Songs · Absolute beginner
How to play Frère Jacques on violin
Four short phrases, each repeated, all in first position. Frère Jacques is one of the very first tunes a violinist can play convincingly.
- Composer
- Traditional (French)
- Key
- G major
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Tempo
- 76–100 bpm
- Strings used
- D and A
- Level
- Absolute beginner
The notes
G A B G — G A B G — B C D — B C D
Finger numbers
- D string: D = open (0), E = 1st, F# = 2nd, G = 3rd
- A string: A = open (0), B = 1st, C = 2nd (low), D = 3rd
Why this piece is worth learning
Because each phrase repeats immediately, you get instant feedback: if the second version sounds different from the first, you know exactly what to fix.
Step by step
1. Play the first phrase
G A B G uses the 3rd finger on D, then the open A neighbourhood. Keep fingers curved.
2. Repeat it identically
Aim for the two versions to be indistinguishable in tone and timing.
3. Add the second phrase
B C D climbs the A string with a low second finger on C.
4. Sing while you play
Singing the round out loud locks the rhythm in far faster than counting alone.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
C played high
In G major the C on the A string is a low second finger, right beside the first.
Second repeat rushed
Metronome on. Repeats are where beginners speed up.
Fingers lifting between notes
Leave lower fingers down when the melody comes back to them.
A 15-minute practice plan
- •2 min — G major scale, one octave
- •3 min — first phrase, pizzicato then bowed
- •5 min — all four phrases at 76 bpm
- •3 min — full tune at 88 bpm, no repeats rushed
Practise Frère Jacques with real-time feedback
Violin AI listens while you play and scores your intonation note by note — free to start.
Questions
What are the violin notes for Frère Jacques?
G A B G, G A B G, B C D, B C D — first position on the D and A strings in G major.
Can I play it as a round?
Yes. Record yourself playing it once, then play along two bars later — an easy introduction to playing with another part.
Next songs: twinkle twinkle little star · ode to joy · amazing grace · canon in d
All songs · violin guides