How to play Frère Jacques on piano
- Level
- Very easy
- Key
- C major
- Composer
- Traditional French
- Written
- 1780s
A French round known since the late 1700s, sung in English as 'Are You Sleeping, Brother John?'. Every line repeats twice, so learning it is really learning four short patterns.
Frère Jacques letter notes
Press play to hear each line while the keys light up. Then play along, one line at a time.
Frère Jacques, frère Jacques
CDECCDEC
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
EFGEFG
Sonnez les matines (x2)
GAGFECGAGFEC
Ding, dang, dong (x2)
CGCCGC
Underlined notes are long notes: hold them for two beats or more.
Hand position
Right hand in C position, then reach finger 5 to A. The last line drops to the G below middle C.
Easy left-hand chords
Once the melody is comfortable, add these chords in your left hand, one per line or bar: C (the whole round works over a single C chord).
Chord diagrams: C major.
Practice tips
- Each line is played twice. Learn it as four patterns, not eight lines.
- 'Morning bells are ringing' moves quickly: G A G F E C.
- The final 'ding dang dong' drops to G3. Use your thumb on C and reach down with the hand, or use the left hand.
How to practice this song
- Listen to each line once with the play button.
- Play one line slowly with the right hand until you make no mistakes three times in a row.
- Join two lines together, then the whole song.
- Add the left-hand chords, at half speed, once the melody is automatic.