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Midnight Special
Harmonic Analysis (RMA) Worksheet for the song: Midnight Special.
Midnight Special
Published 1923
Midnight Special is a traditional folk song thought to have originated among prisoners in the American South. The song refers to the passenger train Midnight Special and its "ever-loving light" (sometimes "ever-living light").
The song is historically performed in the country-blues style from the viewpoint of the prisoner and has been performed by many artists.
In 1934, Huddie William "Lead Belly" Ledbetter recorded a version of the song at Angola Prison for John and Alan Lomax, who mistakenly attributed it to him as the author. However, Ledbetter, for his Angola session, appears to have inserted several stanzas relating to a 1923 Houston jailbreak into the traditional song. Ledbetter recorded at least three versions of the song, one with the Golden Gate Quartet, a gospel group (recorded for RCA at Victor Studio #2, New York City, June 15, 1940). (wikiwand) ·
Midnight Special is in the The Daily Ukulele
— 365 Songs for Better Living book.
Strum a different song every day with easy arrangements of 365 of your favorite songs in one big songbook! The Daily Ukulele features ukulele arrangements with melody, lyrics and uke chord grids and are in ukulele-friendly keys that are particularly suited for groups of one to one hundred to play and sing.
Chords
Theses and many other chords where covered in the Learn A Chord A Day series of lessons.
C Tuning Chords
Starting Melody Note and 1st Interval
C Tuning, Low or High G
INTERVALS: Root=note that begins a scale of the starting key; C is C, D is D, Am is a, Em is E, etc... m=minor; M=Major; P=Perfect; D=Diminished; A=Augmented. • ↑ is up/ascending; ↓ is down/descending;
Harmonic Analysis (HA)
A Harmonic Analysis (RMA/HA) and its worksheet are intended to show the function of the chords, the harmonic principles used, the keys and tonalities the song explores. And, can be used for scale selections and chord and scale substitutions.
A Harmonic Analysis Worksheet is NOT intended to be a leadsheet
and minimal roadmap information such repeats, fines, D.S., D.C., codas have been used in preparing the worksheets to somewhat mirror the leadsheet in the Daily Ukulele book..
Sections, Verse, Chorus, 1st, 2nd Ending, turnbacks …
The worksheets will show 1st, 2nd Ending, turnbacks, etc. as in indicated the Yellow Book
. You should start to recognize that 1st endings typically always return to a previous or 
verse or section. With a 2nd ending, a transition to a different section, a 
or chorus. Harmonic Principles are used for these repeats and transitions.
If turnbacks chord are not indication for the these 1st, 2nd Ending will indicate recommended chord(s) in parentheses or as an alternate harmony in Red . Typically the last measures or turnbacks will be a chord that resolves to and harmonically leads you to the next section or turning you back to the same section.
Reference Key
This is the key of the source leadsheet.
- Midnight Special is in 4/4, Common Time and the Key of G . The Lead Belly original is in the Key of E , Tempo: 148 bpm
Harmonic Principles Used:
- Full Diatonic
- Partial Diatonic • Full Diatonic includes Secondary Dominant chords
Harmonic Analysis (HA) Worksheet
Visit the Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection series of lessons for information on creating a Harmonic Analysis Worksheet
G: G Mix
*C Mix
This is a psuedo Blues chord progression, using 4-part Seventh chords vs. basic triads.
The
G Blues
scale
G B♭ C C♯/D♭ D F G'
is a great option to use over the entire progression.
I7
( V of IV)
G Mix
C Mix
Fine
D.C. al Fine
G Mix
Nashville Number System (NNS)
Nashville Numbering System always uses four bars/measures per line, no bar lines, and default is each number of the number of beats per bar/measure based on the time signature. If multiple chords in same bar then they are underlined. It can be as simple as convert the Roman Numerals above to Arabic number.
Scale Selection
Once a Harmonic Analysis has been completed then scale selections can be made. These scale selections can be either vertical and horizontal choices. And, really only needed if you are going to take a solo or embellish the melody with added notes.
Scale Abbreviation Legend
Traditional Scales:
Maj: Major (Ionian),
Dim: Diminished,
WT: Whole Tone,
Har Min: Harmonic Minor,
Contemporary Scales:
Minor Pent: Minor Pentatonic,
Pent: Major Pentatonic,
Blues,
Scale/Mode Names:
Ion: Ionian (Major),
Dor: Dorian (Minor),
Phrygian: Phrygian,
Lyd: Lydian,
Mix: Mixolydian (Dominant),
Aeol: Aeolian (Natural Minor),
Loc: Locrian
Checkout LESSONSeries : Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection or download the Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection book. And the QuickStart Series of Scale and Arpeggio books.
Performance Notes
Links & Resources
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End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!
Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.
Related Lessons
Related Lessons for Midnight Special
.
Harmonic Analysis Lesson Series
Updated: 06 Jan 2020
Harmonic Analysis ( HA ) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, each chord has a root and has a particular chord type. The relationship of a chord's root to a scale determines its function within that scale's tonality. Once a chord's function is identified, scale selections along with chord and scale substitutions can be made. This process is called Root Movement Analysis ( RMA ). This series of lessons are extracted from my book for use with individual private and on-line students. Each lesson directly corresponds the chapters in my book Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution by Curt Sheller (me).
Related Lesson Series
Related Lessons Series for Midnight Special
.
Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection
Updated: 09 Jun 2023
Harmonic Analysis (HA), also known as the study of chord relationships, is the method used to identify the harmonic role of chords within a chord progression or song. A chord progression refers to a sequence of chords, with each chord having a root note and belonging to a specific chord type. The function of a chord within a particular scale's tonality is determined by its relationship to that scale.
Related Books & Charts
Related Books for Midnight Special
.
Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution
Updated: 08 Jun 2024
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution.
The Daily Ukulele
Updated: 16 Feb 2024
Strum a different song every day with easy arrangements of 365 of your favorite songs in one big songbook! The Daily Ukulele features ukulele arrangements with melody, lyrics and uke chord grids and are in ukulele-friendly keys that are particularly suited for groups of one to one hundred to play and sing.
A Guide to Ukulele Strums
Updated: 26 Aug 2024
Learn a variety of strums and rhythmic patterns in wide range of musical styles. One of the first skills a ukulele player learns is the art and craft of strumming, playing rhythm. This refers to an accompaniment technique suitable for the singer, singer - songwriter or someone who plays a support role for another instrument.
A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.
Books
Checkout the Books for ALL available books.
Reference Charts
Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes
A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4
Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.
Related Lesson Files, Resources and Assets
Related Assets for Midnight Special
.
