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I'm a Believer
Here is a harp lead sheet for the classic tune by Neil Diamond, I'm a Believer. I've 'smoothed over' a few of the edges and adapted it slightly so that it's playable by harpists of all levels of playing.
This tune is probably well known to you as being covered brilliantly by The Monkees, and of course it's known by younger generations as the feel good tune which ends the classic film SHREK
This tune is probably well known to you as being covered brilliantly by The Monkees, and of course it's known by younger generations as the feel good tune which ends the classic film SHREK
There is ONE lever (or pedal change) in the music, but it's really easy to manage as it's just the Right Hand melody at that point. Have a go, or you can leave that bit out if you prefer.
I've written out 3 options for RIFF 1 to cover all standards of players. Go for what is most comfortable.
I'm well aware that RIFF 2 isn't quite as per the original, but this version lies under the hands really nicely and works well.
If you know the original pattern for RIFF 2 and prefer to play that, then please play the original of course.
I've written 2 options for bass patterns. I find sticking to an octave pattern makes it easier so that you don't then have to worry about the harmony and can concentrate on playing the tune in the right hand. (If you do decide to play chords rather than octaves, I would advise leaving out adding any thirds whenever you have the D chords as you will then have to add F#) Play as much or as little left hand as you feel comfortable, or make up your own patterns. Whatever you do in the Left Hand don't forget that old adage - if in doubt leave it out.
If you scroll to the bottom of the page, there is a video of The Monkees version of I'm a Believer, which you can play along to with this leadsheet as they are in the same key.
When playing along to the video, you can either just play the riffs, or just the left hand, or just the melody. Or grab any combination of riff, melody and left hand. There's no right or wrong thing to do!!
So set your harps into the key of C major and have fun playing along to video of The Monkees with as much or as little as you like of this feel good tune.
Happy harping!
Lauren
| im_a_believer-riffs.pdf |
| im_a_believer_leadsheet.pdf |
