Shady Grove is a traditional Appalachian folk song that tells the story of a man who is smitten with a woman named Shady Grove. The narrator expresses his affection for Shady Grove and desires to be with her despite the challenges and obstacles they may face. The lyrics paint a picture of a pastoral setting, with references to natural elements like the shady grove itself, the sweet apple tree, and the birds singing. The song's melody is often played on stringed instruments like the guitar or banjo, evoking a sense of nostalgia for simpler times and rural landscapes.
Letter notes
D D D E D
B C D D E
F G A C° A G
Number notation
2 2 2 3 2
7 1 2 2 3
4 5 6 1° 6 5
This is a short preview of the song. The full Shady Grove Traditional Song kalimba tab—cleanly formatted and printable—is included in our 17-Note Kalimba Songbook below.
Get the Complete Shady Grove Traditional Song Kalimba Tab with Our 17-Note Kalimba Songbook
Learn to play Shady Grove Traditional Song on the kalimba with an easy-to-read, beginner-friendly tablature PDF—available inside our 17-Note Kalimba Songbook.





