My Chemical Romance’s version of this Mariah Carey classic transforms it into a high-energy punk rock anthem. The arrangement features distorted guitars, dynamic chord progressions, and a mix of rhythm and lead guitar elements. This version is in the key of G major but incorporates a more aggressive style.

Check the video tutorial below for more tabs:

To the full list of Christmas songs

Playing Tips

  1. Power Chords: Focus on clean, tight power chord transitions with distortion.
  2. Strumming Pattern: Use a fast, consistent down-down-up-down-up pattern, typical of punk rock.
  3. Lead Lines: Add melodic licks using the G major pentatonic scale during the verses and chorus.
  4. Palm Muting: Use palm muting in verses for dynamic contrast, opening up fully in the choruses.
  5. Energy: Play with drive and intensity to match the song's edgy, emotive vibe.

Guitar Tabs and Lyrics

Intro

e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
G|--7-7-7-9-7------|-----------------|--7-7-7-9-7------|-----------------|
D|--5-5-5-7-5------|--5-5-5-7-5------|--5-5-5-7-5------|-----------------|
A|-----------------|--3-3-3-5-3------|-----------------|--3-3-3-5-3------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|

(Repeat 2x with heavy distortion, let the last note ring)

Verse

(Chords: G5 | C5 | D5 | G5)

G5                 C5
I don't want a lot for Christmas
D5                     G5
There is just one thing I need
G5                       C5
I don't care about the presents
D5                     G5
Underneath the Christmas tree

G5:  355XXX
C5:  X355XX
D5:  X577XX

Pre-Chorus

(Chords: Em | C | D | G)

         Em
I just want you for my own
         C
More than you could ever know
D                     G
Make my wish come true
       Em       C        D
All I want for Christmas is you

Em:  022000
C:   X32010
D:   XX0232

Chorus

e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
G|--7-7-7-9-7------|--9-9-9-11-9----|--7-7-7-9-7------|--12-12-12-12----|
D|--5-5-5-7-5------|--7-7-7-9--7----|--5-5-5-7-5------|--10-10-10-10----|
A|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|

(Play with aggressive strumming for the full punk rock vibe)

Bridge (Lead Section)

Use the G major pentatonic scale for improvisation. Here’s a sample lead riff:

e|--12-12-10-9--|--9-10-12--------|--7-7-5-4----|-----------------|
B|--------------|--------10-9-7---|------------7|--8-7------------|
G|--------------|-----------------|-------------|------9-7--------|
D|--------------|-----------------|-------------|-----------------|
A|--------------|-----------------|-------------|-----------------|
E|--------------|-----------------|-------------|-----------------|

(Play with slides, vibrato, and bends for an expressive tone)

Outro

(Chords: G5 | C5 | D5 | G5)

G5                 C5
All I want for Christmas is you
D5                 G5
You, baby (Repeat until fade-out)

End on a ringing G5 power chord:

e|-----------------|
B|-----------------|
G|--7-------------|
D|--5-------------|
A|-----------------|
E|-----------------|

Final Notes

  • Tone: Use a heavily distorted tone for rhythm and a brighter lead tone with delay/reverb for the solo section.
  • Dynamics: Build intensity through the verses into the choruses for a dramatic punk rock feel.
  • Improvisation: Feel free to add your own melodic fills during transitions and repeat the lead riff for a layered, engaging outro.

Let me know if you’d like to explore specific sections or additional improvisational ideas! 🎸

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