The song was created in 1995 as part of the album "Dead Winter Dead" by Savatage, the band that later evolved into TSO. The song combines the melodies of "Carol of the Bells" and "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" with a powerful rock orchestration, symbolizing the contrast between war and the beauty of the Christmas spirit.

Inspired by a true story, the song reflects a poignant moment during the Bosnian War, where a lone cellist, Vedran Smailović, played Christmas carols amidst the ruins of Sarajevo to spread hope and peace. This emotional backdrop gives the song its dramatic power, blending classical music with rock to create a timeless holiday masterpiece.

This arrangement requires precision, speed, and control. Advanced players should focus on clean picking, palm muting, and dynamic shifts to deliver the full intensity of the song.

To the full list of Christmas songs

Key Elements for Guitar Players:

  • Tempo: Fast-paced, around 120-130 BPM.
  • Techniques: Alternate picking, palm muting, power chords, arpeggios, vibrato, and harmonics.
  • Tuning: Standard E (E A D G B e) or Drop D (optional for heavier tone).

Intro Riff (Heavy Palm Muting):

The intro builds tension with muted power chords.

e|-----------------------------------|  
B|-----------------------------------|  
G|-----------------------------------|  
D|--7---7---7---5---5---5---3---3----|  
A|--7---7---7---5---5---5---3---3----|  
E|--5---5---5---3---3---3---1---1----|

Repeat several times, increasing in intensity.

Main Melody (Carol of the Bells):

Play this section with precision using alternate picking.

e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|  
B|--12-12-10-12-12|--10-10-8-10-10--|--12-12-10-12-12|--10-10-8-10-10--|  
G|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|  
D|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|  
A|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|  
E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|  

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

Power Chords (Background Section):

These chords drive the song's dramatic energy.

   A5     G5     F5     E5  
e|---------------------------|  
B|---------------------------|  
G|--2------0-----------------|  
D|--2------0------3------2---|  
A|--0------2------3------2---|  
E|---------3------1------0---|

Play with heavy palm muting and dynamic accents.

Bridge Section (Fingerpicked Arpeggios):

Play cleanly with a soft touch to contrast with the heavier sections.

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

Lead Guitar Solo:

The solo uses a mix of fast runs, bends, and vibrato. Here’s an excerpt:

e|--12b14--12b14--12--10----|--10h12p10-------10h12--|  
B|----------------------12--|-----------12b14--------|  
G|--------------------------|------------------------|  
D|--------------------------|------------------------|  
A|--------------------------|------------------------|  
E|--------------------------|------------------------|

Practice the bends to ensure they’re accurate and clean.

Final Heavy Section:

Combine power chords with harmonized lead lines for the climactic finish.

Power Chords:

   A5     G5     F5     E5  
e|---------------------------|  
B|---------------------------|  
G|--2------0-----------------|  
D|--2------0------3------2---|  
A|--0------2------3------2---|  
E|---------3------1------0---|

Harmonized Melody:

e|--12-10-8----8-10-12--|--8-10-12----12-10-8--|  
B|-----------------------|----------------------|  
G|-----------------------|----------------------|

Outro:

Repeat the main "Carol of the Bells" melody with increased speed and intensity, ending with a strong, sustained A5 chord.

Tips for Advanced Players:

  1. Speed and Precision: Use alternate picking for the fast runs and riffs. Start slow and build up to the song’s tempo.
  2. Dynamics: Focus on contrasts—play the arpeggios softly and power chords aggressively.
  3. Palm Muting: Keep it tight and rhythmic to create a punchy, driving tone.
  4. Tone: Use distortion for a heavy sound but keep it clean enough to maintain note clarity.

Mastering "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24" will challenge your technique while delivering a stunning performance. It’s a must-play piece for any advanced guitarist during the holiday season! 🎸

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