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.
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!
C D G CAs the blackbird in the spring, 'neath the willow tree,C D G CSat and piped, I heard him sing; sing of Aura Lee.C E F CAura Lee, Aura Lee, maid with golden hairC D G CSunshine came along with thee, and swallows in the air. C D G CIn thy blush the rose was born, music when you spake.C D G CThrough thine azure eye, the morn, sparkling seemed to break.C E F CAura Lee, Aura Lee, birds of crimson wingC D G CNever song have sung to me as in that night, sweet spring. C D G CAura Lee, the bird may flee the willow's golden hairC D G CSwing through winter fitfully, on the stormy air.C E F CYet if thy blue eyes I see, gloom will soon depart.C D G CFor to me, sweet Aura Lee is sunshine through the heart. C D G CWhen the mistletoe was green, midst the winter's snowsC D G CSunshine in thy face was seen kissing lips of rose. C E F CAura Lee, Aura Lee, take my golden ring.C D Love and light return with thee, G Cand swallows with the spring.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.
Want to Go Further?
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