The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with the timeless joy of Christmas carols? This guide provides lyrics and simple guitar chords for some of the most beloved Christmas songs. We'll focus on easy-to-play chords suitable for beginners and intermediate players, ensuring everyone can join in the festive fun. Remember, these are just suggestions; feel free to experiment and find your own unique sound!
Jingle Bells
(Verse 1)
G C G D Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh, G C G D7 O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way.
(Chorus)
G C G D Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, G C G D7 Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.
(Verse 2 & Chorus - Repeat Verse 1 and Chorus)
Tips for Playing Jingle Bells: This song primarily uses G, C, and D chords. Practice transitioning smoothly between them. The D7 adds a nice variation in the chorus.
Silent Night
(Verse 1)
C G Am Em Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright F C G C Round yon virgin mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild, C G Am Em Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
(Chorus - Repeat Verse 1)
Tips for Playing Silent Night: This classic utilizes a slightly more complex chord progression but remains accessible. Focus on smooth transitions between C, G, Am, and Em.
Deck the Halls
(Verse 1)
G C G D Deck the halls with boughs of holly, G C G D7 Fa la la la la, la la la la.
(Chorus)
G C G D 'Tis the season to be jolly, G C G D7 Fa la la la la, la la la la.
(Verse 2 - Repeat Verse 1 with different lyrics)
Tips for Playing Deck the Halls: Similar to Jingle Bells, this song uses G, C, and D chords, making it an easy choice for beginners.
O Christmas Tree
(Verse 1)
C G Am Em O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches! F C G C O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches!
(Chorus - Repeat Verse 1)
Tips for Playing O Christmas Tree: Another song with the C, G, Am, Em progression. Practice a steady rhythm and focus on clear chord changes.
Away in a Manger
(Verse 1)
C G Am Em Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, F C G C The little Lord Jesus, laid down His sweet head.
(Chorus - Repeat Verse 1 with different lyrics)
Tips for Playing Away in a Manger: This uses the same chord progression as "O Christmas Tree" and "Silent Night," making it a good song to practice transitioning between these chords smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the easiest Christmas songs to play on guitar?
"Jingle Bells" and "Deck the Halls" are excellent starting points due to their simple chord progressions (primarily G, C, and D).
Where can I find more Christmas song chord charts?
Many websites and apps offer extensive Christmas song chord charts for various skill levels. A simple online search should yield numerous results.
Are there any Christmas songs with only three chords?
Many simpler carols can be adapted to use only three chords. Experiment with variations of the G, C, and D chords to find what works best for you.
How can I improve my Christmas song guitar playing?
Practice regularly, focusing on smooth transitions between chords and maintaining a consistent rhythm. Listen to recordings of the songs to get a feel for the timing and phrasing.
This guide offers a foundation for playing some popular Christmas songs on the guitar. Remember to practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun sharing the joy of music during the holiday season!
