How to Play I Saw Three Ships on Piano

If you'd like to learn some festive piano songs to play during the holiday season, you may want to consider learning how to play the Christmas carol "I Saw Three Ships".  As a three-chord song, it is ideal if you're learning to play the piano and could help you impress the family and friends who gather during the winter months.http://www.piano-play-it.com/three-chord-songs.html 

"I Saw Three Ships" is a traditional English folk song that is often sung during Christmas in the form of a carol.  There are many alternate versions of the song, as the lyrics were rewritten by minstrels as they travelled through the country.http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/carols_stories  Although the semantics of the song are unknown, the three ships are thought to represent positivity, optimism and good luck.http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-carols/i-saw-three-ships.html  

Step 1: Learn the Necessary Chords

Begin with the C chord, pressing the C key, the E key and the G key simultaneously with your left hand.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx_qvdXM5tM&feature=player_embedded  After this, learn the G7 Chord, which is played by pressing the B key, the F key and the G key simultaneously.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx_qvdXM5tM&feature=player_embedded  These are the only chords required for this song, so practice switching between them comfortably.

Step 2: Practice Playing the Melody

Begin in C position, with your right hand over the C, D, E, F and G keys.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx_qvdXM5tM&feature=player_embedded  The entire melody consists of these five keys, so once you know the tune, it's simply a case of pressing the keys in the right order.  Use all five of your fingers so you can play each note of the melody without moving your hand, allowing you tho concentrate fully on the timing of the chords.

Step 3: Play the Entire Song

Combine the chords and the melody together to complete the song. Hold the chords down while the melody plays until the next chord is required.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx_qvdXM5tM&feature=player_embedded  Each verse of this song is identical to play, so once you have learnt the first verse, you will be able to play the whole song.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx_qvdXM5tM&feature=player_embedded 

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