Sympathy for the Devil: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection spans the full arc of the Stones' creative output, from their raw early blues-rock singles to their most ambitious and lyrically sophisticated work. Keyboardists and singers benefit from having authentic piano/vocal arrangements of genuine classics in one resource, making it invaluable for building contemporary rock repertoire. The sheer breadth means you can program anything from stripped-down duets to full band arrangements without hunting through multiple sources.

These songs bristle with attitude, swagger, and genuine musical sophistication. You'll move between bluesy grooves, intricate harmonic movements, and deceptively simple melodies that reveal their power only in performance.

Keyboardists and singers preparing rock repertoire for recitals, auditions, or performance ensembles will find 58 of the Stones' most recognizable hits in one volume. This collection works equally well for classically trained musicians exploring rock songwriting and for rock musicians who want reliable, singable arrangements. Teachers building contemporary rock literacy in their studios will use this as a core text.

• Balance vocal phrasing with the rhythmic groove of the piano part; these songs prioritize swing and pocket over strict metronomic precision.
• Study the original recordings to internalize the harmonic and rhythmic context, especially for songs with modal or blues-inflected chord movements.
• Treat the chord symbols as a foundation, not a constraint; the Stones' sound often comes from tasteful extensions and reharmonization rather than basic triads.
• Pay attention to dynamic control in the piano part, since many of these songs build power through layering rather than volume alone.

Use this as your primary source for contemporary rock programming, whether you're building a mixed-genre recital, teaching rock history through original songwriting, or preparing students for jazz ensemble auditions that value familiarity with standard rock repertoire. The breadth of the collection means you can program a themed concert around a single era of the Stones' work or mix hits from across their catalog.

• Reading and interpreting slash chords and extended harmonic symbols in rock contexts
• Singing over swung eighth-note rhythms and syncopated melodic lines
• Comp and accompaniment patterns specific to rock and blues-based songwriting
• Vocal phrasing that balances legit technique with conversational, character-driven delivery
• Recognizing modal and blues-scale influences in melodic and harmonic structure