a traditional tune that is out of copyright (Traditional (African-American spiritual, printed 1867)). The guitar arrangement and chords here are ours, free for personal and classroom use.

How do I read the TAB under the music?

The six lines are the guitar’s strings, the high E string on top. A number is the fret to press (0 means play the string open). The music above it shows the rhythm, and is written an octave higher than the guitar sounds, as all guitar music is.

How fast should I play it?

Slowly at first. Press Slower to hear it at 70% of the speed, and only speed up when it feels easy. The full tempo is Swing, a crotchet (quarter note) = 100.

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The chords

The music