Not sure how to play from the notes below? Check out our TUTORIAL
About the song and about tablature. You can find tablatures below the description.
Dive into the hauntingly beautiful melodies of “Banks of the Ohio,” a classic American folk song, through an accessible and engaging means: playing it on the kalimba using number notes. This traditional ballad, originating in the 19th century, tells a dark tale of love, betrayal, and tragedy. It’s a narrative-driven piece that explores the story of a young man who, upon being rejected by his lover, resorts to murdering her on the banks of the Ohio River. The piece’s deep emotional resonance, combined with its simple yet compelling melody, makes it a perfect song for kalimba enthusiasts looking to explore music with rich storytelling.
The “Banks of the Ohio” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, showcasing its wide appeal and adaptability. Its lyrics and melody evoke a sense of timelessness, making it an ideal selection for our kalimba book for beginners, kalimba book for kids, and kalimba learning book for adults. Whether you’re a beginner learning to play the kalimba or someone looking to explore different kalimba exercises, this song, with its easy-to-follow number notation found in our kalimba songbook, allows for an immersive musical experience. Not only does it offer an opportunity to practice and enhance your kalimba skills, but it also connects you to a piece of American folk history. From its somber storyline to its melodic richness, “Banks of the Ohio” is a testament to the power of music to convey stories and emotions, making it a must-learn for anyone interested in delving deeper into the art of kalimba playing.
Some of the notes on our website contain the full version of the song, and some are excerpts, or for example the very beginning, chorus or verse, etc. Full versions of all the notes can be found in our books and e-books: SHOP.
