This is a very famous French tune, and is excellent for beginners to learn.

We are using it here to illustrate Basic Transposition in the Music Theory Section. Transposition is where we change a tune from one key to another (usually to keep singers happy). Go there to learn more about what is happening here!

Here we Have transposed the tune from C Major to the Key of D Major:

D Major Scale: D - E - F# - G - A - B - C# - D

Notice that the melody is the exact same, except higher. Each note is exactly 2 frets higher than it was when playing in C major. This works because each major scale is constructed exactly the same way:

With intervals of Root - 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1 (Octave)

The difference is the starting note, which in this case is F. Due to naming conventions, the B major scale is considered as a 'Sharp' Key because it contains 2 sharp notes - F#, C#.

Don't fear the awkward note names, if you remember that the scales are really the same underneath, the rest is more a case of learning the names of the notes as you practice.

Also, although there is a distance of 2 frets, this doesn't mean we have to move 2 frets up the neck to play the tune. Instead we can use notes which are located on adjacent strings (or open strings) - as we do here. This keeps the tune easier to play.

As Before, the D Major chord is strummed at the start to help give a context for the melody that follows.