This paper addresses the Lyapunov functions and sliding mode control design for two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) and multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) fractional oscillators. Firstly, differential equations of motion for 2DOF fractional oscillators are established by adopting the fractional Kelvin-Voigt constitute relation for viscoelastic materials. Secondly, a Lyapunov function candidate for 2DOF fractional oscillators is suggested, which includes the potential energy stored in fractional derivatives. Thirdly, the differential equations of motion for 2DOF fractional oscillators are transformed into non-commensurate fractional state equations with six dimensions by introducing state variables with physical significance. Sliding mode control design and adaptive sliding mode control design are proposed based on the non-commensurate fractional state equations. Furthermore, the above results are generalized to MDOF fractional oscillators. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to validate the above control designs.