I Saw Three Ships

by Traditional Carol
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Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Other arrangements of I Saw Three Ships

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Sheet MusicBar NotationSimple SheetLead SheetKaraoke · LyricsEasy NotesFalling Notes
Lyrics

I (G)saw three (D7)ships come (G)sail ing (D7)in, On (G)Christ mas (A7)Day, on (D7)Christ mas Day; I (G)saw three (D7)ships come (G)sail ing (D7)in, On (G)Christ mas (A7)Day, in the (D7)morn (G)ing.

And what was (D7)in those (G)ships all (D7)three On (G)Christ mas (A7)Day, on (D7)Christ mas Day?

And (G)what was (D7)in those (G)ships all (D7)three, On (G)Christ mas (A7)Day, in the (D7)morn (G)ing?

The Vir gin (D7)Mar y and (G)Christ were (D7)there, On (G)Christ mas Day, on (D7)Christ mas Day; The (G)Vir gin (D7)Mar y and (G)Christ were (D7)there, On (G)Christ mas (Em)Day in the (D7)morn (G)ing.

I Saw Three Ships — Falling Notes Piano Tutorial

1 person has learned this song

Watch "I Saw Three Ships" by Traditional Carol in falling notes style — like Synthesia. Color-coded notes fall onto the keyboard in real time. Practice left hand, right hand, or both. Key of G, 158 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

Try other practice modes:

BeginnerLead SheetBar SheetSimple SheetKaraoke

About “I Saw Three Ships”

Can I learn "I Saw Three Ships" with falling notes like Synthesia?
Yes — Falling Notes mode shows colored note shapes dropping onto a virtual keyboard, the same visual style as Synthesia or piano-tile games. Each note's column matches the piano key you press. Works for "I Saw Three Ships" with hands-separate practice in G at 158 BPM.
What key is "I Saw Three Ships" by Traditional Carol played in?
I Saw Three Ships is arranged in the key of G on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "I Saw Three Ships"?
The arrangement plays at 158 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "I Saw Three Ships" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "I Saw Three Ships"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "I Saw Three Ships"?
"I Saw Three Ships" was originally performed by Traditional Carol. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Traditional Carol can I play here?
Try "A Jolly Merry Christmas", "A Jolly Merry Christmas", "Angels We Have Heard On High". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Can I practice left and right hand separately for "I Saw Three Ships"?
Yes! Our Top Down mode lets you isolate the left hand (bass clef), right hand (treble clef), or play both together. This makes it easy to master "I Saw Three Ships" one hand at a time before combining them.
What is falling notes style for "I Saw Three Ships"?
Falling notes (also known as Synthesia or piano waterfall) shows color-coded rectangles falling from the top of the screen onto a virtual keyboard. Each note's position matches the piano key you need to press. "I Saw Three Ships" is in the key of G at 158 BPM.