Au Clair de la Lune
- Learn low D and E fingerings
- Expand range to five notes (D-E-G-A-B)
- Play a classic French folk song
About This Song
Origin: French Traditional (18th century)
English Title: "By the Light of the Moon"
Difficulty: Early Beginner
Notes Used: D, E, G, A, B
Time Signature: 4/4
Key: G Major
New Notes: Low D and E
This song introduces two new lower notes. These require covering more finger holes!
All Notes Used
Full Song
A beautiful French folk song about moonlight. Play it gently and smoothly.
English Lyrics:
By the light of the moon,
My friend Pierrot,
Lend me your quill,
To write a word.
My candle is dead,
I have no light left,
Open your door for me,
For the love of God.
Practice Tips
- Low notes: The D and E notes need more fingers - practice them slowly
- Full coverage: Make sure all holes are completely covered
- Gentle breath: Don't blow harder for low notes - keep breath steady
- Smooth transitions: Moving between high and low notes takes practice
Practice Exercises
Practice low D with notes you already know.
Practice the transition between D and E.
Play all five notes ascending and descending.
Start with the opening phrase.
Historical Context
"Au Clair de la Lune" is one of the most popular French folk songs, dating back to the 18th century. The lyrics tell the story of Pierrot asking his friend Harlequin to lend him a pen. The song became historically significant as one of the earliest recorded sounds in 1860 by Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville.