For intermediate guitar players, this arrangement combines basic chord strumming with some single-note picking and embellishments to match the vibe of the song. It’s typically played in the key of E, and you can use a steady swing rhythm to capture the rockabilly feel. The song works well with a clean tone and a bit of reverb for that classic 50s sound.

Go check out the video and follow the instruction below for a more efficient practice:

To the full list of Christmas songs

Chords Used:

  • E: 022100
  • A: x02220
  • B7: x21202
  • F#7: 242322
  • G#7: 464544

Intro (single-note picking with chords)

e|-------------------------|
B|-------------------------|
G|-------------------------|   (Play each note cleanly)
D|---2---4---2---1---0----|   E
A|---2---4---2---1---0----|
E|---0--------------------|

Follow with strumming E for two measures to establish the rhythm.

Verse 1

(Strum in a swing rhythm with light muting for a bouncy feel)

     E
I'll have a Blue Christmas without you
            A                        E
I'll be so blue just thinking about you
             B7
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
           F#7                  B7
Won't mean a thing, dear, if you're not here with me

Bridge

(Play the G#7 and F#7 with a slight slide for a bluesy touch)

          G#7
And when those blue snowflakes start falling
          C#m
That's when those blue memories start calling
           A
You'll be doing all right with your Christmas of white
           B7
But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

Solo

(Play the following melody over the E and A chords.)

e|----------------0--------------------0----|
B|---0---2---3------3---2---0---2---3------|
G|-----------------------------------------|
D|-----------------------------------------|
A|-----------------------------------------|
E|-----------------------------------------|

Strum E and A chords lightly in the background.

Outro

(Repeat the last line of the verse)

     A
You'll be doing all right with your Christmas of white
           B7                        E
But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

Tips for Playing:

  1. Swing Rhythm: Use a down-down-up-down-up pattern to capture the swing feel. Lightly mute with your palm for a more authentic sound.
  2. Embellishments: Slide into chords like F#7 and G#7 to add a bluesy flair.
  3. Clean Tone: If using an electric guitar, add a bit of reverb and keep the tone warm and mellow.
  4. Dynamics: Play softer during the verses and build up slightly in the bridge for variation.

Enjoy playing "Blue Christmas" and adding it to your holiday repertoire! 🎸

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