Public domain

Au Clair de la Lune

French traditional song, 18th century

Key

C major

Meter

4/4

BPM

82

Chords

CGCFCGC

Available shapes

How to play the chords

Simple standard-guitar diagrams for the chords used in this piece.

C

Guitar
xEADoGBoe

Curve the fingers so the open G and high E strings can ring.

G

Guitar
EAoDoGoBe

Keep the bass note strong and let the open middle strings ring.

F

Guitar
EADGBe

Use a barre on fret 1. Beginners can first practice the top four strings.

Open string: o · Muted string: x. Some advanced chords may not have a simplified diagram yet.

Simplified notes

1

C C C D

2

E D C E

3

D D C

4

C C C D

5

E D C E

6

D C

Practice tips

  • Good first melody for beginners.
  • Use open-position chords.
  • Listen for clean note endings.

Continue from here

Use this song page as a bridge into rhythm, chords and the most useful learning guides.

Rights note

Traditional public-domain melody. This is a compact educational arrangement made for the site.

Guides that fit this song

These short guides match this kind of piece especially well, whether you want chord reading, rhythm control or an easier key.