Auld Lang Syne was written by Robert Burns and is based on a Scottish folk melody. In this lesson, we cover the guitar chords for this song, sheet music for the melody including tabs, and also a fingerstyle guitar arrangement.

Grab your guitar and let’s get started!

How to read the guitar chord charts

To clarify how to read the chord charts in the next section, the top horizontal line represents the high E string and the bottom horizontal line represents the low E string. The vertical lines separate each fret. The numbers in the blue dots tell you which fingers to use on the fretting hand. 

For example, for the A Major chord, you use the:

• 1st finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret
• 2nd finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret
• 3rd finger on the 2nd string, 2nd fret
• Circles represent open strings
• X means to avoid the string
  

You can check this link for more on how to read guitar notation symbols.

Auld Lang Syne chords

The basic guitar chords for Auld Lang Syne are A Major, E Major, and D Major. You can click on the chords with links to learn different ways of playing that chord.

Try the following chords one at a time until you feel comfortable switching between them. These chords will be written above the melody in the next section.

Here are some other resources on chords:

• What are the first chords you should learn on guitar?
• 6 tips to get better at switching between chords on guitar
  

Auld Lang Syne guitar tabs and chords

For the sheet music below, keep in mind that the chords and melody are meant to be played as separate parts. We’ll look at how to connect these parts later in the arrangement section of this lesson.

You can refer to this simple guide to understanding music symbols if needed.

By the way, you can get all the PDFs of this song below.

Auld Lang Syne finger-style guitar arrangement

In this section, we are essentially connecting the melody and chords together using a finger picking method of playing. The numbers next to some notes on the top staff indicate which fingers to use on the fretting hand.

If needed, check out this lesson to learn how to finger pick on guitar.

If you like this style of playing, you can check out this lesson to learn how to connect a melody and chords on guitar.

Auld Lang Syne lyrics

Verse 1:
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Verse 2:
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne. (Chorus)

Verse 3:
We two have run about the hills,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne. (Chorus)

Verse 4:
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne. (Chorus)

Verse 5:
And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne. (Chorus)

References:
Auld Lang Syne. wikipedia.org
Auld Lang Syne. hymnary.org

Get the free guitar practice guide here!

Want to learn more songs? Check out the sheet music with guitar tabs resource on this site.

All the best,

JG Music Lessons