How to Play “Frère Jacques” on Piano (3 Levels, Free)
Learn the classic melody Frère Jacques 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
Frère Jacques is a traditional French nursery rhyme that has become one of the most famous children's songs in the world. It is traditionally sung as a canon, where each voice starts the melody at a different time, creating a beautiful overlapping harmony.
It is a perfect piece for piano beginners. The melody is catchy, repetitive, and fits easily under your fingers. Its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for practicing rhythmic consistency and basic finger coordination.
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 F position: thumb (1) on F, 2 on G, 3 on A, 4 on Bb and 5 on C. The melody starts on F with your thumb: F G A F, F G A F, then A Bb C, A Bb C, followed by C D C Bb A F, C D C Bb A F, and finishing with F C F, F C F.
The melody is divided into four distinct phrases. Keep your hand relaxed and allow your fingers to maintain a curved shape while hovering over the keys to ensure smooth transitions between notes.
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 4 of the free DOLI PIANO course teaches Frère Jacques step by step with the right hand, in about twelve minutes: you place your five fingers, learn each phrase, then play the whole melody.
Frequently asked questions
Is Frère Jacques easy to play on piano?
Yes. It is one of the easiest melodies for beginners because it uses a simple sequence of notes that stay within a small range.
What are the notes of Frère Jacques?
The melody starts with F G A F, F G A F, followed by A Bb C, A Bb C, C D C Bb A F, C D C Bb A F, and F C F, F C F.
Who composed Frère Jacques?
It is a traditional French nursery rhyme of unknown authorship, famously known for being performed as a canon.
How long does it take to learn Frère Jacques on piano?
Most beginners play the right-hand melody in one or two short sessions of 15 minutes. Adding the left hand usually takes a few more days of regular practice.
Which fingers do you use for Frère Jacques?
Right hand in F position: thumb (1) on F, 2 on G, 3 on A, 4 on Bb and 5 on C.
Can I play Frère Jacques 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 Frère Jacques?
Other beginner-friendly pieces like Ode to Joy or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, before moving on to songs that require moving your hand position.
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