Level: 3
Tuning: Standard

Rev. Davis' C gospel songs are wondrous to behold, worked out in a style unique to him. The key of C has a brightness and a sort of uplifting tone. The melodies are detailed and ornate; the basses form contrapuntal supporting lines. Rev. Davis had a great variety of key of C sacred songs. If we just listen to the compiled 1935 recordings, of the ten songs in the key of C, we hear three that are of the same basic form: I Belong to the Band, Stand By Me, and You Can Go Home. As close as they sound, they still differ in subtle, but important ways. They share a form, but keep their individuality.

There is nothing like these songs anywhere in the American folk, blues, gospel guitar traditions. I Belong to the Band is a outstanding example of the use of this form. In the chorus, the bass seems to answer the "Hallelujahs" with it's own line, and then punctuates the second half with notes on the fourth and first beats. The verses ring through a signature, clarion C run from the G form, fifth fret on down.