Auld Lang Syne Guitar Tutorial (Free Sheet Music Included)
In this video, I teach how to play auld lang syne on guitar in the simplest way.
Welcome to my Auld Lang Syne chords and lyrics guitar tutorial. Below you will find the Auld Lang Syne TAB, free.
You should also learn the Auld Lang Syne melody. I have a lesson for that here.
Auld Lang Syne Guitar Sheet Music Free
Auld Lang Syne Chords and Lyrics
[Verse 1]
G D
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Em C
And never brought to mind?
G D
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Em C G
And the days of auld lang syne!
[Chorus]
G D
For auld lang syne, my dear,
G C
For auld lang syne.
G D
We'll drink a cup o' kindness yet,
Em C G
For the sake of auld lang syne.
[Verse 2]
G D
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
Em C
And surely I’ll buy mine!
G D
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
Em C G
for auld lang syne.
[Chorus]
G D
For auld lang syne, my dear,
G C
For auld lang syne.
G D
We'll drink a cup o' kindness yet,
Em C G
For the sake of auld lang syne.
[Verse 3]
G D
We two have run about the hills,
Em C
And picked the daisies fine;
G D
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
Em C G
Since auld lang syne.
[Chorus]
G D
For auld lang syne, my dear,
G C
For auld lang syne.
G D
We'll drink a cup o' kindness yet,
Em C G
For the sake of auld lang syne.
[Verse 4]
G D
We two have paddled in the stream,
Em C
From morning sun till dine;
G D
But seas between us broad have roared
Em C G
Since auld lang syne.
[Chorus]
G D
For auld lang syne, my dear,
G C
For auld lang syne.
G D
We'll drink a cup o' kindness yet,
Em C G
For the sake of auld lang syne.
[Verse 5]
G D
And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
Em C
And give me a hand o’ thine!
G D
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
Em C G
For auld lang syne.
[Chorus]
G D
For auld lang syne, my dear,
G C
For auld lang syne.
G D
We'll drink a cup o' kindness yet,
Em C G
For the sake of auld lang syne.
Who wrote Auld Lang Syne?
“Auld Lang Syne” was written by Robert Burns, the Scottish poet and lyricist, in 1788. Burns is often considered Scotland’s national poet and a key figure in the Romantic movement. He collected and adapted many traditional Scottish songs, and “Auld Lang Syne” is one of his most famous contributions.
The phrase “auld lang syne” translates to “old long since” or “times gone by” in English, making the song a nostalgic reflection on friendship and the passage of time. While Burns is credited with the lyrics, he adapted parts of the song from older Scottish folk traditions.
It became a traditional song for New Year’s Eve and other farewell gatherings around the world.
Notable Recordings:
“Auld Lang Syne” has been covered and interpreted by many artists across different genres, making it a timeless classic. Here are some notable versions:
1. Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians (1939)
- Often regarded as the most famous version, this rendition by Guy Lombardo helped cement “Auld Lang Syne” as a New Year’s Eve tradition in North America.
- Lombardo performed it during his annual New Year’s Eve broadcast from the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, a tradition that began in 1929 and continued for decades.
2. Ella Fitzgerald (1960)
- Ella Fitzgerald’s jazzy rendition adds a smooth, swing feel to the traditional song.
- Her powerful vocal performance makes it one of the most beloved jazz interpretations of “Auld Lang Syne.”
3. Jimi Hendrix (1969)
- Hendrix’s instrumental version, performed at a New Year’s Eve concert, showcases his signature electric guitar sound.
- This rock rendition is unique and reflects Hendrix’s ability to reinterpret traditional music in a modern way.
4. The Beach Boys (1979)
- Included on their Christmas album “Merry Christmas from the Beach Boys,” this version features harmonized vocals and a distinct pop sound.
- It offers a blend of nostalgia and the group’s signature surf-rock influence.
5. Bing Crosby (1942)
- Bing Crosby’s smooth, crooning version is a sentimental and classic interpretation.
- His warm baritone voice adds a comforting and reflective tone to the song.
6. The Chieftains (1999)
- This Irish folk band brings traditional instrumentation to their rendition of “Auld Lang Syne.”
- Their version highlights the song’s Celtic roots and creates a festive, celebratory atmosphere.
7. Pentatonix (2014)
- The a cappella group Pentatonix released a modern, harmony-rich version on their album “That’s Christmas to Me.”
- Their lush vocal arrangements give the song a fresh, contemporary feel.
8. Susan Boyle (2010)
- The Scottish singer Susan Boyle delivers a heartfelt and powerful version with her rich soprano voice.
- Her rendition is traditional and emotional, connecting back to the song’s Scottish origins.
9. Rod Stewart (2012)
- Rod Stewart’s version appears on his holiday album “Merry Christmas, Baby.”
- It combines pop, rock, and a touch of swing, giving it a modern yet classic appeal.
10. The Tenors (2017)
- This Canadian vocal group performed a beautiful orchestral version with rich harmonies.
- Their powerful vocal delivery brings a dramatic and emotional depth to the song.
Honorable Mentions:
- Frank Sinatra (A mellow, classic interpretation)
- Lea Michele (A theatrical version from “Glee”)
- Mariah Carey (A pop rendition with soaring vocals and festive energy)
These versions highlight the versatility of “Auld Lang Syne,” showcasing how it can be adapted across genres and generations while retaining its core message of reflection and hope.