GRANDOLA VILA MORENA (ZECA AFONSO)


About

When this song was broadcast on the radio on 25 April 1974, it was the pre-arranged signal for everybody informed to take action starting the so-called „Carnation Revolution“ in Portugal. Even though written in 1964, it has the status of a traditional hymn in Portugal. In fact, the melody has traditional roots and similarities to other Alentejan folksongs such as “Rouxinol“ are obvious.

 

Original Key

no idea

 

Tuning 

Low G

 

Tab Notes

Just basically tabbed. The melody mostly can be played from the first chord position. Accompany yourself with some light arpeggios. Part [ A ] introduces the melody, which is repeated in part [ B ] one fifth higher. That is mainly it. Just some remarks on this sweet piece of music:

a. Sometimes I hear this in 4/4 time signature. That is ok, but I learned it the other way. To me, the 4/4 gives the tune a bit of a marching character, which I don’t like. 

b. Another thing: Some replace the Dm with a G7. That is also fine, I just prefer it that way.  

c. The semiquavers or 1/16 notes are embellishments which are typical for the singing style in the Alentejo region. Sometimes, they are a little hard to play. In this case, you can just leave them out and prolong the preceding note. 


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