Discover a simple yet beautiful fingerstyle guitar tab for “Greensleeves,” the timeless English folk song from the 16th century. This arrangement is perfect for beginner guitarists and sounds wonderful on acoustic, classical, or even clean electric guitar.
Greensleeves Guitar TAB with Chords
Learning to Play Greensleeves on Guitar: A Beginner-Friendly Approach
This “Greensleeves” guitar tab arrangement is designed to be accessible for those new to fingerstyle guitar. It remains within the first position on the guitar neck and incorporates several open strings, simplifying the playing process significantly.
The piece is written in A minor*. In the key of A minor, there are no sharps or flats in the key signature. However, you’ll notice some sharpened notes (indicated by the # symbol) throughout the music notation. If you’re unfamiliar with reading standard notation, don’t worry – the guitar tab provides a clear guide.
Sharps (#) raise the pitch of a note by a half step. If you’re unsure how a section should sound, always refer to the tab, which visually represents the music on the guitar fretboard.
Consider repeating the entire piece two or three times to fully grasp it. For a pleasant variation, especially at the end of your final repetition, try substituting an A major chord for the A minor chord at the very last bar. This creates a brighter, more uplifting ending – a musical effect known as a ‘tierce de Picardie’ in classical music.
Finger Positioning for the Left Hand
You’ll see small numbers beside certain notes in the notation. These numbers indicate the recommended finger to use on your fretting hand (left hand for right-handed players). Fingers are numbered 1 (index) through 4 (pinky).
For the bass notes (the lower notes, typically on the thicker strings), use your right-hand thumb.
Understanding the Time Signature of Greensleeves
“Greensleeves” is in 6/8 time. This time signature means each measure (or bar) has two main beats, and each of these main beats is divided into three sub-beats. A helpful way to count 6/8 rhythm is: “ONE-two-three, TWO-two-three.”
Alternatively, you can count “One-Two-Three-Four-Five-Six,” emphasizing beats “One” and “Four” slightly.
The very first note of “Greensleeves” is known as a ‘pick-up note’ or ‘anacrusis’. Both terms describe an extra note (or group of notes) that comes before the first complete measure of music. Therefore, when you start playing “Greensleeves,” begin counting on the second note in the tab – this is the first beat of the first full measure.
Greensleeves Melody Guitar Tab (Simplified)
For a slightly simpler version that focuses on the melody and can be played with a guitar pick, this tab omits the bass notes:
Greensleeves Melody TAB
Alternative Greensleeves Guitar Tab Version
This alternative version of the “Greensleeves” guitar tab introduces a subtle variation. Some of the F sharp notes from the initial melody are replaced with F natural notes. This gives the piece a gentler, less Dorian mode sound. It’s just one of the many variations of this melody that have evolved over the centuries.
Greensleeves Guitar TAB with Chords
The Historical Mystery: Was Greensleeves Written by Henry VIII?
Henry The Eighth
While popular legend suggests that King Henry VIII composed “Greensleeves,” it’s highly unlikely to be true. If you’re curious about the true origins of this famous song, you can explore more information on Wikipedia.
We hope you find this “Greensleeves” guitar tab arrangement enjoyable to play. We encourage you to practice and let us know how you progress in the comments section below!
