The holidays are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with the joyous sounds of Christmas carols? This guide provides lyrics and chords for some of the most popular Christmas songs, perfect for strumming along with family and friends, or simply enjoying the festive melodies. We'll cover a variety of difficulty levels, from beginner-friendly classics to slightly more challenging options. Remember to adjust the capo to suit your vocal range.
Note: The chord voicings provided are suggestions; feel free to experiment with different inversions and voicings to find what sounds best to you. These are simplified versions suitable for beginners. More advanced players can add embellishments and variations.
Silent Night
(Easy - Suitable for Beginners)
(Verse 1) G C G Silent night, holy night, Am D G All is calm, all is bright C G C Round yon virgin, mother and child, G C G Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
(Verse 2) G C G Silent night, holy night, Am D G Son of God, love's pure light C G C Radiant beams from thy holy face, G C G With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Jingle Bells
(Easy - Suitable for Beginners)
(Verse 1) G C G Dashing through the snow, D7 G In a one-horse open sleigh, C G C O'er the fields we go, G D7 G Laughing all the way!
(Chorus) C G C G Jingle bells, jingle bells, C G D7 G Jingle all the way, C G C G Oh what fun it is to ride C G D7 G In a one-horse open sleigh!
Deck the Halls
(Medium - Slightly More Challenging)
(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 G C G D 'Tis the season to be jolly, G C G G7 Fa la la la la, la la la la
(Chorus) C G D7 G Don we now our gay apparel, C G D7 G Fa la la la la, la la la la C G D7 G Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, C G C G Fa la la la la, la la la la
O Holy Night
(Medium to Hard - Requires some experience with chord changes and fingerpicking)
(Verse 1) Am Em F C O holy night! the stars are brightly shining, Am Em Dm E7 It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth! Am Em F C Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Am Em Dm E7 Am Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
(Chorus) C G Am Em A thrill of hope the weary soul receives F C G C From heav’nly hosts proclaiming peace on Earth! C G Am Em Now Heav’n and nature sing with happy voices, F C G C Unto the ages one redeeming love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I find more Christmas song chords?
Numerous websites and apps offer extensive collections of Christmas song chords. A simple online search for "Christmas song chords" will yield many results. You can also find many resources on YouTube offering both video and audio tutorials.
What are some good beginner Christmas songs to learn?
"Silent Night," "Jingle Bells," and "Away in a Manger" are excellent starting points for beginners due to their relatively simple chord progressions and tempos.
How can I improve my Christmas song playing?
Practice regularly! Focus on smooth transitions between chords, developing good rhythm, and mastering fingerpicking patterns if you want to play more complex arrangements. Listen to recordings of the songs to learn different interpretations and styles.
Are there any Christmas songs with easy fingerpicking patterns?
Many simpler Christmas songs can be adapted for fingerpicking. Search online for "easy fingerpicking Christmas songs" for tutorials and examples.
This collection provides a starting point for your Christmas music journey. Remember to have fun and enjoy the festive spirit! Merry Christmas!