How to Play “Au clair de la lune” on Piano (3 Levels, Free)
Learn the classic French nursery rhyme Au clair de la lune on piano: listen to the beginner, easy and intermediate versions, then play the level of your choice with falling notes, right in your browser.
Listen and play: 3 levels
Beginner
Right hand
Easy
Both hands · simple
Intermediate
Both hands · full
About the piece
Au clair de la lune is one of the most famous French folk songs, dating back to the 18th century. It is a gentle, simple melody often used as a lullaby and is a staple in early childhood music education all around the world.
It is perfect for beginners because the melody is repetitive and fits perfectly within the five-finger range. Your hand stays in a fixed position, allowing you to focus entirely on timing and finger placement.
Which level should you choose?
- Right hand only: the melody alone, five fingers on five keys. Perfect for your very first days at the piano.
- Both hands, simple: the left hand adds one low note under the melody. Ideal once the melody is comfortable.
- Both hands, full chords: the left hand plays full chords, for a richer sound.
Start with the right hand, even if you plan to play with both hands: once the melody is automatic, adding the left hand becomes much easier.
Fingering and hand position
Place your right hand in C position: thumb (1) on middle C, 2 on D, 3 on E, 4 on F and 5 on G. The melody starts on C with your thumb: C C C D E D C E D D C, then repeats the C C C C D E D C E D D C pattern.
The tricky part is the transition between the notes D and E. Keep your fingers curved and relaxed so you can move smoothly between the keys without tension.
Practice tips
- Listen to the version first, then play it.
- In Rhythm mode, lower the speed to 50% or 75% for the first tries.
- Play the first phrase until it's clean before moving to the next one.
- Look at the screen, not your hands: the finger numbers appear on the keys.
Learn it step by step
Lesson 1 of the free DOLI PIANO course teaches Au clair de la lune step by step with the right hand, in about ten minutes: you place your five fingers, learn each phrase, then play the whole melody.
Frequently asked questions
Is Au clair de la lune easy to play on piano?
Yes. It is considered one of the easiest melodies for piano beginners, as the notes remain within a limited range of five keys.
What are the notes of Au clair de la lune?
C C C D E D C E D D C, followed by a repetition of the same melodic structure.
Who composed Au clair de la lune?
It is a traditional French folk melody, dating back to the 18th century; no specific composer is attributed to the piece.
How long does it take to learn Au clair de la lune on piano?
Most beginners can learn the right-hand melody in a single 10 to 15 minute practice session. Adding the left hand will take a few more sessions.
Which fingers do you use for Au clair de la lune?
Right hand in C position: thumb (1) on C, 2 on D, 3 on E, 4 on F and 5 on G. The melody starts on C with the thumb (1).
Can I play Au clair de la lune without a piano?
Yes. On DOLI PIANO you can play it with a tablet, your computer keyboard or any MIDI keyboard, for free and without an account.
Do I need to read sheet music to play it?
No. The falling notes show which key to press and when, and the finger numbers appear on the keys. You can learn to read music later.
What should I play after Au clair de la lune?
Other five-note pieces like Ode to Joy or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, then pieces that move the hand, like Jingle Bells.
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