How to Play Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground: Piano Tutorial

Stevie Wonder Higher Ground

“Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder is a timeless funk classic that grooves with infectious energy. Released in 1973 as part of his iconic album “Innervisions,” this song combines soulful vocals, powerful lyrics, and a funky clavinet riff.

In this article with a piano tutorial video, I’ll break down the chords, progressions, and techniques needed to master the song.

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How to Play Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground: Piano Tutorial

Piano Lesson Video

Chords

Intro

Eb5 / Gb Ab7 / Eb5

A section / Verse

Eb5 Gb Ab7 / Eb5 / Eb5 Gb Ab7 / Eb5

Eb5 Gb Ab7 / Eb5 / Eb5 Gb Ab7 / Eb5

F7 / Ab7 Bb7 / F9 G7 / Ab7 / Db9

Eb5 Gb Ab7 / Eb5 / Eb5 Gb Ab7 / Eb5

B Section / Chorus

Ab7 / Eb5 / Ab7 / Eb5 / Ab7 / Eb5 / F7 / Bb#5#9

Eb5 Gb Ab7 / Eb5 / Eb5 Gb Ab7 / Eb5

Lyrics

People keep on learnin’
Soldiers keep on warnin’
World keep on turnin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long

Powers keep on lyin’, yeah
While your people keep on dyin’
World keep on turnin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long
Oh, no

I’m so darn glad He let me try it again
‘Cause my last time on earth, I lived a whole world of sin
I’m so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin’
‘Til I reach my highest ground

Lovers keep on lovin’
Believers keep on believin’, um yeah
Sleepers just stop sleepin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long, oh, yeah, yeah
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah

I’m so darn glad He let me try it again
‘Cause my last time on earth, I lived a whole world of sin
I’m so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin’
‘Til I reach my highest ground, whoo

‘Til I reach my higher ground, oh no
No one’s gonna bring me down
They’re sure gonna try

FAQ

Q1. What Key Is Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground In?

The song is in Eb

Q2. What Instruments Are Used in the Song Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder?

The unique wah-wah clavinet sound in the song utilizes a Mu-Tron III envelope filter pedal. The bass line is played on a Moog synthesizer using overdubs. Stevie Wonder played all the instruments on the track, including drums and percussion.

Q3. Who Else Sang Higher Ground?

The song was made even more popular when The Red Hot Chilli Peppers covered the song in 1989. Other artists that have covered the song include:

SongArtistYear
Higher GroundIda Sand2007
Higher GroundTik & Tok1984
Higher GroundJohnny Houston1973
Higher GroundLarry Graham and Graham Central Station2012
Higher GroundPlaying for Change2011
Higher GroundMarcus Miller2007

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Conclusion

I hope this article and video lesson have helped you learn and master the song. Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder is a timeless funk classic and deserves its place in popular cover and function band sets!

Daniel Forino
Daniel Forino
Articles: 170