Why "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" Is the Perfect First Song to Learn on Guitar
At Six String Academy, we believe that the best way to start your guitar journey is by playing real music from day one. That’s why one of the first songs we teach new students is The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens.
You probably already know the song—even if you don't realize it yet! It’s that famous “Wimoweh” tune from the animated movie Madagascar, where King Julien gets his groove on with the jungle animals. Kids instantly recognize it, and adults usually find themselves humming along too.
But beyond being catchy and fun, this song is ideal for beginner guitarists. Here's why.
🎸 A Simple Chord Progression That Teaches a Lot
The version we use at Six String Academy uses just four chords on a repeating loop:
G
C
G
D
This is a progression in the key of G major, which is one of the most common keys in popular music. In the Nashville Number System, this chord sequence is written as:
I – IV – I – V
This means:
G = the I chord (home base)
C = the IV chord (a bright, stable sound)
D = the V chord (leads back to G)
Learning this progression early on gives students a strong foundation they’ll use again and again in hundreds of songs. It’s simple, repetitive, and perfect for getting your fingers used to changing chords smoothly.
🪕 Easy Strumming You Can Grow With
We start students with a down-down-down-down (all down strums) pattern, or sometimes down-down-up-up-down-up once they’re ready to level up. The song is in 4/4 time, with each chord lasting a full measure.
This steady rhythm builds internal timing, hand coordination, and the ability to keep going even if you hit a wrong note—a vital early skill!
🎧 Kids Already Know the Song
The best songs to learn are the ones you already love. The Lion Sleeps Tonight is well-known by kids because of its appearances in:
Madagascar (where it plays during a silly jungle dance scene)
The Lion King
TV commercials and family karaoke nights
Because students recognize the melody and the feel, they can immediately connect with what they’re playing. This makes practice more motivating—and more fun.
📚 What Students Learn Through This Song
By learning The Lion Sleeps Tonight, students are practicing:
Chord transitions between common open chords (G, C, and D)
Keeping a steady strumming rhythm
Playing in time with a vocal melody
Developing muscle memory and confidence
It also sets them up to learn other songs that use similar progressions—everything from Sweet Home Alabama to You Are My Sunshine.
🕰️ A Little History
While the version we teach is based on The Tokens’ 1961 pop recording, the song actually has much older roots. It was originally written in the 1930s by South African musician Solomon Linda under the title “Mbube,” which means "lion" in Zulu. Over time, it evolved through several versions, including the folk-style “Wimoweh” by The Weavers, before The Tokens turned it into the hit we know today.
Its journey from South African chant to American pop hit to animated movie soundtrack is a fascinating example of how music connects cultures and generations.
👨🏫 Why We Use It at Six String Academy
At Six String Academy, our teaching philosophy is:
Play songs early and often
Keep it simple and fun
Build skills through repetition and familiarity
The Lion Sleeps Tonight checks every one of those boxes. Students play it. Sing it. Strum it. And when they leave the lesson room, they’ve actually played a full song.
That’s a big win for motivation and musical growth.
🦁 Ready to Join the Pride?
If you or your child are just getting started with guitar, The Lion Sleeps Tonight is a great way to jump into the rhythm of learning. It’s more than just a fun tune—it’s a gateway to chords, strumming, and music that sounds good from the very first week.
Come learn it with us—and don’t be surprised if your whole household starts singing “A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh…” before long.
About 6 String Academy
6 String Academy offers personalized guitar and vocal lessons in Woodland, California, for students of all ages. Led by Patrick N. Jordan, a dedicated teacher with over 25 years of playing experience and more than 15 years of teaching, our lessons focus on helping you grow as both a guitarist and singer. We specialize in beginner guitar lessons, rhythm and lead guitar, classical guitar, sight-reading, singing, and songwriting. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your skills, 6 String Academy provides supportive, one-on-one instruction tailored to your musical journey. Click here to schedule a consultation.
