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Greensleeves

Traditional (English) · Key of A minor · 6/8 · ♩. = 50

Greensleeves is an English folk song from the 16th century, a sad and lovely tune in a minor key. Pianory’s 17-bar version is in A minor and 6/8, with the right hand singing over left-hand chords.

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What makes it tricky

6/8 is felt in two big beats of three eighths each, which feels very different from 3/4. There are many accidentals, mostly the G sharp of harmonic A minor, and the right hand covers a wide range from E up to high G.

How to practice it

  1. Count "1 2 3 4 5 6" slowly, leaning on 1 and 4, then clap the first phrase.
  2. Pick Right hand at 50% and mark every G sharp in your head before you play.
  3. Pick Both at 50%, then 75%. Keep the left-hand chords quieter than the melody.