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How to Play Twinkle Twinkle on the Guitar

Simple, easily-recognized melodies are extremely beneficial when learning a new instrument. Because the melody is already in your head, you can tell right away if you hit a bad note or miss a beat. One of the most popular melodies for the beginner guitarist is "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," which is a simple tune based around a series of paired notes. As you learn to play this basic melody, sing along so that you don't loose your place.

Instructions

  1. "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

    • 1

      Play the open G string twice, the G is the fourth string down. "Open" means you don't press on any frets. Pluck the string, either with a pick or with your fingers two times. Each note should be equal in length. These two notes make "Twin-kle."

    • 2

      Put your third finger on the third fret of the B string to make a D. The B string is one down from the G. Repeat the "Twin-kle" rhythm on this note.

    • 3

      Remove your third finger and play the open top E string twice. Note that "top E string" refers to pitch, not position. The top E string is at the bottom of the guitar, below the B. Repeat the "twinkle" pattern on this note to create the two syllables for "little."

    • 4

      Place your third finger back on the third fret of the B string. Play the note once, but let it ring for two beats. This completes the first line.

    "How I Wonder What You Are"

    • 5

      Put your first finger on the first fret of the B string to make a C. Play it twice, as you did for "Twinkle." This is the "How I" line.

    • 6

      Remove your finger and play the B string open, using the same rhythm. This is the "won-der" line. Put your second finger on the second fret of the G string to make an A. Play it twice to make "what you."

    • 7

      Play the open G and let it ring for two beats to make "are."

    "Up Above the World So High"

    • 8

      Make a D note by putting your third finger on the B string, third fret. Position your first finger on the first fret, ready for the next note when you've done D. Play the D twice.

    • 9

      Remove your third finger and play the B string twice again with your finger already on the first fret to create a C note.

    • 10

      Remove your first finger and play the B string open. Use the same rhythm as you did for "won-der" and "twin-knle," this time to make "world so." Put your second finger on the second fret of the G string to make A and let it ring. This is the "high" part. Repeat the "Up above the world so high" melody once more for the "like a diamond in the sky" line.

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