Songs · Late beginner
How to play Greensleeves on violin
The most-requested folk tune on the violin. Greensleeves is your first real lesson in minor-key colour, lilting 6/8 time and shaping a long phrase with the bow.
- Composer
- Traditional (English, 16th century)
- Key
- E minor
- Time signature
- 6/8
- Tempo
- 60–76 dotted-quarter
- Strings used
- D, A and E
- Level
- Late beginner
The notes
E — G A B C B — A F# D E F# — G E E D# E
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
- E string: E = open (0), F# = 1st, G = 2nd (low)
Why this piece is worth learning
Greensleeves trains the low second finger of E minor, string crossings across three strings, and the swing of compound time — three things that separate a beginner from an early-intermediate player.
Step by step
1. Count in six
Say '1-2-3 4-5-6' out loud while clapping the melody. 6/8 feels like two big beats, each split into three.
2. Learn the low second finger
In E minor the C on the A string and the G on the E string are low second fingers — they sit right next to the first finger.
3. Bow the rising phrase
Play G A B C B with separate bows, no slurs, keeping each note the same length.
4. Add the falling answer
A F# D E F# descends across two strings. Move the whole arm to the new string level.
5. Shape it
Grow the tone toward the top note of each phrase and ease off at the end. That shaping is what makes it sound like music.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Second finger played high
E minor needs a low 2nd finger next to the 1st. Check C and G against a drone.
6/8 played as 3/4
Tap the dotted-quarter pulse with your foot: two taps per bar, three notes per tap.
Bow runs out on long notes
Use less bow on the short notes so there's bow left for the dotted ones.
A 15-minute practice plan
- •3 min — E minor scale, one octave, watching the low 2nd finger
- •3 min — clap and count the rhythm in 6/8
- •6 min — first four bars, hands together at 52 bpm
- •3 min — full opening phrase with a drone on E
Practise Greensleeves with real-time feedback
Violin AI listens while you play and scores your intonation note by note — free to start.
Questions
What key is Greensleeves in on violin?
E minor is the standard violin key. It uses the open E and D strings and keeps the whole melody in first position.
Is Greensleeves hard for a beginner?
It is a late-beginner piece. The notes are all first position, but the 6/8 rhythm and the low second finger take a few weeks to settle.
Is Greensleeves public domain?
Yes — it dates from the 16th century, so you can play, record and publish it freely.
Next songs: twinkle twinkle little star · ode to joy · amazing grace · canon in d
All songs · violin guides