🎄Christmas Tabs: Christmas in Hollis - Run-D.M.C. (Rock Guitar Remix)

Florian Lettner -

Written by group members Joseph "Run" Simmons and Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, the song celebrates their hometown of Hollis, Queens, through a playful story of finding and returning Santa’s wallet. Built on a funky sample of Clarence Carter’s "Back Door Santa," the track’s infectious beat and witty lyrics created a fresh and urban take on Christmas music.

The song broke new ground, proving that hip-hop could celebrate the holiday season while staying authentic. Its inclusion in movies like Die Hard and countless playlists cemented its place as a Christmas classic. Loved for its unique energy and representation of holiday cheer through a hip-hop lens, "Christmas in Hollis" remains one of the most celebrated Christmas songs of all time.

To the full list of Christmas songs

Chords Used (Power Chords for Rock Feel):

  • E5 (022xxx)
  • A5 (x022xx)
  • D5 (x577xx)
  • B5 (x244xx)
  • G5 (355xxx)

Strumming Pattern:

🎸 Verses and Riffs: Straight downstrokes for punchy rhythm.
🎸 Chorus: Down, down-up, down-up (energetic and open).

Intro Riff (Rock Style):

e|--------------------------------|  
B|--------------------------------|  
G|--2-2---------------------------|  
D|--2-2--2-4-2-0------------------|  
A|--0-0--------4-2-0--------------|  
E|-------------------3--0---------|

Repeat with a strong, distorted tone.

Verse (Power Chords):

Play with tight, palm-muted downstrokes for a driving rhythm.

E5              A5  
It was December 24th on Hollis Ave in the dark,  
D5              A5  
When I see a man chilling with his dog in the park.  
E5              A5  
I approached him very slowly with my heart full of fear,  
D5                       A5  
Looked at his dog, oh my God, an ill reindeer!

Chorus (Open Rock Chords):

E5            G5  
Christmas in Hollis,  
A5             D5  
Rockin' the holiday cheer!  
E5            G5  
Christmas in Hollis,  
A5             D5  
Everybody sing it loud this year!

Bridge (Lead Melody + Chords):

Lead Melody:

e|--------------------------------|  
B|--5--5-7-5--7--5--3------------|  
G|--------------------4--2--------|  
D|--------------------------------|  
A|--------------------------------|  
E|--------------------------------|

Backing Power Chords:

E5      G5      A5      B5

Solo Section (Improvisation):

Improvise over the verse progression using the E Minor Pentatonic Scale.
For example:

e|--12b14--12--10-----------------|  
B|--------------12b14--10---------|  
G|-----------------------12-11-9--|

Outro (Rock Riff):

Repeat the Intro Riff, adding slides and harmonics for flair, and finish with a big, sustained E5 power chord.

Tips for Playing:

  1. Rock Feel: Keep the riffs tight and aggressive with palm muting and distortion.
  2. Lead Improvisation: Focus on bends, slides, and vibrato to add a bluesy, festive flair.
  3. Energy: This remix thrives on dynamics—alternate between muted riffs and open chords to keep it engaging.

This rock guitar remix transforms "Christmas in Hollis" into a holiday anthem for guitarists, combining funk-inspired rhythms with a heavy rock twist. 🎸

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