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7 | Supplemental Music

Gentle Mr. Bee

Peter Kun Frary

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Gentle Mr. Bee fits well as an optional song within Project 2 or 3. Create a musical buzz with Gentle Mr. Bee!

Bee on Hibiscus | ©Peter Kun Frary

Bee on hibiscus | ©Peter Kun Frary

Bee Musings

Gentle Mr. Bee (Včelka Mája), also known as The Honeybee, is a folk song from Bohemia. Bohemia is currently part of the Czech Republic and a former region of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Honeybee, don't you dare sting me!
Don't sting father, don't sting mother,
Don't sting sister, don't sting brother.
Honeybee, don't you dare sting me!

Gentle Mr. Bee is well known in Japan and the English-speaking world due to its use in Suzuki Method music textbooks.

Study Tips

Melody

The slow moving melody of Gentle Mr. Bee should fall under your fingers easily. Alternate between the middle (m) and index (i) fingers to pluck the melody. Work towards a tempo goal of an easygoing andante.

Chords

The main challenge of Gentle Mr. Bee is the chord changes. I harmonized this song with old-time jazz changes of mostly two chords per measure, so your left-hand will keep busy.

Flat-Four Strum | Use this strum for chords in the second line.

Flat-Four Strum | Use this strum for chords in the second line.

P-i-m-a 2X Arpeggio | Use this arpeggio pattern in the first and third lines.

p-i-m-a (2X)

In the audio track, I used a combination of the flat-four strum and P-i-m-a 2X arpeggio. Of course, you may stick to one pattern if desired, but the flat-four strum and P-i-m-a 2X combination add contrast and dramatic flair. I recommend playing P-i-m-a-2X for the first and third phrases (lines) and the flat-four strum for the second phrase (line).

Listen to the Track

Gentle Mr. Bee | Peter Kun Frary, ʻukulele

Click for a direct link to the audio track.

Play Now!

Play with the audio track to confirm your rhythm and pitch accuracy. Once the melody is smooth, take on the chords.