In short
"When the Saints Go Marching In" is a bright, upbeat tune that is great fun on a steel tongue drum. Because our drums are laid out in simple number order from low to high (1 to 8), you just follow the numbers below, with no music reading needed. The first three lines are the same, so it comes together quickly.
The numbers: When the Saints Go Marching In
Play from left to right, one number at a time. Each row is one line of the song, so take a small breath at the end of each row before moving on.
| Sing this line | Play these numbers |
|---|---|
| Oh, when the saints | 1 3 4 5 |
| Go marching in | 1 3 4 5 |
| Oh, when the saints | 1 3 4 5 |
| Go marching in | 3 1 3 2 |
| I want to be | 3 3 2 1 |
| Among the number | 1 3 5 5 4 |
| Oh when the saints go marching in | 4 3 4 5 3 1 2 1 |
These numbers match our numbered steel tongue drums exactly, straight from our official songbook. If you have a different brand with a scattered note layout, the numbers may not line up the same way.
Watch the tutorial
Follow along with the short video below. Play it once to hear how the song should sound, then try it slowly with the numbers above.
How to play it
A few gentle tips that make the first try feel easy:
- Go slowly at first. Find each number, then play it. Speed comes on its own once your hand knows the path.
- The first three lines are identical (1 3 4 5), so most of the opening is one pattern repeated.
- Numbers 1 to 8 run from the lowest note to the highest, so higher numbers are always further along the same direction.
- This one has a happy march feel, so a steady, bouncy beat sounds great.
What you need
Any standard 8-note C major steel tongue drum will work. On our steel tongue drums for kids the notes are numbered and color coded, so a child can follow this song without knowing a single musical note.
More easy songs
This tutorial is part of our free Easy Tongue Drum Songs collection, where every song is written out by numbers the same simple way. Upbeat next songs to try are "Jingle Bells" and "Ode to Joy".
FAQ
Is "When the Saints Go Marching In" easy to play on a tongue drum?
Yes. The opening line repeats three times and the whole song stays within the first five notes, which makes it an easy, cheerful song for kids and beginners.
Do I need to read music to play it?
No. You only follow the numbers on the drum from left to right. No notes, no sheet music, and no prior experience are needed.
What drum do I need for this song?
Any standard 8-note C major steel tongue drum works. Our numbered drums make it especially easy because each note already shows its number and color.
