“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
Contents
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:
| Song | Artist | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Ground | Ida Sand | 2007 |
| Higher Ground | Tik & Tok | 1984 |
| Higher Ground | Johnny Houston | 1973 |
| Higher Ground | Larry Graham and Graham Central Station | 2012 |
| Higher Ground | Playing for Change | 2011 |
| Higher Ground | Marcus Miller | 2007 |
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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!
