Love Me Tender (Aura Lee) – Easy Guitar Lesson

This is one of the most beautiful, timeless melodies out there—and we’re going to learn it in the easiest way possible!

In this lesson, we’ll be playing Love Me Tender using just a few beginner-friendly chords and a simple strumming pattern. No barre chords. No fancy shapes. Just a great-sounding version that captures the spirit of the original.

A Bit of Background…

Love Me Tender is based on the Civil War-era tune Aura Lee. Back in those days (and honestly, even now), it was common for people to take existing melodies and rewrite the lyrics to create something “new.” Elvis’s version is a perfect example of this tradition—it’s essentially Aura Lee with new words and a whole lotta charm.

The Chords You’ll Need

We’re sticking to chords that are simple and sweet:
C, D, G, E, F

And don’t worry about that F chord—there’s an easy version I recommend if barre chords aren’t your thing.

Strumming Pattern

Here’s a strumming pattern that works beautifully with this tune:

It creates a nice soft rhythm that fits the lullaby feel of the song.

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Aura Lee Chords and Lyrics

👉 Love Me Tender shares the same chords and melody as Aura Lee. For copyright reasons I cannot post the lyrics to Love Me Tender. But it’s the same song! Practice this chord progression, substitute the words, and you’re good to go!

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C                D               G                C
As the blackbird in the spring, 'neath the willow tree,
C                D               G             C
Sat and piped, I heard him sing; sing of Aura Lee.
C         E         F                C
Aura Lee, Aura Lee, maid with golden hair
C             D                    G               C
Sunshine came along with thee, and swallows in the air.
 
C                D               G                C
In thy blush the rose was born, music when you spake.
C                D               G             C
Through thine azure eye, the morn, sparkling seemed to break.
C         E         F                C
Aura Lee, Aura Lee, birds of crimson wing
C             D                    G               C
Never song have sung to me as in that night, sweet spring.
 
C                D               G                C
Aura Lee, the bird may flee the willow's golden hair
C                D               G             C
Swing through winter fitfully, on the stormy air.
C         E         F                C
Yet if thy blue eyes I see, gloom will soon depart.
C             D                    G               C
For to me, sweet Aura Lee is sunshine through the heart.
 
C                D               G                C
When the mistletoe was green, midst the winter's snows
C                D               G             C
Sunshine in thy face was seen kissing lips of rose. 
C         E         F                C
Aura Lee, Aura Lee, take my golden ring.
C             D                   
Love and light return with thee,
    G                 C
and swallows with the spring.

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What’s Next?

Stay tuned—I’m working on a chord melody arrangement of this tune that’ll add a whole new layer of depth. If you enjoyed this version, the next lesson will be a natural next step for you.

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