St. James Infirmary Blues, based on an 18th century traditional English folk song, has become a New Orleans standard.

This tune uses 'slash' notation in the chord symbols. Slash notation shows which note should be in the bass. For example, A/C# indicates the chord of A major with a C# in the bass. This is the same as saying A 6/3 or A 1st inversion. Slash notation is most frequently found in popular music lead sheets. 

Watch the video "Slash Chord Notation" before starting this activity.

• You may play the melody with your right hand, or play a two-handed accompaniment while the melody is sung or performed on another instrument.
• Use one of the chord voicings shown below, or create your own.
• Print the Worksheet if you would like to write out your arrangement.

Suggested Voicings:

  Voicing 1 - Blocked Chords                       Voicing 2 - "Oom-Pah"

 

Two-Handed Accompaniment