Frère Jacques easy piano tutorial

A French round from the 18th century, also known as “Are You Sleeping, Brother John?”. Each short phrase repeats, so it is easy to learn a bar at a time.

Level

Beginner

Style

Kids and folk songs

Key

C major

Time

4/4

Length

8 bars

Fingering

On every note

This is lesson 12 of the free Pianolus course (Rhythm). Tip: Hold the left-hand notes for the whole bar while the right hand moves.

How to learn Frère Jacques on piano

1. Connect your digital piano to your computer, phone or tablet with a USB cable and tap Connect piano. No piano? Use the on-screen keys.
2. Open the song and press Listen to hear it while the notes fall onto the keyboard.
3. Tap Lesson. The song is split into 2 short sections of four bars: each one with the right hand, then the left hand, then both hands slowly.
4. Keep Wait for me on: the music waits until you press the right keys. Finger numbers show which finger to use.
5. Play the whole song slowly, then at full speed. Reach 90% to pass each step.

▶ Start practising

This arrangement was made for Pianolus from music in the public domain and is free to play.