Is "Friend Of The Devil" good for a child learning piano?

Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.

What age can start with "Friend Of The Devil"?

Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.

Do we need a piano teacher to use this?

No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.

Can we print the sheet music?

Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.

How many chords does "Friend Of The Devil" use?

Just 4 chords: Am, C, D, G. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.

What other Grateful Dead songs work for kids?

Try "UNCLE JOHN'S BAND", "THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED", "SUGAR MAGNOLIA". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.

Super Simple Piano

Friend Of The Devil

· by Grateful Dead

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Lyrics

(G)I lit out from Re no; I was trailed by twen ty hounds.

(G)Did n’t get to sleep that night till the (C)morn ing came a round.

(D)Set out run nin’, but I take my time.

A (Am)friend of the dev il is a friend of mine.

If (D)I get home be fore day light, I (Am)just might get some sleep to (D)night.

(G)Ran in to the dev il, babe; he loaned me twen ty bills.

(G)Spent the night in U tah in a cave (C)up ing in the hills.

(D)Set out run nin’, but I take my time.

A (Am)friend of the dev il is a friend of mine.

If (D)I get home be fore day light, I (Am)just might get some sleep to (D)night.

(G)Ran down to the lev ee, but the dev il caught me there.

He (G)took my twen ty dol lar bill and he (C)van ished in the air.

(D)Set out run nin’, but I take my time.

A (Am)friend of the dev il is a friend of mine.

If (D)I get home be fore day light, I (Am)just might get some sleep to (D)night.

Got two rea sons why I cry a way each lone ly night.

The (C)first one’s named sweet Anne Ma rie, and she’s my heart’s de light.

(D)Sec ond one is pris on, ba by; the sher iff’s on my trail.

And (Am)if he catch es up with me, I’ll (C)spend my life in (D)jail.

(G)Got a wife in Chi no, babe, and one in Cher o kee.

(G)First one says she’s got my child, but (C)it don’t look like me.

(D)Set out run nin’, but I take my time.

A (Am)friend of the dev il is a friend of mine.

If (D)I get home be fore day light, I (Am)just might get some sleep to (D)night.

Got two rea sons why I cry a way each lone ly night.

The (C)first one’s named sweet Anne Ma rie, and she’s my heart’s de light.

(D)Sec ond one is pris on, ba by; the sher iff’s on my trail.

And (Am)if he catch es up with me, I’ll (C)spend my life in (D)jail.

(G)Got a wife in Chi no, babe, and one in Cher o kee.

(G)First one says she’s got my child, but (C)it don’t look like me.

me.

(D)night.

Friend Of The Devil by Grateful Dead — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Friend Of The Devil” by Grateful Dead in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of G at 200 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Friend Of The Devil" good for a child learning piano?: Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Friend Of The Devil"?: Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?: No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?: Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Friend Of The Devil" use?: Just 4 chords: Am, C, D, G. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other Grateful Dead songs work for kids?: Try "UNCLE JOHN'S BAND", "THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED", "SUGAR MAGNOLIA". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.