Hot Cross Buns - Traditional English

Hot Cross Buns

Play a complete song using only B, A, and G
Practice steady rhythm with quarter and half notes
Develop smooth transitions between notes

About This Song

Origin: Traditional English street cry

Difficulty: Absolute Beginner

Notes Used: B, A, G

Time Signature: 4/4

Key: G Major

Fingering Review

Full Song

Play this traditional English tune. The song consists of three short phrases.

Lyrics:

Hot cross buns, hot cross buns,
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot cross buns.

Practice Tips

Start slowly: Make sure each note is clear before increasing tempo
Even rhythm: Keep the quarter notes steady - count "1-2-3-4"
Breath marks: Take a breath at the end of each phrase (every 4 measures)
Tonguing: Articulate each note clearly with "too" or "doo"

Practice Exercises

Practice just the opening phrase until smooth.

The second phrase is the same as the first.

Practice the repeated G notes.

Practice the repeated A notes.

The ending phrase returns to the opening pattern.

Historical Context

Hot Cross Buns is a traditional English street cry that sellers would call out on Good Friday. The "hot cross buns" were spiced sweet buns marked with a cross, traditionally eaten on Good Friday. This simple three-note melody has been used to teach beginning musicians for generations.

Performance Goal: You should be able to play this song at a steady tempo from beginning to end without stopping. Practice until you can play it three times in a row without mistakes.

Next Steps

Once you can play Hot Cross Buns confidently, try:

Playing it at different tempos (slow, medium, fast)
Adding dynamics (play it soft, then loud)
Learning "Mary Had a Little Lamb" (also B-A-G)