Find out more about these original fingerpicking arrangements of 9 easy French songs that you can play on your guitar.
Here is a collection of 9 traditional French songs that I have arranged for guitar. You can play these fingerstyle, on classical or steel string guitar.
If you want to download the PDF score for this guitar music, it's available free of charge. All of the arrangements are available right here on the arrangements page.
1. Au clair de la lune
Pretty much every Francophone and Francophile knows the lyrics to this song. As I sat beneath the moonlit sky, the haunting melody of "Au Clair de la Lune" echoed through my mind, beckoning me to arrange it for the humble guitar.
I felt the connection between past and present, as if the ghosts of Montmartre were dancing in harmony with my fingers. And as the last note faded away, I knew that I had not only captured the essence of "Au Clair de la Lune," but had also unlocked a piece of my own soul.
2. Auprès de ma blonde
This is a classic French traditional song. The song's tender lyrics and lilting rhythm whispered tales of love and longing, and as I plucked the first notes on my guitar, I was transported to a bygone era, where lovers strolled through moonlit gardens and whispered sweet nothings to one another.
The music flowed like a gentle stream, and as the final note echoed away into the darkness, I knew that I had not only captured the essence of "Auprès de ma blonde," but had also unlocked a piece of my own heart.
3. Fais Dodo
Under the soft glow of the moon, I found myself whisked away to a world of whimsy and wonder, as the melody of "Fais Dodo" danced through my mind. The song's sweet lullaby seemed to beckon me to craft an arrangement that would transport children to a realm of dreams and imagination. As I plucked the first notes on my guitar, I felt as if I were a child who would not fall asleep.
4. Il était une bergère
This traditional song is a beautiful melody, but the song's haunting lyrics whisper of a maid consumed by rage, her fury fueled by the theft of her precious milk. I felt a surge of energy, as if I were channeling the wrath of the maid herself.
And as I sat there, my fingers trembling with the intensity of the performance, I knew that I had created something truly unique - a piece of music that would leave its mark on the world, and forever change the way I approached the craft of songwriting.
5. Malbrough s'en va-t-en guerre
This arrangement for guitar of the iconic French folk song, "Malbrough s'en va-t-en guerre," comes to life as it echoes the tale of Marshal de Villars, as he marches off to war, leaving behind a legacy of glory and defiance.
This arrangement is a celebration of the marshal's bravery and defiance, and a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and honor.
6. Un Canadien errant
This is a well known classic French Canadian song composed by Antoine Guérin which talks about the displacement of French Canadians during a period known as the "Grand dérangement".
The song's enchanting allure was like a siren's call, urging me to unlock its secrets and breathe new life into its ancient beauty. And as I strummed the first chords, I felt a surge of inspiration, as if the spirits of the night themselves were guiding my fingers across the fretboard.
The music flowed like a river, weaving together the threads of nostalgia and longing, and as I listened to the notes ring out, I knew that I had created something truly magical.
7. Une souris verte
This is a popular children's song in the French continent. The French folk song "Une Souris Verte" is a cruel but absurdly entertaining tale of an elusive green mouse that becomes a snail.
The guitar work is nimble and light, perfectly capturing the whimsy of the song.
