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Much like “London Bridge,” “The Grand Old Duke of York” is a piece of European history that has survived to the modern day through a simple children’s rhyme. Also like “London Bridge,” we don’t really know who/what the song refers to specifically. There have been many Dukes of York over the years, and a few of them are even known for leading troops on the battlefield in ways that might make sense to memorialize in a silly song. Still, no one knows for certain what person or event the song is referring to.
It has been suggested that the song was a common way of taunting whoever happened to be in power, not just the Duke of York. Versions exist that insert Napoleon into the song rather than the Duke of York. Another names the King of France. It’s possible that the version that we all know today survived into the present entirely by chance or just because it sounded better than the other versions, and not because the Duke of York was unique in his superfluous troop movements.
“The Grand Old Duke of York” Playing Tips
I’m going to focus on a single measure of this song because it features a technique that is actually pretty uncommon in children’s music. The second measure (continuing into the first note of the third measure) contains what is essentially a G arpeggio. An arpeggio is a chord, but you play the notes individually instead of all at once in a strum.
You’ll notice, however, that while the measure includes a G arpeggio, it includes the 4th fret of the G string, when you would usually play the G string open for a G chord. Arpeggios don’t have to stick to the common chord shapes we use all of the time. They can use any formation of the notes of a chord – in this case the notes of G major: G B D. Here are the notes of the measure:
Since the arpeggio starts on the higher G at the third fret of the E string, it doesn’t need the second G on the open string. It does need a B, however, since it never goes high enough to grab the second fret on the A string. To add that B and complete the chord triad, the arpeggio adds the B at the fourth fret of the G string.
The proper way to play the arpeggio is by plucking the strings individually with your right hand while fretting all of the notes at the same time with your left, like you are playing this chord:
You’ll find it is much easier to get the timing right if you get yourself into position with this chord shape. Getting the timing while trying to get your fingers down individually is possible, but it’s a lot more effort than what is really necessary.
Arpeggios pop up all the time in ukulele and guitar music, both in melodies like in this example and as a way of accompanying another instrument as an alternative to just strumming chords. I’ll get into that technique another day.
Click the link or the ‘Download’ button below to see the sheet music if your browser doesn’t display the embedded PDF.
Don’t have a low G uke? Not a problem. I’ve included a standard (high G) TAB for this song as well. Find the link at the bottom on the post. Happy picking!
“The Grand Old Duke of York” Low G Sheet Music Download
“The Grand Old Duke of York” High G Sheet Music Download
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