Start Me Up: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This lead sheet captures one of rock and roll's most iconic riffs in a format that lets students explore how a deceptively simple musical idea powers an entire song. The straightforward melody and chord structure make it accessible for keyboards and vocalists while maintaining the swagger and drive that made the original unforgettable.

Confident and unbuttoned. The piece has an irresistible momentum that builds from a hypnotic riff into pure rock energy. There's attitude here; even in a simplified lead sheet format, you feel the original's street-level swagger and raw charisma.

Pianists and keyboardists looking to expand their pop and rock repertoire, vocalists who want to tackle a modern classic, and ensembles seeking engaging material that bridges popular music and musicianship. This single-page lead sheet works for students who read chord symbols and enjoy exploring how iconic songs are constructed.

• Lock into the rhythmic pocket of the signature riff. The groove sits just slightly behind the beat, so feel the swagger rather than rushing it.
• Keep the touch percussive on keyboard; these chords need definition and attitude, not smoothness.
• Build energy through repetition. The lead sheet's brevity means you're returning to the same material, so use subtle dynamics and textural changes to sustain interest across multiple cycles.

Include this in a popular music unit or a concert exploring rock's foundational songs. It pairs well with other Stones material or classic rock standards, and works equally well as a solo keyboard feature, an ensemble piece, or an opening warm-up that gets everyone's energy up.

• Reading and interpreting lead sheet notation with chord symbols
• Understanding blues-based harmony in a rock context
• Developing rhythmic independence and groove awareness
• Balancing melody and accompaniment roles