Auld Lang Syne

Play the complete verse and contrasting chorus at one singing tempo
Keep the dotted rhythms clear and sustain the long high notes for three beats

Composer: Scottish traditional; words by Robert Burns (1759–1796)

Notes Used: D4, E4, F#4, G4, A4, B4, D5, E5

Notes Used: G4, A4, B4, C5, D5, E5, G5, A5

Time Signature: 4/4 · Key: G Major

Time Signature: 4/4 · Key: C Major

Fingering Review

Full Song

Hadow’s historical reading, transposed from F to G, includes a passing note in the opening that differs from today’s usual version.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to min’?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o’ lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

Practice Exercises

Performance Goal: Play the verse and chorus in steady time, with full three-beat holds and a clearly shaped final cadence.