Frère Jacques - French Traditional

Frère Jacques

Learn famous French round
Practice playing canons with others
Develop steady tempo for ensemble playing

About This Song

Origin: Traditional French folk song

Difficulty: Beginner

Notes Used: D, E, F, G, A

Time Signature: 4/4

Key: D Minor

Fingering Review

Full Song

One of the most famous rounds in the world. This traditional French melody works beautifully as a canon.

Practice Tips

New note: F: F natural is used in this minor key song
Round/Canon: This is designed to be sung or played by multiple people starting at different times
Steady tempo: Essential for playing as a round - use a metronome
Minor key: Notice the different, more somber character compared to major keys

Practice Exercises

Practice F natural in context.

Master the opening ascending phrase.

Practice the "ding-dang-dong" bell section.

Practice the D minor scale pattern.

Play the entire melody through before attempting as a round.

Historical Context

Frère Jacques (Brother John or Brother James in English) is a traditional French nursery rhyme and children's song about a friar who oversleeps. The song's origin is uncertain, but it became widely known throughout Europe and has been translated into many languages. The melody is structured as a round or canon, where multiple singers or players perform the same melody but start at different times, creating harmony. The song's simple structure and memorable melody have made it one of the most recognized tunes worldwide, often one of the first rounds taught to young musicians.

Performance Goal: First master the melody alone with steady tempo. Then try playing it as a round with friends or family, with each person starting the song when the previous person reaches the second phrase.

Next Steps

Once you can play Frère Jacques confidently, try:

Playing it as a two-part, three-part, or four-part round
Experimenting with different dynamic levels
Learning "Santa Lucia" for another international folk song