“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is a timeless classic, beloved by children and adults alike. Its simple melody and lyrics make it an ideal first song for anyone learning to play the guitar. Based on the French tune “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman” from 1761, this song is not only historically rich but also incredibly accessible for beginner guitarists.
Why “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is Perfect for Guitar Beginners
This song is a fantastic starting point for guitarists for several reasons. Firstly, the melody is instantly recognizable and easy to memorize. This familiarity helps beginners focus on learning guitar techniques rather than struggling with a new tune. Secondly, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” can be played using basic open position chords, which are fundamental for early guitar learning. The straightforward nature of the song allows learners to build confidence and develop essential skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Guitar Tabs and Sheet Music for “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
Whether you prefer tablature or standard notation, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is readily available in both formats. This makes it easy for anyone to pick up and start playing, regardless of their music reading experience.
Melody Only (Tabs and Standard Notation)
For those just starting, learning the melody is a great first step. The melody of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is beautifully simple and focuses on the higher strings of the guitar. Below, you will find the melody in both guitar tab and standard notation.
For players looking for a fuller sound, or for teaching purposes, a full accompaniment version is also available.
Download Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star guitar accompaniment PDF
Learning Tips for “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” on Guitar
When learning “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” on guitar, keep a few helpful tips in mind. The song uses only natural notes, meaning no sharps or flats, simplifying the learning process. Playing in the key of G Major is particularly guitar-friendly as it utilizes open strings extensively. Notice that the melody primarily uses the three thinnest strings (E, B, and G), which are often easier for beginners to manage.
Another helpful aspect is the song’s structure. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” follows an ABBA structure. Measures 1-4 are musically identical to measures 9-12, and measures 5-6 are the same as measures 7-8. This repetitive structure means you only need to learn two short musical phrases and repeat them, making the song quicker to master.
Chords and Lyrics for Sing-Along
To make “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” even more engaging, you can play chords along with the melody and sing the lyrics. Here are the lyrics with chords in two common keys: G Major and C Major.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (short version) in the key of G
(G)Twinkle, twinkle, (C)little (G)star, (C)
How I (G)wonder (D)what you (G)are! (C)
Up (C)above the (G)world so (D)high, (G)
Like a (C)diamond (G)in the (D)sky. (G)
Twinkle, twinkle, (C)little (G)star, (C)
How I (G)wonder (D)what you (G)are!
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (short version) in the key of C
(C)Twinkle, twinkle, (F)little (C)star, (F)
How I (C)wonder (G)what you (C)are! (F)
Up (F)above the (C)world so (G)high, (C)
Like a (F)diamond (C)in the (G)sky. (C)
Twinkle, twinkle, (F)little (G)star, (F)
How I (C)wonder (G)what you (C)are!
You can also explore playing the song with a capo to change the key. For example, placing a capo on the 2nd fret in the G Major version will transpose the song to A Major. Similarly, using the chords in C Major and placing a capo on the 2nd fret will allow you to play in D Major.
Musical Context: Key, Time Signature, and Tempo
Understanding the musical context can further enhance your playing. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is typically played in the key of G Major in the versions presented here.
The time signature is 4/4, which is the most common time signature in Western music. This means there are four beats in each measure, and each beat is a quarter note.
The suggested tempo for this version is 100 beats per minute (BPM), often marked as Moderately. This provides a comfortable and steady pace for learning and playing.
“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is a delightful and educational song for beginner guitarists. By using the provided tabs, sheet music, and tips, you’ll be twinkling away in no time! Explore the different versions and find what works best for your learning journey.
