Learn Greensleeves on Classical Guitar: PDF + TAB

Get a free PDF of the Greensleeves Guitar TAB so you can start learning this classic Christmas carol today.

Greensleeves

The tune “Greensleeves” was a popular broadside ballad from the 16th century. While some claim King Henry VIII wrote the song, it is likely a popular ballad that was around the British Isles for some time. The authorship is anonymous, like many pieces from the Renaissance.

Greensleeves Lyrics

The original lyrics come from the 1584 A Handful of Pleasant Delights. Go here to see the lyrics in full. They describe a “Lady Greensleeves” who rejects the advances of a young man who has “waged both life and land” for the lady, who is his “heart of gold.”

However, today the tune is much more known for its setting to the Christmas carol “What Child Is This?” The English composer and hymn writer William Chatterton Dix wrote the lyrics in 1865. The tune was then published in a collection of other carols set to the tune of Greensleeves in 1871.

Greensleeves on Lute

The tune appears in many lute books from the Renaissance. A popular version is that of Francis Cutting. This version is quite different from the popular hymn tune associated with “What Child Is This?” but it gives you a good look at what the original tune was like.

A version closer to the tune we all know and love is from the so-called William Ballet Lute Book.

Our Arrangement of Greensleeves for Classical Guitar

The arrangement we have created for you is a transcription from the William Ballet Lute Book, with some small alterations in the second section. This will be an approachable version for about a Grade 3 player.

Performance Notes

If you would like to use a capo on the third fret it will brighten the sound and make it sound more lute-like. It will also help with some of the stretches.

The time signature of 6/4 may be new to you, but it is a very common way to interpret triple-meter pieces from the Renaissance. You’ll have six quarter-note beats per measure. It will feel pretty similar to 6/8 if you play it at a slightly faster tempo.

There are dotted rhythms throughout so be sure to use eighth-note subdivision. Otherwise your dotted notes can become lazy and sound more like triplets.

In measure 1, the F natural on the “and” of beat 5 is to be played with the 2 finger in the left hand. Try to hold on to the C with the 3 finger on the fifth string as you stretch to reach the F.

If you would like to add ornaments in places you may, but the piece sounds beautiful as is.

Greensleeves Guitar TAB

Download a free PDF of the Greensleeves Guitar TAB.